San Gennaro is a hallmark of Neapolitan tradition, it is an event that is remembered all over the world. This is why we are devoting maximum attention to the nomination,” said the Italian Minister of Culture.
Italy – Naples (28/11/2022 16:54, Gaudium Press) The devotion to San Gennaro may enter UNESCO’s intangible heritage list. The candidacy has the support of the Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano. “San Gennaro is a symbol of Neapolitan tradition, it is an event that is recognised all over the world, that is why we are giving maximum attention to this application,” he said.
The Saint has at Least 20 million Devotees
It is important to note that devotion to the patron saint of Naples, whose coagulated blood liquefies miraculously three times a year, is not restricted to the Italian city alone. The Saint has at least 20 million devotees who, on his feast day, September 19, celebrate his memory in countries such as Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
For the Archbishop of Naples, Monsignor Domenico Battaglia, the martyr “represents the cultural and popular resonance in Naples and in the world that flows through his blood. In the symbol of his blood, Neapolitans have recognized over the years their own blood shed in a struggle for a more just and equitable society, bloodshed against barbarism and organized crime.”
Liquefaction of the Blood of San Gennaro
The phenomenon of the liquefaction of San Gennaro’s blood has a close link to the history of Naples and various catastrophic events from which the city was protected. From the 16th century onward, reference is made to the miracle of liquid blood and to the saint, who was attributed to have protected Naples from wars, plagues and natural disasters such as the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius.
Many Neapolitans have the belief that if the blood of San Gennaro does not become liquid for their festivities, it is a sign that some tragedy will befall the city. At least that is how it was recorded in history in 1980 when the miracle did not occur, and that year an earthquake struck southern Naples, leaving more than two thousand dead.
The miracle is expected three times a year: in September, on the saint’s feast day; on the Saturday before the first Sunday in May to commemorate the transfer of the saint’s remains; and – finally – on December 16, in memory of the 1631 Vesuvius eruption. When blood does not liquefy, Neapolitans interpret this as a bad omen .
Scientific research on blood speaks of the supernatural character of the phenomenon of liquefaction. Of all of them, the fact that blood, in its solid state, does not always occupy the same volume of the vial that contains it, stands out. On occasions, it even takes up the entire container. The relic of the blood of San Gennaro is kept in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral of Naples. (EPC)
Compiled by Florence MacDonald
