On December 16, 2024, the highly anticipated ritual surrounding the liquefaction of San Gennaro's blood took place, but it ended without the miraculous event transpiring. The ceremony, drawing throngs of beleaguered faithful, tourists, and locals, unfolded within the historic Duomo di Napoli.
At 10:03 AM, Monsignor Vincenzo De Gregorio, the abbot overseeing the event, presented the ampoule containing the blood of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. To the disappointment of many, the blood remained solid and unchanged, invoking concerns and fears among the congregation. "It came out as it is, and there's nothing to suggest any imminent liquefaction," De Gregorio stated, echoing the concerns over the lack of miracle.
This event marks the third and final yearly ceremony associated with the blood liquefaction, which traditionally becomes liquid three times annually: on September 19, the feast of San Gennaro; the Saturday preceding the first Sunday of May, commemorative of the saint's transition to Naples; and December 16, the day linked to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1631.
The continued absence of the phenomenon has led to widespread solemnity, reverberated through age-old traditions and fears of foreboding events. Many locals associate the failure of the blood to liquefy with adverse happenings, such as during 1939 and 1940, forewarning the outbreak of World War II, or during 1973, the cholera epidemic, and the Irpinia earthquake of 1980.
According to tradition, the event of liquefying blood is viewed as significant for the morale of the city. This day, colloquially referred to as the "laico miracle" or secular miracle, holds historical weight not only for its religious connotation but also for its societal impact. Attendees engulfed the Duomo, filling it with prayers and hopeful chants, anticipating the favorable occurrence of the liquefaction.
During the previous ceremonies of 2023 and 2022, the blood did liquefy, leading to renewed faith among attendees. The sudden change during these past events contrasts sharply with the current year's outcome, raising concern over the fate of Naples and its people.
The memory of December 16, 1631 adds another layer of significance. That historic day is etched within the hearts of Neapolitans, where, according to legend, the lava was halted as citizens paraded the blood ampoule and statue of San Gennaro toward the advancing flow. It is said the intervention of the saint spared Naples from disaster, marking the day as not only religious but symbolic of community resilience.
Further complicities arose during the day, as post-ceremony discussions among the masses revolved around the past occasions when the blood did not liquefy. Many attendees expressed personal beliefs linking these historical failures with periods of strife and turmoil. For example, the solidified blood noted during the tumultuous political arena of the early 1940s and the societal tragedies ensuing during the succession of earthquakes and epidemics prompted spontaneous conversations revolving around public perception and fear.
While the ceremony carries its fundamental religious elements dictated by custom and reverence, Monsignor De Gregorio emphasized the essence of faith intertwined with the practice. He reassured the attendees, stating, "The devotion to San Gennaro cannot be equated to folklore, nor is it mere superstition. Instead, it’s deeply rooted within our belief of divine presence and guidance during uncertain times." His words aimed to uplift spirits during what was perceived as somber reflections.
Despite predictions of the blood potentially liquefying later on, which had occurred at past events, the reality settled with the solid remains. The reliquary was to remain open until 12:30 PM and again from 4 PM, punctuating the day's progression toward another mass at 6:30 PM. Post-mass, the ampoule would be securely locked. Initially intended for hopeful outcomes, the consistent reminders of historic failures and predictions dampened the celebratory aspects of the day significantly.
Despite its layered history, the day would wrap with the same determination to turn hope toward the future. What many locals and visitors alike retained was the embodiment of community spirit galvanized through shared tradition, reinforced faith, and recognition of their collective past—further punctuated by De Gregorio's continued commitment to provide solace.
Eventually, hopes remained alive and collective prayers echoed through stone hearts of Napolitans still yearning for the world to see the miracle rejuvenate once again. The narrative surrounding San Gennaro's blood lies deeply intertwined with the identity of Naples and its people, holding onto hope during challenging times.
The day ended without the classical miracle. Still, the act of devotion persisted, invoking reflections of resilience mirrored by the historic figure of San Gennaro. The people returned home, unified by faith, expectations, and the unyielding promise of another try at liquefaction come next September.