St Januarius

St Januarius was born in Naples, Italy.  He was Bishop of Benevento during the time when Emperor Diocletian was treated Christians very badly (about 305).  Bishop Januarius was a loving and compassionate man who served his people well.  Several deacons from Naples had been arrested and put in jail.  When the Bishop found out, he set out to visit the faithful. He was arrested when he got to the prison and placed together with the deacons. All of them were sentenced to death.  They were thrown to wild beasts but the animals did not attack them.  Then all of the prisoners were beheaded one after the other.  Bishop Januarius and his friends were martyred for their faith in Jesus. St Januarius is the patron saint of Naples.