Miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius repeated in Italy
George Kommattam - December 2025
St. Januarius (San Gennaro) was a third-century bishop of Benevento and a martyr of the early Church. He was arrested during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian and was executed around A.D. 305. According to tradition, his blood was preserved by the faithful after his martyrdom. St. Januarius is the patron saint of Naples and is deeply loved by its people, who have honored him for centuries as a powerful intercessor and protector of the city.
The famous miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius was witnessed once again in Naples, Italy, bringing relief and joy to the faithful.
The announcement was made by Monsignor Vincenzo De Gregorio, abbot of the Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius. After the blood liquefied, the phial containing the relic was carried in a solemn procession to the chapel so that all those present could see it.
The miracle of St. Januarius’ blood traditionally occurs on three occasions each year: on September 19, the feast day marking the saint’s martyrdom; on the Saturday before the first Sunday of May, commemorating the transfer of his remains to Naples; and during other special celebrations.
For the people of Naples, the liquefaction is deeply symbolic. When the blood does not liquefy, as happened on December 16, 2020, it is often seen as a bad omen. Even so, Church leaders continue to remind the faithful to focus on the deeper meaning of faith rather than signs alone.
During the celebration on September 19, 2024, when the miracle did occur, Archbishop of Naples Cardinal Domenico Battaglia offered a strong spiritual message. He urged the faithful not to place their hope only in physical signs, but in Jesus Christ and in love for others.
“We should not worry about whether the blood of this relic liquefies or not,” the cardinal said. “We should worry about whether the blood of the dispossessed, the marginalized, the least fortunate, and the innocent is being shed in our streets and in our world.”
Cardinal Battaglia added that the blood of St. Januarius always points to the blood of Christ - both the blood Christ shed himself and the blood of the poor and suffering, in whom Christ continues to live.
The miracle of St. Januarius remains one of the most well-known religious traditions in the Catholic world, drawing pilgrims and visitors to Naples and continuing to inspire reflection on faith, compassion, and responsibility toward others. (Source: Catholic News Agency).
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