O almighty and everlasting God,
through the Holy Spirit,
You prepared the body and soul
Of the glorious Virgin Mary
to be a worthy dwelling place of Your Divine Son.
Through the name of the Holy Spirit,
You sanctified St. John the Baptist,
while still in his mother’s womb.
Hear the prayers of your humble servant who implores You,
through the intercession of St. Gerard,
to protect me from the dangers of childbearing
and to watch over the child
with which You blessed me.
May this child be cleansed
by the saving water of baptism and,
after a Christian life on earth,
may we, both mother and child,
attain everlasting bliss in heaven.
Amen.