For over seventeen centuries, San Gennaro is much more than the patron of Naples. Its history belongs to the city itself and passes through faith, art, history and daily life. Now that story is preparing to cross the Atlantic once again, through an exhibition that Giulia Silvia Ghia, Councillor for Culture of the City Hall I of Rome, is working to bring to New York thanks to the support of We The Italians.
Why is San Gennaro so different from other patron saints?
Because his relationship with Naples is almost personal. He was a Christian bishop martyred near Pozzuoli in 305 AD, but over the centuries he became part of the identity of the city. The Neapolitans turned to him during epidemics, earthquakes, wars and eruptions of the Vesuvius. Even today, three times a year, the city awaits the liquefaction of its blood. For believers it is a miracle; beyond faith, it is a rite that has united generations of Neapolitans.
The Treasure of San Gennaro tells another extraordinary story.
In 1527, after years of wars, earthquakes, eruptions and plagues, the people of Naples made a real pact with San Gennaro, signed in front of a notary. If he had protected the city, he would have built an unequal chapel. The Chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro was born from that promise. Its extraordinary collection of jewels, silver, precious stones and works of art has been formed over the centuries thanks to the donations of kings, aristocrats and ordinary citizens. To make it even more unique is the fact that this heritage belongs to the people of Naples and that, historically, was administered by a secular institution that represents the city.
And now this story could come to New York. Why here?
Because New York is already part of San Gennaro’s story. Italian immigrants brought him here along with their language, traditions and memories. The festival has become one of the great expressions of the Italian American identity. A saint whose history began near Pozzuoli became the patron of Naples, crossed the Atlantic with his emigrants and ended up becoming part of New York itself. Bringing here an exhibition dedicated to San Gennaro and its extraordinary heritage would mean, in many ways, to complete that journey.
L’articolo Giulia Silvia Ghia: San Gennaro, the exhibition coming to New York comes from IlNewyorkese.
