Feast of San Firmino di Amiens

San Firmino di Amiens, ora pro nobis

A San Fermín pedimos, por ser nuestro patrón, nos guía en el encierro, dándonos su bendición*

September 25th is the Feast of San Firmino di Amiens, Bishop and Martyr. Patron Saint of the city of Amiens in France and the region of Navarre in Spain, he is also invoked by bakers, boot makers, wine traders, and of course the mozos, the foolhardy daredevils who run with the bulls each year in Pamplona, Spain during the famed Los Sanfermines, or San Fermin Festival.

According to tradition, San Firmino was a native of Pamplona in the region of Navarre. Born of noble birth (his father was a senator), his family converted to Christianity and were baptized by St. Saturninus of Toulouse. In time, he was ordained into the priesthood by St. Honoratus at Tolosa (modern Toulouse) in Roman Gaul. Returning to Navarre, he was appointed the first Bishop of Pamplona.

Years later, San Firmino travelled up north to the remote regions of Gaul to preach and evangelize. Converting thousands to the faith, he eventually settled at Amiens and became the town's first Bishop. Repeatedly running afoul with the pagan priests, San Firmino was denounced as a Christian, imprisoned and ultimately beheaded.

San Firmino's cult was established in Pamplona in the twelfth-century with the arrival of his relics from Amiens. Somehow conflated with the martyrdom of St. Saturninus, who was dragged to his death by a bull at a mithraeum in Tolosa, the holy cephalophore (head-carrier) is also venerated on July 7th with a resplendent nine-day fête. 

From July 6th-14th, Los Sanfermines is replete with religious and cultural traditions. Among the most popular are the festive processions with papier maché Gigantes and cabezudos (Giants and big heads), the Riau-Riau dance said to have been introduced by the Carlists in 1914 to annoy their liberal rivals, and of course the world-famous running of the bulls.

In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Fermin. The accompanying photo of St. Fermin Holding His Head (ca. 1225-75, Amiens) was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Viva San Fermin! Gora San Fermin!

Prayer to St. Fermin of Amiens 

O Glorious St. Firmin of Amiens, you served God in humility and confidence on earth, now you enjoy His beatific vision in Heaven. Help me to strengthen my faith and protect me in conflict. Obtain for me the grace to live a holy life, so that one day I may join you in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen

(*) “We ask San Fermín, as our patron, to guide us through the bull run, giving us his blessing.” Prayer recited three times before the running of the bulls.

Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet

On the 25th of every month, devotees of the Divine Infancy should pray the Chaplet of the Infant Jesus of Prague, which includes three Our Fathers and twelve Hail Marys in celebration of the Holy Family and the first twelve years of Our Lord’s childhood. The Chaplet was composed by Venerable Sister Marguerite Parigot of the Blessed Sacrament (March 6, 1590—May 24, 1660), a Discalced Carmelite nun with a strong devotion to the Christ Child. Pleased with the devotion, Our Lord revealed Himself to Sister Marguerite and promised special graces to all who piously recite the Chaplet. In 1855 Pope Pius IX granted an Indulgence of 300 days, applicable to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, for its devout recitation.* In celebration, I’m posting the Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet. The accompanying photo is my late paternal Grandmother's statue the Infant Jesus of Prague. It came into my possession after my father's passing and is now a treasured part of my private oratory.

Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet

Divine Infant Jesus, I adore Thy Cross and I accept all the crosses Thou wilt be pleased to send me. Adorable Trinity, I offer Thee for the glory of Thy Holy Name of God, all the adorations of the Sacred Heart of the Holy Infant Jesus.

(3x) “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” and pray The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

(12x) “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” and pray The Angelical Salutation (Hail Mary)

Holy Infant Jesus, bless and protect us. Amen.

