Feast of St. Wolfgang of Regensburg

San Volfango di Ratisbona, ora pro nobis

October 31st is the Feast of St. Wolfgang of Regensburg (San Volfango di Ratisbona), Benedictine monk, missionary, hermit, and reforming Bishop. He is the patron saint of paralyzed people, stroke victims, people with stomach ailments, and carpenters.

Born circa 924 in the Duchy of Swabia in southwestern Germany, he was educated at the abbey of Reichenau. Moving to the abbey of Einsiedeln in Schwyz (in present-day Switzerland), he was ordained a priest in 968 by St. Ulrich and became the director of the monastery school. 

Traveling to Hungary with a group of monks he helped evangelize the Magyars, converting many to the faith. In 972 Emperor Otto II appointed him Bishop of Regensburg in Bavaria, where he initiated reforms, built churches, and tutored the future Emperor St. Henry II. Despite his prestigious station, he continued to wear a simple monastic habit.

A piece of the tree where
St. Wolfgang preached and 
baptized in Thalmässing, Bavaria

Towards the end of his life St. Wolfgang briefly withdrew to a secluded cell in the Salzkammergut region of Austria to live the ascetic life of a hermit. However, deeply loved by his flock, the recluse was reluctantly called back to his episcopate. In 994 the holy man fell ill and died in the Chapel of St. Othmar in Pupping, Austria. He was canonized in 1052 by Pope Leo IX.

Though many healing miracles have been attributed to him, he is perhaps best remembered as the Saint who tricked the Devil into building a church.

According to legend, a ferocious wolf fleeing from a hunter refused to help the Bishop build a church. In pursuit of the beast, the huntsman also refused to help. The Devil then appeared and agreed to build it in exchange for the first soul that entered the church. Upon its completion, the wolf still looking for a place to hide from the persistent hunter rushed inside the new church, thus foiling the evil one’s plan to snare a human soul.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Wolfgang of Regensburg. The accompanying photo up top is my makeshift shrine devoted to the saint. The picture of the tree relic was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church rectory in Newark, New Jersey. Evviva San Volfango di Ratisbona!

Prayer to St. Wolfgang of Regensburg

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Wolfgang, Bishop of Regensburg, may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Look upon our Weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Wolfgang of Regensburg protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Vigil of All Saints

Private shrine to my ancestors and the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Júdicant sancti gentes, et dominántur pópulis: et regnábit Dóminus Deus illórum in perpétuum. Ps. 32, 1 Exsultáte, justi, in Dómino: rectos decet collaudátio. V. Glória Patri.

The saints judge nations, and rule over people: and the Lord their God shall reign forever. Ps. 32, 1. Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright. V Glory. ~ Introit. Wis 3, 8

October 31st is the Vigil of All Saints Day. Popularly known as Halloween, or All Hallows' Eve, the celebration is the beginning of Hallowtide, a three day observance (Triduum) that includes the Feasts of All Saints Day on Nov. 1st and All Souls Day on Nov. 2nd. Traditionally a day of prayer, fasting, and abstinence, the faithful prepare themselves for the month of November, which is dedicated to the souls of the dead, and contemplate the reality of Hell and how to avoid eternal damnation.

In celebration, I’m posting the introit and the collect of All Hallows' Eve in Latin and English. The accompanying photo is my perpetual shrine devoted to my ancestors and the poor and forgotten Souls in Purgatory. The cast-iron skull serves as a memento mori, or a reminder of death, and rests on a miniature oriental rug that once decorated my mother's doll house; the Crucifixion nails are a reminder of Our Lord's sacrifice and were given to me by my father; the Rosary belonged to my paternal grandmother; the rose pin is a symbol of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower and our familial patroness; and the prayer card is for St. Gertrude the Great, patroness of Naples and devotee to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

The Collect of All Hallows' Eve

Dómine Deus noter, multíplica super nos grátiam tuam: et, quorum prævenímus gloriósa solémnia, tribue súbsequi in dsancta professióne lætitiam. Per Dominum.

O Lord, our God, multiply Thy graces upon us, and grant that joy may follow in the holy praise of those whose glorious festival we anticipate. Through our Lord.

