Gerard of Potenza

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Saint Gerard of Potenza, also Gerard La Porta (Italian: Gerardo di Potenza, Gerardo La Porta) (d. 30 October 1119) was a Roman Catholic saint and a bishop of Potenza in Italy.

Life

Gerard was born in Piacenza into the noble Della Porta family. He traveled into southern Italy in search of holy sites, but when he reached Potenza he decided to dedicate himself to the apostolic life. Such was his drive that when the bishop died, the people and clergy chose Gerard as his successor.[1] He was proclaimed bishop at Acerenza and was in post for eight years.

San Gerardo, is particularly remembered for repelling the invasion of the Turks, who had arrived by navigating the Basento River, with a blinding light.[2]

After Gerard's death, Pope Callixtus II declared him a saint viva voce in 1120. His relics are kept in a sarcophagus in Potenza Cathedral, which is dedicated to him.[3]

Veneration

Saint Gerard's principal feast day is 30 October, the day of his death; 30 May, the day of the translation of his relics is also kept.[3] He is the patron saint of the city of Potenza, where he is honored with an annual parade on 29 May.

References

  1. ^ Monks of Ramsgate. "Gerard of Potenza". Book of Saints 1921. CatholicSaints.Info. 11 July 2013Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ "San Gerardo a Potenza. La Parata dei Turchi", Italea Basilicata
  3. ^ a b Topazio, Canio Riccardo. "San Gerardo di Potenza", Santi e Beati, September 15, 2005


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