Celebrating the 94th Annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, New York

San Gennaro, ora pro nobis

A look at Saturday’s 94th Annual Feast of San Gennaro at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood (113 Baxter Street) in Little Italy, New York. Evviva San Gennaro!

(Above & below) Before Mass, devotees carry the statue into the church

(Above & below) The Recessional

After Mass, San Gennaro was presented to the expectant crowd

(L) Departing the church grounds.
(R) Swaying side to side in time with the music

The procession makes its way through Little Italy

Members of the Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge show their support

Our buddy Achille with the original society standard

(Above & below) The procession stops for donations along the way

Danny Vecchiano and the Giglio Band

A nice tribute was offered to our Armed Forces by
the WWII Monument outside DiPalo's Fine Foods store 

(Above & below) The statue returns to the sanctuary

In addition to carrying the statue, the highlight of the day
was getting to venerate the relic of our glorious patron

Lifters take a commemorative photo with members of the Figli di San Gennaro

Members of the San Rocco Society and Sanfedisti
with the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Enjoying our celebratory dinner at La Mela
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Hiking Staten Island’s Verdant Greenways

Bronze church bells on display in church plaza
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Looking to clear our minds and prepare for the upcoming week brimming with patronal Feast days (i.e. San Gennaro & Our Lady of La Salette on Saturday, Santa Candida & Sant’Eustachio on Sunday, San Matteo on Monday, San Maurizio on Tuesday, Padre Pio on Wednesday, et cetera), a few of us went hiking Friday morning in southern Staten Island’s vast and verdant open space reserve. 

(L) The facade of the Old Church of St. Joachim and St. Ann.
(R) Bronze statue of Fr. John Drumgoole by sculptor Robert Cushing

A picture-perfect day for a ramble, our little jaunt began at the the Old Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne in Pleasant Plains. Now closed, the church once served the destitute street children housed at the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, commonly known as Mount Loreto, founded by Fr. John Drumgoole in 1871. Almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1973, all that remained was the facade. Rebuilt in 1976, the new building was incorporated into the original church exterior.

Bronze statues of Sant'Anna and San Gioacchino above the entranceway

From the churchyard, we traversed the open space reserve and nature preserve of the Mount Loreto Unique Area. Spotting all sorts of flora and fauna (e.g. ducks, swans, and large snapping turtles), we covered a lot of contrasting terrain, including tidal and freshwater wetlands, vernal ponds, and a lengthy shoreline of ocean-facing bluffs.

An ephemeral pool teeming with animal life

To our surprise, we stumbled across the outdoor shrine of the Immaculate Virgin, a large stone niche that once housed a statue of Our Lady. Now used as a “spontaneous shrine” memorializing the dearly departed, the space is covered with a sundry collection of statuary, prayer cards and other religious articles. The ideal spot to take a breather, we prayed the Holy Rosary for the poor and forgotten Souls of Purgatory before continuing on our way.

Non-native red-ear sliders sunning themselves on a log

Hard to tell from this photo, but this snapping turtle was almost three feet long

Trudging all the way up Heyerdahl Hill to the remote ruins of Heyerdahl House, one of the highest points on the eastern coast, we caught site of several white-tail deer. Used to keep watch during the Revolutionary war (1775-1783), the scenic hilltop's winding paths once crawled with British soldiers.  

We sauntered through the grasslands

Old St. Joachim and St. Ann slowly disappears behind us

Local lore claims the woods are haunted by the ghost of a young girl on a pale horse. It is said, when a skirmish broke out between the Redcoats and Revolutionaries, she galloped off into the forest never to be seen again. Thankfully, we didn't spot any equestrian phantoms.

The Eastern Showy Aster (Eurybia Spectabilis)

The New Jersey coastline can be seen in the distance

Overlooking heavily wooded Bucks Hollow, we sat quietly for awhile on the abandoned stones and took in all the sites and sounds this peaceful summit had to offer. Considering urban sprawl, it was hard to believe we were still in the dystopic environs of New York City. Thank God for small mercies.