Triduum in Honor of Sant’Uberto di Liegi

Sant'Uberto di Liegi, ora pro nobis

Join us spiritually by privately praying this Triduum (three days of prayer) from October 31st to November 2nd in preparation for the Feast of Sant’Uberto di Liegi on November 3rd. Evviva Sant'Uberto!

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Hubert as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the devotion to You he began to grow in after the loss of his wife.

St. Hubert, you grew up immersed in courtly life and concerned with many worldly things. After the death of your wife, you became devoted to hunting. But you soon opened yourself up to God’s call in your life.

Please bring my petitions before the throne of God!

It is said that you heard a voice telling you to repent and to change your life, in order to avoid hell. You immediately set about devoting your life to God.

Pray for me, that I may be as eager to devote my life to God as you were. Pray that I may grow each day in my devotion to God.

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Hubert, pray for us!

Photo of the Week: Memento Mori at the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo on Mount Gargano in Foggia, Apulia

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of Sant'Angelo d'Acri

Sant'Angelo d'Acri, ora pro nobis

October 30th is the Feast of Sant'Angelo d'Acri (1669-1739), Capuchin priest, itinerant preacher and Wonderworker. Patron saint of missionaries and his native town of Acri in Calabria, he is sometimes called the "Great Apostle of Southern Italy" for his powerful sermons and the many conversions he worked throughout Calabria and Sicily. In celebration, I'm posting a prayer to Sant'Angelo d'Acri. The accompanying photo was taken during the 2015 Feast at Most Precious Blood Church (113 Baxter Street), in Little Italy, New York. Evviva Sant'Angelo!

Prayer to Sant'Angelo d'Acri

O God, you gave to your priest Sant'Angelo the grace to call sinners to penance through his words and miracles, grant through his intercession, that we may be sorry for our sins, and gain eternal life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

Also see: Around the Web: Blessed Angelo of Acri from Tradition in Action

Remembering Joseph-Louis Guérin

Portrait of the "little Zouave," Joseph-Louis Guérin, circa 1860

“Blood is necessary to appease the anger of God; I will give mine” *

In memory of Joseph-Louis Guérin (b. 5 April, 1838 — d. 30 October 1860), Papal Zouave who died defending the Papacy from the Piedmontese at the Battle of Castelfidardo in le Marche, we pray for the happy repose of his soul.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

* Quoted from Papal Zouave History

Also see:

• The Papal Zouave Saint? The Story of Joseph-Louis Guérin

First Class Relics of the Saints Venerated in the Church of St. Rita, Staten Island, New York

Photos courtesy of Fr. Eugene Carrella

In anticipation of the Feast of All Saints, First Class relics of the Saints venerated in the Church of St. Rita (281 Bradley Avenue), Staten Island, New York. The display will remain until Sunday, November 5th, the Feast of the Holy Relics.

Solemnity of Christ the King

Christ Pantocrator, Cathedral of Monreale, Sicily

The last Sunday of October is the Feast of Christ the King, which celebrates the authority of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the cosmos. In celebration, I'm posting A Prayer to Christ the King. The accompanying photo of Christ Pantocrator (Christ Almighty) was taken at the Cathedral of Monreale, Sicily.

A Prayer to Christ the King

O Jesus Christ, I acknowledge you as universal King. All that has been made has been created for You. Exercise all Your rights over me. I renew my Baptismal Vows. I renounce Satan, his pomps and his works; I promise to live as a good Christian. And, in particular do I pledge myself to labor, to the best of my ability, for the triumph of the rights of God and of Your Church. Divine Heart of Jesus, to You do I offer my poor services, laboring that all hearts may acknowledge Your sacred kingship, and that thus the reign of Your peace be established throughout the whole universe. Amen

Feast of San Gaetano Errico

San Gaetano Errico, ora pro nobis

October 29th is the Feast of St. Gaetano Errico, Priest, Mystic, and Founder. Born to humble and devout parents on 19 October 1791 in Secondigliano, a small town outside of the city of Naples, he enrolled (with his parent's blessing) in the Diocesan Seminary in Naples at the age of 16. In addition to his studies, he volunteered his time helping the poor, visiting the sick at the Hospital for the Incurables, and working with his father at the macaroni workshop.

At 24 he was ordained a priest and became a full-time primary school teacher. A tireless preacher and confessor, he assists the needy materially and spiritually.

While on a retreat and praying in the house of the Redemptorists in Pagani, Salerno, a vision of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) appeared to him and told him that God wanted him to found a new congregation and build a church dedicated to Our Sorrowful Mother in Secondigliano.

Completed in 1835, Fr. Errico then founded the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Receiving approval for the congregation on 4 March 1836, he sought Papal approval on 30 May 1838 and Royal approval on 13 May 1840. Seeking final approval in Rome, Blessed Pius IX issued the Apostolic Brief of Approbation on 7 August 1846 and Fr. Errico was unanimously elected Superior General.

Fr. Errico died on 29 October 1869 at the age of 69. He was declared a Venerable in December 1876 by Pope Leo XIII and, after approving a miracle, beatified by Pope St. John Paul II on 24 April 2001. On 14 April 2002, Pope St. John Paul II proclaimed him Blessed and on 6 July 2007 Pope Benedict XVI approved the miracle of canonization and on 12 October 2008, Blessed Gaetano Errico was canonized.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Gaetano Errico. Pictured is my makeshift shrine. Evviva San Gaetano Errico!

Prayer to Gaetano Errico

Lord, we thank you for having given Saint Gaetano Errico to Your Church and the world. You inflamed his heart with the love of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, so that this love may be made known to all mankind through the ministry of Your Word and through the works of charity. Please give us the courage of faith and inflame our hearts with the same fire of love that we may be generous apostles of charity and credible missionaries of your merciful love. Lord through the intercession of your servant, Saint Gaetano Errico, transform our hearts, guide our paths and strengthen our work. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Detail of the Seven Archangels Vanquishing Demons, Chapel in the House of St. Pius V in the Vatican

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of the Holy Apostles Simon and Jude

Santi Simone e Giuda, ora pro nobis

Deus, qui nos per beátos Apóstolos tuos Simónem et Judam, ad agnitiónem tuo nóminis veníre tribuísti: da nobis eórum glóriam sempitérnam et proficiéndo celebráre, et celebrándo profícere. Per Dóminum.

October 28th is the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles and Martyrs. Born in Cana, Simon was a Jewish Zealot before his conversion to Christianity; and Jude, also known as Thaddeus (to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot), was the brother (or son) of St. James the Lesser, making him a relative of the Blessed Mother and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Both received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which is why they are often depicted with tongues of flame on their heads. They travelled widely throughout the Middle East and Western Asia to evangelize and were martyred in Roman Syria circa 65 AD. St. Simon was sawed into pieces, while Jude was either hacked to death with an ax or beaten with a club. St. Simon is the patron saint of curriers, woodcutters, and tanners. St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate situations and lost causes.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer in Latin and English. The accompanying photo of St. Jude was taken at the now-closed Saint Joseph’s Church (5 Monroe Street) in New York City. Evviva Santi Simone e Giuda!

Prayer

O God, Who hast granted us to come to the knowledge of Thy name through Thy blessed apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to celebrate their everlasting glory by advancing in knowledge and to improve by this celebration. Through our Lord.

New Book — Sparta’s Sicilian Proxy War: The Grand Strategy of Classical Sparta, 418-413 B.C.

New title that may be of interest to our readers. Available at Amazon.com

• Sparta’s Sicilian Proxy War: The Grand Strategy of Classical Sparta, 418-413 B.C. by Jo Paul A. Rahe

Publisher: Encounter Books
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
Hardcover: $34.99
Language: English
Pages: 376

Read description

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A Prayer for Lewiston, Maine

Maria Regina degli Angeli, ora pro nobis

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the horrific mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday evening and their families. May Santa Giovanna Francesca de Chantal, Santi Pietro e Paolo, and Maria Regina Degli Angeli protect and watch over you.

Prayer for the victims

Loving God, welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism. Comfort their families and all who grieve for them. Help us in our fear and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love. Strengthen all those who work for peace, and may the peace the world cannot give reign in our hearts. Amen.

Feast of San Gaudioso di Napoli

San Gaudioso, ora pro nobis

October 27th is the Feast of San Gaudioso di Napoli, patron saint of Rione Sanità, a neighborhood in the Stella district of Naples.

In 439 AD, the Vandal King Genseric exiled Septimius Celius Gaudiosus, Bishop of Abitinia (a town in the Roman Province of Africa), and a handful of followers for refusing to convert to Arianism. Cast out to sea in a rickety boat with no oars or sail, the vessel and its passengers miraculously landed safely across the Mediterranean at Naples.

