Saint Patrizia, a Miracle Every Tuesday

San Gennaro is important to the people of Naples, but so is Santa Patrizia, whose blood liquefies just like that of the patron saint of Naples.

by Alessia Giannino

Not everyone knows that Naples doesn't have just one patron saint, but 52.

History and facts

Not much is known about Patrizia da Costantinopoli (Patricia of Constantinople), and everything that has come down to us has mostly been passed on through later sources, transmitted orally by the members of her religious community.

Patrizia was born in Constantinople in 664 into a noble family, descended from Constantine, and according to some, related to Constans II. The latter wished to force her into marriage, but the girl fled to Rome to receive consecration as a virgin from the Pope. When she returned to her city, upon her father's death, she renounced everything that was rightfully hers and, shortly after, set off on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. According to legend, however, she never reached her destination, as she was shipwrecked in Naples, on the little island of Megaride, and here, in its caves, her first community of prayer devoted to the needy took root. Not long after her arrival, Patrizia died, at just 21 years old.

According to legend, she breathed her last on 25 August, the very day on which her feast is celebrated. Her remains were first buried in the ancient monastery of Santi Nicardo e Marciano (Saints Nicardo and Marciano) and, later, in 1864, were moved to the Monastery of the Church of San Gregorio Armeno. Since 1922 the relics have been kept by the Crocifisse Adoratrici dell'Eucarestia (Crucified Sisters, Adorers of the Eucharist) nuns.

The miracle of the blood

The blood of Santa Patrizia also liquefies, just like that of San Gennaro, according to tradition every Tuesday and on 25 August, the day on which, as mentioned, the Saint is celebrated.

Legend has it that a Knight, afflicted by enormous suffering, found himself praying all night at her tomb. Overcome by great devotion, he opened the urn and drew a tooth from the mouth of the Saint, who had died some centuries before. Miraculously, blood flowed from it, which was collected in two small vials, still preserved to this day. From that moment on, every Tuesday and on 25 August, in the presence of the faithful, the blood liquefies.

Patrizia is also the patroness of singles: indeed, every year, countless young women go to her tomb to pray to her, in the hope of finding a husband.