~ Giovanni di Napoli, September 20th, Feasts of Santa Candida Martire and Sant’Eustachio and Companions

Discovering the Shrine of the Immaculate Virgin

(L) The niche is used as a spontaneous shrine
(R) One of several Infant of Prague statues on the altar

(Above & below) The shrine is covered with religious articles

(L-R) Sant'Antonio da Padova and Our Lady stand outside the niche

(L-R) The Gretta Moultan Gate and a wooded trail

(Above & below) The further we delved into the forest,
the more overgrown and eldritch the foliage became 

One of several white-tail hinds we saw on our excursion

What's left of M. Heyerdahl's stone house. One of the most isolated
parts of the city, the closest building is two miles from here.

Photo of the Week: Silver Bust of San Matteo at the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio in Salerno

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Photo of the Week: Crucifix at the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino in Salerno

Side chapel with 15th-century Gothic Crucifix between 17th-century
Baroque statues of the Madonna Addolorata and San Giovanni
Evangelista at the Chiesa di Sant'Agostino in Salerno.
Photo by Andrew Giordano

Celebrating the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Amunì, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

The Fratelli della Santa Fede with Chef Dardanello (second from right)

After a month of fasting and prayers of reparation for the sacrilege committed against Our Lady during the Mass for the Feast of the Assumption at the Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta in Napoli, members and friends of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) broke our fast Tuesday evening with a celebratory dinner for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Amunì in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. 

Table shrine with reliquary prayer cards for Sant'Anna, Santa Patrizia di Napoli and Blessed Emperor Karl of Austria; a green scapular; pocket statuette of the Infant of Prague; tin reliquary of San Gennaro; and statuettes of San Gennaro and Notre-Dame-de-Sous-Terre (Our Lady of the Underground)

Located at 7217 3rd Avenue, I discovered the quaint Sicilian eatery purely by accident on the day we started our fast. Looking for a change of scenery, I took a different route during my nightly passeggiata and spotted the A-frame sign in front of the restaurant advertising its Sicilian Specialties. Since I had already eaten dinner I didn’t order anything, but I was curious to see what they offered and grabbed a menu to go. 

Crostini smothered with fresh ricotta and sliced figs,
topped with crushed pistachios

Liking what I saw, I returned the next day for some takeout and met the very personable chef and owner, Vincent Dardanello. Surprised I haven’t heard of the place sooner, I learned that they only just opened in December 2019 and had barely three months before having to shutdown due to COVID-19.

Abstaining from meat and eating just one meal a day, I ordered the panelle special with a side of carciofi fritti, fried artichoke hearts tossed with caciocavallo cheese and parsley. The panelle, served on a toasted roll with fresh ricotta, caciocavallo and topped with lemon zest, was crispy and tasty. The portions were more than enough to hold me over for the day.

Zucchini blossoms stuffed with fresh ricotta and mozzarella

Since then, Amunì has become my go-to restaurant whenever I’m not in the mood to cook or just looking to get out. Admittedly, this has become more frequent because the food has been consistently delicious. Steadily working my way through the menu I’ve since enjoyed the caponata, meatless arancinette, insalata di finocchio, and the milinciani fritti, a breaded eggplant sandwich with roasted peppers and mozzarella.

Having been raving about the place for weeks, my friends were all on board when I suggested we hold our celebration there.

Arancini

Seated in the cozy and serene backyard dining area, our party settled in and erected a little table-top shrine devoted to the Blessed Mother. Saying grace and our group’s ever-growing Litany of patron saints, we made a toast with the first of several bottles of Nero d’Avila, a deep ruby red, medium-bodied wine from Sicily (Molino a Vento).

Muffuletta

Chef Dardanello started us off right and whetted our appetite with a couple of antipasti specials. First we had crispy crostini smothered with fresh ricotta and sliced figs, topped with crushed pistachios, then some fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with fresh ricotta and mozzarella. 

These delicacies were soon followed with traditional arancini, deep fried rice balls stuffed with ground beef, peas and mozzarella, and sfincione, a Sicilian style pizza with tomato, seasoned bread crumbs and anchovy. Two classic Sicilian dishes, they are a must try. 

Insalata di finocchio

Next up was the muffuletta, a popular sandwich that originated with Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans. With our friend Tony joining us from The Big Easy, we couldn’t wait to hear what he thought of Brooklyn’s take on this N’awlins classic. Layered with prosciutto, mortadella, salami, fresh mozzarella, and chopped olive salad, the sandwich is a work of art. 

