The Queenship of Mary

Madonna Incoronata, ora pro nobis

May 31st is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, a solemn celebration of Our Lady’s eminence as Queen and Mother of the universe and Mediatrix of all graces. On behalf of all of us here at Il Regno, I wish our readers a very Happy and Blessed Feast. In celebration I’m posting the Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen) in English and Latin. The accompanying photo of the Madonna Incoronata, patroness of Foggia, Puglia, was taken at the Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in East Harlem, New York. Evviva Maria!

Salve Regina

Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae: vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria. Amen.

Feast of Santa Maria Mater Domini

Santa Maria Mater Domini, ora pro nobis

May 31st is the Feast of Santa Maria Mater Domini, patroness of Fraine, a commune in the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo. According to tradition, around the year 1000 the Virgin Mary appeared before a young deaf mute tending her flock near the Vicenne Forest. Curing the girl, Our Lady told her to call out to her parents. At first, not recognizing the voice and busy at work they ignored her calls. However, when they finally learned what had happened the overjoyed couple rushed to the woods with their daughter to give thanks and praise. The Blessed Mother called upon them to build a house of worship at the location of the miracle. The grateful family, with the support of the local clergy, did as they were instructed and built a Benedictine chapel. Completed in 1056, the Sanctuary was renovated several times over the centuries and continues to be a popular destination for pilgrims and devotees. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to the Mother of God. The accompanying photo of Santa Maria Mater Domini was taken at Holy Face Monastery in Clifton, New Jersey. Evviva Santa Maria Mater Domini!

Prayer to the Mother of God

O most glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ our God, accept our prayers and present them to thy son and our God, that He may, for thy sake, enlighten and save our souls. Amen

Observing Whit Embertide

Photo by Andrew Giordano

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 a painted ceramic depicting a grape harvest was taken in Vietri sul Mare, Salerno.

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.

Feast of San Ferdinando III, King of Castile and León

San Ferdinando III, ora pro nobis

May 30 is the Feast of San Ferdinando III (c.1200-1252), King of Castile and León. During the Reconquest of Spain, the “invincible champion of Christ” conquered the cities of Córdoba, Jaén, Sevilla and Murcia. A wise and virtuous monarch, with a great devotion to Our Lady, he was a model Christian ruler. The holy sovereign’s sword, Lobera, or "wolf-slayer,” is kept in the Capilla Real in the Cathedral of Seville. He is the patron saint of engineers, prisoners, the poor and rulers. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Ferdinand of Castile. Evviva San Ferdinando III!

Prayer to St. Ferdinand of Castile

O God, who was pleased that blessed Ferdinand should fight thy battles and overcome the enemies of faith: grant that, protected by his intercession, we may be delivered from the enemies of mind and body. Amen.

Feast of Santa Giovanna d’Arco (St. Joan of Arc)

St. Jeanne d'Arc, ora pro nobis

May 30th is the Feast of St. Joan of Arc, la Pucelle d'Orléans, or "the Maid of Orléans." A childhood hero of mine, her faith, heroism and loyalty to her homeland still captures my imagination today as much as it did back then. Buon Onomastico to my Mother, who taught me about St. Joan and so much more.

In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to St. Joan of Arc. The accompanying photo of Emmanuel Fremiet's equestrian statue of Jeanne d'Arc outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art was taken during a day trip to the "City of Brotherly Love" in 2016. Vive Sainte Jeanne d’Arc!

Prayer to St. Joan of Arc

Maid of Lorraine, mount your horse; draw your sword and call your army. Maid of Orleans, unfurl your banner, sound the charge, and ride to rescue me! Lift the siege on my heart, lift the siege on my mind, lift the siege on my soul! Maid of my heart, strengthen me. Maid of my mind, set me free. Maid of my soul, make my enemies flee! Fierce, fearless and faithful, St. Joan of Arc, lift the siege, and rescue me!

