September 19, 2021

St. Januarius (d. 305) was born in Italy and was the bishop of Benevento during the Emperor Diocletion persecution. Bishop Januarius went to visit two deacons and two laymen in prison. He was then also imprisoned along with his deacon and lector. They were thrown to the wild beasts, but when the animals did not attack them, they were beheaded. What is believed to be Januarius' blood is kept in Naples, as a relic. It liquifies and bubbles when exposed in the cathedral. Scientists have not been able to explain this miracle to date.

St. Januarius please pray for people with blood disorders.

Patron of: Blood banks; Naples; volcanic eruptions.