Blood of St Januarius Liquefies During Francis’s Visit to Naples

The Catholic Herald (UK) ^ | 3/21/15 | Staff Reporter

[marshmallow]

The blood last liquefied in a pope's presence in 1848

The blood of St Januarius liquefied in the presence of a pope for the first time since 1848 on Saturday.

The blood of the patron saint of Naples, which is normally solid, partially liquefied after Pope Francis kissed the relic during his day trip to the southern Italian city.

According to AFP, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe of Naples showed the vial to the congregation in the city’s cathedral, saying: “The blood has half liquefied, which shows that St Januarius loves our Pope and Naples.”

[Vermont Lt]

I am not commenting on the use of relics in the Church.

I DO think this is creepy as hell.

[HomerBohn]

If he knew THIS pope he’d spit on him.

[javie]

No mention of Jesus in the article.

[beebuster2000]

half liquified?

is that like a half caff half non caff latte?

[Sacajaweau]

it liquefies consistently every year. probably something to do with heat...ya think??

[FatherofFive]

No mention of Jesus in the article.

No mention of God the Father or the Holy Spirit in your post.

[Sacajaweau]

There's a huge story behind this. The dude was incinerated and that didn't work, then thrown to the lions and blah, blah, blah.

Do we even know it is really blood?

[exDemMom]

it liquefies consistently every year. probably something to do with heat...ya think??

Could the humidity from having a large bevy of visitors breathing in the same room have something to do with it, as well?

Whatever the physical cause, this is just plain creepy.

What is the composition of the "blood", anyway?

[lurk]

Catholics want to be considered authentically Christian, and then they do this kind of superstitious baloney.

[trebb]

Seems this possible “miracle” might muddy the waters surrounding Francis a bit more. Is this supposed to be a positive or a negative for the Catholic Church?

[King Moonracer]

Did anyone question francis the talking mule about bringing the relic into the restroom? He does not seem to be much of a defender of the faith. The devils are at the door, and he's looking for a game of golf pizza. Yeah, leaders politically and religeously are for sh!t lately.

[Paradox]

Catholics want to be considered authentically Christian, and then they do this kind of superstitious baloney.

That's either a deviously clever comment, or one of the most unintentionally funny posts I have read in a long time.

[Sacajaweau]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qNpARHjal0

[SkyDancer]

Has that “blood” ever been tested to see if it’s real blood and DNA?

[Sacajaweau]

There’s no proof it’s his blood. There’s no proof that it is blood.....as far as I could see. The video is helpful...

[Raycpa]

And it is more proof of global warming!

[Popman]

His blood is kept in a sealed glass ampoule and traditionally liquefies three times a year: on September 19, the saint’s feast day, December 16 and the Saturday before the first Sunday of May.

Sounds more like a parlor trick...

To believe this is an act of God would mean that God is using signs and wonders...instead of testimony of the apostles and personal faith...to prove to Catholics that he who he is....

John 4:48 "Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe."

Carry on in your traditions...

[Sacajaweau]

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=355

[Sacajaweau]

I’d say it’s a money maker. Flocks flock 3 times a year.