St. Januarius

19/09/15

Today's Saint:

St. Januarius

-Born in Italy
-Lived around 4th century
-Became priest and then bishop of Benevento
-He heard about some deacons were put in prison for their faith
-Visited them in prison
-Soldiers captured him there
-Became martyr of faith
-His blood is still preserved and shows miracle of liquefaction

Januarius lived in the fourth century. He was born either in Benevento or Naples, Italy. He was the bishop of Benevento when Diocletian’s persecution began. St. Januarius is popularly called “San Gennaro.” According to common belief, San Gennaro learned that some Christian deacons had been put in prison for their faith. The bishop was a gentle, compassionate man. He truly cared about his people and went to the prison to visit them. The jailer reported him to the governor, who sent soldiers to find San Gennaro. The bishop was arrested along with a deacon and a lector. They joined the other prisoners. San Gennaro and six others were martyred for their faith. Their deaths took place near Naples around 305. The people of Naples have claimed a special love for and devotion to “San Gennaro.” In fact, he is considered their patron saint. The people of Naples remember San Gennaro for another special reason: his martyr’s blood was preserved centuries ago in a vial. The blood has become dark and dry. But at certain times of the year the blood liquefies. It becomes red, sometimes bright red. At times, it even bubbles. The special case containing the vial of blood is honored publicly on the first Saturday of May, on September 19 (the feast of San Gennaro), within the octave (or eight days after the feast), and at times on December 16. The liquefied blood has been seen and honored since the thirteenth century.

We can ask San Gennaro to give us loving, compassionate hearts so that we can bring joy and comfort to the people around us as he did.