My last pregnancy was a stressful one. I was getting older and already had 6 kids so I was definitely exhausted. Add to that two hernias (both while pregnant), a hernia repair gone awry and ultimately an 11 lb 10 oz baby boy!
The only thing that got me through it was prayer. My own prayer? Not really, as I was too tired to pray much. It was definitely the prayer of others that kept me going. I was never so grateful for the faithful group of fellow homeschooling moms that prayed a continuous Mothers Novena during that time.
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Our homeschool group has had a continuous novena said for expectant mothers and their unborn babies for many years.
Anyone who wants to participate signs up and then the organizer schedules people to pray throughout the year on a rotating basis.
We learned early on to have two to three people signed up for the same rotation because inevitably someone will forget it's their turn. Having that overlap ensures that the moms will still be covered in prayer.
If you don't have a group of homeschool moms, you can always pray these novena prayers by yourself for someone you know who is pregnant.
Benefits of a Mothers Novena
There are several benefits to having an ongoing Mothers Novena.
- Obviously the first is that pregnant mothers and unborn babies are covered in prayer during their entire time of pregnancy.
- It is a great act of mercy to pray for others, so there are graces for those that pray, too.
- Praying novenas is a great way to get yourself into the habit of prayer. Making sure to pray for someone else for nine days straight can really get you in the mood to keep going.
- If you get your kids involved, it's a great way to teach them about the sanctity of life.
- When you involve your homeschool group, it really unites the moms and creates a bond. Praying for each others' children strengthens your relationships.
St. Gerard - A Powerful Intercessor
One of the prayers that we say is a prayer to St. Gerard.
St. Gerard is the patron Saint of expectant mothers, mothers, and unborn children. He was born in 1726, joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and took his perpetual vows in 1751.
His feast day is October 16th.
As to how a young man became the patron saint of mothers, it seems that he had dropped a handkerchief at a friend's home shortly before he died. When one of the daughters tried to give it back to him he told her to keep it as it would be useful to her some day.
Years later she was in the middle of a difficult delivery of her child and she recalled what St. Gerard had told her. She asked for the handkerchief and a miracle ensued. Her pain was gone and the delivery was problem free.
During one of my pregnancies I was given a relic and a handkerchief of St. Gerard and I found it most comforting.
Below are the two prayers that our moms pray. Feel free to copy and paste either one or both.
Mothers Novena - St. Gerard Prayer
Saint Gerard, you loved God and served Him faithfully as a humble Redemptorist brother. Now, from heaven, teach us to have great confidence in the Lord. Instill in us that same love which you had for His holy will.
O Almighty God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, You prepared the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, to be worthy of Your Son. Listen to our prayer through the intercession of Saint Gerard, Your faithful servant. Protect the expectant mothers of (your group) during pregnancy and childbirth and safeguard their little ones against evil spirits. Grant that by Your saving hand, after living as good Christians on earth, mothers, fathers and children may attain everlasting happiness in heaven.
Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Gerard Majella, patron of expectant mothers, pray for us!
Mothers Novena - Infant of Prague Prayer
O Jesus, Who said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you," through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, we knock, we seek, we ask that our prayer be granted.
O Divine Jesus, Who said, "Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven," grant us the simplicity and wonder, the tenderness and gentleness of children. Fill us with innocence, hope and love.
O Divine Infant, help us to know how close You are to us and how powerful is Your embrace. Help us to trust that You do hold the whole world in Your hands. We place our every need and care in Your hands.
Miraculous Infant, we believe that You love us and know all of our needs. We place the expectant mothers of Our Lady of Guadalupe Homeschool Group in Your hands. Look with love on the little ones in their wombs and bathe them in Your grace.
We trust in Your love and care. We want to praise You, now and forever.
Amen.
I hope that you will find comfort for yourself and for your friends in these prayers.
Knowing you are carrying another mother along during these 9 months will be comforting to you as well as to her.
These prayers have helped me through my 7 pregnancies. I hope they will bless you and your friends, too.