• Trinacria: An Island Outside Time by Christopher Prescott, Arja Kariveri, Peter Campbell, and Kristian Göransson
Publisher: Oxbow Books
Publication Date: July 30, 2021
Hardcover: $90.00
Language: English
Pages: 240
Click here to see more books
Listing does not imply any endorsement
 |
| St. Edward the Confessor, ora pro nobis |
Deus, qui beátum regem Eduárdum, Confessórem Turm, æternitátis glória coronásti: fac nos, quæsumus, ita eum venerári in terris, ut cum eo regnáre possímus in cœlis. Per Dóminum.
October 13th is the Feast of St. Edward the Peacemaker (c.1003—1066), King and Confessor. The last Anglo Saxon King of England, Edward ruled from 1041 to 1066. A pious ruler, his reign was generally peaceful and prosperous. So strong was his reputation for sanctity, his people believed he could heal the sick with his touch. Also a great benefactor of the Church, between 1042 and 1052 he began rebuilding St. Peter's Abbey (Westminster Abbey). Once the patron saint of England, he was succeeded by St. George in 1348. Today the glorious Monarch is invoked by those suffering through difficult marriages.
In celebration, I’m posting a prayer in Latin and English. The accompanying photo of stained-glass window was taken at Our Lady of Peace Church (522 Carroll St.) in Gowanus, Brooklyn.
Prayer
O God, Who hast crowned the blessed King Edward, Thy confessor, with the glory of eternity, make us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate him on earth that we may be able to reign with him in heaven. Through our Lord.
 |
| Beato Gerardo Sasso, ora pro nobis |
 |
| San Grammazio Vescovo, ora pro nobis |
Prayer to St. Gramatius
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Gramatius, second 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. Gramatius protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
 |
| Beato Carlo Acutis, ora pro nobis |
When we face the sun we get a tan...but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist we become saints. ~ Blessed Carlo Acutis
October 12th is the Feast of Blessed Carlo Acutis (May 3, 1991 – October 12, 2006), “Cyberapostle of the Eucharist." A computer enthusiast, young Carlo designed Miracles List: The Eucharistic Miracles of the World, a website devoted to cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world. Dying from leukemia in 2006, he took a major step towards sainthood after Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to him. Carlo was Beatified in Assisi, Italy on Saturday, October 10th.
In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Pictured is my little makeshift shrine. Evviva Beato Carlo Acutis!
Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis
Dear Father, Who has given us the ardent testimony of the young Blessed, Carlo Acutis, who made the Eucharist the core of his life and the strength of his daily commitments so that everybody may love You above all else, let him soon be counted among the Saints in Your Church.
Confirm my Faith, nurture my Hope, strengthen my Charity, in the image of young Blessed Carlo, who, growing in these virtues, now lives with You.
Grant me the grace I really need…
I trust in You, Father, and your Beloved Son Jesus, in the Virgin Mary, our Dearest Mother, and in the intervention of Your servant, Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
 |
| Installed in 1892 in Wooster Square, New Haven, Connecticut, the beloved statue of Christopher Columbus was cravenly removed at the behest of anti-American iconoclasts on June 24, 2020. |
 |
Holy Mother of God, ora pro nobis |
Ecce Virgo concípiet, et páriet fillium, et vocábitur nomen ejus Emmánuel. Ps. 97, 1. Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum; quia mirabilia fecit. V. Glória Patri.Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel. Ps. 97, 1. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because He hath done wonderful things. V. Glory. ~ Indroit. Is. 7, 14
Register today to receive your digital pass!
Across the nation, schoolchildren are being taught that Christopher Columbus was a genocidal maniac. Monuments to the explorer are being quietly removed from the public square—if they haven’t already been destroyed by radical activists. But as Robert Royal, author of Columbus and the Crisis of the West, pointedly asks, “If the arrival of our civilization and religion on these shores, whatever later evils ensued, cannot be calmly discussed, let alone defended, what are we now as a people?”
Join us for just such a civil forum, as we assemble renowned public intellectuals to give us the true and complex story of “a daring explorer, consummate navigator, and a man on a mission not only of discovery but of evangelization.”
