St. Gerard joined the Redemptorists at the age of 23. Despite facing opposition due to his poor health and frail condition, he was determined to serve God. His perseverance was so strong that after being initially turned away by the Redemptorists, Gerard followed the mission team on foot, walking for miles to prove his dedication. Moved by his faith, they eventually accepted him into the order as a lay brother. Gerard’s resolve and deep love for God carried him through many trials, always focusing on serving others with humility and compassion. This marked the beginning of his short but impactful time with the Redemptorists, where he became known for his deep spirituality and miraculous intercessions.

St. Gerard took on menial chores as a lay brother, humbly serving in ways that required little recognition. Despite his lowly position, his holiness shone through in every task he performed. One remarkable story involves Gerard offering to take the place of a sick novice who was too weak to fulfill his responsibilities. Gerard did the novice’s chores without telling anyone and prayed for the novice’s recovery. His quiet acts of kindness and his unassuming nature won the hearts of those around him. Even though he performed these seemingly small tasks, his spiritual influence was immense, and many sought his counsel.

A young woman falsely accused St. Gerard of fathering her child, a scandalous accusation that could have ruined his reputation. Despite being innocent, Gerard remained silent to protect the woman from further shame. He suffered in silence, not defending himself even when urged to do so by his fellow Redemptorists. Eventually, the woman admitted her lie, and Gerard was exonerated. This act of selflessness, where he prioritized the well-being of the woman over his own reputation, exemplified his Christ-like humility. He bore the false accusation with grace, choosing not to seek vindication, reflecting his deep devotion to God’s will.

Mark 1o: 35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him. ‘Master,’ they said to him ‘we want you to do us a favour.’

He said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory’.

‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup that I must drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I must be baptised?’

They replied, ‘We can’. Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I must drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I must be baptised you shall be baptised, but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted’.

When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John, so Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt.

This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all.

For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’