On Saturday, the blood of the early Church martyr Saint Januarius liquefied in Naples amid the city’s coronavirus lockdown, announced Archbishop of Naples Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe.
“Dear friends, I have a big announcement to make: even in this time of coronavirus, the Lord through the intercession of Saint Januarius has liquified the blood!”
Cardinal Sepe offered a Mass via livestream at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Naples in celebration of the miracle, and blessed the entire city with the relic.
“How many times our saint has intervened to save us from the plague, from cholera. Saint Januarius is the true soul of Naples. Naples has never given up in the face of the misfortunes that have affected it.”
Sepe took the time in his Homily to praise healthcare workers taking care of those affected by the coronavirus in his city. However, he also warned of another pandemic gripping the city: organized crime.
“But there is another possible epidemic that worries me in the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. There are those who are good at making a fortune in times of epidemic. Let’s move, intervene immediately, because the underworld is faster than our bureaucracy. The Camorra does not wait. It is up to us to get rid of all criminal organizations. We must overcome and affirm the right to hope.”
Watch the full Mass below (blessing of the city takes place one hour in):
[…] The blood last liquefied in May, while the city of Naples was under coronavirus lockdown. […]
Both SAT02MAY2020 and SAT19SEP2020, may God the Father Almighty be ever praised and glorified. Saint Januarius, thank you for your heroic virtue and for these tangible miracles that fuel the Faithful and foster belief in unbelievers. May this holy relic of your blood remind us that we as custody of Christ Crucified must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him alone. Amen.
Anima Christi: Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, protect me. Blood of Christ, fill me. Water from the side of Christ, purify me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Your wounds hide me; never permit me to leave Thee. From the evil one defend me. In my last hour, call me. And bid me come to Thee, and with your saints and angels praise Thee, throughout eternity. Amen.
Guardian Angels, direct our minds and hearts and hands to do only Our Father’s divine will. Amen.
[…] The blood last liquefied in May, while the city of Naples was under coronavirus lockdown. […]