LIQUEFACTION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 928, 22 September 1910, Page 5

LIQUEFACTION.

- THE BLOOD OF ST.- JANUARrUS v By Telegraph—PTesa Association-Copyriettt. (Rec. September. 21, 10.50 p.m.)-. . Rome, September 21.', Owing to.the prevalence of, oholera the civic authorities:and populace of Naples were deeply-anxious about the success' of the liquefaction of the blood of-St. Januarius. A>quarter of a million people assembled; around Naples Cathedral,; and they- were delirious with' joy when the clergy announced at Black Mass-the "melting of the blood. The forts fired cannon, bells 'of the, churches rang, and the crowds shouted in the streets. ..;

St. Januarius, according to the Roman Breviary, was - Bishop, of Benevehto, who lived towards the close- of ..the third century, and 'suffered martyrdom- for" 'the faith." His body was-taken to. Naples whore the relic became very; famous for its miracles,. especially in counteracting the more, dangerous eruptions, of Vesuvius. His clotted'blood, preserved in a glass phial, is.wont to liquefy and bubble up as if but lecently shed whenever it is placed within sight of the martyr's head; This liquefaction of the blood, which is' brought about at least' twice.a year, on. May- 1 and September 10, the day assigned to this saint in the Roman calendar, is a miracle the recurrence of whioh is observed' by believing Neapolitans on each occasion' with' festivities, extending', over a' whole week.. ;.