In 1974 , a construction of a new , larger church was undertaken to accommodate even more pilgrims . It was built in the neoclassical style , using Pescopagano stone . It had a cruciform floor plan with a three-part nave taking the shape of a Latin cross . The vault of the nave , above the double arches , was decorated with stuccos accented by gold inlays . Stained glass windows depicted scenes from the life of Saint Gerard . All of these adornments were destroyed on November 23 by the Irpinia earthquake of 1980
Irpinia earthquake of 1980
1980 Irpinia earthquake
Sanctuary of San Gerardo Maiella