Sfilata dei Turchi e Festa di San Gerardo La Porta — Parade of the Turks and the Feast of Saint Gerard

Potenza, Basilicata

May 30th is the Sfilata dei Turchi e Festa di San Gerardo La Porta. The Feast recalls Potenza's desperate defense against Saracen raiders and the miraculous intercession of their beloved patron, San Gerardo La Porta. Mooring their galleys on the Basento riverbank, a band of corsairs made their way towards the unsuspecting townspeople of Potenza. Tradition has it that if not for the timely appearance of San Gerardo, flanked by angels, the town would have suffered the usual horrific fate met by so many other unfortunate victims of Moslem piracy across the Southern Italian seaboard—death or slavery. The sight of the celestial host before them caused panic among the marauding infidels, allowing the city's defense to organize and drive them off.

The Saint's intercession is celebrated with a magnificent parade called Sfilata dei Turchi or The Procession of the Turks. Dressed in picturesque costumes, Christian knights on horseback and Turkish pirates, including the Grand Vizier on a horse drawn carriage, complete with replica slave ships, march along the parade route with great fanfare. Children dressed in white (representing angels) and the effigy of San Gerardo La Porta follow them, to the crowd’s delight. After the parade the celebrants are treated to jousting competitions and horse races. San Gerardo’s Liturgical feast day is celebrated on October 30th.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer. San Gerardo La Porta, ora pro nobis.

Prayer to San Gerardo La Porta

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of San Gerardo La Porta 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 Gerardo protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Il Maggio di San Giuliano: The Marriage of Trees and the Feast of Saint Giuliano the Martyr

San Giuliano di Sora
Saint Paul's Church, Philadelphia
Photo courtesy of Anthony Scillia

Remote Accettura lies in the rugged Southern Italian hinterland of Matera, a province in the region of Basilicata, also called Lucania. The small hilltop town boasts one of the oldest festivals in Italy, il Maggio di Accettura.

Some say the Maggio, or May Festival, predates the classical era. Others, because of its similarities with the Germanic Maypole, claim the Lombards introduced it. Whatever its origins, the pre-Christian fertility rite has been repurposed for the Christian observance. In a medley of traditions, "The Marriage of Trees," as the ancient ritual is known, is now happily associated with Accettura's patron saint, San Giuliano di Sora and the celebration of Pentecost.

Beginning on Ascension Day (Holy Thursday), a group of woodsmen search for and cut down the tallest and straightest tree they can find from nearby Montepiano. Called the "Maggio," the hewed tree is carried back to town on a train of oxen. On Pentecost Sunday, another group of men cut down a smaller tree from nearby Gallipoli Cognato, the forest on the opposite side of Accettura. This tree, called the "Cima," is carried back on the shoulders of the townsmen. Continue reading

Feast of the Madonna Avvocata

Madonna Avvocata, ora pro nobis

The Monday following Pentecost is the Feast of the Madonna Avvocata (Our Lady of the Advocate), one of the so-called "Seven Sisters of Campania,” an appellation given to the region's major Marian devotions under different titles. According to tradition, in 1485 a shepherd named Gabriele Cinnamo was drawn to a cave on top of Mount Falerzio in the Capo d’Orso area of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast. An apparition of the Blessed Mother appeared to Gabriele and instructed him to build a shrine at the location. Gabriele abandoned his life as a shepherd and devoted himself to Our Lady and her request. Over the centuries his modest chapel grew into the magnificent Santuario di Maria Santissima Avvocata, which has become a popular destination for pilgrims and the source of many miracles. In celebration I’m posting a Hail Holy Queen. Evviva Madonna Avvocata!

Hail Holy Queen 

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy: Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this veil of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, o sweet Virgin Mary.

Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi

Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi, ora pro nobis

May 29th is the Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi (Firenze 1566–1607), Mystic and Carmelite nun. One of the co-patrons of Naples, she is invoked against bodily ills and sexual temptation. Known as the “ecstatic saint,” due to the frequency she fell into ecstasy, many healing miracles followed her death. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi. The accompanying photo of the Madonna with Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Andrew Corsini was taken during my 2010 pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine in Sorrento, Campania. Evviva Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi!

Prayer to Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, pray that we will make a commitment to seek the presence of God in prayer the way you did. Guide us to see the graces God gives us as gifts not rewards and to respond with gratitude and humility, not pride and selfishness. Amen

Feast of Saints Cuono and Conello

San Cuono e Conello, orate pro nobis

May 29th is the Feast of Saints Cuono and Conello, the Iconium Martyrs. Father and son are the protectors of Acerra, a town in Campania, just northeast of the city of Naples. They are invoked for bountiful crops and protection from natural disasters, such as drought, earthquakes and Mount Vesuvius. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer in Italian. The accompanying photo of the Martyrdom of Saint Cuono and Son (Martirio di San Cuono e figlio) by E. Fiore (1867) is located in the Cattedrale di Acerra (photo courtesy of San Cuono e Conello on Facebook). Evviva Santi Cuono e Conello!

Preghiera 

O gloriosissimi Martiri Cuono e Figlio, Nostri potenti Avvocati e Protettori, mercé la vostra potente intercessione fate che il clementissimo Iddio sia sempre propizio a noi Acerrani da Lui a Voi affidati: liberandoci da tutti i flagelli, che meritano i nostri peccati. E soprattutto Vi preghiamo impartirci le grazie necessarie per salvare le nostre anime e con Voi godere Iddio eternamente in Cielo

Feast of Pentecost

On the seventh Sunday after Easter, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and their followers. In celebration, we’re posting the hymn Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest (Veni, Creator Spiritus). A plenary indulgence is granted if it is recited on the feast of Pentecost. The accompanying photo of the Flames of Pentecost was taken at Most Holy Redeemer Church (173 E. 3rd St.) in New York City's East Village.

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O comforter, to Thee we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;
Thou, finger of God's hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father, Thou
Who dost the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our sense from above,
and make our hearts o'erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
the weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide,
turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed,
of both the eternal Spirit blest.
Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
Amen.

Veni, Creator Spiritus,
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia
quae tu creasti pectora.
Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissimi donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis, caritas,
et spiritalis unctio.
Tu, septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae,
Tu rite promissum Patris,
sermone ditans guttura.
Accende lumen sensibus:
infunde amorem cordibus:
infirma nostri corporis
virtute firmans perpeti.
Hostem repellas longius,
pacemque dones protinus:
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.
Per te sciamus da Patrem,
noscamus atque Filium;
Teque utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.
Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio, qui a mortuis
surrexit, ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula.
Amen.

Photo of the Week: Villa Rufolo's "Garden of the Soul" in Ravello, Salerno

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

1799: Rivoluzione e Controrivoluzione, ovvero Le Tre Giornate di Napoli

In Napoli

A Look at the Fifteenth Annual Battle of Bitonto Commemoration in New York City

Portrait of King Carlo di Borbone (c.1761) by Anton Raphael Mengs
and The Battle of Bitonto (c.1750) by Giovanni Luigi Rocco

"Go forth and win: the most beautiful crown in Italy awaits you." – Elizabeth Farnese to her son Charles of Bourbon*

Thursday evening, members and friends of the Fratelli della Santa Fede, or Sanfedisti for short, gathered at Amunì Ristorante (7217 3rd Avenue) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for our Fifteenth Annual Battle of Bitonto convivium in memory of Carlo di Borbone’s decisive victory over the Austrians in Apulia on 25 May 1734 and the subsequent founding of the Bourbon Dynasty of Naples and Sicily (later the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies). As always, Chef Vincent Dardanello went above and beyond and treated our characteristically peckish party to another spectacular celebratory meal. His warmth and hospitality are second to none.

