St. Gerard Majella is the patron saint of expectant mothers. He was born in Muro, Italy, in 1726, joined the Redemptorists at 23, and became a professed lay brother in 1752. He served in many varied roles, however, because of his great piety, wisdom, and gift of reading consciences, he was permitted to counsel communities of religious women. This humble servant of God also had the gifts of levitation and bi-location associated with certain mystics. His charity, obedience, and unselfish service made him a perfect example to lay brothers. St. Gerard was afflicted with tuberculosis and died in 1755 at the age of twenty-nine. St. Gerard is invoked as a patron of expectant mothers as a result of a miracle effected through his prayers for a woman in labor.
Aquamarine (from Lat. aqua marina, "water of the sea") is a blue or turquoise variety of beryl. It occurs at most places which yield ordinary beryl, some of the finest coming from Russia. Clear yellow beryl, such as occurs in Brazil, is sometimes called aquamarine chrysolite. When corundum presents the bluish tint of typical aquamarine, it is often termed Oriental aquamarine. The deep blue version of aquamarine is called maxixe. Its color fades to white when exposed to sunlight or is subjected to heat treatment, though the color returns with irradiation. Other precious varieties of beryl are emerald and morganite.
