Relic kiss OK despite swine flu

[Dave Monroe]

Naples cardinal: Relic kiss OK despite swine flu
AP
Sat Sep 12, 8:56 am ET


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.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090912/ap_on_re_eu/eu_italy_swine_flu_saint

Foreign News: Gennaro's Blood

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,930534,00.html

Gennaro
Assumes head of state when Pasquale is killed until Niccolo (who is in
Squamuglia) can be located

http://cl49.pynchonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Making_sense_of_The_Courier%27s_Tragedy