Gerhard of Csanád

About Gerhard of Csanád

Gerard (Gerhard/Gellért) was a Venetian Benedictine monk who became Bishop of Csanád and a martyr in Hungary. A learned monk heading on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Gerard was detained by King Stephen I of Hungary, who desperately needed missionaries to strengthen and educate his newly converted kingdom. Gerard became tutor to Stephen's son Prince Imre and then first Bishop of Csanád around 1030. He evangelized the Hungarians with zeal, established schools and monasteries, and wrote theological works including a commentary on the Song of Songs. Gerard combined learning with pastoral care and missionary courage. After King Stephen's death in 1038, a pagan reaction occurred led by nobles who resented Christianity. In 1046, during a major rebellion against Christian rule, Gerard and other bishops were attacked while traveling. Gerard was placed in a cart, rolled down from Gellért Hill (Blocksberg) in Budapest into the Danube River, and killed with lances. He died as a martyr for the faith. He is one of the patron saints of Hungary, and Gellért Hill bears his name.