Remembering General Baron Charles Marie Athanase de Charette de La Contrie

b. 3 September 1832 — d. 9 October 1911

In memory of General Baron Charles Marie Athanase de Charette de La Contrie, commander of the Papal Zouaves, 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.

* Read the eulogy for General Baron Charles Marie Athanase de Charette de La Contrie reprinted from Avant Garde, the bi-monthly bulletin of the Papal Zouaves

Remembering the Victors of Lepanto

Don Giovanni d’Austria, Marcantonio Colonna and Sebastiano Venier

In memory of the Victors of Lepanto, Don Giovanni d’Austria, Marcantonio Colonna, Sebastiano Venier and all the heroic men of the Holy League, who defended Christendom and defeated the Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, we pray for the happy repose of their souls.

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

Feast of San Renato di Sorrento

San Renato di Sorrento, ora pro nobis

October 6th is the feast of St. Renato of Sorrento, one of the co-patron saints of the city. Little is known with certainty about his life, but tradition places him in the fifth century and remembers him first as a hermit, living in prayer and solitude in the Sorrentine Peninsula. His reputation for holiness eventually led the local community to choose him as its bishop.

The site associated with Renato later became an important religious center, and the primitive Cathedral of Sorrento stood near the ancient monastery that bore his name. His cult is attested from at least the early Middle Ages, when he and St. Valerio were already invoked as protectors of Sorrento. Relics traditionally identified as those of the two saints were discovered there in 1603.

During the Middle Ages, Renato’s story became intertwined with that of St. René of Angers, giving rise to later traditions identifying the two saints. Modern scholarship, however, cannot establish that they were the same person. The Roman Martyrology commemorates Renato simply as bishop of Sorrento in Campania. Evviva San Renato!

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

O Holy St. Renatus, faithful confessor of the faith and ancient shepherd of the Church in Sorrento, you dedicated your life to prayer and the service of God. We ask for your powerful intercession today. Pray for us, that we may stand firm in our Christian faith amidst the trials and confusions of the world. Obtain for us the grace to live with courage, love, and unwavering devotion to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

A Prayer to St. Agatha of Sicily for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Feast of Beato Nicola da Forca Palena

Beato Nicola da Forca
Palena, ora pro nobis

September 29th is the feast of Blessed Nicola of Forca Palena, priest and founder. Born around 1349 in Forca Palena, Abruzzo, Nicola entered the priesthood and served for a time near his birthplace. Drawn increasingly to solitude and penance, he eventually journeyed to Rome, where he joined a community of hermits devoted to spiritual life.

Nicola later established a hermitage on the Janiculum Hill in Rome, which developed into the church and monastery of Sant’Onofrio. His community was eventually united with the Poor Hermits of St. Jerome associated with Blessed Pietro Gambacorta, helping form the Jerolamin tradition.

After nearly a century of devotion to God, Nicola died at Sant’Onofrio in Rome in 1449. He was buried there, and his reputation for sanctity endured among the faithful. Pope Clement XIV formally confirmed his longstanding cult in 1771.

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

O Blessed Nicola of Forca Palena, Jerolamin, humble servant of God, who found true peace in solitude and prayer, intercede for us before the Lord. Help us seek unity and spiritual strength in times of tribulation, and guide us with your wisdom to the heart of the Holy Trinity. Amen.

Novena to San Bruno di Colonia

San Bruno di Colonia, ora pro nobis

Pray this novena for nine consecutive days, from September 27th through October 5th, in preparation for the Feast on October 6th. Evviva San Bruno!

Almighty and eternal God, you prepare dwelling places in heaven for those who renounce this world. We humbly beseech your boundless mercy, that through the intercession of our blessed Father Bruno, your Confessor, we may faithfully fulfill the vows of our profession and safely attain those things you have promised to all who persevere in your friendship.

This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O loving Father, and glorious St. Bruno, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

* The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. 

