September 19: Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr—Optional Memorial

Read entire reflection online >>>September 19: Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr—Optional MemorialDied c. 304Patron Saint of Naples, Italy and blood banksInvoked against volcanic eruptionsPre-Congregation canonizationLiturgical Color: RedQuote: Yes, true hope is only born from the Blood of Christ and blood poured out for him. There is blood which is the sign of death, but there is also blood that expresses love and life. The Blood of Jesus and the blood of the Martyrs, like that of your own beloved Patron St Januarius, is a source of new life. ~Pope Benedict XVI, 2007 homily in NaplesPrayer:Saint Januarius, you laid down your life for your faith after being arrested for charitably visiting your friends in prison. Your love is inspiring, as is your courage. Please pray for me, that I will find great inspiration in your witness and seek to imitate your selflessness and courage in my own life. Saint Januarius, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: mycatholic.lifeCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Main: Jusepe de Ribera, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons