Commemorating the Battle of Bitonto in NYC
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| This year's revelers outside Song' e Napule Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
On Thursday, May 30th, a small, but festive, group of neobriganti broke bread at Song’ e Napule restaurant (146 W HoustonSt.) in Manhattan for the Feast of the Ascension and 11th Annual Battle of Bitonto Commemoration.
A celebration of Duosiciliano faith, history and culture, our jovial party escaped the rain and packed into the cozy eatery for some much-needed fellowship and delicious Neapolitan fare.
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| Calamari alla griglia |
As always, the proximity to Memorial Day Weekend kept our numbers down, but whatever we may have lacked in quantity was more than made up for in quality and enthusiasm.
After grace, we made a series of toasts in memory of our ancestors, the men (on both sides) who fought and died at the battle, and HRM King Carlo di Borbone, whose victory over the Austrians on May 25, 1734 redeemed the Kingdom of Naples.
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| Polpo alla griglia |
For starters, partygoers ate their fill of panzarotti, calamari alla griglia, burrata e prosciutto, and polpo alla griglia. After a few bottles of Falanghina del Sannio and Montepulciano we were singing and swaying along with Chef Ciro’s crack wait staff.
For our entrée we ordered a variety of different pizzas, including the spicy Diavola and Marinara Starita, a culinary masterpiece made with Sicilian confit grape tomatoes and alici di Cetara. All the pies were delicious, but I still love the classic Pizza Margherita the best.
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| Marinara Starita |
Naturally, we capped off our sumptuous repast with some caffé and a few more songs. After our long goodbyes, we closed the joint down and parted ways. Viva 'o Rre!
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Celebrating the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
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| Madonna and Child bye-altar |
Regali ex progenie Maria exorta refulget; cuius precibus nos adiuvari, mente et spiritu devotissime poscimus. Alleluia.*
On Friday, May 31st, the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church (245 Prospect Park West) in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Some 40 members of the Traditional Latin Mass community of Brooklyn, including members of the Knights of Malta and The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, we’re in attendance.
Mass was sung by Celebrant and Homilist Rev. John A. Perricone, who was dutifully assisted by servers Paul Pleho, Stephen Pack, Jorge A. Fernandez Vidaro, and William Yap. The motets and Mass setting were composed by choir director David Adam Smith. They were gloriously chanted by Catherine Hedberg, Eric Brenner, Ryland Angel, Art Bryan Manabat, Bruce Rameker, and Peter Walker.
Thank you Rev. Lawrence D. Ryan, Pastor and members of the Holy Name congregation for your continued warmth and hospitality. Special thanks to Cindy Brolsma and organizers for your hard work and dedication. Once again, it was a great joy to celebrate our faith together.
The next Latin Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 2nd at 7:00PM for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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| Mass programs |
