So said Cardinal Michele Giordano, archbishop of Naples. Before thousands of faithful gathered in the cathedral this morning, on the liturgical feast of the city’s patron, the cardinal announced that the saint’s blood liquefied yet again.
The cardinal also announced that the Church in Naples will observe the 17th centenary of St. Januarius’ martyrdom by promoting, next September, an international study congress on the saint’s life, Vatican Radio reported.
The meeting will address questions linked to archaeology, anthropology, art history and music.
The miracle of the liquefaction of St. Januarius’ blood, contained in a sealed glass vial, can occur three times a year: on Sept. 19, his feast day; the first weekend of May; and Dec. 16, anniversary of the eruption of Vesuvius in 1631 which, according to tradition, ended after the faithful prayed to the city’s patron.
Januarius, bishop of Benevento, was decapitated in 305.