An online conference sponsored by the Center for the Restoration of Christian Culture at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
 |
| For the novena, I erected a shrine to Our Lady of Victory with some of the flags of the Holy League (Spain with Naples & Sicily, Venice, & the Papal States) |
Love the Madonna and pray the Rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. ~ St. Padre Pio
Wednesday evening I joined my San Rocco Society brethren for Holy Hour at the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette (8201 13th Ave.) in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. While the parish’s regular devotions have been suspended due to the Coronavirus, Pastor Msgr. Thomas G. Caserta mercifully made an exception for the Feast of Our Lady of Victory and offered the faithful a much needed opportunity to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration.
 |
| (L) Image of the Madonna del Rosario di Pompei in the baptistery. (R) Flowers were offered to Our Lady by the Cordi family |
Without regular access to our churches these days, we took full advantage and arrived an hour early. Kneeling by the image of Our Lady of the Rosary we prayed for the Poor and Forgotten Souls in Purgatory, our ancestors, the intentions of the sick and needy, and, of course, for the victorious Christian forces (Holy League) at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, for which the feast was instituted.
Processing to the tabernacle behind the freestanding altar (sadly, the church no longer has a high altar against the Eastern wall), Msgr. Caserta placed the Most Blessed Sacrament (the consecrated Host) into the monstrance. Incensed by Fr. Juan Luxama, the sacred vessel containing the real presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ was placed on the altar in exposition for us to contemplate and adore.
 |
| (L-R) Relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous and St. Thérèse of Lisieux |
After briefly speaking about Pope St. John Paul II and St. Padre Pio, and why the Holy Rosary is a powerful spiritual weapon against evil, Monsignor led us in praying the Holy Rosary and the meditations on the Glorious Mysteries. For the remainder of the hour, we sat in contemplative silence.
After the Benediction the congregation sang the Salve Regina and prayed the Supplica, a powerful petition for the Blessed Mother’s intercession, under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii. This once popular devotion was publicly revived last year at St. Bernadette’s with the restoration and installation of the church’s beautiful image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii.
 |
| (L) The Infant Jesus of Prague. (R) Outdoor Madonna di Lourdes grotto |
Before leaving we visited the image of Our Lady again, which is in the baptistery and unfortunately was partially obstructed by the statue of Pope St. John Paul II. After our prayers, we had just enough time to venerate the relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and visit the Infant Jesus of Prague and the outdoor Madonna di Lourdes grotto. Madonna del Rosario di Pompei, prega per noi.
~ Giovanni di Napoli, October 9, Feast of San Dionigi di Parigi
 |
| San Dionigi di Parigi, ora pro nobis |
Deus, qui hodiérna die beátum Dionysium, Mártyrem tuum atque Pontificem, virtúte constántiæ in passióne roborásti, quique illi, ad prædicándurr, géntibus glóriam tuam, Rústicum et Eleuthérium sociáre dignátus es: tribue nobis, quæsumus; eórum imitatióne, pro amóre tuo próspera mundi despícere, et nulla ejus advérsa formidáre. Per Dóminum.
Also called San Dionigi l’Areopagita, he was a prominent jurist in Athen’s high court (Areopagus) before being converted and baptized by San Paolo Apostolo. He would later become Athen’s first Bishop and one of the Seventy Disciples.
After the martyrdom of San Paolo during the reign of Emperor Nero, San Dionigi decided to travel to the Occident and preach in the Greek settlements. Briefly settling in Calabria, he became the first Bishop (and patron Saint) of Crotone. Journeying to Rome, San Dionigi was sent to Gaul by Pope St. Clement I with a group of missionaries to evangelize the idolators.
