Following a long tradition, on 19 September 2026 Naples gathered in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta for the Solemnity of Saint Gennaro, bishop and martyr, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Naples. Living between the 3rd and 4th centuries, he carried out his episcopal ministry in Benevento and faced martyrdom near Pozzuoli together with some companions. According to tradition, he exposed himself to comfort those who had been imprisoned because of the Faith; then he too was arrested, remaining steadfast in the face of persecution and death.

During the morning, the liquefaction of the blood kept in the ampoules in the Chapel of the Treasury was announced: at 10:04 a.m. , when the relic was taken out of the safe, the blood was already found to have liquefied. The announcement—welcomed by the applause of the faithful—came before the solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Naples, His Eminence Cardinal Domenico Battaglia . The miracle once again united the veneration for the martyr with the life of the city, which the Cardinal related to the sufferings of the present time.

In his homily, he invited everyone to look beyond the sign expected every year by the city. The blood of Saint Gennaro offered him the opportunity to recall that of the victims of war and of Camorra-related violence, with a special thought for children and young people whose future is taken from them. He asked that, when Naples celebrates the Patron again next year, that of the martyr should be the only blood that must be spoken of. The feast therefore became an invocation for peace and a call to responsibility for the city: to take care of the little ones before fragility becomes neglect, and to join forces in a “cordata of fraternity” (a team/coalition of brotherhood).

The eyes of Saint Gennaro
The waiting for liquefaction, prayer, and the participation of the faithful have expressed a bond between the martyr and Naples that spans the centuries. In the liquefaction of the blood kept in the ampoules, the people of Naples recognize a sign of closeness and intercession from their Patron. The participation that accompanies the rite expresses Faith, memory, and belonging, but above all recalls the testimony of a life given for Christ. Saint Gennaro’s example invites us to support those who suffer, not to give in to fear, and to keep hope even in the most difficult hours. In the face of the Patron’s blood, Naples entrusted Saint Gennaro above all with a hope for peace.

The participation of the Constantinian Order’s Delegation of Naples and Campania

At the invitation of the Archiepiscopal Curia of Naples, a group of Knights of the Delegation of Naples and Campania took part in the celebration on behalf of the Grand Master of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and of the Royal and Illustrious Order of Saint Gennaro, H.R.H. Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, and Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies.

The Delegation

On behalf of the Delegate, Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona of the Dukes of Laurenzana, Neapolitan Patrician, and Knight of Justice, led the delegation together with the Interim General Secretary, Nob. Antonio Masselli , Knight of Jure Sanguinis , and the Interim Director of Cultural Affairs, Don Antonino Sersale of the Marquesses Sersale , Knight of Justice. The group also included Avv. Stefano D’Ambrosio , Knight of Merit with Silver Star; and Rag. Vincenzo Esposito , Knight of Office.

The Delegation therefore included Knights of the four degrees: Justice, Jure Sanguinis , Merit, and Office .