Naples cardinal: Swine flu fears shouldn’t stop faithful from kissing flask of saint’s blood

Naples cardinal: Relic kiss OK despite swine flu

ROME — The cardinal of Naples says it is OK for the faithful to kiss a flask of St. Gennaro’s blood despite fears of swine flu.

The Naples archdioces posted on its Web site Saturday that Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe would allow the faithful to kiss the flask during an annual Sept. 19 ceremony in the southern 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.

Sepe says he believes in the “power of prayer and of the protection” of the saint.