The 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard Majella falls on 6 April and to mark the milestone, Bishop Eton Parish, Childwall, will be holding a day of celebration on Saturday 25 April.

St Gerard was a lay brother who, despite a short life of just 29 years, left his mark on the world – indeed, as patron saint of mothers and babies, his intercession continues to be invoked by families in all their different needs.

His special association with the family began with the remarkable recovery of a mother and her child who had both been expected to die when she gave birth. The mother recalled picking up Gerard’s handkerchief and his advice that she keep it because she may find herself needing it.

The celebrations at Bishop Eton will include a lunchtime Mass led by Archbishop John Sherrington.

The church will be open all day and a team of Redemptorists and parishioners will be available to ensure that all those who wish may reverence the relic of St Gerard and receive medals and prayer cards. There will also be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at intervals, while refreshments will be available in the parish hall.

Father Tim Buckley, parish priest at Bishop Eton, said: “As Redemptorists, we're constantly reminded of how many people even in today’s world are grateful for the intercession of St Gerard. We hope that our day of celebration will offer them an opportunity to thank God for St Gerard and ask many more blessings on them and their families, as well as introducing St Gerard to others who may not be aware of his story.

“Bishop Eton also houses a famous shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour – in fact we treasure the fact that the first copy of the icon to leave Rome after Pope Pius IX entrusted the original to the Redemptorists in 1866 came to the monastery here in Liverpool and this will also be on display on the day. We look forward to welcoming you and your families for this very special occasion."