Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr

Januarius was bishop of Benevento in southern Italy during the persecution of Diocletian. According to his Acts, he went to visit Christians held in prison, was himself arrested and, after the beasts in the amphitheatre would not touch him, as the Acts tell, was beheaded with several companions at Pozzuoli near Naples about 305. His relics were later brought to Naples, of which he is the patron. Naples Cathedral keeps a glass vial venerated as holding his dried blood; since the 14th century the city has recorded its contents turning liquid when shown on certain days, above all on 19 September, and crowds gather to watch. The Church has not ruled on the cause.