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San Gennaro, ora pro nobis
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In 305 he was imprisoned, tortured and martyred at Pozzuoli with his companions Socius, Festus, and Desiderius for being Christians during the great persecutions of Emperor Diocletian.
According to tradition, his spilled blood was collected into two ampullae by a faithful woman named Eusebia. In addition to September 19th, the coagulated blood miraculously liquefies (Miracolo del sangue) on the first Sunday of May and December 16th. On the odd occasion the glorious Martyr's blood does not liquify, it is considered by the faithful to be a portent of coming calamity. In celebration, we're posting a prayer to San Gennaro. The accompanying photos were taken at the now-closed rectory of the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood (109 Mulberry Street), the national shrine of San Gennaro, located in New York City's historic Little Italy. Evviva San Gennaro!
Prayer to San Gennaro
O Great San Gennaro, valiant athlete of Jesus Christ and Patron Saint of Naples, we have recourse to your powerful intercession, especially during times of disaster! With grateful hearts we acknowledge your constant readiness to help your fellow citizens and those devoted to you in times of need. With the assurance of being heard, we implore you to obtain God's mercy for us. Protect us from the scourge of spreading disbelief. Free us from all evils and dangers that threaten us from every side. May the faith for which you sacrificed your life produce in our midst, through your prayers, the good works which the Lord our God can rightfully expect from His servants. Amen
