St. Januarius

Kneeling thousands stared hard at two phials on the high altar in Naples' gothic Cathedral. The phials, people had been taught, contained dried blood of St. Januarius, patron saint of the city who died a martyr in the time of Diocletian (245-313). Last Saturday the hard, dark substance was due to turn to liquid, as it does the first Saturday of every May and every Sept. 19 if the outlook for Naples is good.

Throughout the long, tense afternoon the hymns and orisons followed one another in unbroken march. The tired voice of Cardinal Ascalesi led the prayers. But no miracle occurred. At half past nine the Cardinal announced that because of army curfew regulations the vigil would have to be postponed. Departing, the people wept.

Sunday at half past two the bells rang out. Pious Neapolitans, flocking to learn the cause, were elated to hear that the miracle of the liquefaction had finally taken place, 22 hours after the first prayer.

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