Further reading:
* www.sistersofcarmel.com

Basilica Lecture Series: Three Saints that Changed the World in Stamford, Connecticut

Feast of the Madonna della Misericordia

Madonna della Misericordia, ora pro nobis

September 24th is the Feast of Our Lady of Ransom, also called Our Lady of Mercy (Madonna della Misericordia). The Feast commemorates the founding of the Mercedarians, a mendicant Order devoted to the redemption of Christian slaves in Africa seized by Moslem reavers. Originally celebrated by the friars on August 1st (the night the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Peter Nolasco, prompting him to found the order in 1218) the Feast was eventually extended to the entire Church by Pope Innocent XII and observed on September 24th. The Order is credited with rescuing 70,000 slaves taken from Europe by the Saracens. In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to Our Lady of Mercy by Saint Augustine. The accompanying photo was taken at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn during the 2015 Festa di Maria SS. della Misericordia, Patroness of Fontanarosa, Avellino. Evviva Madonna della Misericordia!

Prayer to Our Lady of Mercy 

Blessed Virgin Mary, who can worthily repay you with praise and thanks for having rescued a fallen world by your generous consent! Receive our gratitude, and by your prayers obtain the pardon of our sins. Take our prayers into the sanctuary of heaven and enable them to make our peace with God.

Holy Mary, help the miserable, strengthen the discouraged, comfort the sorrowful, pray for your people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God. May all who venerate you feel now your help and protection. Be ready to help us when we pray, and bring back to us the answers to our prayers. Make it your continual concern to pray for the people of God, for you were blessed by God and were made worthy to bear the Redeemer of the world, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower of Jesus

Novena to be recited for nine consecutive days, September 24th — October 2nd, in preparation for the Feast of October 3rd. St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, ora pro nobis.

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly garden and send it to me as a message of love. 

O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands: 

(mention your special prayer request here) 

St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God’s great love for me, so that I may imitate your “Little Way” each day. Amen

* Pictured is my parents old novena booklet.

Sung Votive Mass of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

San Pio, ora pro nobis

San Pio's blood stained glove

After my death I will do more. My real mission will begin after my death. ~ Padre Pio

September 23rd is the Feast of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin friar, Stigmatic and Mystic. Patron saint of adolescents and civil defense volunteers, he is also invoked against stress. In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to St. Pio. The photo of the statue was taken at the now-closed rectory of the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood (109 Mulberry Street) in New York City's historic Little Italy. The glove relic was temporarily on display at the church. Evviva San Pio!

Prayer to St. Pio of Pietrelcina

O Glorious Saint Pio, bearing the wounds of Christ you generously accepted your sufferings, and labored faithfully for the good of all souls. Help me to embrace that same attitude of acceptance in my life. With confidence, I ask for your intercession to obtain the grace of (make your request), which I ardently desire. If it is not, however, God's will that this should come to pass, then help me to find serenity and joy in God's choices for me. Amen

Feast of Padre Pio at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in East Harlem, New York

Young Adult Day-Trip to Pontifical Mass in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Join us for a day-trip to Lancaster, PA for a Pontifical Mass and young adult social event organized by Juventutem NYC and Philadelphia.

• Pontifical High Mass (Traditional Latin Mass) offered by Bishop Athanasius Schneider with a complete program of Gregorian chant and polyphony

• Following Holy Mass: Social with young adults from across the region

• Cost: $40, including round-trip coach bus transportation, water and some snacks.

RSVP: https://juventutemnyc.com/events

Feast of San Maurizio and the Martyrs of Agaunum

San Maurizio Martire, ora pro nobis

We are your soldiers, O Emperor, but we freely profess that we are Christ’s servants. To you we owe military service, to Him the beginning of life itself. So for Him we are prepared to suffer every torment, and we will never give up our faith in Him! ~ St. Exuperius, Martyr and standard-bearer of the Holy Theban Legion*

September 22nd is the Feast of San Maurizio (St. Maurice) and his Companions, Legionnaires and Martyrs. Commander of the famed Theban Legion composed entirely of Christians, they were sent to Gaul in the 3rd century to help Emperor Maximian put down a rebellion. Refusing to offer sacrifices to idols or take an oath against Christians, the Holy Martyrs were mercilessly put to the sword at Agaunum, now Saint-Maurice, Switzerland. Patron saint and protector of soldiers, swordsmiths, armies, and infantrymen, San Maurizio is also the patron of the Holy Roman Empire, Montalbano Jonico in Matera, and the Italian Army's historic Alpini, a specialized mountain infantry corps. In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Maurice. The accompanying photo of St. Maurice by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553) and workshop was taken at the Last Knight exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in 2019. Evviva San Maurizio!

