The miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius, patron saint of the Italian city of Naples, occurred again on Tuesday, Dec. 16. According to the Archdiocese of Naples, the miracle took place after Mass in the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius on the feast of the patronage of St. Januarius. After the miracle occurred, a phial of the saint’s blood was carried in procession to the chapel so that all those present could see it.
The miracle usually occurs on two other days of the year: every Sept. 19 on the anniversary of St. Januarius’ martyrdom, and the Saturday before the first Sunday of May, in remembrance of the transfer of his remains to Naples. When the blood does not liquefy, as happened on Dec. 16, 2020, the inhabitants of Naples usually take it as a bad omen. However, in the face of this possibility, the Church encourages the faithful not to lose sight of what is essential. On Sept. 19, 2024 – despite the miracle having occurred that day – the archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, urged the faithful not to place their hope in physical manifestations but in Jesus, who calls us to care for the most vulnerable.
“The blood of Bishop Januarius, let us never forget, always points to the blood of Christ, both the blood of Christ himself and the blood of the poor and the least fortunate in whom Christ lives,” the Cardinal added.
The Catholic News Agency has provided a detailed account of the Neapolitan Saint’s miraculous tradition, which can be accessed here.