The miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius, patron saint of Naples, was reported on Tuesday, Dec. 16, following Mass at the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius. Clergy and the faithful gathered for the feast of the saint’s patronage observed the event.
According to the Archdiocese of Naples, witnesses first saw the blood in a semi-liquid state at 9:13 a.m. local time. Church officials announced the complete liquefaction at 10:05 a.m. Monsignor Vincenzo De Gregorio, abbot of the chapel, formally confirmed the event, Catholic News Agency reported.
Church officials explained that Dec. 16 marks the anniversary of the 1631 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, when Neapolitans turned to Saint Januarius, seeking his intercession to spare the city from advancing lava. The date is one of three annual occasions associated with the miracle, alongside Sept. 19 and the Saturday before the first Sunday of May.
Following the announcement, clergy carried the phial containing the relic in procession, allowing those present to view it. Observers described the miracle as a sign long associated with local devotion and historical memory.
However, Church leaders have consistently emphasised spiritual focus. Cardinal Domenico Battaglia had previously urged believers not to place their hope in physical signs, but in Christ and a concern for the poor. He reminded the faithful that the blood of St. Januarius ultimately points to the blood of Christ and to the suffering of the vulnerable.