Prayer to Saint Maurice

Saint Maurice, most blessed and honorable patron saint, you who fought so valiantly on the battlefield of faith, steadfastly opposed the tyranny of earthly rulers, boldly confessed faith in the one true God, and preferred to die by the sword rather than to betray your Lord, Jesus Christ, pray for us.

O holy martyr and loyal soldier of Christ, obtain for us the courage to persevere in truth, to be a light in the darkness of the times in which we live, and to defend the honor of the Church wherever it is opposed. Obtain also for us the grace to endure patiently all the trials and hardships of this life, and to carry our cross in the spirit of prayer and self-denial. In particular we ask you to obtain for us from God the following favor: [Mention your special request]. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

* Quoted from The Golden Legend: Readings on the Saints, Jacobus de Voragine, Princeton University Press, 2012, p.576

Observing Michaelmas Embertide

San Michele Arcangelo, ora pro nobis

Even though Ember Days are no longer required by the post-Conciliar Church, the faithful should still observe these penitential days of devotion for spiritual enrichment, inner renewal, and as a means of reparation for our sins. A corruption of the Latin Quatuor Tempora, which means “four times,” Ember Days are three days of prayer, fasting and charity set aside four times a year to give thanks to God for the fruits of the earth, to practice abstemiousness, and almsgiving.

The quarterly observances, which correspond to the changing seasons, are kept on the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday following the Feast of St. Lucy in Winter (Advent Embertide); the week after Ash Wednesday in Spring (Lenten Embertide); after Pentecost Sunday in Summer (Whit Embertide); and after the third Sunday in September in Autumn (Michaelmas Embertide).

An ancient tradition, Ember days are believed to have arisen from the early Church’s sanctifying of the old Roman agricultural festivals of sowing and harvesting (i.e. the feriae sementivae, feriae messis, and feriae vindimiales). Though probably older, the Liber Pontificalis (Book of Popes) ascribes a law ordering the fast to Pope Callixtus, who died in 222. In addition to focussing on God’s gifts of nature, they are traditionally popular days for the Rite of Ordination of priests and prayers for the poor and forgotten Souls in Purgatory. Due to the fertility aspects, Ember Days are also ideal for married couples to pray for lots of children and their safe delivery.

In celebration, I’m posting the anthem and prayer for Embertide from Blessed Be God: A Complete Catholic Prayer Book by Very Rev. Charles J. Callan, OP., S.T.M. and Very Rev. John A. McHugh, OP., S.T.M (Preserving Christian Publications, 2010). The accompanying photo of San Michele Arcangelo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Chiesa di Santo Stefano in Molfetta, Puglia.

A Prayer for Embertide

Ant. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for thee.
V. Lord, Thou hast been our refuge.
R. From generation to generation. 

Let us Pray
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that as year by year we devoutly keep these holy observances, we may be pleasing to Thee both in body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Autumn!

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

The Fall Equinox marks the transition of summer into winter. To celebrate the occasion and the season of Autumn, we would like to share a poem by Vittorio Clemente from Dialect Poetry of Southern Italy: Texts and Criticism (A Trilingual Anthology) edited by Luigi Bonaffini, Legas, 1997, p.37.

A tiempe de sorve

Nu gricele alla vite...Me retrove

ancora na cullane

de sorve mmane; e quile piuoppe ancore

remire abballe l'acque chela fronna

gialle che treme e lùcceche, ammussite

mpizze a nu rame nire; e revà ammonte

la voce, pe lu colle: "Quande è tiempe

de sorve, amore amore, già l'estate

ha pigliate la vie d'attraviezze..."

E pure mandemane, chela fronne

se raggruglie a nu fiate

de la muntagne. E dellà da nu vele

de nebbie, nfunne funne alla campagne,

chi ancora chiame? Chi redà na voce?

When Sorbs are in Season

A chill comes over me... a necklace

of sorbs, even now, in my hands;

even now the poplar

sees in the river

the shimmer of a yellow leaf

dangling from the tip

of a blackened bough... and a voice

surges through the hills: "When sorbs

my love, are in season, summer is already in flight..."

