St. Januarius

Beloved in Christ, today is the Feast of St. Januarius. Januarius was the bishop of Benevento, Italy in 305AD. During the persecution of Diocletian he went in disguise to visit some Catholics imprisoned for their faith, but he was found out, and brought before the governor.

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Loaded down with heavy chains, they made him walk humiliated, in front of the chariot into town. At the amphitheater, he and three others were thrown to the wild beasts, but not one of the savage animals would touch them. The people were astounded at this, so the authorities beheaded these courageous martyrs.

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Some time later the relics of Januarius were brought to Naples. Many miracles occurred by prayers to this great martyr. Today, in the Cathedral at Naples, is preserved some of his blood, in a small glass vial.

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Also there, is the preserved head of Januarius. The blood in the vial, is dried, and of a solid, dark color. Every year, on this Feast day, the vial is brought out by a priest and placed on an altar near to the saint’s head. Prayers are offered, and during this time, the priest begins to turn the vial. If the miracle occurs, the dark mass of dried blood liquefies and turns red. Songs are sung, processions commence, and the priest announces, ‘ il miracolo è avvenuto.’   ‘The miracle has happened.’

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This event has been studied by countless experts probably more than any other miracle, yet it cannot be explained.

The facts are these: The blood has been sealed in this (60ml) vial for hundreds of years. The solid, coagulated blood does liquefy. This is certain. A change in weight is also said to occur, (of some 27 grams.)

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The speed of liquification of the blood does not correlate with temperature, sometimes liquefying quickly, even at low temperatures. This event has occurred every year, with rare exceptions. Popular tradition holds, that the liquefaction is a sign that the year will be preserved from disasters. In fact, amazingly, in 1939, the blood did not liquefy – and then we had World War II.

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Early this morning I checked the news, and I am happy to report, that the blood did liquefy today.

Regarding this, Cardinal Sepe, the bishop of Naples said, “It is a remarkable sign which shows the Lord’s closeness and fondness for his people.”

So.  — Many different miracles in the Church of God, reminding us that he has never left us, but walks with us each and every day.