# Januarius

> Bishop of Naples

**Wikidata**: [Q315312](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315312)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Januarius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/januarius

## Summary
Januarius (also known as Saint Januarius or Ianuarius) was a Catholic bishop of Naples during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. He is best known as a Christian martyr and the patron saint of Naples, with his feast day celebrated annually in both Italy and New York City.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 21, 272 (exact place unknown, but associated with Naples)
- **Nationality:** Roman (Ancient Rome)
- **Occupation:** Catholic bishop, Catholic priest
- **Known for:** Serving as Bishop of Naples and his martyrdom during the Diocletianic Persecution
- **Field(s):** Religious leadership, Christian martyrdom

## Contributions
Januarius is primarily associated with his role as Bishop of Naples and his subsequent martyrdom. His legacy includes:
- **Martyrdom (305):** Died on September 19, 305, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian.
- **Patronage:** Became the patron saint of Naples, with numerous churches named in his honor, including San Gennaro all’Olmo (founded ~700), San Gennaro al Vomero (1884), and San Gennaro ad Antignano (1904).
- **Feast Day:** The Feast of San Gennaro, celebrated annually in Naples and New York City (since 1926), commemorates his life and martyrdom.
- **Order of Saint Januarius:** A Roman Catholic order of knighthood established in 1738 in his honor.

## FAQs
**Who was Januarius?**
Januarius was a Catholic bishop of Naples in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries, revered as a martyr and patron saint of Naples.

**When did Januarius live?**
He was born on April 21, 272, and died on September 19, 305.

**What is Januarius known for?**
He is best known for his martyrdom during the Diocletianic Persecution and his role as the patron saint of Naples.

**Are there any churches named after Januarius?**
Yes, several churches in Naples bear his name, including San Gennaro all’Olmo (founded ~700), San Gennaro al Vomero (1884), and San Gennaro ad Antignano (1904).

**What is the Feast of San Gennaro?**
It is an annual festival celebrating Januarius, held in Naples and New York City (since 1926), honoring his legacy as a saint and martyr.

## Why They Matter
Januarius’s martyrdom solidified his status as a key figure in early Christian history, particularly in Naples. His legacy endures through the annual Feast of San Gennaro, which unites communities in Italy and the U.S., and through the numerous churches and institutions named in his honor. The Order of Saint Januarius, established in 1738, further cements his influence in Catholic tradition.

## Notable For
- Martyrdom during the Diocletianic Persecution (305)
- Patron saint of Naples
- Namesake of multiple churches in Naples (e.g., San Gennaro all’Olmo, San Gennaro al Vomero)
- Inspiration for the Feast of San Gennaro (celebrated since 1926 in New York City)
- Association with the Order of Saint Januarius (founded 1738)

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Januarius was born on April 21, 272, during the era of Ancient Rome. Little is known about his early life, but he is historically recognized as a Catholic priest who later became the Bishop of Naples.

### Religious Leadership and Martyrdom
As Bishop of Naples, Januarius played a significant role in the early Christian community. His tenure coincided with the Diocletianic Persecution, a period of intense anti-Christian violence under Emperor Diocletian. Januarius was martyred on September 19, 305, for his faith, becoming a symbol of Christian resilience.

### Legacy and Veneration
After his death, Januarius was canonized as a saint, and his legacy grew significantly. He is the patron saint of Naples, and his feast day is celebrated annually. The Feast of San Gennaro, originating in Naples, was later adopted by Italian-American communities in New York City, where it has been celebrated since 1926.

### Churches and Institutions
Several churches in Naples are dedicated to Januarius, including:
- **San Gennaro all’Olmo** (founded ~700)
- **San Gennaro al Vomero** (founded 1884)
- **San Gennaro ad Antignano** (founded 1904)

Additionally, the **Order of Saint Januarius**, a Roman Catholic order of knighthood, was established in his honor on July 3, 1738.

### Cultural Impact
Januarius’s influence extends beyond religious circles. The Feast of San Gennaro in New York City, centered around the Church of the Most Precious Blood (founded 1891), has become a major cultural event, celebrating Italian heritage and Catholic tradition.

### Historical Records and Identifiers
Januarius is referenced in various historical and academic sources, including:
- **Wikidata ID:** Q18400
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n82250758
- **Virtual International Authority File (VIAF):** 57409400
- **Getty Union List of Artist Names (ULAN):** 500355309

His legacy is preserved through these records, ensuring his continued recognition in both religious and historical contexts.

## References

1. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
2. Find a Grave
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Calendarium Romanum Generale (1969)
6. CERL Thesaurus
7. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line