Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Saint's Blood Liquefies in Italian Ritual
A long time ago, a saint named Januarius was killed, and his blood was saved in a church in Italy.
Every year, people in the church check if the dried blood turns into a liquid.
This year, it did turn into a liquid, which makes people happy because they think it's a good sign.
The blood is kept in special glass containers and shown to people for eight days.
Some scientists think it's not a miracle but maybe something in the blood that makes it change.
The church leader said it's not just a superstition but a sign of God's love.
The dried blood of St. Januarius liquefied during a ritual in Naples, Italy, signaling a 'miracle' to devotees.
The blood is kept in two sealed glass vials at the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta and is brought out on special occasions.
The liquefaction process can take from hours to days, with the blood turning deep red and bubbling before it liquefies.
Scientists suggest the liquefaction may be due to chemical properties rather than a miracle, but devotees embrace it as a sign of good things to come.
The blood is displayed for eight days after the ritual and then returned to a secure vault in the Chapel of the Treasury.
- Who
- St. Januarius, Archbishop Domenico Battaglia, devotees, scientists
- What
- The dried blood of St. Januarius liquefied during a ritual in Naples, Italy
- When
- The ritual took place in 2023 (exact date not specified), with the blood liquefying by 10:05 am local time
- Where
- Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, Naples, Italy
- Why
- The liquefaction is considered a miracle and a sign of good things to come by devotees, while scientists suggest it may be due to chemical properties
- Location
- Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, Naples, Italy
- Saint
- St. Januarius
- Date of Death
- 305 AD
- Ritual First Recorded
- 1383 (possibly earlier)
- Time to Liquefy
- Hours to days
- Current Archbishop
- Domenico Battaglia
- Significance
- Good omen if liquefies, disaster if not