Settling on the Capodimonte hill, San Gaudioso is credited with building a monastery, introducing the Rule of St. Augustine, and the translation of several relics, including that of Santa Restituta.

When he died (c.452 AD), the holy man was interred in a necropolis outside the city walls. Quickly becoming a place of devotion and veneration by locals, the catacombs were named in his honor. Abandoned in the Late Middle Ages due to mudslides (known as the Lave dei Virgini) and the removal of the saint’s relics to a safer location, the catacombs eventually opened again in the 16th century with the discovery of a 5th or 6th century Byzantine icon of the Madonna della Sanità, the oldest depiction of the Virgin Mary in Naples.

In addition to the icon and the tomb of San Gaudioso, the catacombs preserve several frescoes and mosaics dating from the 17th century all the way back to the Paleochristian era, including a painting of St. Peter introducing the deceased Pascentius to a third figure believed to be either St. Paul or Jesus Christ.

More recently, the renowned Neapolitan poet Totò (Antonio De Curtis, 1898-1967) composed the poem 'A Livella, which was inspired by a painting of Memento Mori (the Triumph of Death) in the catacombs.

In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to San Gaudioso di Napoli. Evviva San Gaudioso!

Prayer to San Gaudioso di Napoli 

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of San Gaudioso di Napoli may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, 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 Gaudioso protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of San Nestore Martire di Tessalonica

San Demetrio slaying Lyaeus

In the Byzantine Synaxarion, October 27th is the Feast of San Nestore di Tessalonica, Hero and Martyr. Born in the third century in Constantinople or Thessaloniki, Macedonia, he was a disciple of the Holy Martyr San Demetrio di Tessalonica.

According to tradition, San Demetrio was denounced as a Christian and arrested, perhaps to be used in the gladiatorial games in Thessaloniki. At the time, Christian captives were being forced to fight the hulking Vandal Lyaeus in the arena if no-one dared to face him of their own accord. With a penchant for impaling his opponents on spikes, it wasn't always easy to find someone willing to do battle with the notorious gladiator.

Looking to prevent the murderous brute from killing any more Christians, San Nestore visited his master in prison to get his blessing. Signing his forehead and chest with the sign of the cross, San Demetrio prophesied, “You will defeat Lyaeus, but you will suffer for Christ.”

As Lyaeus entered the arena to thunderous applause, Emperor Maximian silenced the crowd and introduced his champion. Making his usual wager to entice would-be challengers, the Emperor offered a huge reward to anyone who could defeat the allegedly invincible warrior in hand-to-hand combat.

Stepping forward, San Nestore volunteered to fight Lyaeus. The crowd roared with laughter at the sight of the diminutive youth. Attributing the boy’s foolhardiness to poverty and desperation, Maximian tried to dissuade him, claiming the clash would be suicide for one so small and weak. Underestimating the stripling’s determination, he offered San Nestore the purse without having to fight or risk his life.

Undeterred, San Nestore repeated his challenge saying he did not need or want the Emperor’s money; he just wanted to prove that he was better than Lyaeus. Curious to see what would happen, the Emperor allowed the seemingly mismatched combatants to fight. 

Facing off on a large platform surrounded by a pit filled with stakes, spears and other sharp weaponry, San Nestore crossed himself and invoked the name of God, which greatly irritated Maximian.

Narrowly dodging the gladiator’s relentless attack, San Nestore found a brief opening and mortally wounded the barbarian. Crumpling to the ground at the boys feet, the crowd began cheering for the Christian, which further drew the ire of the Emperor. Casting Lyaeus down from the platform into the pit, the fiend was impaled on the blood-stained spikes he so often used to slay his Christian victims.

Mortified, Maximian stormed out of the arena bristling with rage. First he had San Demetrio run through with a spear then, instead of rewarding the victor, he ordered his guards to capture the Christian hero and had him beheaded with his own sword.

In celebration, I’m posting the prayers to San Nestore from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home [link will open PDF file]. They are meant for private use. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Cav. Charles Sant’Elia, is a Greek terracotta tablet with bas-relief depicting San Demetrio on horseback slaying Lyaeus. Though San Demetrio did not physically slay Lyaeus, it was through his prayers that San Nestore was able to defeat the fearsome gladiator. San Nestore di Tessalonica, ora pro nobis.

Troparia
Troparion Tone 3 You took up the power of the cross from the great Demetrius and you ventured forth against the giant. His terrible strength did not save him, but he was struck down by you. They killed you for this, holy martyr, but your bravery ushered you in before Christ. O Nestor, pray for our peace and for mercy on us all!

Kontakion Tone 2 Having perfectly endured your martyrdom, you have inherited immortal glory. You have become a perfect soldier for the Master through the prayers of the great Demetrius. Join him, blessed Nestor, and pray without ceasing for us all. 

Stichera
O wondrous martyr Nestor, you girded yourself with the armor of Christ. Then you overcame Leo the emperor. By visible and invisible arrows you fettered Satan and put him to death, O greatly-gifted one. Because of that, Christ crowned you with the crown of victory. 

Glory be...now and ever...We implore you, our most pure Intercessor, never allow your sorely afflicted servants to perish. But hasten to snatch us from the forthcoming wrath and grief. O most holy and pure Theotokos, you are our rampart and invincible help.

Newly Acquired Testa di Moro from Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sicily

At long last, I finally acquired my very own testa di moro, or Moor's Head, traditional decorative planters based on Romantic Sicilian folklore. Available in different designs, sizes and colors at L'angolo di Palermo (7801 3rd Ave.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, the beautiful hand-painted ceramics were imported from Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sicily.

An Interview with Raymond Guarini, Executive Director of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society

Il Regno had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Raymond Guarini, founder and Executive Director of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society (IEHS), to discuss its history and mission. The IEHS can be found at www.italianenclaves.org and various social media platforms.

Il Regno: We appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to answer our questions. First, can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

Raymond Guarini: Thank you for giving me the time to chat about myself and the Italian Enclaves Historical Society with you. I am 43 years old. I am a Brooklyn native living in Staten Island—something you've probably never heard of before. I have a 12-year-old son and a 2-year-old dog. I have worked in finance for 20 years. I am passionate about my faith and my heritage.

IR: What is the Italian Enclaves Historical Society?

RG: The organization was founded by me almost 5 years ago. I began exploring different Italian-American neighborhoods around the country and was photo-documenting them along the way. I decided to create Facebook and Instagram pages to showcase the visual nuances of Italian neighborhoods, or as we refer to them, enclaves. The pages became so popular that they took on lives of their own. I became so obsessed with documenting each neighborhood, that we now have over 700 enclaves and over 500 churches. We created a living document which is on a shared Google Drive that board members can update whenever we discover new places and obtain new information. Constantly growing and expanding, we recently added Canadian enclaves and churches to our database.

IR: How did the IEHS come about?

RG: I realized that my hobby of cataloging enclaves and churches was way too tall of a task to complete alone. Due to the sheer volume of information and locations, it also became clear that this venture would be expensive. So, with the help of one of our original members, I created an actual entity with nonprofit status that could be utilized as an online and in-person educational resource wherever we could.

IR: What are the biggest challenges you face and how do you overcome them?

RG: Our biggest challenges are twofold. On one hand, the workflow is just very difficult to keep consistent. We are a volunteer organization. We are sort of still a startup with very limited resources, so it is difficult to accumulate writing regarding something so esoteric regardless of how dedicated our board members might be. It takes a great deal of time and energy to coordinate our Google Drive documents, which are spreadsheets, with our Word documents, which contain the details about each enclave and church. The project is somewhat intimidating because there are so many places that require more information and they are to a certain degree under the radar.

The other challenge is funding. To properly execute this undertaking, we had to spend quite a bit of money to hire freelancers who possess the proper skillsets to help us migrate the information onto our website. We are lucky that our expenses are not overwhelming, but we would like to be able to raise more funds to speed up the process so that we can focus on other projects and disseminate our information in more efficient and interesting ways.

IR: What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?

RG: The greatest reward is the positive reactions we get from people whenever we discover a place that was lost in obscurity and share it on one of our social media pages. It is very rewarding for me to be able to see these places in person. Not only does it help me really identify with a lost time period, but also in many cases with lost virtues. Community and family were once paramount, and it seems as if our society today has lost sight of the basics that built what we all take for granted.

IR: What plans does the society have for the future?

