Background
The date of birth as well as the place of birth of Saint Januarius are unknown. But, it is believed that, Januarius was born in Benevento to a rich patrician family that traced its descent to the Caudini tribe of the Samnites.
The date of birth as well as the place of birth of Saint Januarius are unknown. But, it is believed that, Januarius was born in Benevento to a rich patrician family that traced its descent to the Caudini tribe of the Samnites.
Little is known of the life of Januarius. According to the legend, at a young age of 15, he became local priest of his parish in Benevento, which at the time was relatively pagan. When Januarius was 20, he became Bishop of Naples and befriended Juliana of Nicomedia and Saint Sossius whom he met during his priestly studies. During the long persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian, he hid his fellow Christians and prevented them from being caught. Unfortunately, while visiting Sossius in jail, he too was arrested. Along with six companions — imprisoned deacons and laymen Januarius was visiting during the persecution by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 305 — Januarius was thrown to the bears in the amphitheater of the town of Pozzuoli. He was later beheaded, and his blood ultimately taken to Naples.
