Januarius of Benevento
A 4th-century bishop and martyr, he is famous for the miracle of the liquefaction of his blood, preserved in ampoules in Naples, which occurs several times a year.
- Late Antiquity
- Feast day September 19
- † 305
- Martyr
- Bishop
Saint Januarius, or San Gennaro, was Bishop of Benevento in Campania. He was martyred around 305 during the Diocletianic Persecution, likely decapitated near Pozzuoli. His story is inseparable from the famous miracle of the liquefaction of his blood, preserved in a vial and presented several times a year in Naples, an event considered a sign of protection for the city and its inhabitants. His devotion is particularly strong in Southern Italy and among the Neapolitan diaspora.
Patronage
Sayings for the day — September 19
- A la Saint-Janvier, les chrysanthèmes repoussent du pied.
Places
- Church
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Naples (Duomo di Napoli)