A Week in Review

Short on time, I’m combining a few highlights of my eventful week into one post and letting the pictures do most of the talking.

Monday, January 15th — New Editions to My Library

Looking forward to cracking open my new books

Putting my Christmas gift cards to good use, I treated myself to a few new books that I’ve been meaning to read:

The Liberal Illusion by Louis Veuillot; The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos; Copse 125: A Chronical From the Trench Warfare of 1918 by Ernst Jünger; Metternich: The First European by Desmond Seward; A Catholic Quest for the Holy Grail by Charles A. Coulombe; and The Popes Legion: The Multinational Fighting Force that Defended the Vatican by Charles A. Coulombe.

Tuesday, January 16th — Praying For HM King Francesco II di Borbone and the Auxiliary Malta Walk

In memory of HM King Francis II of the Two Sicilies on his birthday, I stopped by Most Precious Blood Church (113 Baxter St.) in lower Manhattan’s historic Little Italy to light a candle and pray for the happy repose of his soul.

Francesca Temesta, DM (center), and the Order of Malta Auxiliary

Afterward, I joined the Knights, Dames and auxiliary members of the Knights of Malta for their monthly Auxiliary Malta Walk. Meeting every third Tuesday of the month at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral parish house (263 Mulberry Street), volunteers prepare and distribute food to the homeless. 

Anyone interested in supporting this noble endeavor can contact the Order of Malta Auxiliary at nycaux@orderofmaltaamerican.org or call 917-566-3937. For additional information, the Order can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/maltaauxiliarynyc.

Wednesday, January 17th — Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono

We used Stephan's dead Christmas tree as kindling

Braving the cold, I went to my friend Stephan’s annual falò di Sant'Antuono, or St. Anthony’s Bonfire, in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

Thursday, January 18th — Auguri!

Madonna delle Grazie, Most Precious Blood Church

Learning that my goddaughter earned a full scholarship for college, I lit a few candles at Most Precious Blood Church and prayed to the Madonna delle Grazie, Santa Scolastica, and a few other choice saints for her continued growth and success.

Friday, January 19th — San Rocco Boys' Night Out

Viva San Rocco!

For our first monthly dinner meeting of the year, the St. Rocco Society of Potenza enjoyed another amazing feast at Peppino’s Restaurant in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Sunday, January 21st — Buon Compleanno!

Cavatelli con ragù di maiale

After Sunday Mass, I was treated to a superb birthday dinner and a relaxing day with my loved ones.