The Ciorani Motherhouse solemnly celebrated the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Father Gennaro Sorrentino, Provincial Superior of the Southern Europe Province, accompanied by the Provincial Councilor for Italy, Father Massimiliano Guardini. Concelebrating were the fathers of the Redemptorist community of the Proto-Convent of Ciorani, as well as the Novice Master, since this house serves as the Novitiate for Southern Europe.
Saint Gerard lived in the Motherhouse for only a few weeks. This likely occurred between June and July 1754, when he was sent there by Saint Alphonsus as punishment for the verbal defamation by a young woman named Nerea Caggiano, who had displayed questionable behavior toward another young woman, Nicoletta Cappucci, the daughter of a friend of Saint Gerard. Saint Gerard did not defend himself against the accusations before Saint Alphonsus. His example of heroic humility in obedience and his extraordinary fortitude in the face of adversity has been preserved for posterity. The young woman confessed her lie, Saint Alphonsus reinstated Saint Gerard in full communion with the Redemptorist missionary life, and since then the inhabitants of Ciorani have turned to him as a heavenly intercessor in life’s most difficult trials.
One of the side altars of the Church of the Holy Trinity, directly opposite the altar of our Father St. Alphonsus (where the first statue of the Founder is venerated), is dedicated to St. Gerard. Fresh flowers are always present. The statue of the Holy Wonderworker was sculpted by Father Raffaele De Feo on the occasion of his beatification in 1905. The Saint’s face gazes at the Crucifix he holds in his hands, his eyes turned heavenward. Two angels accompany him, bearing the symbols of his recognized holiness: the scourge of penance and the lily of purity of heart. This beautiful image testifies to his trust in God during the hours of darkness and unjust condemnation he endured within the walls of this house. Many families offer their prayers before it, especially pregnant women, and families with small children. And we must not forget that most of the residents are not named Alphonsus, but Gerard and Gerardina!
On the occasion of the Saint’s tercentenary, his sacred image was placed on the altar of the Paschal Candle, symbolizing that Saint Gerard is a Witness of the Risen Lord for the people of God. The St Gerard Association of Ciorani accompanied the enthronement of the Saint’s sacred relic, venerated in the Mother House, with a procession of flowers and candles. It should be noted that in Ciorani, two novenas are celebrated to Saint Gerard, with a large participation of faithful from the surrounding area: one in the last week of July, which concludes with a procession of his image, and another novena before his liturgical feast in October. At the end of the Eucharist, according to custom, the children and mothers were blessed.
Fr. Laureano Del Otero Sevillano, CSSR.
Rector of the Mother House of Ciorani (Italy)