RG: We will continue adding newly discovered content to our website. That is one of our biggest priorities. In addition to that, we would love to start a YouTube channel with more visual content and be able to disseminate more documentary-type content. We would also like to utilize Virtual Reality technology. Not so much Metaverse, as that medium is still dicey, but a static software application utilizing VR to incorporate the visual elements of the places we research.

IR: Is the IEHS a membership group? How can people join or help the society?

RG: Yes, individuals can join. Students can join for a discounted annual membership. We urge Italian-American Businesses to join as well so we can share their content on our social media channels and help shed light on lesser-known mom-and-pop shops that still haven't fully harnessed social media. Membership funds are extremely important for us to continue gathering and disseminating information. [The link to become a member is: https://italianenclaves.org/membership/]

IR: Thank you for talking with us; any last thoughts?

RG: The pleasure is all mine, thank you. I would like to encourage people to follow us on social media: @italianenclaves

Please take photos of everything: Your family, your family's traditions, and any visual elements of your family story. Video record them as well. The historical value and appreciation will be the fruits of tomorrow's inquisitive minds as to how we once lived.

Feast of San Gaudioso di Salerno

San Gaudioso Vescovo, ora pro nobis

October 26th is the Feast of San Gaudioso (640), seventh Bishop of Salerno. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Gaudiosus. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio in Salerno. Evviva San Gaudioso!

Prayer to St. Gaudiosus

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Gaudiosus, seventh Bishop of Salerno, may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Look upon our Weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Gaudiosus protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Feast of San Gavino Martire

San Gavino Martire, ora pro nobis

October 25th is the Feast of San Gavino Martire (St. Gavinus), a Roman soldier martyred with his companions San Proto and San Gianuario in Porto Torres, Sardinia during the persecutions Emperor Diocletian in 304 AD. Widely venerated in Sardinia and neighboring Corsica, he is also the patron saint of Camposano near Naples.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Gavinus. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Asbury Park. Evviva San Gavino!

Prayer to Saint Gavinus

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Gavinus may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, 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 St. Gavinus protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of San Raffaele Arcangelo

San Raffaele Arcangelo, ora pro nobis

Deus, qui beátum Raphaélem Archàngelum Tobiæ fámulo tuo cómitem dedísti in via: concéde nobis fámulis tuis; ut ejúsdem semper protegámur custódia, et muniámur auxilio. Per Dóminum.

October 24th is the Feast of San Raffaele Arcangelo, patron saint of travelers, happy meetings, matchmakers, fishermen, healers and the blind. One of the 52 co-patrons of Naples, it is customary for women seeking husbands, or looking to conceive a child, to visit the Chiesa San Raffaele in the Materdei district of the city and kiss the fish held by the Saint's statue. The iconography of the fish comes from the biblical story of the Book of Tobias, but in Naples it also represents a phallus and the fertility of the sea.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Raphael in Latin and English. The accompanying photo of Tobias and the Angel (c. 1622) by Giovanni Battista Caracciolo, better known as Battistello, was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Evviva San Raffaele Arcangelo!

Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel

O God, Who to thy servant Tobias when on his journey didst give blessed Raphael, the archangel, as a companion, grant us, Thy servants, that we may ever be protected by his guardianship and strengthened by his assistance. Through our Lord.

Photo of the Week: Detail of the Seven Archangels Vanquishing Demons, Chapel in the House of St. Pius V in the Vatican

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Roma Amor

The Colosseum in 2010

“All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?”

“Brought peace.”

~ Scene 10: Before the Romans Things Were Smelly from Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979).

I’m a little late to the game, but there is a fascinating trend online asking men, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” From what I understand, it went viral on TikTok in September 2023 but the question actually dates back to 2022 when a Swedish feminist genuinely wanted to know what men normally think about. To her surprise, many said the Roman Empire.

I don’t use that app, but the question eventually made its way to Elon Musk’s X and it got me thinking about how often I think about the Roman Empire. In all earnestness and without the least bit of exaggeration, I would have to say I think about it every day and the reasons are manifold.