Pressing Tony for his thoughts, we were happy to hear his standards were met. According to him, the only major difference was the choice of cheese. Instead of mozzarella, down South they use sharp provolone.

Sfincione

For our entree Chef Dardanello prepared for us a pair of perfectly cooked (sanguinoso) New York Strip Steaks with caramelized onions on the side. Knowing we were breaking our fast and looking to eat meat again he made the tender and juicy beef special just for us. This was perfectly paired with a refreshing insalata di finocchio, fennel, arugula and oranges tossed with fresh squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.

New York Strip Steak with caramelized onions

For dessert we finished up with some fresh figs and affogato, vanilla gelato with a shot of hot espresso, topped with whipped cream and cocoa. Dinner, of course, isn't complete without caffé, so we capped off our grand repast with some demitasse.

Sated and enjoying the cool night breeze, we decided to walk off our meal with a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. I’m happy to say there was a semblance of a nightlife in the area. Locals were milling around and the outdoor tables were filled. Hopefully this means the hysteria is starting to subside and people are attempting to get back to their regular lives. 

Affogato

If you’re looking for una vera esperienza Siciliana (a true Sicilian experience) in Brooklyn without breaking the bank, I highly recommend Amunì. The authentic fare, first-rate service, and relaxed ambiance makes for a terrific night out. Buon appetito!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, September 10th, Feast of San Nicola da Tolentino

Amunì ★★★★★

Una Vera Esperienza Siciliana

7217 3rd Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11209

718-833-7833 | vincent@amunibrooklyn.com

Feast of San Nicola da Tolentino

San Nicola da Tolentino, ora pro nobis

September 10th is the Feast of San Nicola da Tolentino (St. Nicholas of Tolentino), Augustinian Friar and Mystic. Patron of the Poor and Forgotten Souls in Purgatory, he is also the principal protector of San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore (PE), Arsita (TE), Montoro (AV), Albi (CZ) and San Nicola Arcella (CS), among the others. In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Nicholas of Tolentino. The accompanying photo is my makeshift shrine to San Nicola da Tolentino. Evviva San Nicola da Tolentino!

Prayer to Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

O God, source of strength and courage, you gave your beloved preacher, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, the conviction of faith to the very end. Grace us with the ability to translate your teaching into action, remain patient amid hardship, serve the poor and those who suffer, and live as your true and faithful servants. Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, pray for us.

New Music — Domenico Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 25

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Domenico Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 25 performed by Pascal Pascaleff

Label: Naxos
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Audio CD: $11.99
Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

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New Book — The History of Molise and Abruzzo Italy

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

• The History of Molise and Abruzzo Italy by Giuseppe Ferrone

Publisher: Giuseppe Ferrone
Publication Date: August 28, 2020
Paperback: $19.99
Language: English
Pages: 396

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Photo of the Week: Madonna Addolorata at the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio in Salerno

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Meridiunalata XXII: Hilaire Belloc’s “Tarantella” Translated into Neapolitan

Hilaire Belloc

In this installment of Meridiunalata / Southernade, Cav. Charles Sant'Elia translates into Neapolitan Tarantella by the great Franco-British writer Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953). While we normally translate vernacular (Neapolitan, Sicilian, et al.) works into English, we have on two occasions published poems from English into Neapolitan (see The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe and Notes on Coming Home by He Zhizhang). As with the two previous authors, we believe this may be the first time this was attempted with Belloc's work.

Tarantella

By Hilaire Belloc

Do you remember an Inn,
Miranda?
Do you remember an Inn?
And the tedding and the spreading
Of the straw for a bedding,
And the fleas that tease in the High Pyrenees,
And the wine that tasted of tar?
And the cheers and the jeers of the young muleteers
(Under the vine of the dark verandah)?
Do you remember an Inn, Miranda,
Do you remember an Inn?
And the cheers and the jeers of the young muleteers
Who hadn’t got a penny,
And who weren’t paying any,
And the hammer at the doors and the din?
And the hip! Hop! Hap!
Of the clap
Of the hands to the twirl and the swirl
Of the girl gone chancing,
Glancing,
Dancing,
Backing and advancing,
Snapping of the clapper to the spin
Out and in–
And the ting, tong, tang of the guitar!
Do you remember an Inn,
Miranda?
Do you remember an Inn?