Later this morning the leaf

will shrivel, at a whish

of mountain wind. From across a veil

of fog, from far away across the fields,

who'll call out, even now? Whose voice will ring?

(Translated by Anthony Molino)

Feast of San Matteo

San Matteo, ora pro nobis

September 21st is the Feast of San Matteo (St. Matthew), Apostle and Evangelist. Patron saint of Salerno, he is also invoked by civil servants, tax collectors, bankers, bookkeepers and accountants. In celebration, we're posting a prayer in honor of Saint Matthew. The accompanying photo of San Matteo was taken at the Basilica Santa Trofimena in Minori. Evviva San Matteo!

Prayer to Saint Matthew

O Glorious St. Matthew, in your Gospel you portray Jesus as the longed-for Messiah who fulfilled the Prophets of the Old Covenant and as the new Lawgiver who founded a Church of the New Covenant. Obtain for us the grace to see Jesus living in his Church and to follow his teachings in our lives on earth so that we may live forever with him in heaven. Amen

Photo of the Week: San Matteo at the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio in Salerno

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York City

Thousands Celebrate the 95th Annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, New York

After Mass at Most Precious Blood Church, the Figli di San Gennaro process the statue of our glorious patron down bustling Mulberry Street with great fanfare.
Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of Sant’Eustachio Martire and Companions

Sant'Eustachio, ora pro nobis

September 20th is the Feast of Sant’Eustachio Martire, patron saint of gamekeepers and hunters. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, he is the principal patron of Acquaviva delle Fonti (BA), Matera (MT), Campo di Giove (AQ), Ischitella (FG), Scanno (AQ), Tocco da Casuria (PE), San Cipriano Picentino (SA), Sesto Campano (IS), and Montoro (AV), among others.

According to tradition, an exalted Roman general named Placidus was hunting with friends and spotted a magnificent stag. Giving chase, he was drawn deeper into the forest away from his companions. Cornering the prized animal at the edge of a ravine, the majestic beast turned and faced the hunter. Stopping in his tracks, Placidus saw a crucifix shining brighter then the sun between its prodigious antlers. Through the mouth of the deer, others say from the image on the Cross, Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke to Placidus, telling him to seek out the Bishop of Rome with his family if he wished to convert. Placidus did as he was instructed and they were baptized. Changing their names, the Pope christened him Eustace, which means “fecund” or “fruitful.”

Giving up his wealth and status, Sant’Eustachio left Rome to live a simple and pious life in the Roman province of Egypt with his wife, Theospis, and two sons, Agapetus and Theospitus. However, just a few days into their journey a series of misfortunes befell them and they never made it to their destination. First, his wife was kidnapped by a group of pirates, then a lion and a wolf ran off with his boys, leaving him distraught and grieving. Heartbroken, he settled there and worked as a simple farmhand unaware that his family were all able to escape their captors unharmed and lived peacefully in nearby towns.

Many years later, a new barbarian menace was threatening the Empire. Longing for his trusted general, the Emperor sent search parties out to find their glorious commander and bring him back. Reluctantly returning to his former position, Sant’Eustachio took command and bolstered the army with new recruits. Miraculously, he was joyously reunited with his sons, who now fully grown answered the call to arms, as well as his wife, who served as a camp follower to support the army.

Defeating the enemy, Sant’Eustachio triumphantly returned to the Eternal City with his family in tow. During the festivities the Emperor noticed that his victorious general and sons didn’t make a sacrifice to the gods. When confronted, Sant’Eustachio respectfully refused as a Christian, but the enraged Emperor ordered them all to be killed in the arena.

When the ferocious animals kneeled before the captives and refused to attack, the Emperor instead had them executed inside a brazen bull, an ancient torture device used to kill criminals by Phalaris, the sadistic tyrant of Akragas, Sicily. Forced inside the bronze beast shaped oven, Sant’Eustachio and his family were slowly burned alive. Three days later, their perfectly intact bodies were removed and buried by fellow Christians.

In celebration, we're posting a prayer to Sant’Eustachio Martire. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Francis of Paola Church (219 Conselyea St.) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva Sant’Eustachio!

