St. Gerard Majella Relics Visit Catterick Garrison

On the 19^th of July, St Joan of Arc’s Catholic Garrison Church was privileged to welcome the relics of St. Gerard Majella as part of the celebrations which mark the 300^th anniversary of his birth. Naturally it fell to the CMA to organise a guard of honour for the relics, a task which was dutifully met by members within Catterick Garrison. Our members come from varied backgrounds, ranging from a Phase 2 recruit to soldiers with multiple operational accolades. It was a unique moment to come together in full service dress to really represent the CMA within the Garrison.

Proceedings begun with Fr Royston Price, CSsR who provided a brief talk on St Gerard. Servicepersons and Civilians then took a moment of prayer before the Sacrament of Reconciliation was offered prior to Holy Mass. Afterwards, we were provided with the opportunity to venerate the relics of St Gerard, and to petition him with our various requests for intercession.

Many thanks to Fr Royston from all CMA members present for presenting us with the opportunity to venerate the relics of St Gerard, and we all look forward to future events in Catterick Garrison.

In an article in the Army PRCC Newsletter, Fr Kevin Dow said,

"A Time of Prayer and Grace

The veneration of relics has long been part of the Church’s spiritual tradition. Far from being objects of devotion in themselves, relics remind the faithful of the holiness to which every Christian is called. They encourage prayer, deepen faith, and direct hearts towards Christ, whose grace transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary witnesses of the Gospel.

For many who came to Catterick, the visit provided an opportunity to pray for loved ones, seek healing, ask for guidance, or simply spend time in quiet reflection before God. Others entrusted prayers for children, family life, and future parenthood to the intercession of St. Gerard, whose patronage has brought comfort and hope to countless people over the centuries.

The Church teaches that God often works through visible signs. Just as water, oil, bread, and wine become channels of God’s grace in the sacramental life of the Church, relics remind us that holiness is lived out in real people and real places. They point beyond themselves to Christ and to the communion of saints who continue to inspire and intercede for the faithful.

St. Gerard Majella

St. Gerard Majella (1726–1755) was an Italian lay brother of the Redemptorist Congregation. Although he died at just twenty-nine years of age, his life left an enduring legacy of holiness. Renowned for his obedience, humility, charity, and deep life of prayer, he faithfully carried out the ordinary duties entrusted to him within his religious community.

He is best known as the patron saint of expectant mothers, mothers, families, and those hoping for the gift of children. However, his example continues to inspire all who seek to live faithfully in everyday life. His holiness was found not in extraordinary achievements but in quiet fidelity to God’s will and loving service of others.

St. Gerard is also honoured under three traditional patronages: Friend of Workers, Patron of Making a Good Confession, and The Mother’s Saint; titles that continue to reflect the breadth of his compassionate intercession and enduring appeal throughout the Church."