Today is one of those days that always bring mixed feelings for couples struggling with infertility. You can't help but thank your mom for all that she has done to raise you. You can't be more happy for those new babies brought into this world. You can't help but feel blessed to be called Godfather or Godmother to countless other children. But it does hurt not being able to hand your wife a card, a Mother's Day card.
Today at mass, we not only celebrated our mothers, but also the Feast of the Ascension. It is a day where we are reminded that Jesus did not belong to this world, but rather at the Father's right hand. His body and soul ascended into Heaven… but before Jesus left, He asked that the disciples not leave Jerusalem. He asked them to wait for "the promise of Father," aka the Holy Spirit. His work was done, but it was just the beginning for His apostles. It was the start of their work… and our work.
It is not a coincidence that this year's Mother's Day falls on the same day that most dioceses will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. God is calling all couples struggling with infertility to continue waiting… waiting for that promise. But not in sorrow or sadness, but in joy. Much like the disciples did in today's Gospel (Luke 24:46-53), they ran back into temples "with great joy." It does us no good to dwell in our misfortune or to get upset that Jesus decided to unite us in His sufferings with our own sufferings. Today concludes our 9 day novena with St. Gerard and the beginning of another. Our hope is that St. Gerard joins us in our prayers for someday obtaining "the promise of the Father". It is also our hope and prayer that all infertile couples obtain that.
"For all those who have suffered the loss of a child, are struggling with infertility, or are waiting to adopt, may the peace and comfort of the Lord be with them as they turn their lives over to Him, we pray to the Lord." - The prayer intention we submitted for all the masses at our parish (they said a modified version)
The prayer for the nine day novena
O glorious St.Gerard, powerful intercessor before God, and wonder worker of our day, I call upon you and seek your help. You who always fulfilled God's will on earth, help those desiring to conceive to do God's holy will. Intercede with the Giver of Life from whom all parenthood proceeds, that they may conceive and raise children who will please God in this life, and be heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
http://thepracticingcatholic.com/2013/05/02/novena-for-those-wishing-to-conceive/