Before dinner, members of our small philatelist and numismatist club met up and exhibited a few new and old stamps, coins and medals from our respective collections.

Special thanks to our dear friend Vittorio, who regaled us between courses with a few classic Neapolitan songs and arias. Viva 'o Rre!

* Quoted from The Bourbons of Naples by Harold Acton, Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1957, pg. 17

Stamps with selvage commemorating the 100th
Anniversary of the death of Pope Pius IX, 1978, Vatican

Since it was his feast day, I brought my stamps commemorating the
1100th Anniversary of the death of San Gregorio VII, 1985, Vatican

A handful of coins and medals were on display, including this
1995 commemorative 500 Lire from San Marino and
Daughters of the American Revolution good citizen medal

Medal awarded to the soldiers who fought in the 1849 Campaign
in Sicily by HM King Ferdinando I of the Two Sicilies

Caponata

Carciofi fritti

Arancini

Pasta alla Norma

Braciole stuffed with hard boiled eggs

Cavatelli

Patate e peperoni al forno and braciole di maiale alla brace

Chevalatta over rapini

Gamberi Oreganati

Partygoers were well sated

(Above & below) Vittorio regaled us with a few classic Neapolitan ditties

David and John

Mike and Alexis

Cindy and Isak

John, Maria and Maria

Mike, Vinny and Andrew

Feast of the Madonna delle Milizie di Scicli

Madonna delle Milizie di Scicli, ora pro nobis

Every year on the last Saturday in May, the Baroque jewel of Scicli in the province of Ragusa, Sicily celebrates the Feast of the Madonna delle Milizie and the miraculous triumph of Count Roger of Hauteville over the Saracens in 1091. 

The feast commemorates the divine intercession of the Blessed Mother on behalf of the Norman forces at a critical point in the battle. Nearly overwhelmed by the paynim's superior numbers and fearing defeat, Count Roger invoked the aid of the Virgin. Mounted on a white charger and dressed in full military regalia, the apparition of Our Lady appeared on the field-of-battle in the district of Milizie and lead the Normans to victory. The triumph was of great importance for the eventual Christian reconquest of the island.

As part of the jubilant festivities the Sciclitani dress in period costumes (Christian and Moslem) and parade an equestrian statue of the Madonna through the bustling streets with much fanfare. Among the local delicacies served for the occasion is a delectable cream puff shaped like a turban called testa di turco, or Turkish heads. 

In celebration, I'm posting the Invocation to Our Lady by St. John Bosco:

O Mary, powerful Virgin, you are the mighty and glorious Protector of the Church. You are the Marvelous Help of Christians. You are Terrible as an Army set in Battle Array. You alone have destroyed every heresy in the entire Church. In the midst of my anguish, my struggles and my distress, defend me from the power of the enemy, and at the hour of my death, receive my soul into Paradise. Amen.

Feast of the Madonna dei Miracoli

Madonna dei Miracoli, ora pro nobis

May 26th is the Feast of the Madonna dei Miracoli (Our Lady of Miracles), patroness of Collesano in Provincia di Palermo, Sicily. Beginning in April, the month long celebration culminates on May 26th in memory of a miracle that saved the town from famine in 1643. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to the Madonna dei Miracoli in Italian. The photo of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin was taken at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and Saint Stephen's Church in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Evviva Madonna dei Miracoli!

Preghiera

Vergine SS. Madre dei Miracoli, tu che in tante occasioni to sei mostrata nella portentosa immagine dell’Annunziata, Regina ed Avvocata del popolo di Collesano, deh I tu lo ricoveri sempre sotto il tuo manto stellato affinchè raccolto alle tu ginocchia, non paventi le insidie di Satana, nè sia desolato dai mali e dai flagelli. Che anzi qualora questo popolo a te si rivolga con fiducia e ti preghi nella tua cappella oh i allora esaudisci dall’eccelso soglio della tua gloria affinchè, dopo aver sperato ed ottenuto il tuo soccorso quì in terra, ottenga goderti eternamente nel Cielo.

