Perched atop Mount Victoria on a cliff overlooking Oriental Bay is St Gerard’s Church and Monastery. On the right is the church commissioned by the Redemptorists order of Catholic priests. The Gothic Revival style was created by prominent architect John Sydney Swan. The church is dedicated to Gerard Majella, an 18th century Italian brother. Saint Gerard was canonized in 1904, two years before the church was finished. The adjoining monastery was designed by Frederick de Jersey Clere to create a seamless structure. The brothers took occupancy in 1932. In 1990, the church and monastery were purchased by the Institute for World Evangelisation. ICPE Mission uses the Category 1 NZ Heritage facility as a Catholic training and retreat center.
