Sep 19, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Clergy, faithful, and even civic leaders were on hand Monday morning at Naples’ Cathedral to witness the centuries old occurrence--still unexplainable by scientists--of the liquefaction of martyr St. Januarius’ blood.
Thousands watched as Cardinal Michele Giordano announced the occurrence of the miracle at 7:56 GMT and held up a phial of the usually solid--now liquefied blood of the city’s patron Saint.
Yesterday’s occurrence marked the 1,700 year anniversary of St. Januarius’ martyrdom. He was beheaded by the Roman emperor Diocletian in 305 for refusing to bow down to his persecutors.
The miracle is said to occur three times throughout the year--something which many locals see as a sign of God’s closeness with the city.