Feast of San Filippo Neri

San Filippo Neri, ora pro nobis

May 26 is the Feast of San Filippo Neri (1515-1595), Third Apostle of Rome and "jester of God." Founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy, he is the patron saint of joy, laughter, and comedians. Protector of Roseto Valfortore, a small town in the Province of Foggia in Apulia, he is also one of the 52 co-patrons of Naples. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Philip Neri. The photo was taken at The Oratory Church of Saint Boniface in downtown Brooklyn. Evviva San Filippo Neri!

A Prayer to St. Philip Neri

O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, you who trusted Scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand and that we need not have anxiety about anything, in your compassion heal our worries and sorrows and lift the burdens from our hearts. We come to you as one whose heart swells with abundant love for God and all creation. Hear us, we pray, especially in this need (make your request here). Keep us safe through your loving intercession, and may the joy of the Holy Spirit which filled your heart, St. Philip, transform our lives and bring us peace. Amen.

Feast of San Gregorio VII

San Gregorio VII, ora pro nobis

Deus, in te sperántium fortitúdo, qui beátum Gregórium, Confessórem tuum atque Pontificem, pro tuénda Ecclésiæ libertáte, virtúte constántiæ roborásti: da nobis, ejus exémplo et intercessióne, ómnia adversántia fórtiter superáre. Per Dóminum.

May 25th is the Feast of San Gregorio VII (born Ildebrando di Sovana), Pope and Confessor. Ascending the papal throne on April 22, 1073, Pope Gregorio initiated many important Church reforms known as the Gregorian Reform, including clerical celibacy and the rooting out and destruction of the abuse of simony, the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges. 

Repeatedly clashing with King Henry IV (later Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire) over the right to install bishops and abbots, or the investiture controversy, Pope Gregorio excommunicated the German monarch on three separate occasions. 

Wax effigy and relics of Pope San Gregorio VII

In 1077 Gregorio famously made the penitent king prostate himself for three days in the cold outside the gates of Cannosa before giving him an audience. A short-lived reconciliation, after obtaining the Holy Father's forgiveness Henry continued to appoint bishops and was excommunicated again. 

Entering Rome with his troops in 1084, Henry forced Gregorio to lock himself inside Castel Sant’Angelo and installed the antipope Clement III (Archbishop Guilbert of Ravenna). 

Soon liberated by Roberto Guiscardo, Duke of Apulia, the wanton excesses of the Duke’s soldiery incensed the people of Rome and forced Gregorio and his Norman allies to withdraw south to Salerno. 

(L-R) Statues of Duchess Sigelgaita, Duke Roberto d'Altavilla,
St. Alfano I of Salerno, and Prince Gisulf of Salerno flank the wax effigy

San Gregorio died in the Principality of Salerno on May 25, 1085. Interred in the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio, which he consecrated a year earlier, his dying words, “Dilexi iustitiam, odivi iniquitatem, propterea morior in esilio" (I have loved justice and hated iniquity, therefore I die in exile) are imprinted on the reliquary.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer in Latin and English. The accompanying photos of the statues and wax effigy at the cathedral in Salerno comes courtesy of Andrew Giordano. Evviva San Gregorio VII!

Prayer

O God, the strength of them that trust in Thee, Who didst fortify blessed Gregory. Thy Confessor and Pontiff, with the virtue of constancy, for the defense of the liberty of the Church, grant us by his example and intercession courageously to overcome all adversities. Through our Lord.