     Never more;
     Miranda,
     Never more.
     Only the high peaks hoar:
     And Aragon a torrent at the door.
     No sound
     In the walls of the halls where falls
     The tread
     Of the feet of the dead to the ground,
     No sound:
     But the boom
     Of the far waterfall like doom.

Tarantella

Hilaire Belloc (tradotta da Cav. Charles Sant’Elia)

T’arrecuorde ‘e na Taverna,
Miranda?
T’arrecuorde ‘e na Taverna?
E ‘o sténnere e ‘o spánnere
D’’a paglia pe nu lietto,
E ‘e púllece ca cufféjano ncopp’’e Pirinèje Aute,
‘O vino ca sapeva ‘e pece?
E ll’allucche e ‘e sische d’’e giùvene vaticare
(Sott’a prévola d’’a loggia scura)?
T’arrecuorde ‘e na Taverna, Miranda,
T’arrecuorde ‘e na Taverna?
E ll’allucche e ‘e sische d’’e giùvene vaticare
Ca nun tenévano nu turnese,
E ca nun pavávano niente,
E stu martellà ‘e’ porte e ‘a barbuglia?
E chillo hip! Hop! Hap!
D’’o sbattimiento
D’’e mmane a ‘o girà e a ll’avutà
D’’a guagliona juta arrisicanno,
Smiccejanno,
Abballanno,
Jenno annanze e arreto,
Schiocche ‘e mmane a ‘o girà
Dinto e fora–
E ‘o tingo tongo tango d’’a chitarra!
T’arrecuorde ‘e na Taverna,
Miranda?
T’arrecuorde ‘e na Taverna?

     Maje cchiù;
     Miranda,
     Maje cchiù.
     Sulo ‘a mascata d’’e cimme:
     E Aragona nu dellúvio ‘a’ porta.
     Nisciuno suono
     Int’’e mura d’’e sale addò cade
     ‘O scarpesà
     D’’e piede d’’e muorte nterra,
     Nisciuno suono:
     Ca ‘o tuono
     D’’a malasciorta comm’a na cascata luntana.

Compra Sud — Amunì

Let's support those who keep our traditions and folkways alive

Amunì 

Una Vera Esperienza Siciliana
7217 3rd Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11209
718-833-7833

amunibrooklyn.com

* Our recommendations will be unsolicited, and only from our personal experience. No second hand suggestions will be made.

New Book: The Invention of Sicily

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

• The Invention of Sicily by Jamie Mackay

Publisher: Verso
Publication Date: July 13, 2021
Hardcover: NA
Language: English
Pages: 336

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Feast of St. Pius X, Pope of the Eucharist and “Hammer of the Modernists”

St. Pius X, ora pro nobis

The true friends of the people are neither revolutionaries nor innovators, but traditionalists. ~ St. Pius X (1)

September 3rd is the Feast of St. Pius X (1835-1914), Pope and Confessor. Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in Riese, when the Veneto was part of the Austrian Empire, he rose to the Pontifical Throne on August 4, 1903. A staunch conservative, Pius X tirelessly waged war against the evils of the Revolution and defended the Church against the heresy of modernism. On this front, in 1907 he issued the decree, Lamentabili Sane Exitu, a syllabus condemning modernist errors, and Pascendi Dominici Gregis, a prophetic encyclical on the nefarious doctrines and tactics used by the numerous "enemies of the Cross of Christ." Three years later, in his edict Sacrorum Antistitun, His Holiness required all Catholic clergy and educators to take an oath against modernism.

During his papacy, Pius X regularly visited the sick in hospitals, supported European immigrants in the Americas, and helped relieve the victims of earthquakes in Calabria and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in Campania. A highly prolific writer and liturgical reformer, he made great efforts to improve priestly formation and promulgate reverence for the Eucharist. Encouraging frequent reception of Holy Communion, Pius X also lowered the age requirement for children receiving First Communion to the age of reason. Thus he is the patron saint of First Communicants.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Pius X. Links to the works cited are provided below and clearly they are still relevant today. The photo of the relic was taken at the 2019 Feast of St. Pius X at Holy Name of Jesus Church (245 Prospect Park West) in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Evviva San Pio X!