 |
| Santa Brigida di Svezia, ora pro nobis |
 |
| Shrine to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii inside St. Finbar Church |
O August Queen of Victories, O Sovereign of Heaven and Earth, at whose name the heavens rejoice and the abyss trembles. O Glorious Queen of the Rosary, we, your devoted children, assembled on this solemn day, pour out the affection of our hearts and with filial confidence express our miseries to You. ~ excerpt from the Supplica
Sunday afternoon, we attended the monthly Traditional Latin Mass at St. Finbar Church (138 Bay 20th St.) in Bath Beach, Brooklyn for the External Solemnity of the Feast of the Madonna del Rosario di Pompei (Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii). Some fifty people attended the High Mass sung by Fr. Rafael Perez, parochial vicar at Divine Mercy Parish. In his homily, Fr. Perez spoke at length about the importance of the Holy Rosary and the crucial role the devotion played at the Battle of Lepanto and the defense of Western Christendom.
 |
| (L) The recently restored sanctuary inside St. Finbar. (R) Outdoor shrine to St. Louis IX, King of France |
In an attempt to breathe new life into another revered and important devotion to Our Lady, at the end of Mass Fr. Perez led the congregation in praying the Supplica, a powerful petition for the Blessed Mother’s intercession, under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, traditionally invoked on May 8th and the first Sunday in October.
 |
| Our Lady's image on display at the restaurant |
 |
| The Cordi family |
Before leaving for our group luncheon, we circled the nave and visited the church’s many saints, including of course its beautiful image of the Madonna del Rosario di Pompei. Devotees offered flowers and prayed, but unfortunately no votive candles were available at the church.
 |
| (Above & below) Always a pleasure to see happy families celebrating their faith and culture |
On a sad note, we learned of the passing of the Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Francis Ambrosio, beloved Knight Official of Ecclesiastical Grace of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey. We offered prayers for the happy repose of his soul at the foot of the shrine to Madonna del Rosario di Pompei, one of the co-patrons of the Order. In your charity, please pray for his soul.
 |
| (Above & below) A great time was had by all |
While it was nice to see the scaffolding removed and the restoration work completed inside St. Finbar, the cordoned-off pews and “do not touch” signs affixed to virtually everything was a real eyesore. The church was sterile and felt more like a museum than a house of worship. I understand the reasons for it (even if I don’t agree), but when you see so many non-essential public places not subjected to the same draconian safeguards and restrictions one cannot help but get angry (to put it mildly). I assure you, these affronts will not be forgotten.
 |
| Our pals James and Joy |
Returning to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, we gathered at Amunì Ristorante (7217 3rd Avenue) for the Second Annual Madonna del Rosario di Pompei Luncheon organized by devoted parishioners (who wish to be kept anonymous) from the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette (8201 13th Ave.) in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
 |
| (Above & below) Some group photos between courses |
Closed to the public, partygoers settled into the Sicilian eatery’s cozy backyard dining area for another fantastic multi-course repast à la Chef Vincent Dardanello. Amunì’s crack staff kept the beer and wine flowing freely as trays of delicious Southern Italian fare kept arriving at the tables.
 |
| While discussing Charles A. Coulombe's new book Blessed Charles of Austria: A Holy Emperor and His Legacy James shows us his holy cards with relic |
Between courses, guests mingled and, in some cases, reunited for the first time since the Coronavirus lockdowns. While conversation was mostly lighthearted (amazingly, people hardly discussed the insanity currently gripping the country), I was happy to hear how well-loved Msgr. Ambrosio was among the attendees, as many shared heartwarming stories about him. Personally, I have several, but I’ll never forget that he was the Celebrant at my first Traditional Latin Mass, which forever changed my life. Requiéscat in pace. Madonna del Rosario di Pompei, prega per noi.
~ Giovanni di Napoli, October 6th, the Feasts of San Bruno di Colonia and Santa Maria Francesca delle Cinque Piaghe
 |
| Affettati e formaggio |
 |
| Arancini |
 |
| (Above & below) Panelle served on a toasted roll with fresh ricotta, caciocavallo and topped with lemon zest |
 |
| Pasta al forno and Rigatoni all’Amatriciana |
 |
| Pollo alla Milanese |
 |
| Homemade cannoli with crushed pistachios and sfogliatelle |
 |
| (Above & below) As always, we ended the night with a few pictures with the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies |
 |
| Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Francis Ambrosio |
Reprinted from the Society of St. Hugh of Cluny
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Msgr. Joseph Ambrosio on October 4. Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newark, he was an ardent friend of the traditional Mass.
