History of St. Gerard church

Saint Gerard Parish- Lima, Ohio
Saint Gerard officially opened on July 16, 1916 in the presence of 115 people. The cornerstone had been laid on July 15 for the church/school building. The first June festival was held in 1917 with the parish membership of 150 families and 725 souls. On September 9, 1918, 138 children were placed in the care of the Toledo Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who came to Lima at Bishop Schremb's invitation.

By June of 1919, the monastery or rectory was complete, housing as many as 21 priests and brothers. Built as a college for further study for the Redemptorists, it was utilized as such for only one year. The Ursuline Sisters were boarded with the sisters at Saint Rita's Hospital until 1928 when the convent was built.

On January 5, 1953, classes began in the new high school. This building served as a high school for seven years until Lima Central Catholic High School was completed easing the overcrowded condition of the 810 children in the elementary building.

St. Gerard Rectory

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Since 1926, Saint Gerard Parish has been served by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer- commonly known as the "Redemptorists".

This missionary of Priests and brothers was founded by Saint Alphonsus Liguori in Italy in 1732. Its purpose is to "follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, by preaching the Word of God to the poor, as He declared of Himself: He sent me to preach the Good news to the poor." In carrying out this mission in the church, the Congregation unites members who live together and form one missionary body.

Soon after the Redemptorists arrived in America in 1832, the bishops asked them to take on the care of parishes to minister to the large immigrant population.

Saint Gerard Majella, the patron of the parish, was a Redemptorist Brother. He worked with the priests in bringing people to Christ. He was known for his love of the poor and is the patron saint of mothers.

In every church served by the Redemptorists, the icon of our Mother of Perpetual Help will be found. Along with the guidance and example of their founder, Saint Alphonsus, the Redemptorists cherish the presence among them of Saint John Neumann who was the first person to join the Redemptorists in America.

According to tradition, it was in December 1865, that Pope Pius IX requested that the Augustinians present the historical icon of the Blessed Mother to the Redemptorists. Pope Pius IX told the Redemptorist Superior General: "Make Her known throughout the world!" Since that time the icon, best known as Our Mother of Perpetual Help, has been displayed and venerated throughout the world by the Redemptorists.