Saint Januarius, Bishop, and his Companions, Martyrs

**S. Januarii Episcopi and Sociorum Martyrum** refers to **Saint Januarius, Bishop, and his Companions, Martyrs**. Saint Januarius, also known as **San Gennaro**, was a bishop of Benevento in Italy and is famous for his martyrdom during the Diocletianic Persecution around **305 AD**. He is particularly known for the **miracle of the liquefaction of his blood**, which occurs three times a year in Naples, Italy.

The feast day of Saint Januarius and his companions is celebrated on **September 19th**. This day commemorates their martyrdom and the miracles associated with Saint Januarius. The traditional Latin Mass for this feast is known as **"Missa Salus autem"**.

The **miracle of the liquefaction of Saint Januarius' blood** is a well-known phenomenon that occurs in Naples, Italy. This miracle involves the transformation of the dried blood of Saint Januarius (San Gennaro) into liquid form. Here are some key points about this miracle:

1. **Historical Background**: The first recorded instance of the miracle dates back to **1389**. The blood is preserved in two glass ampoules and is kept in the Naples Cathedral.

2. **Occurrence**: The miracle traditionally occurs **three times a year**: - On **September 19th**, the feast day of Saint Januarius. - On the **Saturday before the first Sunday in May**, commemorating the transfer of his relics to Naples. - On **December 16th**, marking the anniversary of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1631, when the saint's intercession is believed to have saved the city⁵. 3. **Process**: During the ceremony, the archbishop holds up and rotates the ampoules containing the blood. The dried blood then liquefies, covering the glass from side to side⁴. The faithful believe that this miracle occurs in response to their prayers and dedication.

4. **Significance**: The liquefaction of the blood is seen as a sign of Saint Januarius' protection over Naples. In Neapolitan lore, the failure of the blood to liquefy is considered an omen of impending disaster, such as war, famine, or disease.

The miracle of liquefaction continues to be a significant event for the people of Naples and attracts many pilgrims and tourists each year.

Saint Januarius, also known as **San Gennaro**, is highly revered in Naples for several reasons:

1. **Patron Saint**: Saint Januarius is the **patron saint of Naples**. His intercession is believed to have protected the city from various disasters, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1631.

2. **Miracle of Liquefaction**: The most famous reason for his reverence is the **miracle of the liquefaction of his blood**. This miracle occurs three times a year, during which the dried blood of the saint, kept in glass ampoules, liquefies. This event is seen as a sign of his ongoing protection and presence among the people of Naples.

3. **Historical Significance**: The first recorded instance of the miracle dates back to **1389**. The consistent occurrence of this miracle over the centuries has strengthened the faith and devotion of the people.

4. **Cultural Impact**: The feast day of Saint Januarius, celebrated on **September 19th**, is a major event in Naples. It includes religious ceremonies, processions, and various cultural activities, drawing large crowds of locals and pilgrims.

5. **Symbol of Hope**: The liquefaction of the blood is considered a symbol of hope and divine intervention. When the blood fails to liquefy, it is often seen as an omen of impending disaster, which further emphasizes the importance of the miracle to the people.

Saint Januarius' legacy and the miracle associated with him continue to be a significant part of the religious and cultural identity of Naples.

(1) The Blood of St. Januarius: Everything You Need to Know About the Miracle of Liquefaction. https://www.ncregister.com/cna/the-blood-of-st-januarius-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-miracle-of-liquefaction.
(2) St. Januarius’ blood miraculously liquifies again in Naples. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256313/st-januarius-blood-miraculously-liquifies-again-in-naples.
(3) Quick Facts About the Miracle of Liquefaction of the Blood of Saint .... https://www.catholicbusinessjournal.com/news/faith-at-work/saints-at-work/quick-facts-about-the-miracle-of-liquefaction-of-the-blood-of-saint-januarius/.
(4) St. Januarius’ blood liquifies for first time in 2022. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251122/blood-of-san-gennaro-liquefies-for-first-time-in-2022.
(5) The Life and Miracles of Saint Januarius, Patron Saint of Naples. https://www.ilmattino.it/en/the_life_and_miracles_of_saint_januarius_patron_saint_of_naples-8363479.html.