Gerard
was a Venetian, born in the beginning of the eleventh century. At a
young age, he consecrated himself to God and dedicated his life to
fighting for Christ. He joined the Benedictine monastery of San Giorgio
Maggiore at Venice. Not long after, he began a pilgrimage to Jerusalem,
and was passing through Hungary when King Stephen – the future St.
Stephen – asked him to remain and tutor his son. Finding the people of
Hungary likewise in need of evangelization, Gerard decided to stay and
preach.
On the death of King Stephen, Hungary was thrown into
anarchy by competing claims to the throne, and a revolt against
Christianity and Gerard ensued. On September 24, 1046, he was attacked
and beaten, but still forgave his assailants. As a spear was thrust into
his body he prayed, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, they know
not what they do.” His dead body was thrown into a river below.
Gerard and King Stephen were canonized in 1083. St. Gerard is considered one of the patrons of Hungary.
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