Gerard was born in Muro Lucano, Italy, on April 6, 1726, as the youngest of 5 to Domenico, a tailor, and his mother Benedetta.

He was frail from birth and was baptized the day he was born.

When he was 12, his father died, leaving the family in poverty and his mother sent him to her brother to learn the tailor trade. The foreman treated him cruelly and he worked long hours to help support his mother and family. He offered it up to Jesus as a sacrifice. When the uncle discovered the abuse, he fired the foreman.

At 17, his reverence and longing for the priesthood, led him to take service in the house of a Bishop, who was very hard to please. Upon the Bishop’s death, he returned to his trade working as a journeyman and then on his own account. His earnings he divided between his mother, the poor, and in offerings for the souls in purgatory.

Twice he tried to join the Capuchin Order, but was prevented due to ill health as they lived a strenuous life. Still, he did not give up and at the age of 23, joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, which had been recently set up by Saint Alphonsus Liguori.

He developed a close bond with the peasant and poor community and worked various jobs as he could. He was of great depth and insight, prayer and kindness. He was a mystic and a reader of hearts, ever seeking to be perfectly obedient to the Will of God.

Because of his great piety and gifts, he was permitted to counsel communities of religious women.

He faced scandal after being falsely accused by a young pregnant woman as the father. To avoid exposing the true father, Gerard seemingly accepted the blame silently. His superior, Saint Alphonsus, questioned him, and banned him from receiving Holy Communion. After several years, the woman retracted the allegation.

He became ill with tuberculosis and his last request was for a placard to be placed on his door stating, “Here, the Will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills.” His condition improved briefly but he became very ill once again. He died on October 16, 1755, at the age of 29, having only lived in the religious life for 6 years, but with great impact and influence.

Several miracles were tied to him. Shortly before his death, after leaving the home of friends, he unknowingly left behind his handkerchief. Their young daughter found it and set out to return it. He told her, “Keep it. It will be useful to you some day.” It became a treasured souvenir. Years after his passing, the girl wed and was pregnant. She unexpectedly went into labor and was on the verge of losing her baby along with her own death. She remembered his words and called for the handkerchief to be applied to her. Immediately, her pain abated, and gave birth to a healthy child which was rare at the time.

He has become known as “The Mother’s Saint” because of devotions by expectant mothers and those who long to be mothers.

He is the patron saint of children, childbirth, mothers, falsely accused people, good confessions, and lay brothers.

His feast day is October 16.

For God’s Glory.