On Tuesday, December 16, the Catholic community of Naples once again witnessed the phenomenon known as the miracle of Saint Januarius. According to tradition, at 9:13 a.m., the blood preserved in a vial belonging to the city's patron saint liquefied completely, before the attentive gaze of hundreds of faithful gathered in the Cathedral.
A centuries-old tradition
The event corresponds to the third and final annual gathering dedicated to this miracle, after the celebrations on September 19 and the Saturday before the first Sunday in May. The ceremony began with a prayer vigil, in which the so-called "parenti" or devotees close to the saint's tradition, together with the rest of those present, offered their prayers.
The liturgical ceremony
The Mass was presided over by Abbot Prelate Monsignor Vincenzo De Gregorio, who showed the reliquary to the assembly. After the Eucharistic celebration, at 10:05 a.m., the prelate announced the complete liquefaction of the blood. Immediately afterwards, the representative of the Deputation, the lay institution that guards the relic, waved a white handkerchief, a traditional sign confirming the event for the faithful who cannot see the ampoule.
Historical and devotional significance
The date of December 16 has a special meaning for Naples, as it commemorates the day in 1631 when, according to popular belief, the intercession of St. Januarius stopped a violent eruption of Vesuvius that threatened the city. This historical background adds a layer of deep gratitude and faith to the celebration, which is not only a religious phenomenon but also an element of Neapolitan cultural identity.
Program for the day
According to the established program, the relic was once again exposed for veneration by the faithful at 4:00 p.m. Subsequently, at 6:30 p.m., a second Mass was celebrated, after which the reliquary was returned to its safe place in the vault. Teresa Armato, Councilor for Tourism, was present at the event on behalf of Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, highlighting the link between popular devotion and civic life.
Original source: www.ilmattino.it (published December 16, 2025)
Photo: Mikel Mirjane on Unsplash
