(d.c.305) Very little is known about Januarius, other than that he was Bishop of Benevento, Italy, and was martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian, one of the most severe emperors of the Roman Empire. Some colorful stories attempting to fill in the missing history surfaced hundreds of years after his death. Regardless of what events filled Januarius’ life, the relic of his blood still attracts attention today. Preserved in a hermetically sealed phial, the blood appears to defy known laws of science by liquifying nearly every year on September 19, as well as in early May. This phenomenon has been documented since 1389.
Another miracle associated with Saint Januarius is that his relics diverted Mount Vesuvius’ lava from Naples in 1631. One of the common phrases of many 12-step fellowships is “Don’t leave before the miracle happens.” These miracles surrounding Januarius’ relics remind us that God is bigger than our expectations. Are you open to the miracles recovery may have in store for you and those in your life?
“They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death” (Revelation 12:11).
Reflection by Brad Farmer