St. Januarius
Feast day: September 19
St. Januarius was born in Italy during the third century. He was bishop of Benevento during the Christian Persecution of Emperor Diocletian. As bishop, Januarius was visiting some imprisoned deacons and laymen when he was arrested. Januarius and his companions were all condemned to death and were placed in an arena containing wild beasts. The animals would not attack them, so they were eventually beheaded. A vial of Januarius’ blood is kept in Naples, as a relic. People gather three times a year in Naples Cathedral to witness the liquefaction of his blood. He is patron saint of Naples, Italy.
Collect
O God, who grant us to venerate
the memory of the Martyr Saint Januarius,
give us, we pray, 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,
God, for ever and ever.
