Naples archdiocese announced that the miraculous event took place at 5:18 p.m. local time on May 2.

A video posted to YouTube on May 3 showed a monsignor displaying the reliquary and turning it to demonstrate that the blood inside a spherical ampoule had turned from a solid to a liquid state.

During the miracle, the dried, red-coloured mass confined to one side of the reliquary becomes blood covering the entire glass.

In local lore, the failure of the blood to liquefy signals war, famine, disease, or another disaster.

The liquefaction usually occurs annually on the afternoon of the first Saturday in May. But this year, it happened on the second day of prayer in honour of the third-century bishop of Naples.

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"We're protecting a centuries-old institution, we will not stand for interference from either the church or the government," said Paolo Jorio, director of the San Gennaro museum.

The collection of gold jewellery, precious stones, headdresses, and silver busts, which are reportedly worth more than British crown jewels, were donated by kings and aristocrats in honor of San Gennaro.

The collection has long been considered the property of a local lay council, which was established in the 16th century.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano, however, issued a decree opening the door to church control.

The minister ruled that the council is the same as any other caretaker body which manages religious buildings - such as Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome - and ordered that four of the committee's posts should be in the hands of the church.

The council said it would appeal the decree in court and further protests would be held in a bid to get it reversed.

Mayor Luigi De Magistris of Naples said the city would do what it takes to "makes sure what San Gennaro gave us is not diminished."

The mayor also heads the council.

Sources

The Guardian
Newser
The Local
ABC.Net
BBC
Image: The Guardian