Feast of San Lorenzo da Brindisi

San Lorenzo da Brindisi, ora pro nobis

July 21st is the Feast of San Lorenzo da Brindisi, Apostolic Doctor of the Church. Born Giulio Cesare Russo (1559), he joined the Capuchins at the age of sixteen, taking the name Lorenzo. He excelled in theology and philosophy, and had a gift for languages, including Hebrew. Famous for his ecstatic sermons, his tears were often blotted up and used to cure the sick. 

While in Germany to establish Capuchin convents, San Lorenzo was made the chief chaplain of the Imperial Army. Crucifix in hand, he is credited with leading the severely outnumbered Christian forces to victory against the Ottoman Turks during the Battle of Székesfehérvár in Hungary (1601). 

An adept negotiator, the Popes often employed him in settling disputes between Christian Monarchs. San Lorenzo died in Lisbon on July 22, 1619 after the completion of his final diplomatic mission. At the behest of the people of Naples, he secured from King Philip III of Spain the dismissal of the oppressive Viceroy Don Pedro Téllez de Girón, 3rd Duke of Osuna. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer in Honor of St. Lawrence. The accompanying photo of The Glory of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi comes courtesy of Il Ministero per i Beni Culturali e Ambientali. Evviva San Lorenzo da Brindisi!

Prayer to Saint Lawrence

Lord, for the glory of your name and the salvation of souls gave Lawrence of Brindisi courage and right judgement. By prayers help us to know what we should do and give us the courage to do it. 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

Feast of Sant’Alberico Crescitelli

Sant'Alberico Crescitelli, ora pro nobis

July 21 is the feast of Sant’Alberico Crescitelli (Guo Xide), Priest, Missionary, and Martyr. Born in Altavilla Irpina, Avellino on 30 June 1863, he entered the Pontifical Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul for Foreign Missions in Rome at the age of 12. Ordained in 1887, he was assigned to China by his superiors. Arriving in Shanghai in 1888, he journeyed to Ningqiang County in southern Shaanxi and converted many to the Faith. Captured and viciously tortured during the Boxer Rebellion, he was beheaded and tossed into the Han River on 21 July 1900.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Alberic. Evviva Sant’Alberico Crescitelli!

Prayer to St. Alberic 

Holy Saint Alberic, missionary and martyr, you gave your life to bring the message of the Gospel to non-Christians. Please ask Jesus, the Master of the harvest to bring us an abundance of missionary vocations, to that everyone my come to know, love and serve the one true God; to help our missionaries all over the world to grow in love and dedication to their service in Your name; to help me, and all those for whom I now pray, by granting these favors (Mention your petitions). Finally, I ask you to help me live my faith with the same heroic fervor that you did during your life on earth. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Ivory Oliphants

Ivory Oliphants, South Italian, possibly Amalfi, carved about 1100–1200,
Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of Sant’Elia Profeta

Sant'Elia Profeta, ora pro nobis

July 20th is the Feast of Sant’Elia Profeta (St. Elijah the Prophet), Miracle Worker and Father of the Carmelites. Patron saint of aviators, he is the principle protector of Sant'Elia a Pianisi (CB), Buonabitacolo (SA), Maschito (PZ), Sperone (AV), and Peschici (FG), among others. 

In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to Saint Elijah. Pictured is a friend's Russian Orthodox pendant depicting Sant'Elia. Evviva Sant'Elia Profeta!

Prayer to Saint Elijah

O glorious St. Elijah, ever a mirror of sanctity and justice, while living in this valley of tears, obtain for us of God the grace to be your followers on earth, that we may one day be partakers with you in the everlasting glory in heaven. O great Patriarch of the Order of Mount Carmel, teacher of God's people and the defender of their Faith, disperse, we entreat you, the darkness of our intellect, obscured by our evil passions, and preserve in our hearts the Faith which is kept living by works of charity. O holy Patriarch of the Most high, taken into heaven in a chariot of fire, and who shall be the precursor of Christ, when He shall come in the splendor of his infinite majesty to judge the living and the dead, pray for us, that loving Him and sincerely serving Him on earth, we may have the great happiness of loving Him for all eternity in the blessed kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Feast of Santa Margherita di Antiochia

Santa Margherita, ora pro nobis

July 20th is the Feast of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, Virgin and Martyr. She is the patron saint of farmers, nurses and pregnant women. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and Four Capital Virgins, St. Margaret of Antioch is invoked against infertility and for safe childbirth. Widely venerated in Southern Italy, she is the principal patron of Pozzillo (CT), Licodia Eubea (CT), Latiano (BR), Cappadoci (AQ), Pettorano Sul Gizio (AQ), Castelluccio Superiore (PZ), and Villamagna (CH), among others. 

In addition to the martyr’s palm, she is often depicted with a dragon. According to tradition, the Devil in the guise of a great serpent appeared before Margaret to tempt and deceive her. Instead of succumbing to the foul fiend's treachery she simply made the sign of the cross and he fled recoiling in pain. Other versions of the story say she was swallowed whole by a dragon and pressing her cross against the creature’s stomach she emerged unharmed, thus her association with pregnancies and labor. 

In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Saint Margaret. The accompanying photo was taken at the Parish of S. Margherita e S. Nicola del Pumpulo in Pastena, Salerno. Evviva Santa Margherita di Antiochia!

Prayer to Saint Margaret of Antioch

O God, grant us through the intercession of Thy holy virgin and martyr Margaret, undauntedly to confess the Faith, carefully to observe the chastity of our state of life, and to overcome the temptations of the world, the devil, and the flesh, and thereby escape the punishments of eternal damnation. Amen

Feast of Saints Giusta and Rufina

Saints Giusta and Rufina, orate pro nobis

July 19 is the feast of Saints Giusta (Justa) and Rufina, Virgin-Martyrs of Seville. Patron saints of potters, the holy virgins are also invoked against earthquakes. According to tradition, the sisters were arrested and tortured to death by the prefect Diogenian for refusing to sell their earthenware for use in heathen rituals. 

In celebration, we’re posting a Prayer to Saints Justa and Rufina. The accompanying image of Saints Justa and Rufina by Francisco Goya is located in the Sacristy of the Chalices inside the Catedral de Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain. Evviva Sante Giusta and Rufina!

Prayer

All-powerful, ever-living God, turn our weakness into strength. As you gave your martyrs Justa and Rufina the courage to suffer death for Christ, give us the courage to live in faithful witness to you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Arsenio il Grande

Sant'Arsenio il Grande, ora pro nobis

If we seek God, he will show himself to us, and if we keep him, he will remain close to us. ~ Sant'Arsenio il Grande

July 19 is the Feast of Sant’Arsenio il Grande (354-450), Deacon, Hermit and Dessert Father. He is the patron saint of Sant’Arsenio in Salerno. 

Following a profound spiritual crises, a celestial voice told the Roman patrician to “flee men.” Obeying, he rid himself of all worldly possessions and travelled to Alexandria in Egypt to live the ascetic life of a hermit. 

In the Sceté desert he joined a group of anchorites, where he spent his time in prayer and eremitic contemplation.

Forced to flee after a barbaric band of Mazici tribesmen devastated the hermitage and slaughtered many of the monks, he wandered the Egyptian wilderness for nearly fifteen years until his death in Troë near Memphis, Egypt. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Arsenius the Great. Evviva Sant’Arsenio il Grande!

Prayer to St. Arsenius the Great

God, You called St. Arsenius to seek Your Kingdom in this world through the pursuit of perfect charity. Grant that we may be strengthen by his intercession and advance in the way of love with joyful hearts. Amen.

Feast of San Vincenzo de’ Paoli

San Vincenzo de' Paoli, ora pro nobis

July 19 is the Feast of San Vincenzo de’ Paoli (1581-1660), Priest and Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists, or Vincentians) and the Confraternities of Charity. Patron saint of charitable societies, San Vincenzo is revered for his selflessness and compassion to the poor.

Appointed chaplain to the galleys by King Louis XIII of France, he ministered to the slaves and prisoners condemned to row the kingdom’s ships. Captured by Turkish corsairs off the coast of southern France in 1605, he was sold into slavery in the bazaars of Tunis. Eventually converting his Moslem master to the Faith, he was set free and returned to France. 

