Il Regno

October 10, 2016

Photo of the Week: Cappella Beata Vergine del Rosario nel Duomo di Ravello

The Chapel of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary in the Cathedral of Ravello
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

October 9, 2016

The Search for our Ancestry (XXIX)

How Can DNA Results Help Our Search?

By Angelo Coniglio

There are several DNA testing firms that cater to the general public. Most of them actively promote their services, and can be found on the internet. The ‘Big Four’, with the main thrusts of their services, are: 23andMe (medical, genealogical, and personal ancestry); Family Tree DNA (genealogical, personal ancestry); AncestryDNA (genealogical, personal ancestry); and Genographic by National Geographic (population genetics research, personal ancestry). The first three charge about $100 for a basic test, while 23andMe and National Geographic charge about $200 for a more comprehensive test. For a detailed comparison, see http://bit.ly/DNATestVendorsCompared

The premise behind all of these tests is that humans, like all living things, have a ‘genome’ – a set of biological ‘plans’ that determine the details of our existence: hair color; eye color; body shape; susceptibility to asthma, or cancer, or color blindness; ability to procreate, etc., etc.; the very things that make us individuals. These traits, however, have been passed down from our ancestors, via the ‘coding’ described by substances called Deoxyribo-Nucleic Acids – DNA. We receive some of it from one parent, some from the other. Since our parents had parents, they, too received some from each parent, meaning that part of our DNA is from our grandparents - and from our great-grandparents and our great-great-grandparents, back to the first humans.

Our DNA is contained mostly in our genes, in chromosomes, of which we have 23 ‘pairs’. Most of it is of a type called ‘autosomal’, contained in 22 of the 23 chromosome pairs. The 23rd pair is the one that determines our gender. In males, the pair comprises one X and one Y chromosome, and in females it has two X chromosomes. The DNA in the Y chromosome (paternal, or Y DNA) is passed only from male to male. Another key form of DNA is mitochondrial DNA (maternal, or mtDNA), which is passed from a woman to both male and female offspring, but isn’t further passed on by male children. These characteristics mean that paternal and maternal DNA can be compared to known DNA characteristics of various ethnic and geographic groups that existed in the distant past.

I have previously said that one of the genealogical reasons for DNA testing includes the desire to know one’s broad ethnic or national origins. Many people are intrigued by such questions. Do they have Black, or Jewish, or Native American ancestry, etc.? While the test vendors use DNA analyses to indicate a subject’s ‘ancestry composition’ I believe many researchers put undue weight on such descriptions.

For example, my 23andMe ‘ancestry composition’ shows 87.7% European, with 75.1% Southern European and 59.9% Italian. It found less than one-tenth of one percent of my ancestry is Irish or British. Not surprising, since I have previously found by traditional ‘paper genealogy’ that most of my ancestors back to the sixth generation, in the mid 1700’s, were from one of only two towns in central Sicily. It shows 5.1% being Middle Eastern or African: intriguing, but no more surprising. The ‘small print’ says that these estimates are for one’s ancestry approximately ‘500 years ago, before ocean-crossing ships and airplanes came on the scene.’

Results from other venues claim to define one’s ancestry as far back as 5,000 to 50,000 years, but I feel that such ‘ancestry’ simply refers to stages or regions that the familial forebears passed through during the long history of mankind. I happen to believe that all mankind descended from the first humans in Africa, so if the DNA studies were all completely accurate and extended far enough back in time, everyone’s ‘ancestral composition’ would be the same – 100% African.

In the future, I’ll discuss what DNA testing can do to answer the questions I’m most interested in; those surrounding ‘personal ancestry’.

Coniglio is the author of the book The Lady of the Wheel, inspired by his Sicilian research. Order the paperback or the Kindle version at http://bit.ly/SicilianStory

Coniglio’s web page at http://bit.ly/AFCGen has helpful hints on genealogic research. If you have genealogy questions, or would like him to lecture to your club or group, e-mail him at genealogytips@aol.com

October 7, 2016

Feast of Our Lady of Victory and the Most Holy Rosary

Our Lady of the Rosary, ora pro nobis
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

October 7th is the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, a celebration of the Holy League's victory over the Ottoman Turks at the Battle of Lepanto on this day in 1571. The Christian victory was attributed to the praying of the Rosary. In celebration, I'm posting "Mother of the Rosary" from Prayers and Devotional Songs of Sicily, edited and translated by Peppino Ruggeri.(*) The photo of La colonna spezzata (the broken column), a monument to lost sailers, was taken at Piazza Vittoria (Victory Square) during my 2010 pilgrimage to Naples. The accompanying photo of Our Lady of the Rosary was taken at the Our Lady of Pompeii Church (25 Carmine Street) in New York's West Village.

