Januarius of Naples

About Januarius of Naples

Januarius was Bishop of Benevento martyred during Diocletian's persecution. Visiting imprisoned Christians in Pozzuoli, he was arrested with his companions. They were condemned to be thrown to wild beasts, but when the beasts wouldn't attack them, they were beheaded instead around 305 AD. Januarius is most famous for the miracle of his blood: two vials of his dried blood, kept in Naples Cathedral, reportedly liquefy three times yearly (September 19, December 16, and the Saturday before the first Sunday of May). This phenomenon has occurred for centuries, witnessed by thousands. When the blood fails to liquefy, Neapolitans fear disaster. Scientific explanations have been proposed but not definitively proven. The miracle continues to draw pilgrims and remains a powerful sign of faith.