In addition to his many works of charity, San Vincenzo is also renowned for his reforms to counter clerical abuse and his opposition to the Jansenist heresy plaguing France. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Vincent de Paul. The accompanying photo is my makeshift shrine dedicated to the saint. Evviva San Vincenzo de’ Paoli!

Prayer to St. Vincent de Paul

Noble Saint Vincent de Paul, beloved servant of the poor, may we follow your example and do good works among those whom society has abandoned, enslaved, or forgotten. Inspire us to feed the hungry, to love a child, to provide comfort and medicine to the sick, to clothe those whose garments are threadbare, and to offer hope and our Lord’s words to all who need respite. Pray for us to our beloved God that we may commit ourselves selflessly to doing the same charitable acts that you did all your life, and intercede with him that we may have the favor of his guidance and strength and love upon this important and meaningful work. Amen.

A Look at the Canonical Coronation and 150th Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Hammonton, New Jersey

The air was thick with anticipation as the faithful, standing shoulder to shoulder, packed into St. Joseph’s Church in Hammonton, New Jersey, for the 150th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel — the longest-running Italian religious festival in the United States.

In the years leading up to the anniversary, the parish had petitioned the Vatican for a rare and profound honor: the Canonical Coronation of Hammonton’s miraculous statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A bold and faithful request — and Rome answered. Earlier this month, the Holy See granted the decree, authorizing the placement of a jeweled crown upon the head of the Christ Child held in Our Lady's arms.

The Mass was concelebrated by Father David Rivera, pastor of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, and Bishop Joseph Andrew Williams of the Diocese of Camden. Many in the congregation wept — not with sorrow, but with the kind of joy only tradition, grace, and the filial devotion to the Blessed Mother can stir.

Outside the church, the streets of Hammonton were transformed into a festive, fragrant carnival. Thousands gathered for the procession of saints, entertainment (rides, games, music, and more), and an abundance of Southern Italian and local fare — including the famous red roast beef sandwiches, made from thinly sliced crimson round roast, and blueberry cannolis bursting with local fruit.

For one golden day, the Old World and the New knelt together at the feet of Our Lady. Evviva Maria!

Feast of San Camillo de Lellis

San Camillo de Lellis, ora pro nobis

July 18th is the Feast of San Camillo de Lellis, Confessor and founder of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm. Patron saint of  physicians, nurses, hospitals and the sick, San Camillo is also the protector of the Abruzzo region of Southern Italy and his native Bucchianico in Chieti. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to St. Camillus of Lellis. The image of San Camillo in Gloria comes courtesy of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm. Evviva San Camillo de Lellis!

Prayer to Saint Camillus of Lellis

Most wonderful Saint, your compassion for the sick and the dying led you to found the Servants of the Sick. As Patron of nurses and hospital workers, infuse in them your compassionate spirit. Make hospitals resemble the inn in Christ’s Parable to which the Good Samaritan brought the wounded man saying: “Take care of him and I will repay you for it.” Amen.

Novena to San Pantaleone Martire

San Panaleone Martire, ora pro nobis

Prayers by Rev. Bonaventure, O.F.M. to be recited for nine consecutive days, July 18th — 26th, in preparation for the Feast on July 27th.

Preparatory Prayer

Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son.

Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen.

Prayer in Honor of St. Pantaleon

O God, who didst give to St. Pantaleon the grace of exercising charity toward his fellow-men by distributing his goods to the poor, and hast made him a special patron of the sick, grant, that we, too, show our charity by works of mercy; and through the intercession of this Thy servant preserve us from sickness. But if it be Thy will that illness should afflict us, give us the grace to bear it patiently, and let it promote our soul's salvation. Amen.

Invocation of St. Pantaleon

St. Pantaleon, who during life didst have great pity for the sick and with the help of God didst often relieve and cure them; I invoke thy intercession with God, that I may obtain the grace to serve Him in good health by cheerfully fulfilling the duties of my state of life. But if it be His holy will to visit me with illness, pain, and suffering, do thou aid me with thy powerful prayer to submit humbly to His chastisements, to accept sickness in the spirit of penance and to bear it patiently according to His holy will. Amen.

Prayer

My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena.

Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.

