SAN GENNARO (272-305) bishop and a Christian martyr. According to tradition; as bishop of Benevento he visited the faithful of Pozzuoli; but here he was arrested and convicted with his companions to be devoured by lions in the Flavian Amphitheatre; at the time the blessed fairs; that meek knelt at his feet to save all Christians. The bishop and the other faithful were not lost however to martyrdom; were beheaded soon after near the Solfatara. San Gennaro is the principal patron of Naples; whose cathedral contains his bones and two ancient ampoules containing the alleged blood collected from a pious woman called Eusebia soon after martyrdom; which are exposed to the faithful three times a year; If during the ceremony the blood in vials liquefies; is considered a good omen for the whole city. The saint is venerated by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Also patron of blood donors and goldsmiths; the anniversary on Sept. 19. Germany; circa 1900 engraving; Colorized version