A woman’s unwavering devotion to the patron saint of motherhood has led to a statue in her honor.
This image of St. Gerard Majella at the prayer garden in Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Mahopac, New York, was dedicated to Josephine Spano over the weekend.
The Yonkers resident had always dreamed of a large family, but shortly after getting married, she faced fertility issues and began praying for the intercession of St. Gerard Majella.
Thanks to her prayers, she and her husband went on to have 16 kids, 42 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren, and helped countless other couples have babies of their own.
A parishioner at St. John the Evangelist heard about Josephine’s story and wanted to dedicate a statue of the saint in her honor.
One of her sons, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, says it’s an honor to see his mother’s legacy set in stone.
Josephine unfortunately passed away in December of last year at the age of 89, but her family says even in heaven, they feel she is still helping moms in need.