Remembering Maria Amalia of Saxony, Queen of Naples and Sicily

24 November, 1724 — 27 September, 1760

In memory of Maria Amalia of Saxony, Queen of Naples and Sicily (later Spain), we pray for the happy repose of her soul. Viva ‘a Reggina!

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

Solemn Mass for San Maurizio in Little Italy, New York

The missal for the Mass

Annue, quásumus, omnipotens Deus: ut sanctórum Martyrum tuórum Maurítii et Sociorum ejus nos latíficet festíva sollémnitas; ut, quorum suffrágiis nítimur, eórum natalitis gloriémur. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum, Filium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sácula sæculórum. Amen.

Tuesday evening, leaving behind the din and tumult of the ongoing Feast of San Gennaro on Mulberry Street, I entered the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood for the Feast of St. Maurice and the Martyrs of the Theban Legion.

Arriving nearly an hour early, I found the contrast could hardly have been greater. The church was silent and peaceful. I prayed the Rosary and said my prayers while the servers quietly prepared the sanctuary and the choir warmed up in the loft.

Having been told it was a private Mass, I expected little more than a priest offering Mass at one of the side altars. Instead, I found myself at a Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass, accompanied by sublime sacred music and a remarkable turnout. The congregation's responses and hymns thundered through the nave. It was deeply uplifting and spiritually moving.

Sangria at the post-Mass gathering

What struck me almost as much as the Mass itself was how young the congregation was. I was among the few older people present. Looking around the church, one might easily have mistaken it for a young adult Mass.

Afterward, everyone was invited to a nearby restaurant for food, drinks, and conversation. There, among old acquaintances and new friends, the solemnity of the evening gave way naturally to conviviality.

~ By Giovanni di Napoli, September 23rd, Feast of Padre Pio

Be merciful, almighty God, we beseech You, that the solemn feast of Your martyrs, Maurice and his Companions, may gladden us, so that we who rely on their patronage may joyfully celebrate the anniversary of their martyrdom. Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Remembering Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor

Statue of Carlo V sculpted by Vincenzo Gemito on the western facade
of the Royal Palace in the Largo del Palazzo Reale in Naples

In memory of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (24 February 1500 – 21 September 1558), Carlo IV of Naples and Carlo V of Sicily, 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

Remembering the Warrior Prelate: His Eminence Cardinal Fabrizio Dionigi Ruffo

Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo (b. Sept. 16, 1744—d. Dec. 13, 1827)

In memory of His Eminence Cardinal Fabrizio Dionigi Ruffo, the great counter-revolutionary hero who liberated the Kingdom of Naples from Franco-Jacobin tyranny, we offer our prayers 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

Remembering Maria Isabella of Spain, Queen of the Two Sicilies

6 July, 1789 — 13 September, 1848

In memory of Maria Isabella of Spain, Queen of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul. Viva ‘a Reggina!

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

A Prayer for the Victims of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks

Christ embracing the Twin Towers, St. Ephrem Church, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the September 11, 2001 Islamist terrorist attacks—we still remember. May Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception protect and watch over you.

Prayer for Victims of Terrorism

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. 

Remembering Maria Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples and Sicily

13 August, 1752 — 8 September, 1814

In memory of Maria Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples and Sicily, we pray for the happy repose of her soul. Viva ‘a Reggina!

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

Buon Capodanno Bizantino! Happy New Year to Our Byzantine Brethren!

In the Byzantine Rite September 1st is the beginning of a new liturgical year. For centuries, Byzantine civilization flourished in Southern Italy until being absorbed by the dominant Latin population. However, pockets of the Divine Liturgy and old cultural traditions still exist today and, in some cases, they continue to grow and thrive again.