La colonna spezzata

Mother of the Rosary

Of Heaven you are our Grand Lady
With Jesus our defender you have been
I saw a precious rose and a white lily
Mother and son for ever blessed be.

Oh dear Mother of the Rosary
Give me council and your favor grant
Oh Mother of the Word who is incarnate
From the pains of hell please liberate.

(*) Prayers and Devotional Songs of Sicily, edited and translated into English by Peppino Ruggeri, Legas 2009, p.127

October 6, 2016

Feast of San Bruno di Colonia

San Bruno di Colonia, ora pro nobis

October 6th is the Feast of San Bruno di Colonia (St. Bruno of Cologne), eleventh century Hermit and Founder of the Carthusian Order (1084). Invoked against demonic possession, he is the Patron Saint of Serra San Bruno in the Calabrian Province of Vibo Valentia. Serving as a close advisor to Pope Urban II, San Bruno was offered the archbishopric of Reggio Calabria, which he refused. Seeking seclusion, he obtained Papal permission to return to monastic life and withdrew to the remote wilderness of Calabria. Granted land from Count Roger of Sicily, the Holy Hermit founded the Charterhouse of Saint Stephen and monastery at La Torre. Widely venerated in Calabria, during Pentecost devotees carry the saint’s relics in procession from the Certosa dei Santi Stefano e Bruno to the Eremo di Santa Maria.

In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Saint Bruno. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. Evviva San Bruno di Colonia!

Prayer to Saint Bruno

O glorious patriarch, holy Father Bruno, look down upon us with those eyes of kindness that so often won men's hearts. Day and night as of old, thou dost hear in heaven's court the voices of thy sons upon earth joined in God's praises, linked with the angel choirs. Sweet Father, if our voices may reach that Throne of Majesty, we ourselves are not yet come there. Guard and guide us on that heavenward road thou hast trod before us. Thou knowest its dangers; thou knowest our weakness. Be our helper that we may keep unquenched that fire of fervor which thou didst light up so long ago. Then shall we be thy crown of glory both here and hereafter. O glorious St. Bruno, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death! Amen

October 5, 2016

Celebrating the Feast of the Guardian Angel in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

L'Angelo Custode

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Italian American Catholics came out in force Sunday (Oct. 2nd) for the Apostolato Italiano Diocese of Brooklyn’s procession in honor of the Guardian Angel (Angelo Custode) and memorial Mass for the victims of the earthquake in Italy. Gathering en masse at Grand Army Plaza, the faithful recited the Rosary as they made their way through gentrified Prospect Heights, Brooklyn to the Co-cathedral of St. Joseph.

Yours truly participated under the aegis of the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata and had the distinct honor of carrying the statue of the Guardian Angel into the church.

In addition to celebrating the Holy Eucharist as a community, over a thousand participants received a plenary indulgence as they passed through the cathedral’s Holy Doors.

Mass was celebrated in Italian by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Clergy members from across the city joined in the magnificent celebration.

Arriving early, I took the opportunity to see some of
Grand Army Plaza's attractions, including the Soldiers'
and Sailors' Arch (above) and the Bailey Fountain (below)

The Apostolato Italiano color guard led the way

Crucifer flanked by acolytes and altar servers

Parishioners from Sacred Hearts and St. Stephen's Church

Members of the Congrega Maria SS. Addolorata

Parishioners from St. Dominic's RC Church

Members of the Apostolato Italiano

Our friends from the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata

(Left) Members of the Sacred Heart League of Santa Rosalia and Regina Pacis. (Right) Knight and Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem served as honor guard for Bishop DiMarzio

The faithful recite the Rosary

(Left) Our buddy Vincent and the St. Joseph and St. Pio Prayer Group.
(Right) Devotees of Our Lady of Grace

Members of the Comunità Italiana Immacolata Concezione

Members of the Associazione Maria SS. del Ponte di Partinico New York
and the Borgetto Cultural Association

Parishioners from Our Lady of Guadalupe RC Church

Our friends from the Societá Gioventú Quagliettana
and the Comunità Italiana Parrocchia di San Giuseppe

Members of the Circolo Calabrittano Inc.

Our friends from the Gioiosa Ionica Society

Parishioners from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church

Parishioners from St. Lukes RC Church

Smiling faces greeted us at St. Joseph's

Participants packed into the Cathedral for Mass

(Left) We placed the statue beside the High Altar.
(Right) After Mass, Msgr. Cassato, Pastor at St. Athanasius Church,
gave thanks to all who participated in this magnificient celebration of faith

The Feast of Blessed Bartolo Longo

Blessed Bartolo Longo, ora pro nobis

October 5th is the Feast of Blessed Bartolo Longo, Man of Mary and Herald of the Rosary. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Blessed Longo. Pictured above is my collection of prayer cards. The antique cards were a gift from a close friend who understands and appreciates my special devotion to Blessed Longo. Evviva Beato Bartolo Longo!

