Born in Naples he lived from 1726 - 1755, lay brother of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Gerard's ambition was to be like Christ in all things. His great works of charity earned him the title 'Father of the Poor, and he was considered by his superior, St Alphonsus di Liguori, to be a model of virtue and a living saint.
Many miracles were attributed to the intercessory prayers of St. Gerard during his life and after his death. He is particularly known as the patron of pregnant women, motherhood, unborn children and child birth.