About Today for

September 19

Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr

Optional Memorial

St. Januarius, Bishop of Benevento, was martyred along with his companions, Festus, Socius, and Proculus, deacons; Desiderius, a lector; and Eutyches and Acutius, lay Christians. They were beheaded during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian at the beginning of the 4th century. Little more is known of his life. A relic of St. Januarius’ blood is venerated in the cathedral of Naples. For more than 600 years it has mysteriously liquefied three times a year. [1]

Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD
[1] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “St. Januarius.”
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ.