The Cathedral of Saint Paul is very proud of its devotional “Shrine of Our Lady of Childbirth” – anchored on the focal point of a commissioned oil painting of “Our Lady of Childbirth and Saints”, below which are ribbons in blue and pink left ex voto (on the basis of a promise for granted prayer petitions) for children that were born after a couple encountered issues with fertility, conception, high risk pregnancies, or other challenges to bringing a child into the world. A story accompanies each rosette/ribbon, and is registered in the parish archive for posterity’s sake and in order to further the glory of our Blessed Mother and the patron saints depicted in this image. The following information teaches more about this devotion, transcribed from the brochure that is available near the image in the church for those who visit it:

THE SHRINE IN ROME, ITALY

The Basilica of Saint Augustine is located in the heart of historic Rome, Italy — close to the famous Piazza Navona — and is most widely-known for the fact that the tomb of the great Saint Monica (mother of Saint Augustine) is there. However, just as visitors pass through the Basilica’s main entrance, there is a shrine near the central doors with a beautiful Madonna & Child statue, famously carved by Jacopo Sansovino (1486-1570) and placed there in 1521.

Early on, the image gained popularity among Roman women as a place of pilgrimage for those desiring heavenly assistance to conceive a child or to have a safe pregnancy and childbirth. Thus the image came to be known as la Madonna del Parto — Our Lady of Childbirth. The many blue and pink rosettes and other ex votos left nearby by the faithful are testaments not only to the efficacy of the Virgin Mary’s powerful intercession but also to the popularity of this shrine. The touching inscription on the entablature above the statue reads in Latin, VIRGO TVA GLORIA PARTVS — O Virgin, thy glory is childbirth! — reminding us that Our Lady’s greatest glory is that of having remained ever-Virgin while bearing the Son of God, her Savior and ours. “Nothing [was] impossible for God” in her case, and God works miracles still through her powerful intercession.

Father Bryan Jerabek, Pastor & Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Paul, has visited this shrine on many occasions over the years during his trips to Rome. There he has prayed for those desiring to conceive a child or perhaps experiencing a difficult pregnancy. And during a pilgrimage in September 2021, he experienced a particular inspiration to establish an analogous shrine back home in Birmingham, Alabama.

THE ARTIST, MATTHEW CONNER

Tennessee native Matthew Conner is a classically-trained Catholic artist who uses traditional materials like egg tempera paints, water-gilding, and gesso-coated panels, and who has excelled in the sacred and liturgical artistic genres. Father Jerabek knew of his work — particularly his skill with the Gothic and Renaissance styles — and so contacted him in October 2021 to propose a special commission. The concept that developed was one of not merely a representation of the Madonna and Child, as in Rome, but also of four saints connected with pregnancy and childbirth, arranged in the form of a classic sacra conversazione (holy conversation). These saints are explained more fully on the facing page and, on the painting, their names are inscribed in Latin within their gold-leaf halos. The completed image hangs on the east side of the Cathedral church (near the confessional) since its installation on September 15, 2022, after having been beautifully framed by Village Framers in Mountain Brook.

ABOUT OUR PAINTING

The painting of Our Lady of Childbirth with Saints strives to blend several elements from the original Roman shrine with classical Christian symbolism and even architectural details from our own church. The result is an eclectic style that fits in quite nicely with the Cathedral’s unique neo-gothic design.

There is, first of all, the depiction of Our Lady holding the Child Jesus, who extends his right hand in blessing. The Virgin Mary is seated in a portico that has a “scalloped” or “wavy” background, like in the Roman image; and the same Latin inscription is above her. However, the granite columns and capitals are copied after those found in the Cathedral of Saint Paul. There are also various blue and pink elements in the painting, to recall the ex votos (votive offerings indicating answered prayers) placed near the Roman shrine. In the upper part, there is a rich blue silk velvet hanging; woven into it are pomegranates, which are a traditional symbol of fecundity. In the lower portion, the richly-patterned tile floor includes pink marble. Finally, a festive garland of blue and pink hydrangeas adorns the frieze.

The sacra conversazione genre is meant to depict a mystical exchange — that is, a quiet-yet-intense meeting of souls rather than an exuberant dialogue of voices. The four saints all come from different places and periods of history, but are united now in eternity, in heaven, where they pray for us while contemplating the face of God.

THE SAINTS DEPICTED IN THE PAINTING (left to right)

Saint Raymond Nonnatus — From Spain; his surname means “not born”, because his mother died before delivering him, and he miraculously survived an emergency c-section. Lived in the 13^th c. and is a patron saint of expectant mothers and midwives.

Saint Rita of Cascia — From Italy; she had been a wife and mother before entering the Augustinian convent. She is holding grape leaves because her superior had ordered her to water a dead stick daily to test her humility, and the stick miraculously came to life, sprouting a thriving grapevine. She lived in the 15^th c. and is a patron saint of those suffering infertility or otherwise facing seemingly-impossible causes.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla — From Italy; she was a wife, mother, and physician, who famously gave her life so that her unborn child could live. She lived in the 20^th c. and is a patron saint of the unborn, physicians, and mothers.

Saint Gerard Majella — From Italy; he once gave a young woman a handkerchief, saying she would need it someday. Some years later, when about to give birth and in terrible pain, she called for the handkerchief; her pain ceased and she was delivered of a healthy child. He lived in the 18^th c. and is a patron saint of expectant mothers.

PLACING AN EX VOTO ROSETTE FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS

Ever since Father Jerabek first made known his vision of establishing this devotional shrine in Birmingham and shared the story of the original image in Rome, several Cathedral families have prayed to Our Lady of Childbirth and to some of the saints also pictured, and have experienced remarkable answers to their prayers. Therefore, a supply of blue and pink rosettes has been procured, which may be affixed to the limestone wainscot beneath the painting to give thanks for graces received. Each rosette will be numbered so that it may be traced back to documentation in the parish archive about which family prayed and how their prayers were answered. For more information, please contact the Office at (205) 251-1279 or via the email addresses listed on the parish web site (http://stpaulsbhm.org) or on the bulletin.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF CHILDBIRTH WITH SAINTS

Intentions vary greatly; some are praying for themselves, while some are praying on behalf of others. Therefore, it seems best to promote the prayer of the Memorare, adding in the specific and personal intentions where indicated, and invoking Christ, Our Lady, and the saints after:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions [here mention them specifically…], but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

Divine Child Jesus, have mercy on us. Our Lady of Childbirth, pray for us.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus, pray for us. Saint Rita of Cascia, pray for us.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, pray for us. Saint Gerard Majella, pray for us.

For more information or to report graces received, please contact Father Jerabek at fatherjerabek@stpaulsbhm.org.