The Italians (and many others) of New York City celebrate the Memorial of St. Januarius (San Gennaro) with a procession, music, food, and much festivity. He was the Bishop of Benevento during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian, remembered for the last and one of the most widespread of the Roman persecutions. San Gennaro and his companions were to be devoured by wild beasts, but they refused touch them, so authorities had them beheaded. A vial of the saint's congealed blood has liquified on this day and other days significant in his life, for centuries with no scientific explanation. He is the patron saint of Naples.
His life inspires us to love Jesus with our whole being, not in the abstract, but in the people who are parts of our lives. God shows us his love through them, and we show our love of him through our love of others. It's very real, it's very concrete, not just words. May our blood flow warm and loving in the planned and unplanned events of this day.
Bro. Rene
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