September 19, 2006

Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples

"Count yourself lucky if you're in Naples on 19 September close to the Duomo (cathedral) around 10am to see the long-awaited liquefaction of Saint Januarius's blood! Legend has it that, in 305 AD, the bishop of Benevent, Januarius (Gennaro), was beheaded by the Romans and some of his blood was collected in a tightly sealed vial. This dried blood is said to miraculously liquefy each year on his feast day of September 19 when the vial is taken from the cathedral and paraded through the city streets. The quicker the blood liquefies, the better the year will be for Naples and the Neapolitans seeking protection from Saint Januarius against disease and the rage of Vesuvius. Nowadays, many Neapolitans only half believe the legend, critical yet superstitious at the same time." [http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/tpl
/mag4/art20040901/htm/dest_naples.htm]

The stories you hear now and than about the Catholic faith, how can you not fall in love even more.

Look at the simple miracles of your day and praise the Lord.

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