O Almighty and Everlasting God, who, through the co-operation of the Holy Spirit, dist prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary to be a worthy dwelling place of Thy Divine Son; and, through the co-operation of the same Holy Spirit didst sanctify St. John the Baptist, while still in his mother’s womb; hearken to the prayers of Thy humble servant who implores Thee, through the intercession of St. Gerard, to protect me amid the dangers of child-bearing and to watch over the child with which Thou hast deigned to bless me; that it may be cleansed by the saving water of Baptism and after a Christian life on earth, it may with its mother attain everlasting bliss in Heaven. Amen.