Here is a notice written by Eddy Toribo, with his kind permission:
It was with extreme sadness that we learned of the passing of the Rev. Monsignor Joseph Ambrosio on the morning of Sunday, October 4th, 2020 — an inimitable Monsignor if there ever was one.
There were so many qualities that made him an excellent person, a great friend, a faithful Christian, and an exemplary Priest. It can be safely said that, in these days of liturgical chaos, no one outdid him in his zealous dedication for the beauty of the House of God and that it was a great joy to serve Mass when he was the Celebrant. Not only did he try to rescue liturgical items from closed churches in order to put them to good liturgical use in his own church, but he washed, starched, pressed, and repaired the sacred linens himself, as he believed it was his duty to take care of the Sanctuary and the Tabernacle of which he was made the custodian. Continue reading
Saint Mary Mother of God
727 5th Street
Northwest Washington, DC, 20001
Guest of Honor
Princess Maria-Anna Galitzine, Archduchess of Austria and Grand-daughter of Blessed Karl.
Veneration of a 1st Class Relic of Blessed Karl will follow the Mass. A reception and program concludes the evening in the church garden (weather permitting).
IMPORTANT NOTE - ADVANCED SIGN-UP’s REQUIRED!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the congregation is limited to 100 persons and sign-ups are required. To be added to the list, please email Saint Mary's Parish Secretary at: stmarys20001@gmail.com
For more information, contact:
Suzanne Pearson: 703-524-0411 (no text messages ) or sdpearson@verizon.net
Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in battle, that we may not perish in the tremendous day of judgment.
In honor of St. Michael, we celebrated the Feast with Lacryma Christi
The rain may have spoiled our plans to eat out, which is always a risk with outdoor dining, but we didn’t let it ruin our Michaelmas celebration. Relocating the party back to my place for dinner and drinks, luckily I had a few key items in my pantry and bar so we didn’t have to order out for some pizza.
After erecting a makeshift shrine to our glorious patron, revelers naturally gravitated to the alcohol and helped themselves to a cordial for our opening toast. First saluting the Angel of the Lord, as always, we also drank to the memory of our Kings and our ancestors.
 |
| Makeshift shrine with holy cards, pocket statuette, and reliquary with stones from the Apparition Grotto at the Santuario di San Michele in Gargano, Puglia |
As it was told to me, when war broke out in Heaven and St. Michael and the angels cast out Lucifer and his demons, the Father of Lies tore off a piece of the empyrean kingdom as he fell. Plunging to earth, the celestial fragment landed in Campania and transformed the Gulf of Naples into a veritable paradise on Earth. However, the spot where Satan crashed was blighted. Convulsing and spewing hellfire, Mount Vesuvius was formed. When Christ saw the devastation He wept, but miraculously His tears made the volcanic soil fertile and grapevines sprung from the ash.
 |
| Old souvenir dish highlighting the unparalleled beauty of the Gulf of Naples |
Seeing as goose is a traditional delicacy for the Feast, at least in Ireland and Great Britain, I busted open the goose liver pâté I was saving for movie night and served it on crostini with a modest antipasti (peppers, olives, provolone). Though a far cry from the succulent roasted waterfowl usually served on the holiday, it was the closest thing I had on hand.
In our household we like to eat cavatelli on special occasions, so I made some with the leftover sugo di pomodoro I had from Sunday’s dinner. Finished off with some pecorino Romano and fresh basil (after the picture), I plated it on an old souvenir dish I bought for my parents about thirty years ago at E. Rossi & Co. (193 Grand St.) in Little Italy, New York.
 |
| Cavatelli al pomodoro |
Timed perfectly, the dinner lasted the full length of the first televised Presidential Debate, so we were thoroughly distracted and completely uninterested in watching that political farce. From what I could tell via social media the next day, I'm glad I missed it. Finishing off the wine, we ended the enjoyable evening with a couple more shots of amaro and espresso. Evviva San Michele Arcangelo!
~ Giovanni di Napoli, September 30th, Feasts of Sant’Amato di Nusco and San Girolamo
 |
| Blackberries with fresh ricotta and honey |