A Prayer to Blessed Bartolo Longo

All-powerful and merciful God, in Blessed Bartolo, a promoter of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, you showed a wonderful example of holiness and of charity for needy children and orphans. Through his prayers may we learn to see Christ your Son in our neighbors and to love him through them. 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

October 3, 2016

Photo of the Week: San Michele Arcangelo by Renato Rossi

San Michele Arcangelo by Renato Rossi, 1931, hand painted ceramic tiles on the facade of the Confraternity of Annunziata and Rosario (next door to the Chiesa San Giovanni) in Vietri sul Mare. Photo by New york Scugnizzo

October 2, 2016

Keeping a Vow: Celebrating the Feast of St. Michael at Most Precious Blood Church in Little Italy

Evviva San Michele!

Photos by Andrew Giordano and New York Scugnizzo

By Cav. John Napoli

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make our extraordinary Michaelmas celebration a reality (Sept. 29th). What started as a personal vow to the Archangel Michael has come to fruition. Due to the increasingly hostile environment against law enforcement my normal everyday concern for the safety of friends and loved ones serving on the job has turned into fear and trepidation. I turn to the patron saint of police officers for solace and plead for his intervention to protect the men and women in blue.

First and foremost I would like to thank Lorenzo Tinio for all his hard work and support. This Mass would not have been possible without him. When I first mentioned my interest in sponsoring a Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass in honor of St. Michael back in July, during the 5th Annual Traditional Pilgrimage at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in East Harlem, Lorenzo encouraged me to do it and guided me through, what was for me, unchartered waters.

Thank you to my dear friend Stephen LaRocca, President of the St. Rocco Society of Potenza in NYC, for your endless support and counsel. With Steve’s many years of experience organizing the Feast of St. Rocco, a seemingly daunting task was accomplished with relative ease.

Thank you Msgr. Donald Sakano, Pastor of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, for letting us hold the celebration at Most Precious Blood Church. Monsignor did not hesitate to give us his blessing when I made the request and has been nothing but supportive of our endeavor.

Thank you to the staff and congregation at Most Precious Blood Church for your warmth and kindness, especially project manager Bill Russo, who continues to be a major supporter of Catholic and Italian American initiatives at the parish.

Special Thanks to Cav. Msgr. Joseph Ambrosio for being our Celebrant, Fr. Robert Rodriguez for being our Deacon, Fr. Christopher Salvatori for being our Subdeacon and Cav. Msgr. Christopher Hynes for being our Homilist. It was an incredible honor to celebrate Mass with you.

Thank you to music director Art Manabat, organist Robert Harsaghy and the rest of the schola (I apologize for not getting your names) for being quintessential professionals and braving the dark and dusty choir loft. What a blessing and joy it was to listen to you perform.

Thank you to the dutiful altar servers. Along with Lorenzo, Brian Hilley, Joseph Lucia, Brian Mcguire, and thurifer Teddy Thongratnachat did a fantastic job.

We could not have done it without the support of our friends from the St. Rocco Society of Potenza, the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, the Comitati Due Sicilie USA, the Society of St. Hugh of Cluny, the NYPD Holy Name Society of Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island, and the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata.

I would be remiss not to mention Andrew Giordano, John Cordi, Marcantonio Pezzano, Lucian, Cav. John Viola, Cav. Pat O’Boyle, Cav. Anthony O’Boyle, Cav. Charles Sant’Elia, Cav. Vincent Gangone, Achille Pirro, Lucrezia Nardulli and Elena Loguercio. You have all been true friends and I appreciate your love and support.

It was great meeting the police officers who travelled all the way from Staten Island to celebrate with us. Thank you for your service and God bless you all.

I apologize if I forgot anyone.

God willing, we will see you all again next year, Friday, September 29, 2017 for the Second Annual Feast of St. Michael at Most Precious Blood Church. Evviva San Michele!!!

I'm told, it was the first time in over 40 years the statue of St. Michael was brought out from its niche for veneration

The crucifer and acolytes led the procession

(Left) Members of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George
and (right) the NYPD participate in the procession

(Left) Father Robert Rodriguez and (right) Father Christopher Salvatori

(Left) Cav. Msgr. Joseph Ambrosio and (right) Cav. Msgr. Christopher Hynes

(Above & below) Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass

(Left) Cav. Msgr. Hynes gave an inspiring sermon about our angelic patron.
(right) Cav. Msgr. Ambrosio led us in reciting the original prayer to St. Michael