My friends and I collect coins. This silver Denarius, minted by Julius Caesar in 48-46 BC, depicts the goddess Venus on the obverse and Aeneas, the founder of Rome, carrying his father on the reverse. It was a birthday gift for a friend

For starters, the Roman Empire is intertwined with my Roman Catholic faith, of which I attend the Traditional Latin Mass. Deeply religious, it comes up in my daily meditations on the Crucifixion of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the lives and martyrdom of countless saints, including many Roman legionaries. St. Achatius, St. Expeditus, St. Longinus, and St. Maurice are but a few. Some of the more illustrious imperial figures include St. Patricia of Naples, Emperor Justinian I, Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother St. Helena of the Cross. The importance of the Empire in spreading the Faith throughout Europe cannot be overstated. 

(L) Young boys dressed as Roman legionaries during the reenactment of the life and martyrdom of Santa Fortunata during the Feast of Santa Fortunata in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in 2014. (R) Cavaliere of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George with labarum, Emperor Constantine the Great's imperial standard, during the Feast of St. George at the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in Lower Manhattan, in New York City, in 2018 

Secondly, as a Southern Italian, my remote ancestors—Samnites, Italiotes, et cetera—were some of Rome’s staunchest enemies. Eventually conquered and incorporated into the Empire, this means I’m also descended from Roman citizens and/or slaves. The Empire is a part of my heritage and ethnic background—two things I’m very interested in.

As an American, we see Roman influences (political and aesthetic) everywhere. A self-styled “Third Rome,” Classical architecture (domes and columns) and symbols (eagles and fasces) adorn our government buildings, national parks and monuments. Early America even used Latin terms and mottos, such as “Pax Americana” (American Peace) and “E pluribus unum” (out of many, one) to add weight and gravitas to them. Until recently, Latin was the language of scholarship, law, and the Church.

Gaius Mucius Scaevola Confronting King Porsenna, c. 1650, oil on copper, Bernardo Cavallino (Naples 1616-1656), Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas

Thirdly, I’m a European history buff and aesthete. My parents instilled in me a healthy appreciation for the Classics and art, and many of my hobbies and interests have some connections with the Empire. First off, I enjoy reading Greco-Roman mythology and philosophy, especially the stoics (e.g. Emperor Marcus Aurelius). Since I was a child, I’ve been enthralled with their myths and legends, both in art and literature. Among my favorites are the heroic sacrifices of Marcus Curtius [1] and Gaius Mucius Scaevola, [2] the Abduction of the Sabine Women, and the Capitoline She-Wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.

During the Palio di Siena in 2007, I chose the Lupa as my contrada (district) solely because their coat-of-arms is the She-Wolf. If I knew at the time Garibaldi awarded them a photo of himself in 1867 after their victory, I definitely would have picked the Aquila district instead. After the race, I learned their imperial eagle device was bestowed by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1536. 

For the record, the Leocorno district won the Palio that year, but I digress.

(L-R) Column of the She-Wolf and Contrada Aquila flag with the imperial double-headed black eagle holding a sword and orb in Siena, Tuscany, 2007

Lucky to have like-minded friends, I can’t begin to tell you how often our bull sessions stray off-topic and onto more interesting subject matters, which in many cases means Ancient Rome. Covering a wide array of topics, these discussions can range from the death of Julius Caesar (Ides of March); to Virgil’s epic poem The Aeneid, to the Latin rite of Devotio. [3] 

I confess that some connections are more tenuous than others. For example, I enjoy the stories of the legendary Sword and Sorcery writer Robert E. Howard and one of my favorite fictional characters is his Bran Mak Morn, a heroic Pictish chieftain and implacable enemy of Rome. Also a fan of the Arthurian literary cycle (Matter of Britain), it turns out the historical King Arthur may have been a Roman knight (eques) from Campania by the name of Lucius Artorius Castus. [4]

(L) Bran Mak Morn: The Last King (2005) by Robert E. Howard.
(R) From Scythia to Camelot (2000) by C. Scott Littleton and Linda A. Malcor

Speaking of Britain, I’ve seen variations of the question that switched out the Roman Empire with the British Empire. With all due respect to “the empire on which the sun never set,” or any other substitution one wishes to make, none can match the legacy of the Romans. I’m not saying the others were not influential or impressive in their own right, just that they are not as omnipresent as Imperium Romanum. For me, the only one that comes close is Ancient Greece, but that query is for another day.

