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.
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.