St. Januarius

Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Januarius (San Gennaro), bishop and martyr. San Gennaro is the patron of Naples, which possesses several major relics. Of these, the most famous is a vial of the saint's blood, which on several days throughout the year (his feast, the feast of the translation of his relics, etc.) miraculously liquefies.

I have SEEN this miracle.

The glass vessel is carried through the streets of Naples in procession, preceded by the parishes, guilds and confraternities of the city. When it arrives at its destination, it is exhibited to the people. After a period of prayer, the dried, clotted blood begins to liquefy. When I saw it, the blood actually increased in volume, so that the sealed vessel, which was less than half full when the blood was dry, was almost completely filled after the liquefaction occurred.

The miracle of liquefaction is attested to since at least 1389 - over 600 years. In that time, no one has been able to give a satisfactory explanation for the liquefaction.

St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote regarding Saint Januarius:

"The Neapolitans honor this saint as the principal patron of their city and nation, and the Lord himself has continued to honor him, by allowing many miracles to be wrought through his intercession, particularly when the frightful eruptions of Mount Vesuvius have threatened the city of Naples with utter destruction. While the relics of St. Januarius were being brought in procession towards this terrific volcano, the torrents of lava and liquid fire which it emitted have ceased, or turned their course from the city. But the most stupendous miracle, and that which is greatly celebrated in the church, is the liquefying and boiling up of this blessed martyr's blood whenever the vials are brought in sight of his head. This miracle is renewed many times in the year, in presence of all who desire to witness it; yet some heretics have endeavored to throw a doubt upon its genuineness, by frivolous and incoherent explanations; but no one can deny the effect to be miraculous, unless he be prepared to question the evidence of his senses."

John Henry Cardinal Newman (now Blessed) also attested to the veracity of the miracle of liquefaction:

"I think it impossible to withstand the evidence which is brought for the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius at Naples and for the motion of the eyes in the pictures of the Madonna in the Papal States."^[18]

Saint Robert Bellarmine's Definition of the Church

"Now, our opinion is that the Church is only one, and not two; and that one and true [Church] is the assembly of men gathered in the profession of the same Christian faith, and in the communion of the same sacraments, under the reign of legitimate pastors, and especially of the one vicar of Christ on earth, the Roman Pontiff. From which definition, one can easily gather which men pertain to the Church, and indeed those who do not pertain to her. For there are three parts of this definition: the profession of the true faith, the communion of the sacraments, and subjection to the legitimate shepherd, the Roman Pontiff. By reason of the first part all infidels are excluded, both those who were never in the Church, such as Jews, Turks, and pagans; and those who were, and went back, such as heretics and apostates. By reason of the second part catechumens and excommunicates are excluded, the former because they are not admitted to the communion of the sacraments, and the latter because they are cast out. By reason of the third part are excluded schismatics, who have faith and sacraments, but are not subject to the legitimate pastors, and therefore they profess the faith and receive the sacraments outside [of the Church]. But all others are included, even the reprobate, the wicked, and the impious.

"And so there is this difference between our opinion and all others, that all others require internal virtues to constitute someone in the Church, and on that account they make the true Church invisible; but we, although we believe that all virtues, such as faith, hope, charity, etc., are found in the Church, yet that anyone can in some way be called a part of the true Church, about which Scripture speaks, we do not believe any internal virtues are required, but only external profession of the faith, and communion of the sacraments, which are perceived by the senses. For the Church is a assembly of men as visible and palpable as is the assembly of the people of Rome, or the kingdom of France, or the republic of Venice."

Vatican II Changes Prompt Interior Redecoration

St. Mary's Church was built at a time when the thrust of the Liturgy was the relationship with God and the Liturgy was a means of promoting this relationship.

One of the thrusts that Vatican II gave the Liturgy was the full participation of God's people.

With this change in focus, the parish council and Father W--- consulted with Frank Kazmarcek, a nationally known liturgical consultant. He presented observations and recommendations...

The lighting fixtures were removed and replaced with Quartz lighting recessed in the ceiling...

Regarding the altar, ambo and chair, the marble of the present altar was cut and used in the new altar. The red marble of the present altar was used in the tabernacle pedestal and present tabernacle was used for the reservation of the blessed sacrament [sic]. Marble from the present side altars was used for the ambo and the presidential chair.

Another recommendation that was adopted was to paint the church one color in its entirety so that prominence was given to the altar and the sanctuary. This included the decorations so they didn't detract from the liturgical action.

Kazmarcek recommended off-white, but a shade of green was used instead.

Kazmarcek said the communion rail should be removed since it was superfluous.

Even though he suggested the stations of the cross be removed, they, too, were painted green.

Kazmarcek also said since the emphasis was the liturgical action, the statues were superfluous and many lacked meaning to the general assembly. Therefore, they were also painted green to blend with the rest of the church. A large crucifix was hung on the back wall of the Sanctuary.

The statue of the Blessed Mother was put on a pedestal rather than on the wall. Any paintings were removed.

The floor of the sanctuary and entry was carpeted.

It was at this time, also, that the choir and organ were placed in front.


My parish church, St. Mary's in Aberdeen, South Dakota, was renovated following the Second Vatican Council. This account of the renovations was taken from the history book published on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the parish, celebrated in 2003.