Naples: The centuries old miracle associated with St. Januarius, the patron saint of Naples, was witnessed once again on Monday as the blood preserved in a sealed vial was seen to liquefy during a solemn religious celebration at Naples Cathedral.
Church officials said the phenomenon was observed during prayers held in the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of St Januarius. Early in the morning, the substance inside the vial appeared partially liquefied. Complete liquefaction was confirmed a little later, prompting applause and visible emotion among the faithful gathered inside the cathedral.
The announcement was made by Monsignor Vincenzo De Gregorio, abbot of the chapel, who formally declared that the liquefaction had taken place. After the declaration, the vial was shown to the congregation in keeping with a tradition that has been followed in Naples for centuries.
The December 16 event holds special importance for the city. The date recalls the belief that St. Januarius protected Naples during the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1631. Many local residents see the liquefaction on this day as a sign of blessing and protection for the city and its people.
The blood of St. Januarius is traditionally expected to liquefy three times each year. The first takes place in May to mark the transfer of the saint’s relics, the second in September on the anniversary of his martyrdom, and the third in December to remember his intercession during the volcanic eruption. The December event this year marked the third successful liquefaction reported in 2025.
Large numbers of faithful and pilgrims closely follow the ritual each time it occurs. In local tradition, the liquefaction is regarded as a positive sign for Naples, while occasions when it does not happen have historically caused concern among the people.
St. Januarius was a bishop and martyr of the early Christian Church who lived in the third century. Devotion to him has shaped the religious and cultural identity of Naples for generations. Written accounts of the blood liquefaction date back to the fourteenth century, making it one of the oldest continuously observed religious traditions in Europe.
Although scientists have proposed different explanations for the phenomenon over the years, no single theory has been universally accepted. The Catholic Church does not present the event as a scientifically proven miracle but respects it as a long standing expression of faith.
As the prayers concluded and the faithful left the cathedral, many expressed gratitude and relief. For the people of Naples, the repeated liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius remains a powerful sign of hope, continuity, and spiritual reassurance in challenging times.