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.