Le Catacombe di San Gennaro

San Gennaro was decapitated in Pozzuoli, Naples in 305 AD. He is one of the first Christian martyrs. His body was transported from Pozzuoli to the Catacombes of Napoli years after he died. Interstingly, Christians were persecuted in Pozzuoli, about 5 miles from downtown Naples, but not in Naples itself.

The catacombs we visited were opened just 7 years ago.

Before then they lay sleeping underneath of orange trees, sleeping cats, centuries of war, centuries of peace, volcanic eruptions and days of beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

Gennarino, the cat who guards the catacombs

Under these homes are 3,000 bodies dead from persecution for Christian faith

The Catacombe di San Gennaro show the progression from pagan to Christianity. You see, they were first pagan tombs. However, as Christians began being persecuted in Naples their families hid and burried them in the old pagan cave made from lavic rock which is very porous yet elastic and can withstand the pressure from digging space between the rock. Here, the early Christians made three tunnels with tombs on either side. Three to represent the trinity of Father, Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit (who stays with us when we pray).

 There were many tiny tiny tombs for little babies that died. I noticed there weren't many fat people either as most tombs were narrow. Some wealthier families had frescoes painted over family tombs representing animals mentioned in the gospels.

St Peter on the right leading San Gennaro on the left

A family grave, with a child who died

The catacombs were fresh and cool. They were peaceful and preserved. There wasn't the aura of violence the way the catacombs in Rome are (where thousands of Christians were slaughtered and tortured). These catacombs were sad, yes as they were martyrs as well, but peaceful. In Naples people have historically spoken with the dead when visiting their tombs. Neopolitans are insatiably chatty so it is of no surprise that they carry their tradition, derived from their Greek philosopher ancestors, to the graves where they reason with the dead.

The baptismal font

Visiting Catacombs is an honor. I enjoy recalling what I am grateful to martyrs for. My faith is so tiny and I don't know if I could withstand persecution and death for it. Seeing so many graves of people who died for their faith is impressive. Mass is still held in the chapel that was built there in the 4th century and baptisms are occasionally still done as well.

The existing chapel from the 4th century

Being there and thinking of it since then makes me acutely aware of how much we still need the help and mercy of God. In honor of San Gennaro, and as a prayer for the unborn, here is the Sacred Heart Litany.

Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy Christ, hear us Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God, the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, One God, Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother, Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God, Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty, Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God, Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High, Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven, Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love, Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity, Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received, Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee, Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness, Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium, Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses, Heart of Jesus, obedient to death, Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation, Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee, Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints, Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. spare us, O Lord. graciously hear us, O Lord. have mercy on us, O Lord. R. Make our hearts like to Thine.