In Naples, September 19th is known for the Feast of San Gennaro. This is a very special day for Neapolitans as they celebrate their devotion to the city’s patron saint. Gennaro lived in the second half of the 3rd century and became Bishop of Benevento. The body of Saint Gennaro is said to be preserved in Naples, where he is honored as the city’s principal patron.
Neapolitans pray to him for protection from fires, earthquakes, plagues, droughts and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. In every emergency, Saint Gennaro is their powerful champion and universal helper.
Few saints have had more cultural, social and religious impact than San Gennaro. For while Patron Saints of large cities are celebrated with a street festival in the area surrounding the church, San Gennaro is celebrated not only in Naples, but across the shores in New York’s Little Italy, San Diego Las Vegas and even locally in Los Angeles.
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