Harking back to its Imperial roots, Amalfi and neighboring Atrani commemorate Byzantine New Year with a two day medieval themed festival, extolling the past glories of the ancient maritime Republic. Beginning on the eve on August 31st, revelers will partake in a series of popular amusements and entertainments, including music, local delicacies, fireworks and, of course, the grand procession of Knights and Ladies in period costumes (corteo storico rievocativo) reenacting the bygone investiture of the new Magister di Civiltà Amalfitana. 

In celebration, I’m posting prayers for the Beginning of the Church Year from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home. They are meant for private use. Pictured is my WWI Byzantine Cross Combat Rosary from Rugged Rosaries. Buon Capodanno Bizantino!

Troparia

Troparion of the lndiction Tone 2 You spaced the seasons and the years on Your Own authority, so bless the beginning of this New Year, O Creator. Preserve our authorities and our state in peace, O Lord, through the prayers of the Theotokos, and save us.

Kontakion of the lndiction Tone 2 Christ our King Who dwells on high, bless the beginning of this new year. For You are the One Who set the seasons and the years. You are the One Who made both night and day. Protect our authorities, our state and our people, and keep them at peace, O merciful Lord. 

Stichera
Glory be...now and ever…O Eternal Word and Son, together with the Holy Spirit, Creator + and Maker of all things visible and invisible, bless the beginning of the year, keep in peace all the faithful, through the prayers of the Theotokos and all Your saints. 

Feast of Sant'Ermete di Roma

Sant'Ermete di Roma, ora pro nobis

August 28th is the Feast of St. Hermes of Rome, Martyr. Although few details of his life can now be established with certainty, the antiquity of his cult is well attested. According to the testimony of Pope St. Damasus, Hermes came from Greece and became a Roman citizen, where he suffered martyrdom for the name of Christ.

His body was buried in the Cemetery of Basilla along the Via Salaria Vetus. A basilica was later built over his tomb, which became a place of pilgrimage for the Christians of Rome. St. Hermes is invoked against possession and mental illness.

The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant'Ermete di Roma!

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

O God, who didst give to blessed Hermes, thy martyr, strength and constancy in his sufferings: grant, by his example, that we may despise, for the love of thee, all that this world esteems great, and be afraid of none of its terrors. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Paula Gambra Mariné, Carlist Leader, Dies in Segovia

Paula Gambra Mariné, a prominent member of Spain’s Carlist movement and head of the Margaritas of the Comunión Tradicionalista, died in Segovia on August 25th, the Feast of St. Louis IX, King of France.

Born into a family deeply rooted in the Carlist tradition, Gambra Mariné devoted herself to the ideals and apostolate of the Comunión Tradicionalista. As leader of the Margaritas, she carried forward a tradition of Catholic faith, service, and fidelity that has long distinguished the movement.

We ask the faithful to offer prayers for the repose of her soul.

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

Remembering S.A.R. Maria Immacolata Luisa di Borbone, Princess of Bourbon Two Sicilies and Countess of Bardi

21 January 1855 – 23 August 1874

In memory of S.A.R. Maria Immacolata Luisa di Borbone, Princess of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Countess of Bardi, daughter of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul.

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

Viva 'o Rre! Happy Birthday King Francesco I of the Two Sicilies

b. Napoli, 14 August 1777 – d. Napoli, 8 November 1830

In memory of King Francesco I of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. Viva ‘o Rre!

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

Remembering Antonio Molle Lazo, Carlist Martyr

"I will suffer the greatest torments rather than apostatize from my God."

Today we remember the martyrdom of Antonio Molle Lazo (b. 2 April 1915 — d. 10 August 1936), a young Requeté who was captured, tortured, and brutally murdered while trying to protect the nuns at the convent of the Hermanitas de la Cruz (Little Sisters of the Cross) in Peñaflor, Seville, from Republican militiamen during the Spanish Civil War. His dying words were ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

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

Remembering Maria Teresa of Austria, Queen of the Two Sicilies

31 July, 1816 — 8 August, 1867

In memory of Maria Teresa of Austria, Queen of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul. Viva ‘a Reggina!

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