Prayer to Sant’Eustachio Martire

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Sant’Eustachio Martire may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of Sant’Eustachio protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of Santa Candida Martire

Santa Candida Martire, ora pro nobis

September 20th is the Feast of Santa Candida, Virgin and Martyr. Patroness of fishermen and farmers, she is also the Patron Saint of Ventotene, an island in the Gulf of Gaeta. According to tradition, in the fourth century young Candida and a group of Christian captives were deported from Carthage to the Isle of Ponza, where they were tortured and put to death. Cast into the sea, her lifeless body was discovered on September 20th at the Cala Pozzillo in neighboring Ventotene. 

With the ascension of Charles of Bourbon to the Neapolitan throne, the Pontine Archipelago (Ponza, Ventotene, etc.) was entrusted to him on June 15, 1734 by his mother Elisabetta Farnese. The islands were subsequently colonized with citizens from Campania and in 1774 the Bourbons completed construction of a church dedicated to Santa Candida. In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to Santa Candida. The accompanying photo was taken at Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary and Saint Stephen's Church in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Evviva Santa Candida!

Prayer to Santa Candida

O Glorious Santa Candida, Virgin, Martyr and our merciful Patron, I implore your intercession with confidence. Watch with equally pitiful eye my spiritual and physical infirmities. Do not forsake me, listen to the voice of my heart, and give me your help and your protection. Amen

Feast of Our Lady of La Salette

All the civil governments will have one and the same plan, which will be to abolish and do away with every religious principle, to make way for materialism, atheism, spiritualism and vice of all kinds. ~ From the Secret of La Salette

September 19th is the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette, Reconciler of Sinners. In 1846 Our Lady appeared to two young cowherds, Maximin and Melanie, on the slopes of Mount La Salette in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. In her message, the beautiful Lady asked us for prayer and penance; and warned us of the chastisement of God if we did not repent our sins. In celebration, we're posting the Memore to Our Lady of La Salette from the La Salette Laity Handbook: 31 Days of Apparition Reflections by Fr. Ron Gagne, M.S. Nostra Signora di La Salette, ora pro nobis.

Memorare to Our Lady of La Salette

Remember, Our Lady of La Salette, true Mother of Sorrows, the tears you shed for us on Calvary. Remember also the care you have taken to keep us faithful to Christ, your Son. Having done so much for your children by this consoling thought, we come to you pleading, despite our infidelities and ingratitude.

Virgin of Reconciliation, do not reject our prayers, but intercede for us, obtain for us the grace to love Jesus above all else. May we console you by a holy life and so come to share the eternal life Christ gained by His cross. Amen

Feast of San Gennaro

San Gennaro, ora pro nobis

September 19th is the Feast of San Gennaro (St. Januarius), Bishop of Benevento, Martyr and Wonder Worker. Principal patron of Naples and the Region of Campania, he is invoked against plagues, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters. He is also the patron saint of blood banks, blood donors and goldsmiths. 

In 305 he was imprisoned, tortured and martyred at Pozzuoli with his companions Socius, Festus, and Desiderius for being Christians during the great persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. 

According to tradition, his spilled blood was collected into two ampullae by a faithful woman named Eusebia. In addition to September 19th, the coagulated blood miraculously liquefies (Miracolo del sangue) on the first Sunday of May and December 16th. On the odd occasion the glorious Martyr's blood does not liquify, it is considered by the faithful to be a portent of coming calamity. 

In celebration, we're posting a prayer to San Gennaro. The accompanying photos were taken at the now-closed rectory of the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood (109 Mulberry Street), the national shrine of San Gennaro, located in New York City's historic Little Italy. Evviva San Gennaro!