* For more on St. Pantaleon and the Fourteen Holy Helpers, I highly recommend Project Gutenberg's free ebook, Mary, Help of Christians and the Fourteen Saints Invoked as Holy Helpers, compiled by Rev. Bonaventure, O.F.M. It has instructions, legends, novenas and prayers, with thoughts of the saints for every day of the year. The accompanying photo of marble bas-relief altar rail depicting San Pantaleone was taken during my 2010 pilgrimage to the Duomo di Ravello, Salerno.

Anniversary of the National Uprising in Spain

July 18th marks the anniversary of the National Uprising in Spain, the beginning of the Liberation Crusade 1936-1939. ¡Por Dios y por España!

Remembering S.M.C. Don Carlos VII, Rey de las Españas

Carlos VII, Don Carlos María de Borbón y Austria-Este,
Duque de Madrid (b. 30 March 1868 — d. 18 July 1909)

In memory of S.M.C. Don Carlos VII, Duke of Madrid, legitimate King of Spain, who died in exile in Varese, Italy, in 1909, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. ¡Viva el Rey!

Eternal rest grant unto His Majesty, 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

Fairy Circle Spotted in Hammonton, New Jersey

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Random Thoughts as the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids Approach

Following the fading glow of the lucent Buck Moon on July 10th, the night sky will offer another celestial gift in the form of the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers. Peaking in the final days of July, these overlapping displays promise a captivating show (weather permitting) for skywatchers willing to stay up past midnight.

Best viewed in the still hours before dawn, the Delta Aquariids (active from mid-July to mid-August) are known for their swift, spectral streaks that flash across the southern sky. The Alpha Capricornids, by contrast, will complement the show with a few slow-moving fireballs, leaving radiant trails in their wake.

This year, the waning crescent moon will offer near-perfect viewing conditions, bringing an extra touch of wonder to our warm midsummer nights.

New Format for Our Saint of the Day and Holiday Updates

In an effort to streamline and avoid clutter, we’re changing how we share our Saint of the Day and holiday posts. Beginning this August, we’ll be posting a roundup (with links) at the start of each month. While this may mean we no longer post content daily, the change is intended to make it easier for you to find the latest posts without older ones getting in the way.

With less administrative and site maintenance on my plate, this should also free me up to spend more time researching and creating a wider range of content, which several of you have asked for. A few trusted friends have shared similar concerns about the current format feeling too crowded, and I agree it’s time to try something different. Honestly, the pressure to post every single day was also starting to wear me down.

So moving forward, we’re giving this new approach a try and seeing where it takes us.

Encouraged by Your Support

I’m glad to know I’m not the only one enjoying our translations and reviews of Italian-language articles and books. Speaking of which, I currently have a few in the works. For a while, I hesitated to take on certain pieces, partly because I have no formal training and have often doubted my language and writing skills.

Thanks to recent improvements in translation tools, I’ve become more willing to dive in. Your interest and encouragement make all the difference.

~ By Giovanni di Napoli, July 16th, Feast of the Madonna del Carmine

Feast the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne

Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of
Compiègne, orate pro nobis

July 17th is the Feast the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne, Victims of the French Revolution. In 1794 Mother Teresa of St. Augustine and her fifteen Companions were executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror. Refusing to comply with the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which subordinated the Catholic Church to the revolutionary government, the Martyrs were arrested, tried for treason, and sentenced to death. Driven before an unusually quiet mob, they each renewed their vows and chanted hymns as they heroically ascended the scaffold towards the cold-blooded executioner. They were buried in a common grave in the Picpus Cemetery. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne.

Prayer to the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne*

God our Father, you give us joy each year in honoring the memory of Blessed Teresa of St. Augustine and the Martyrs of Compiegne. May their prayers be a source of help for us, and may their example of courage and chastity be our inspiration. Grant 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.

From The Liturgy of the Hours: Common of Several Martyrs—For virgin martyr

* Prayer reprinted from aleteia.org

Feast of St. Christopher at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Rockaway, New Jersey

Feast of the Madonna del Carmine

Madonna del Carmine, ora pro nobis

July 16th is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Queen of Naples and Patroness of the Carmelite Order. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The accompanying photo of the crowned statue of the Madonna del Carmine was taken at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pontifical Shrine in East Harlem, New York. Evviva Madonna del Carmine!

Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Most blessed and immaculate Virgin, ornament and splendor of Mount Carmel, thou who regardest with particular goodness those who wear thy scapular, benignly look upon me also, and cover me with the mantle of thy maternal protection. Fortify my weakness with thy strength, illuminate the darkness of my mind with thy wisdom, increase Faith, Hope and Charity within me, adorn my soul with such graces and virtues that it may be always precious to thee and thy divine Son; assist me in life, console me at the hour of death with thy most loving presence and present me to the most august Trinity as thy son and devout servant, to eternally praise and bless thee in heaven. Amen.

Feast of Beato Bernardo II di Baden, Il Cavaliere Angelico

Beato Bernardo II di Baden, ora pro nobis

July 15th is the feast of Blessed Bernard II of Baden, the “Angelic Knight,” Margrave, Tertiary of the Order of St. Francis, Crusader and Envoy. Born in 1428, Bl. Bernard was the second son of Jacob I of Baden and Catherine of Lorraine. Trained in the arts of war and diplomacy, after the death of his father he entered into the service of Emperor Frederick III. Deeply pious, the “apostle of the poor” worked tirelessly to help the sick and the needy. Attempting to negotiate an alliance with the Venetians and Genoese against the Ottomans, he found the city of Genoa in the grip of a virulent epidemic. Advised against entering the city, he chose to fulfill his duty and was infected. In 1458, on the journey home, he died of the plague in Moncalieri, Piedmont, where he soon became a local patron due to the numerous healing miracles which took place around his tomb.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Bl. Bernard II of Baden. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Beato Bernardo II di Baden!

Prayer to Bl. Bernard II of Baden

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Bl. Bernard II of Baden 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 Bl. Bernard protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti

San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti, ora pro nobis

July 15 is the Feast of San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti (1710-1766), Piarist Priest and Miracle Worker. Invoked against earthquakes, he is the co-patron of his hometown Montecalvo Irpino in Campania and Campi Salentina, his final resting place, near Lecce.

Itinerant missionary throughout the Kingdom of Naples, he quickly acquired a reputation for holiness and earned the title “Apostle of Abruzzo” for the extraordinary work he accomplished in the region.

Slandered and denounced by a group of jealous clergymen, San Pompilio had his faculties of confession temporarily revoked and was exiled from Naples by King Carlo VII. His popularity with the populous proved too great and he was recalled by the King.

Returning to Southern Italy, San Pompilio founded the brotherhood of devotees in Montecalvo and worked tirelessly spreading the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Blessed Mother, whom he affectionately called “la Mamma Bella.”

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Pompilio in Italian. Evviva San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti!

Preghiera a San Pompilio

O Dio, Tu hai voluto che San Pompilio Maria si facesse tutto a tutti nell’educazione della gioventù e nella predicazione del Vangelo ai poveri: concedi anche a noi, per Sua intercessione, di imitare Cristo, maestro buono, per essere accolti, con i piccoli e i poveri in spirito, nella gloria eterna del Tuo Regno. Per Cristo nostro Signore. Amen.

Feast of Santa Rosalia (Il Festino)

Santa Rosalia, ora pro nobis

July 15th is the Feast of Santa Rosalia, Virgin and Hermitess. Patroness of Palermo, Sicily, Il Festino recalls her intercession on behalf of the Palermitani and the lifting of the plague of 1625.
Every year since the miracle, the relics of la Santuzza, or Little Saint, as her Sicilian devotees affectionately call her, are paraded through the crowded streets on an ornate chariot. Her liturgical Feast Day is celebrated on September 4th.

According to tradition, Rosalia was born of noble birth in Palermo in 1130, the same year Roger II was crowned King of Sicily. Like most of the island’s inhabitants at the time, she was a Byzantine Rite (Greek Rite) Catholic. Renouncing her life of privilege and comfort the pious maiden devoted herself to prayer and solitude, living the ascetic life of a hermit in a remote cave on Mount Pellegrino, where she died in 1166. 

Centuries later, in 1625, a terrible plague broke out in Palermo causing much death and suffering. She appeared in a vision to a local hunter and revealed the location of her remains on the mountain. In a nearby cave the huntsman discovered her relics with an inscription on the wall that read: 

I, Rosalia, daughter of Sinibald, Lord of Roses, and Quisquina, have taken the resolution to live in this cave for the love of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Carried in procession, Rosalia's relics were translated to Palermo. Three days later, on July 15th, the plague miraculously ended and the city was saved.

In celebration, I'm posting a prayer to Santa Rosalia. The accompanying photo of Saint Rosalie Interceding for the Plague-stricken of Palermo by Flemish master Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. Van Dyck was in Palermo during the plague and his paintings of the Little Saint were in great demand. Evviva Santa Rosalia!

Prayer to Saint Rosalia

Father in heaven, we thank You for the communion of saints so that we can draw near to You through the prayers of St. Rosalia. Through her prayers help us to remember that our destiny is heaven. As St. Rosalia gave up all things in this world for the sake of Your Kingdom, through her prayers may we love more fully Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who together with You and the Holy Spirit are one God forever and ever. O God, our Father, mercifully look upon Your people who come to You and grant through the intercession of St. Rosalia, who turned away from earthly delights to the joys of contemplation, that we may be delivered from all harm here on earth and one day be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. St. Rosalia, confessor and virgin, we pray to God for our families and friends. Through your powerful prayers, may we obtain health, life, and eternal salvation. I also pray today for this special need and intention (make your intention known). O glorious virgin and confessor, St. Rosalia, I promise henceforth to remember and follow your example of faith and love. Pray for me and mine. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Enrico II

Imperator Romanorum

July 15th is the Feast of Sant’Enrico Secondo (St. Henry II), Holy Roman Emperor. Patron saint of Benedictine Oblates, the disabled and childless people, Henry the Pious (or the Lame), as he is sometimes called, is also invoked against sterility.

Miraculously cured of an unknown illness through the intercession of San Benedetto at the monastery of Montecassino in Southern Italy, the Emperor endowed the abbey with several royal gifts, including the famed Lectionary of Henry II, an illuminated manuscript of Gospel readings for Mass.

In celebration, I’m posting the Collect of the Day. The accompanying photo of the saint’s statue was taken at Montecassino Abbey during my 2007 pilgrimage. Sant'Enrico II, ora pro nobis.

Collect of the Day 

O God, whose abundant grace prepared Saint Henry to be raised by you in a wonderful way from the cares of earthly rule to heavenly realms, grant, we pray, through his intercession, that amid the uncertainties of this world we may hasten towards you with minds made pure. 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.

Feast of San Marciano di Frigento

San Marciano di Frigento, ora pro nobis

July 14 is the Feast of San Marciano di Frigento, fifth century ascetic, miracle worker and Bishop. He is the patron saint of Frigento and Taurasi in Avellino, Campania. According to tradition, San Marciano was born in Greece and sold all his worldly possessions to help comfort the poor and sick. Looking to escape the unwanted adulation, he took refuge in Italy, near Frigento, to live the austere life of a hermit. However, his reputation for holiness and the various healing miracles attributed to him soon attracted numerous followers. During a pilgrimage to Rome, Pope Leo the Great found him in prayer inside the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres (the Pantheon). Receiving a vision, the Holy Father elected San Marciano Bishop of Frigento, where he continued to perform a great many miracles. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Marciano by Arciprete Don Luigi Liberto. Evviva San Marciano di Frigento!

Preghiera a San Marciano

O Glorioso S. Marciano, nostro speciale Patrono, rivolgi il tuo sguardo di Padre e di Guida sul popolo che Ti invoca e Ti venera. Accogli la nostra supplica e, con la Tua potente intercessione, ottieni a noi le sospirate grazie. Illumina le intelligenze, ottenebrate dall'errore, fortifica le volontà vacillanti; riscalda i cuori, col Tuo stesso amore, con l'ardore delta Tua carità. Conforta e solleva i nostri affanni; asciuga il nostro pianto; guarisci le ferite del nostro spirito; allontana dalle nostre campagne il pericolo delle tempeste e della grandine devastatrice. Impetra libertà alla Chiesa di Dio, pace alla umana società, concordia ed unione agli spiriti agitati e sconvolti. La tua benedizione sia il pegno dei favori celesti e l'arma sicura del trionfo del bene. Amen. 