Prayer to St. Pius X

Glorious Pope of the Eucharist, Saint Pius X, you sought "to restore all things in Christ." Obtain for me a true love of Jesus so that I may live only for Him. Help me to acquire a lively fervor and a sincere will to strive for sanctity of life, and that I may avail myself of the riches of the Holy Eucharist in sacrifice and sacrament. By your love for Mary, mother and queen of all, inflame my heart with tender devotion to her.

Blessed model of the priesthood, obtain for us holy, dedicated priests, and increase vocations to the religious life. Dispel confusion and hatred and anxiety, and incline our hearts to peace and concord. so that all nations will place themselves under the sweet reign of Christ. Amen.

Saint Pius X, pray for me.

(1) Excerpt from the Encyclical Notre Charge Apostolique, Acta Apostolicae Sedis, Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis, 1910, vol.18, p.803. Source: traditioninaction.org.

Additional reading:
• The Apostolic Constitution “Lamentabili Sane Exitu” Source: fisheaters.com
• The Encyclical “Pascendi Dominici Gregis” Source: fisheaters.com
• The Motu Proprio “Sacrorum Antistitum” Source: fisheaters.com

Feast of the Holy Martyrs of September

Holy Martyrs of September, orate pro nobis

September 2nd is the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of September, victims of the French Revolution. On September 2nd and 3rd in 1792 a group of 191 faithful Catholics were killed at the Carmes Prison (formally a Carmelite monastery) in Paris for refusing to take an oath to the Republic’s Civil Constitution of the Clergy, a heretical law that denied Papal authority and placed the clergy under the dominion of the state. Choosing death over apostasy, the imprisoned priests, monks and nuns were mercilessly massacred by a mob of bloodthirsty Jacobins and members of the vigilance committees. The martyrs were beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1926.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to the Holy Martyrs of September.

Prayer to the Holy Martyrs of September

Grant a joyful outcome to our prayers, O Lord, so that we, who each year devoutly honor the day of the passion of the holy Martyrs of September, may also imitate the constancy of their faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Egidio Abate

Sant'Edidio, ora pro nobis

September 1st is the Feast of Sant’Egidio (St. Giles), Hermit and Abbot. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, he is the patron saint of outcasts, lepers, beggars, cripples, the handicapped and nursing mothers. He is also the patron of Latronico, a small hilltop town in Basilicata, and Altavilla Silentina in Provincia di Salerno. 

According to tradition, Sant’Egidio travelled to Gaul from Athens in the middle of the seventh century. Of royal stock, he voluntarily relinquished his titles and wealth and chose the solitary life of a hermit in the forests of Septimania, an ancient territory in southern France. His reputation for holiness and miracles attracted many unwanted followers, which caused the recluse to withdraw deeper and deeper into the remote wilderness. Settling in a cave near the banks of the River Gard, his only companion was a hind, who provided him with milk. 

During a stag hunt, the Visigoth King Wamba (672-680) and his men spotted the deer and in pursuit let lose an arrow. While trying to comfort and protect the frightened doe, Sant’Egidio was accidentally wounded in the leg (alternate versions say it was his hand). Remorseful, the King had his doctors try and help nurse the holy man back to health and offered him great wealth and land. At first Sant’Egidio refused all assistance, but eventually he acquiesced because he could no longer elude his many admirers.

Uninterested in personal gain, Sant’Egidio proposed building an abby with the treasure and the King agreed. Originally dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, the Benedictine monastery was rededicated in the ninth century in honor of the Holy Abbot. Home to the Saint's miraculous relics, the Abbey de Saint-Gilles is still a popular pilgrim destination today.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Giles. The accompanying photo of Saint Giles with Christ Triumphant over Satan and the Mission of the Apostles (ca. 1408) by Miguel Alcañiz comes courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Evviva Sant’Egidio!

Prayer to St. Giles

My Lord and my God! I offer up to You my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Your 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, St. Giles, in whose honor I make this prayer. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Your Grace and Your Love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.