Celebrating the Feast of Sant'Antuono Abate at Saint Josaphat’s Church in Bayside, Queens

Father Saffron offers a benediction by the fire

A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, “You are mad, you are not like us.” ~ St. Anthony the Great

A good time was had by all

Tuesday evening, following the weekly Rite of Eucharistic Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and monthly Catechism Lecture by Father John Perricone at St. Josaphat’s Church in Bayside, Queens, Pastor Stephen Saffron celebrated the Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot with a traditional Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono (St. Anthony bonfire) in the church courtyard.

Blessing the fire and the 50-some-odd attendees, Father Saffron spoke at length with the guests about the ascetic life of the great Saint and the many miracles attributed to him. 

After the benediction, parishioners adjourned to the parish hall for coffee hour. In addition to the usual fare, attendees brought customary pork dishes in honor of St. Anthony the Abbot, including a variety of dried sausages and pulled pork.

Many, who were unfamiliar with the tradition, voiced their approval and spoke of making the celebration bigger and better next year. We're already looking forward to it. Evviva Sant'Antouno Abate!

Father Perricone gave another inspirational talk

After Adoration, attendees fill the parish hall for the lecture

Andrew and Bill prepare the kindling

(Above & below) Parishioners gather around the fire

Affettati e formaggi donated by the Sanfedisti

Feast of San Canuto IV, Re di Danimarca

San Canuto IV, ora pro nobis

January 19th is the Feast of St. Canute IV (ca.1040-1086), King of Denmark and Martyr. A great benefactor of the Church, he gave generous gifts and built several monasteries and churches. Reasserting his claim to the throne of England, he planned an invasion in 1885; however, members of his court revolted and forced him to flee to the city of Odense, Denmark. During Mass at St. Alban’s Priory (renamed St. Canute’s Cathedral), he was slain by rebels at the foot of the altar with his brother Benedict and seventeen companions. He is the patron saint of Denmark.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Canute IV. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Canuto IV!

Prayer to St. Canute IV of Denmark

O God, Who, for the greater glory of Thy Church, wast pleased to adorn blessed Canute the king with the palm of martyrdom and with glorious miracles: mercifully grant that walking in the footsteps of him who followed our Lord in His sufferings, we may deserve to attain eternal joys.

Celebrating the Feast of Sant'Antuono Abate in Brooklyn, New York

Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono

Tuesday evening, members and friends of the San Rocco Society gathered in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn for our Annual Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono, or St. Anthony bonfire. Honoring the father of Western monasticism, the purifying conflagration is an ancient tradition meant to ward off evil spirits, protect animals and livestock, and secure a bountiful harvest. 

Representing the Saint's triumph over Satan and temptation, the fire ritual also signifies a time of renewal, or regeneration, as spring draws near and winter comes to an end. 

A magical night, old tales tell that animals regain the ability to speak and misfortune befalls those who overhear them.

Patron saint of animals, livestock, farmers, anchorites, hospitallers, basket makers, bell ringers, gravediggers, amputees, pizza makers, and the glowing embers of hearths; Sant'Antuono is also invoked against pestilence, skin maladies, ergotism, contagious diseases and demonic possession, among other things.

Taking comfort around the protecting flames, revelers ate, drank and prayed to our beloved patron. Continuing into the night, the fire was steadily fed old Christmas trees, dried palm fronds from Palm Sunday, and other kindling from the garden.

Heartfelt thanks to the La Rocca family for their seemingly endless warmth and hospitality. As always, it was a great joy to celebrate our faith and culture together. Evviva Sant'Antuono!

(L) Our gracious host Stephen with a framed image
of Sant'Antuono Abate. (R) Votive candles

The image of Sant'Antuono Abate is from the Sant'Antonio
Abate Fraternal Society of Castrofilippo in Astoria, Queens

Revelers gather around the fire

After the bonfire was lit, only the good spirits remained

Father Juan Luxamma blesses the fire and the participants

Old Christmas trees were used as kindling

(Above & below) The fire quickly turned into a towering inferno

In addition to Christmas trees, devotees took the opportunity
to burn old scapulars, palm fronds and other religious items

Father Luxamma with the Guarini men 

Ray, Steve and John

Gerardina served up some hot pizza

As always, our gracious hosts had a delicious spread

Seeing as it is customary to eat pork on the feast,
I enjoyed a sausage and pepper sandwich

For dessert there was a mouth-watering array of pastries and café

I couldn't resist the Sicilian cartocci

Feast of Santa Margherita d’Ungheria

Santa Margherita d'Ungheria, ora pro nobis

January 18th is the Feast of St. Margaret of Hungary (1242-1271), Princess, Dominican nun, and Mystic. Daughter of King Béla IV and Queen Mary Lascaris of Hungary, she was born in exile during the Tartar invasion of Hungary. Promised to God by her parents if their kingdom was redeemed, Margaret was duly delivered to the convent at Vesprim after their withdrawal. Invested with a Dominican habit at the age of three, she devoted her existence to God and lived a holy life of prayer and extreme asceticism.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Margaret of Hungary. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Santa Margherita d'Ungheria!