Remembering Jacques Cathelineau, the “Saint de l’Anjou”

b. 5 January 1759 — d. 14 July 1793

In memory of the “Saint de l’Anjou” Jacques Cathelineau, Vendée royalist and premier généralissime de l'Armée catholique et royale, 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

Photo of the Week: Ivory Oliphants

Ivory Oliphants, South Italian, possibly Amalfi, carved about 1100-1200,
Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of the Madonna Degli Infermi

Madonna Degli Infermi, ora pro nobis

The second Sunday of July is the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi (Our Lady of the Sick), Patroness of Raffadali, a small town in the Province of Agrigento, Sicily. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick. The accompanying photo of the Madonna degli Infermi was taken at Saint Rocco’s Church in Glen Cove, New York. Evviva Madonna Degli Infermi!

Prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick

Virgin, most holy, Mother of the Word Incarnate, Treasurer of graces, and Refuge of sinners, I fly top your motherly affection with lively faith, and I beg of you the grace ever to do the will of God.

Into your most holy hands I commit the keeping of my heart, asking you for health of soul and body, in the certain hope that you, my most loving Mother, will hear my prayer. 

Into the bosom of your tender mercy, this day, every day of my life, and at the hour of my death, I commend my soul and body. 

To you I entrust all my hopes and consolations, all my trials and miseries, my life and the end of my life, that all my actions may be ordered and disposed according to your will and that of your Divine Son. Amen.

Feast of St. Mildred of Thanet

St. Mildred of Thanet, ora pro nobis

July 13th is the feast of St. Mildred of Thanet, Benedictine Nun and Abbess. Daughter of King Merewalh of Magonsæte and his wife, St. Ermenburga, she was educated at the Royal Abbey of Chelles, near Paris. Given the veil by St. Theodore of Canterbury, she entered the monastery at Minster-in-Thanet in Kent, England, which was founded by her mother. Upon her mother’s death, she succeeded her as abbess. In 732 St. Mildred died at Minster from a lingering illness. Much beloved and with a reputation of holiness, she quickly became a local patron reverently known as “The Fairest Lily of the English.”

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Mildred of Thanet written by M. Lee Boseman. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva St. Mildred of Thanet!

Prayer to St. Mildred of Thanet

Good Saint Mildred, sweet flower of perfection and charity, while on earth, you rejected the riches you had been born of and gave your life to Christ. You are well known for your sincere love and compassion for the poor; please pray for us that we may be pleasing to God by accepting His Holy Will. And in accepting His Holy Will may we be less concerned with our own sufferings and more eager to help others in need as you did. Remember also my special intention(s) I now faithfully entrust to you. (Name your special intentions) Pray for us Saint Mildred that we may be made true servants of Christ and share in the eternal joys of heaven with God Our Father. Amen

Feast of Santa Trofimena di Minori

Santa Trofimena di Minori, ora pro nobis

July 13th is the Feast of Santa Trofimena di Minori, Virgin and Martyr. Patroness of Minori, Salerno, she is the protector of children and invoked against plagues, earthquakes and other natural disasters. One of three major observances held in her honor, the Feast commemorates the translation of the Saint’s stolen relics back to Minori from Benevento on July 13th, 839. Santa Trofimena is also honored on November 5th, which according to popular tradition is when her relic, with the aid of an angel, washed ashore from Sicily in 640, and on November 27th, the anniversary of the rediscovery of her relic during the reconstruction of the cathedral in 1793. She is also venerated in Sicily as Santa Febronia in Patti (ME) on the last Sunday of July and Palagonia (CT) on June 25th. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Santa Trofimena. The above photos of the Saint were taken during my 2010 visit to Minori. The pictures below were taken at Saint Michael's Church in New Haven, Connecticut and the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva Santa Trofimena di Minori!

Prayer to Santa Trofimena

Glory to Thee O Trofimena, Saint in the highest and Mother and Patroness of Minori. Glory to Thee Santa Trofimena, The gentle lull of the sea gave us your natural remains. Glory to Thee Santa Trofimena, You have chosen Minori as your humble abode.

(L) Santa Trofimena, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
(R) Santa Trofimena, New Haven, Connecticut