“O God, grant us, we pray, to venerate the memory of the Martyr Saint Januarius. Give us the joy of his company in blessed happiness for all eternity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.” (Opening Prayer at Mass in honor of St. Januarius)
The miracle of Januarius has world-wide fame. At least three times a year, on 19 Septembet, his feast day, December 16 and the first Sunday of May, the sealed vial with congealed blood of the saint liquefies, froths and bubbles up. This miraculous event occurs every year, with rare exceptions. Popular devotion and tradition hold that the liquefaction is a sign that the year will be preserved from disasters.
“Now take care how well you listen” is the injunction of scripture pausing in silence to reflect, we listen with our heart. Speak Lord, Your child awaits!