AKA: Conception, Getting Pregnant, Conceiving
The struggle with fertility, also known as infertility, can be a difficult and emotionally challenging experience for women and couples who want to conceive a child. Infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after trying for at least a year, or six months for women over the age of 35.
When a woman is unable to conceive, this can cause significant emotional stress, along with anxiety and depression especially because of the social pressure and stigma women feel. They feel a sense of loss or grief over the idea of not being able to have a child and become a mother. The cross of infertility can also put a strain on relationships, as both husband and wife may feel frustrated, disappointed, and unsure of how to move forward. Communication and emotional support are critical during this time.
Overall, the struggle with fertility can be a complex and challenging experience, and it's important for women to seek emotional support, medical care, and resources to help them navigate this difficult time. And we as believers also know that there are several saints to pray to when they are carrying this cross.
Who is the Patron Saint of Fertility & Infertility
There are several saints who are associated with infertility, but two of the most well-known saints of fertility are St. Gerard Majella and St. Rita of Cascia. The other saints called upon for fertility include St. Colette, St. Nicholas, St. Anne, St. Jude, St. Anthony, Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Gabriel the Archangel.
St. Gerard Majella is often called upon as the patron saint of expectant mothers, childbirth, and fertility. He was a Catholic lay brother who lived in the 18th century in Italy, and was known for his dedication to helping pregnant women and for his gift of healing. There are numerous stories of women who prayed to St. Gerard and were able to conceive a child, or who had safe and healthy deliveries after experiencing complications during their pregnancies. He is venerated by Catholics around the world as a powerful intercessor for those seeking fertility and motherhood.
St. Rita of Cascia was born from parents of advanced age in a small village in Italy. She had a reputation as a saint for impossible causes because she overcame many unbearable situations in her life with faithfulness and devotion to God. She understands the importance of faith, perseverance and hope in the midst of pain, grief and loss. She is a great reminder that even when life seems most impossible, God’s promise of hope springs eternal. One sign of this hope is shown by the story of when she was bedridden, and her cousin visited her and asked her if she wanted anything. Her request was for a rose from her garden despite it being in the middle of January. Her cousin doubted it would be there but sure enough she found a single rose blooming in her garden. There have also been many fertility miracles attributed to her since her death. For this, she is known as a powerful intercessor for those struggling with infertility.
St. Colette was born Nicole Boellet in 14th century France to 60 year old, childless parents who had prayed to St. Nicholas for help with having a child. Her friends and family called her Colette, a derivative of Nicholas, whom they had credited with the miracle of her birth. She was a very spiritual person during her life and was known for many miracles. One was when, in desperation, a father had taken his stillborn baby to a priest to be baptized but he refused because the baby was already dead. The priest sent him to Mother Colette who took off her veil and wrapped the baby in it and told him to return to the priest. By the time he arrived, the baby was alive and crying. The priest immediately baptized the baby.
St. Nicholas is well known for gift giving and being a patron saint of children but he is sometimes asked to intercede for those couples that are dealing with male infertility. One of the miracles related to him was how he was credited with the birth of now Saint Colette Boellet.
St. Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ. Although Anne's life and story are not recorded in the Bible, they are present in other ancient texts and traditions. Anne was a devout Jew who fervently desired a child. After many years of prayer, Anne became pregnant with Mary. She is revered for her unwavering faith and her dedication to raising Mary with the virtues of compassion, humility, and obedience. In times of need, many people turn to her seeking her prayers and support as they navigate the challenges of being a wife and mother. Anne is seen as a source of comfort and strength for those who are struggling.
St. Jude, much like St. Rita, is not a traditional saint of fertility but is one you go to for when you are feeling hopeless or feeling that your infertility is a lost cause.
St. Anthony was a Portuguese priest and Franciscan friar. While nothing in his life connects him directly to infertility, many women have attributed their miraculous pregnancies to his intercession calling upon him as a patron saint against infertility. Their simple link to him may be the common image of him holding the baby Jesus.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, was an apparition of the Virgin Mary that took place in Mexico in the early 16th century and has been attributed to a multitude of healings. One reason many people venerate Mary for infertility is because of her story of a miraculous conception. However, a reason for Our Lady of Guadalupe in particular is, like St. Anthony, tied to her image. Her image includes a black sash around her belly which by some indicates that she is with child. It is also because of something she said to Juan Diego. She told him, “I am truly your merciful Mother, yours and all the people who live united in this land and of all the other people of different ancestries, my lovers, who love me, those who seek me, those who trust in me. Here I will hear their weeping, their complaints and heal all their sorrows, hardships and sufferings.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Fertility & Infertility
Prayer for Healing of Infertility
Most Holy Mother, hear the cries of my heart right now. Blessed Virgin, I want to be fruitful, but I have not yet been blessed with fertility. Grant me fertility over my life and end my suffering. Help make me a fruitful vine within my house; my children will be like olive shoots around my table. Mother of Mercy, I know I was not created so that I would be fruitless, but your Son created me to be effective in all that I do. I know that my season of fertility will come according to your Son’s timing. Amen.
Prayer for Those Struggling with Infertility
God of All Life, You fill what is empty, You make abundant what is scarce, You bring to bloom what is barren.
We ask your presence and care for all those who seek to be parents. Bless them with the conception, healthy delivery and joyful rearing of children to cherish made in your image and likeness. Dwell with them and console them as they wait for the gifts given in your good time.
With Sarah and Abraham, Rachel and Jacob, Hannah and Elkanah, Zachariah and Elizabeth, we pray. Amen.\
St. Gerard Prayer for Motherhood
O Good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder worker of our day, confidently I call upon you and seek your aid. On Earth, you always fulfilled God's designs, help me now to do the holy will of God. Implore the Master of Life, from whom all paternity proceeds, to render me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life, and in the world to come, heirs to the Kingdom of His Glory. Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Gerard Majella, St. Rita, St. Colette, St. Nicholas, St. Anne, St. Jude, St. Anthony or Our Lady of Guadalupe jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of fertility & infertility and be a symbol of your faith.