(L-R) Belvedere Apollo, 2nd century, marble, Roman copy of Greek bronze, and Laocoön and His Sons, marble, date uncertain, Vatican Museum, 2010

Next, I have many fond memories of visiting the Eternal City and beholding the ruins of the once-great Empire in person. Who could ever forget entering the Colosseum or walking through the Arch of Titus? Who could not be impressed by the Forum, the Pantheon, the Palatine Hill, or the Baths of Caracalla? Who could not be moved by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Mvsei Vaticani (Vatican Museum) and its incomparable collection of ancient Roman artifacts? Let’s not forget the Appian Way, the Arch of Constantine, the Circus Maximus, or for that matter the many world-famous sites and museums across Italy, such as Pompeii, Paestum, and the renowned Farnese collection at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

The Pantheon in 2007

(L) The Pantheon's dome. (R) Detail of the Arch of Titus in 2007

The Triumphal Frieze of the Arch of Titus in 2010

(L) The Blue Vase, Imperial Roman cameo glass discovered in Pompeii on 29 December 1837. (R) The Farnese Bull is a Roman copy of a Hellenistic sculpture. It was unearthed in 1546 in the gymnasium of the Baths of Caracalla. Both masterpieces are housed in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Finally, as a cultural pessimist, it is only logical that I make comparisons between America’s decadence and inevitable decline with the fall of the Roman Empire. While comparisons to Weimar Germany are common, and not totally without merit, I believe the correlation with the collapse of Rome is far more apt. If we draw parallels, we see American hegemony weakening; the escalation of racial, religious and political Balkanization; the movement of peoples; declining birthrates; corruption; perpetual war; currency debasement; and a serious lack of civilizational confidence; drawing us ever closer to the brink.

Two of Hollywood's less flattering portrayals of Ancient Rome: (L-R) Filmmaker Mel Brooks' raunchy comedy History of the World Part I (1981) and Caligula, a pornographic historical drama starring Malcolm Mc Dowell as "little boots" Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (1979)

Rome is ever-present. Whether you realize it or not, its ubiquitous influence is felt by all. We can thank them for engineering and architectural marvels, the Latin Alphabet, the Julian calendar, the Romance languages and so much more. It continues to inspire popular culture, even if modern creators don’t always treat their subject with the respect and appreciation it deserves.

Museum exhibits abound. There are books galore (e.g. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon, 1776). There are plays (e.g. Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, 1593 and Julius Caesar, 1599); television series (e.g. I, Claudius, 1976); and untold Hollywood films (e.g. Spartacus, 1960; Caligula, 1979; Life of Brian, 1979; Titus, 1999; Gladiator, 2000). Heck, there is even Caesars Palace Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For better or worse, the ancient Romans have left their mark on our world and it should be no surprise that so many men think about it. The fact that more don’t is shocking. While I don’t expect the average Westerner to think about the Roman Empire as often as I do, one would have to be completely out of touch with reality to never consider it. Roma Invicta [5]

~ Giovanni di Napoli, October 22nd, the Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco, Legionnaire and Martyr

Appendix – A few popular sayings:
• All roads lead to Rome.
• Rome wasn’t built in a day.
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
• To fiddle while Rome burns.
• Crossing the Rubicon.
• Carpe diem (Seize the day).

Notes:
[1] According to legend, a great chasm opened in the Forum and was threatening to swallow Rome. An augur claimed that the gods demanded the most precious possession of Rome as a sacrifice. While the Romans debated on what that was, the knight (eques) Marcus Curtius admonished them for not realizing that it was Rome’s military might and valor. Dressed in full regalia, Marcus Curtius selflessly charged his horse into the abyss, and the earth closed behind him, thus saving the Eternal City.

[2] During the Etruscan siege of Rome (Etruscan-Roman Wars), Gaius Mucius Scaevola slips into the enemy’s camp to assassinate King Porsenna. Killing the wrong target, the Roman was captured and brought before the king. Showing contempt for pain and torture Scaevola thrust his right hand into a burning brazier and warned the king that there were three hundred other Romans who vowed to kill him. Shocked by the man’s fervid devotion, King Porsenna set him free and wisely sued for peace with Rome.

[3] Devotio was a ritual and vow to sacrifice oneself in battle in exchange for victory over one’s enemy.

[4] From Scythia to Camelot by C. Scott Littleton and Linda A. Malcor, Routledge, 2nd Edition, 2000.

[5] Unconquered Rome.