Welcoming the Little Ones

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of tenderness and providence, you formed St. Gerard in humble service and steadfast trust. As I begin this novena, draw me closer to Christ and, through Gerard's intercession, receive the need I carry. Teach me to serve faithfully in the duties before me. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation and said to them, Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for God's Kingdom belongs to such as these.

Jesus receives children with tenderness and places them at the heart of his kingdom. Families may carry joy, grief, infertility, loss, or worry for a child's future. Christ welcomes every one of these stories and asks his people to become a safe and loving home. Their dependence measures neither their worth nor the depth of their belonging.

St. Gerard, pray for infants, children, parents, foster families, and all who care for the young. May every child be protected, cherished, taught the faith, and led freely toward Jesus. Ask the Lord to strengthen adults to hear children, safeguard them from harm, and honor their God-given dignity. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Gerard, faithful brother and compassionate friend, pray for me and for all who await God's help. Bring mothers, children, workers, the sick, and the falsely accused before the Lord, and help me follow Jesus with patient love. May my waiting become active charity rather than fear. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.