Feast of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice

Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, ora pro nobis

May 24th is the Feast of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice (Our Lady, Help of Christians). Instituted in 1815 by Pope Pius VII in fulfillment of a vow he made to God during his captivity (1809-1814) in Savona and Fontainebleau by Napoleon, the invocation Auxilium Christianorum (Help of Christians) actually dates back to 1571 when Pope St. Pius V included it in the Litany of Loreto in gratitude of the Holy League’s great victory against the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto on October 7th. Our Lady, Help of Christians famously came to the aid of Christendom again in the 17th century when Emperor Leopold I of Austria invoked the Blessed Virgin's help against the Turks during the Battle of Vienna. The siege was broken on the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary when Poland's heroic King Jan Sobieski and his winged hussars rescued the Imperial City from the Ottoman invaders. In celebration I’m posting a prayer to Our Lady, Help of Christians by San Giovanni Bosco. The accompanying photo of a painted ceramic wall shrine dedicated to Our Lady, Help of Christians was taken in 2010 in Vietri Sul Mare, Salerno. Evviva Santa Maria Ausiliatrice!

Prayer to Our Lady, Help of Christians

Most holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians, we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church’s history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation and danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners, the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter of the dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, to proclaim His Good News of God’s love for all people, and to work for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and abandoned, and all the dying. Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the graces of which we stand in need. (Mention your intentions.) May we serve Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.

Feast of Blessed Mario Vergara

Beato Mario Vergara, ora pro nobis

May 24th is the Feast of Blessed Mario Vergara, Priest, Missionary and Martyr. Born in Frattamaggiore, Naples on November 16, 1910, he was the youngest of nine children. Entering seminary in Aversa in 1921, he received Confirmation and moved to the Pontifical Seminary of Campania in Posillipo in 1927. Ordained a priest on August 26, 1934, he soon travelled to Burma and began his missionary activities. At the outbreak of WWII, he was arrested and interred in a British concentration camp in India. After four years of captivity he resumed his missionary work. Murdered with catechist Isidore Ngei Ko Lat by Protestant (Baptists) guerrillas on May 24, 1950, their bodies were thrown in the Salween River. Presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato, the beatification of Fr. Mario Vergara and Isidore Ngei was celebrated in Aversa on May 24, 2014. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer for the Missionary martyrs. Evviva Beato Mario Vergara!

Prayer for the Blessed Martyrs Mario and Isidore

We humbly beseech the mercy of your majesty, almighty and merciful God, that, as you have poured the knowledge of your Only Begotten Son into the hearts of the peoples by the preaching of the blessed Martyrs Mario and Isidore, so, through their intercession, we may be made steadfast in the faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Eframo di Napoli

Sant'Eframo Vescovo, ora pro nobis

May 23rd is the Feast of Sant’Eframo (Sant’Efébo, St. Euphebius), Bishop of Naples, Thaumaturge and Martyr. One of the city’s co-patrons, the beloved saint enjoys a popular reputation of holiness and miracles among the Neapolitans. Once every hundred years his devotees carry his silver bust in procession from the Duomo di Napoli to the Chiesa Sant’Eframo Vecchio, where he was originally buried with San Massimo and San Fortunato. He is also commemorated on November 8th along with all the city’s Holy Bishops. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Euphebius. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Napoli. Evviva Sant'Eframo!

Prayer to St. Euphebius 

O Glorious St. Euphebius, 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

Feast of Beata Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore

Beata Maria Gargani, ora pro nobis

May 23rd is the Feast of Beata Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore (née Maria Gargani, 1892-1973), patroness of the Suore Apostole del Sacro Cuore di Gesù (Apostle Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus), a religious order she founded on February 11, 1936. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Beata Maria Gargani in Italian. Evviva Beata Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore!

Preghiera

Signore Gesù ascolta con bontà la nostra preghiera che implora grazia per intercessione della tua serva Beata Maria Gargani. Ella si è consumata costantemente nell’orazione e nel servizio ai fratelli più umili in luoghi anche disagiati. Se è nei tuoi disegni glorificala. Fa’ che sperimentiamo l’efficacia della sua intercessione affinché animati dal suo esempio possiamo servirti con spirito di fede e di amore. Amen