Prayer to San Gennaro

O Great San Gennaro, valiant athlete of Jesus Christ and Patron Saint of Naples, we have recourse to your powerful intercession, especially during times of disaster! With grateful hearts we acknowledge your constant readiness to help your fellow citizens and those devoted to you in times of need. With the assurance of being heard, we implore you to obtain God's mercy for us. Protect us from the scourge of spreading disbelief. Free us from all evils and dangers that threaten us from every side. May the faith for which you sacrificed your life produce in our midst, through your prayers, the good works which the Lord our God can rightfully expect from His servants. Amen

Upcoming Tridentine Masses at The Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents in NYC (September 20th — 26th)

The Shrine & Parish Church of the Holy Innocents
128 West 37th Street, NYC 100018

• Monday, September 20th - St. Eustacius & Comps., Martyrs, 4th Class - Low Mass, 1:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, September21st - St. Matthew, Apostle, 2nd Class - High Mass, 6:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, September 22nd - Ember Wednesday with Commemoration of St. Thomas of Villanova, 2nd Class - Low Mass, 6:00 p.m.

EMBER DAYS 

The Ember Days will be observed this week (Wednesday, September 23, Friday, September 25 and Saturday, Sep-tember 26), asking God to sanctify the Fall Season as well as beseeching Him to bless the clergy. 

TRADITIONAL RULES FOR FASTING AND ABSTINENCE 

For everyone over 7 years of age-- 

PARTIAL ABSTINENCE (which permits meat, and soup or gravy made from meat, to be eaten only once a day, at the principal meal) on Ember Wednesday and Ember Saturday. FULL ABSTINENCE on Ember Friday. 

For everyone ages 21 to 59 inclusive— 

FASTING on the Ember Days (meat may be taken at principal meal except on Friday). Only one full meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed. 

It is praiseworthy to continue the former penitential observances, even though they are no longer obligatory. Penance helps to make up for our sins and can be offered up for the Souls in Purgatory. 

• Thursday, September 23rd - St. Linus, Pope & Martyr with Commemoration of St. Tecla, 3rd Class - Low Mass, 6:00 p.m.

• Friday, September 24th - Ember Friday with Commemoration of Our Lady of Ransom, 2nd Class - Low Mass, 1:00 p.m.

• Saturday, September 25th -Ember Saturday, Confessor, 2nd Class - Low Mass, 1:00 p.m.

• Sunday, September 26th - 18th Sunday After Pentecost & Our Lady of La Salette, 2nd Class - Low Mass 9:00 a.m. and Chant Mass 10:30 a.m.

Source: September 19, 2021

Feast of San Sabino Martire

San Sabino Martire, ora pro nobis

September 18th is the Feast of San Sabino, Martyr and co-patron (with the Madonna della Neve) of Sanza in Provincia di Salerno. A convert to Christianity, San Sabino was arrested, tortured then drowned for his faith in the Roman Province of Egypt in 303 during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to San Sabino Martire. The accompanying photo was taken at Saint Francis of Paola Church (219 Conselyea Street) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva San Sabino!

Prayer to San Sabino Martire

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of San Sabino Martire may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of San Sabino protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rosary Sunday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in East Harlem, New York

Feast of the Impression of the Stigmata of San Francesco d’Assisi

San Francesco d'Assisi, ora pro nobis

September 17th is the Feast of the Impression of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi. By the divine grace of God, the likeness of Christ’s sacred wounds by the Crucifixion were impressed upon the saint’s hands, feet and side during the apparition of a crucified seraph with six shining wings on Mount Alvernia in 1224. In celebration, we're posting a Prayer for the Feast of the Impression of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi. The accompanying photo of San Francesco d’Assisi bearing the stigmata was taken at St. Agnes Church (143 East 43rd St.) in Midtown Manhattan. Evviva San Francesco d'Assisi!

Prayer for the Feast of the Impression of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi

Standard-bearer of Christ and of his Church, we would fain, with the Apostle and with thee, glory in nothing save the Cross of Our Lord Jesus. We would fain bear in our souls the sacred Stigmata, which adorned thy holy body. To him whose whole ambition is to return love for love, every suffering is a gain, persecution has no terrors; for the effect of persecutions and sufferings is to assimilate him, together with his mother the Church, to Christ persecuted, scourged and crucified. It is with our whole hearts that we pray, with the Church: “O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, didst renew the sacred marks of thy Passion in the flesh of the most blessed Francis, to inflame our hearts with the fire of thy love; mercifully grant, that by his merits and prayers we may always carry the cross, and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Announcing the 109th Annual Feast and Pilgrimage of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Utica, New York