In the Hall of Ribbons, parents entrust their children to the intercession of Saint Gerard Majella, asking for his protection and giving thanks for favors received.
Thousands of pink and blue ribbons cover the ceiling, forming a powerful testament of gratitude, faith, and hope.
Blogger Julia Cipriano shared images of this moving place, located inside the Sanctuary of Saint Gerard Majella in Avellino, Italy.
“We brought our baby to the San Gerardo Sanctuary in Avellino, a place where Italian families have come for generations to ask Saint Gerardo, the patron saint of mothers and children, to protect their little ones,” Julia shared.
The walls of the room are covered with photographs of babies, while the ceiling is adorned with hundreds of Fiocco Nascita (birth ribbons). This cherished Italian tradition announces the arrival of a new family member. These ribbons—pink or blue, depending on the baby’s sex—are typically placed on the front door of a home to share the joy of a birth with neighbors.
In this “Hall of Ribbons,” each offering is left by grateful parents as a visible sign of a prayer answered: a long-awaited pregnancy, a safe delivery, a healthy child, or the strength to endure difficult moments.
“These are offerings from parents thanking the saint for answered prayers or safe births,” Julia added.
Saint Gerard Majella, Protector of Mothers and Children
Saint Gerard Majella was born on April 6, 1726, in Muro Lucano, Italy, into a very poor family. After his father's death, he worked as a tailor to help support his mother and siblings. From a young age, however, he felt a strong call to religious life.
After several attempts, he was eventually accepted into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, founded by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. In 1752, he professed vows as a lay brother and humbly carried out the simplest tasks within the community.
During his life, Saint Gerard endured a grave slander, which he accepted in silence, trusting completely that God would allow the truth to prevail. He died on October 16, 1755, at just 29 years of age. After his death, miracles attributed to his intercession began to multiply—especially those involving pregnancies, childbirth, and the protection of children.
Because of this, he became widely known as “the saint of happy births” and, over time, a powerful intercessor for expectant mothers. He was beatified in 1893 and canonized in 1904.
The Miracle of the Handkerchief
Although the Church has not officially declared Saint Gerard the patron saint of mothers, millions of faithful around the world turn to him for help with pregnancy, childbirth, fertility, the protection of children, and the defense of life.
This devotion traces back to a deeply moving story.
According to Catholic News Agency:
“Just prior to his death, Saint Gerard visited his friends, the Pirofalo family. One of the daughters ran and called after him as he left the home, as he dropped his handkerchief. Speaking through the gift of prophecy, he replied, ‘Keep it. It will be useful to you someday.’ Years down the road, when this young woman was in danger of childbirth, she recalled these words of Saint Gerard, and requested the handkerchief. The handkerchief was applied to her, thus a miracle: her pain immediately ceased, and she gave birth to a healthy child.”