St. Gertrude

"Every time we look at the Blessed Sacrament our place in heaven is raised forever." St. Gertrude the Great

St. Gertrude - November 16

St. Gertrude the Great, whose feast day is celebrated on November 16th, is one of the Church’s most beloved mystics and a powerful witness to the depth of God’s love. Known for her profound spiritual writings and mystical experiences, St. Gertrude’s life serves as a beautiful reminder of the intimate relationship God desires with each one of us. Her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her passionate love for the Eucharist continue to inspire Catholics to draw closer to the heart of Christ.

A Life Transformed by Grace

St. Gertrude was born on January 6, 1256, in what is now Germany. At just five years old, she was placed in the care of the Benedictine nuns at the monastery of Helfta, where she received an excellent education and was formed in the spiritual life. However, it wasn’t until she was 25 years old that she experienced a profound conversion, which changed the course of her life.

One night, she encountered Christ in a vision. In this encounter, Jesus asked her to turn away from worldly distractions and focus solely on His love. From that moment on, Gertrude abandoned her studies of secular literature and philosophy and dedicated herself fully to knowing and loving God. Her mystical experiences and visions increased, leading her to a deep understanding of divine love and mercy.

Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Gertrude is often called the “Herald of Divine Love” because of her intense devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Long before the devotion became popular through St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, Gertrude wrote extensively about the Heart of Christ, describing it as a fountain of mercy and love for sinners. Her writings emphasize the compassionate, loving nature of Jesus and His desire to draw souls closer to Him.

Through her mystical experiences, she received many revelations from Christ, who expressed to her His infinite love for humanity. He gave her the mission of spreading this love and encouraging others to trust in His mercy. Her writings, such as The Herald of Divine Love, have had a lasting impact on the Church and remain a source of spiritual nourishment for those seeking a deeper relationship with Christ.

A Prayerful Advocate for the Souls in Purgatory

St. Gertrude had a special devotion to praying for the souls in Purgatory. According to tradition, Jesus revealed to her that by praying with love and devotion for these souls, we can assist in their purification and bring them to eternal rest in heaven. One of the most well-known prayers attributed to her is the Prayer for the Holy Souls:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

This prayer has become a cherished practice for Catholics who want to intercede for the faithful departed, especially during the month of November.

Legacy of Love and Mysticism

St. Gertrude the Great’s legacy is one of intimate friendship with Christ and deep contemplation. Her mystical experiences reveal a soul entirely captivated by God’s love and a heart that sought to share that love with others. She is one of the few women to be given the title "the Great" by the Church, reflecting the profound impact of her spiritual insights.

Today, St. Gertrude is a patroness of the West Indies and is often invoked for her intercession on behalf of the souls in Purgatory. Her life encourages us to seek an intimate relationship with Jesus, to trust in His mercy, and to share His love with those around us.

Mercy and Grace of God

St. Gertrude the Great reminds us that God desires a personal and loving relationship with each of us. Her mystical experiences and writings call us to open our hearts to the love of Christ and to trust in His Sacred Heart as a source of mercy and grace.

May we, like St. Gertrude, grow in love for Jesus and experience the joy of a life centered on Him.

St. Gertrude the Great, pray for us!