Feast day: September 19
When did St. Januarius live: in the third and fourth century
Biography:
Januarius was born in Benevento,Italy, into a rich family and became priest at the young age of 15. At 20, he became bishop during the Persecution of Christians under Diocletian. He saved many Christians from death by hiding them. Unfortunately, he was caught while visiting Sossius and was arrested. Januarius was sentenced to being thrown to wild beasts, but because these didn't harm him in the least, he was beheaded at the Solfatara crater near Pozzuoli. His blood which was apparently saved by a woman called Eusebia,is kept in a glass ampoule and liquifies three times a year.
Patronage: St. Januarius is patron saint of blood banks, volcanic eruptions and of the Italian city Naples
Statues and wooden sculptures representing St. Januarius - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Januarius is shown as bishop with miter, crosier, book and blood phials.