Posted on 09/22/2001 6:04:00 PM PDT by Cultural Jihad
Thursday September 20 7:22 AM ET
NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) - Thousands of Neapolitans crammed into the city's cathedral Wednesday to witness the liquefaction of their patron saint's blood -- a good omen for Naples and the world, according to the faithful.
After an hour of prayer, Archbishop Michele Giordano held aloft the silver and glass vial purported to contain the dried blood of Saint Gennaro and thousands craned their necks to see if the blood had indeed liquefied.
The substance usually turns to liquid twice a year -- on September 19, the saint's feast day, and on the first Saturday in May. In the past, disaster has struck when the blood has remained dry.
``This is an important sign of hope not only for the city but also for the United States following the attacks,'' Antonio Bassolino, the head of the Campania region which includes Naples, declared after the ceremony.
``Like all Neapolitans, I hoped deeply that a good sign would come quickly. It is always a very emotional moment, but this year it was particularly so, given the difficult times for the city and international events,'' he said.
Naples was struck by flash floods last week which left two people dead and more than $150 million in damage.
The ceremony, which Neapolitans revere as a miracle, was also attended by the American consul to Naples, Clyde Bishop, who leant forward and kissed the vial after it was shown the blood had liquefied.
During the prayers, Archbishop Giordano called on Saint Gennaro for protection ``for America, Italy, and the whole world,'' and asked the congregation to think particularly of those Neapolitans who live in New York.
Some Neapolitans, traditionally very superstitious, fear disaster may strike the city if the blood of the fourth-century martyr does not turn to liquid.
Disaster has struck at least five times after the blood failed to liquefy, including in November 1980 when some 3,000 people died in a massive earthquake that struck southern Italy.
Scientists have confirmed the substance inside the closed vial is blood but cannot explain why it turns to liquid.
For example, the phenomenon occurs at different temperatures as indicated by the recordss kept for more than a century, and by the studies of Professors Pergola, Punzo, and Sperindeo who concluded that there is no direct relation between the temperature and the time and manner of liquification.
Also there is a condition regarding the weight. Experiments conducted from 1902-1904, the reliquary was weighed. It's weight is no more consistant than its bulk, or, its weight might increase as much as 25 grams, thereby defying the laws of physics. To me that is strange--the weight in the mass actually decreases, and a decrease in weight when the volume increases. Isn't that in direct opposition to the laws that dictate an increase in weight with a corresponding increase in mass?
I have no problem admitting when I am wrong or undereducated on a subject, but certainly I think miracles do exists.
All the more proof to me that Satan is behind "Our Lady of Guadalupe." Why in the world would the Holy Spirit have to use symbols of pagan gods to convert a people?
Good find. However in that situation, God himself spoke, and didn't leave it up to pundits for the interpretation.
I was merely asking what need the miracle of a six-day universe satisfied.
Why should God take longer than He needs? If we look at later scripture, we see the seventh day being set aside as a day of rest.
JMJ, thank you for keeping this fascinating thread on track. What these self appointed sceptics forget is that scepticism should be applied equally to all, including their beloved religious faith of modern age science itself, its precepts, foundations and "findings". Think Margaret Mead, if you can't bring yourself to think Carl Sagan or global warming or nuclear winter. Science! Phew!
I believe...
Yeah, sure it did.
How does one explain why the blood sometimes forms tiny bubblets that rise to the surface and collect into foam? Or why, when it bubbles, it becomes a crimson color, while at other times the color of the liquified material is dull and sluggish in movement.
So far as I know, there has been [to date] no scientific explanation of the phenomenon.
Anyways, I can't see where you're going here . I'm just a messenger,I leave seeds and lead people to Christ, when one recieves Jesus it's up to them with Him from that point on .
It's good to see a Catholic which has a Bible out though, go and preach and do all things in His name, for He is with you .
Cheese.
(Luke 5:17-26>
Satan can use the truth to decieve . Satan is a deciever, cunning, destructive, he'd do anything just as long as someone doesn't get the whole picture while they believe they do .
Cheese .
Behold I shall stand at the door and knock . If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me.(Rev,3:20)
Behold I stand at the door and knock . If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me.Rev(3:20)
Satan wanted the conversion of 9 million aztecs to christianity?
Did not the Devil offer Jesus things by using the Bible?
Revelations 17:1-6
Jeremiah 7:18(and then some)
Jeremiah 44
1 Corinthains 8:1-13
Through the Bible I know He is with me at all times, offering guidance, through Word and conviction from His Spirit . I enjoy the Lord and can't add to His word nor place anyone before Him . I don't hate or dislike those who follow Catholic beliefs, I love them as I should everyone who needs Jesus . I dislike the practices and things that are added to His words .
Cheese.
Vintage 8-16-95
St. Louis Rams own !!
Gaw, typos !
Cheese.
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