The cardinal of Naples said it is OK for the faithful to kiss a flask of St Gennaro’s blood despite fears of swine flu.
The Naples archdiocese posted on its website that Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe would allow the faithful to kiss the flask during an annual September 19 ceremony in the southern Italian city’s cathedral.
The cardinal has consulted with doctors and scientists about any possible danger if thousands of people kiss the vial of the blood of Naples’ patron saint, who was martyred in 305. Some believe if the blood liquefies during the ceremony it is a miracle that bodes well for Neapolitans. Cardinal Sepe said he believes in the “power of prayer and of the protection” of the saint.