Prayer to St. Margaret of Hungary

O God, the lover and guardian of chastity, by whose gifts Thy handmaid Margaret united the beauty of virginity and the merit of good works, grant we pray, that through the spirit of salutary penance we may be able to recover integrity of soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of Beata Beatrice II d’Este

Beata Beatrice II d'Este, ora pro nobis

January 18th is the Feast of Blessed Beatrice II d’Este (ca.1230-1262), Benedictine Nun and Foundress. Daughter of Azzo VII, Marquis d’Este, and Joan of Apulia, she was betrothed to Galeazzo Manfredi, Duke of Vincenza and Veradino, who fell in battle against Emperor Frederick II before they could be married. Following the Duke’s death, Beatrice consecrated herself to God and retired to a monastic life under the Rule of St. Benedict. She founded the Benedictine Monastery at the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate in Ferrara. Beata Beatrice II d’Este should not be confused with her aunt Beata Beatrice I d’Este, whose feast is celebrated on May 10th.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Beatrice II d’Este in Italian. The accompanying photos come courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy cards are part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Beata Beatrice II d’Este!

Preghiera

O Beata Beatrice, le tue braccia allargate e segnate dagli stessi patimenti di Cristo ci abituino ad amare la Croce, nostra salvezza. La tua acqua che continua a bagnare la tua tomba sia il segno della necessità del perdono, del servizio che purifica la nostra vita e costruisce fraternità. Così sia.

New Music: Musica sacra nelle Cattedrali di Puglia

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Musica sacra nelle Cattedrali di Puglia performed by Orfeo Futuro

Label: Digressione Music

Release Date: 2022

Audio CD: $24.13

Number of Discs: 2

Available at Amazon.com

Read description

Feast of Santa Roselina di Villeneuve

Santa Roselina, ora pro nobis

Deus, pro cuius amore, beata Rossolina mundi sibi blandientis calcavit illecebras ut tibi unice adhaereret: tribue nobis ex eius imitatione terrena despicere, et caelestium donorum semper participatione gaudere.

January 17th is the Feast of St. Roseline de Villeneuve (1263-1329), Carthusian Nun, Prioress, Mystic, and Apostle of Charity. According to legend, young Roseline would often secretly bring food from her family's kitchen to the poor. One day she was surprised by her disapproving father, who demanded to see what she concealed in her apron. Instead of the loaves of bread she had hidden, all he found was a bundle of roses.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Roseline de Villeneuve in Latin and English.* The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Santa Roselina di Villeneuve!

Prayer to St. Roseline de Villeneuve

Lord God, for love of You, Saint Rosalina trampled underfoot the flattering allurements of the world, that she might adhere only to You. Help us to follow her example and, turning away from things of earth, find our joy in sharing Your heavenly gifts.

* Prayer courtesy of Anastpaul.com

Feast of San Marcello I

San Marcello I, ora pro nobis

January 16th is the Feast of St. Marcellus I (255-309), Pope and Martyr. Denounced by a group of apostates (lapsi), who refused to do the penance required by the Holy Father, the Roman emperor Maxentius had him arrested and exiled. According to legend, he died under terrible conditions working as a slave in horse stables. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Marcellus I. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Marcello I!

Prayer to St. Marcellus I

We pray today, Lord, that there will always be defenders of the truth in Your Church, ready to restore where Satan has demolished. We thank you for Pope St. Marcellus and his work within the Church, and all his successors who have stood firm in the face of adversity. Amen.

Al Circolo Nazionale di Caserta

Special Exhibition of Giuseppe De Nittis at The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC

Breakfast in the Garden by Giuseppe De Nittis

An Italian Impressionist in Paris: Giuseppe De Nittis

The Phillips Collection, in collaboration with the Pinacoteca Giuseppe De Nittis, the City of Barletta, Italy, and the Puglia Region (Italy), presents the first exhibition in the US devoted to the work of Giuseppe De Nittis (1846-1884), an Italian painter whose career flourished in Impressionist Paris in the 1870s and 1880s. The exhibition is only shown at the Phillips and features approximately 70 artworks.

Although not well known outside of Italy, De Nittis is a central figure to the aesthetic and institutional upheavals of 1870s Paris. His urban scenes of Paris feature innovative arrangements and plein-air subjects painted with a detailed realism that depicts a sophisticated and economically booming city—a choice unique to De Nittis’s work. New research is presented in the exhibition about De Nittis’s friendships with Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet, and his early collaborations in Naples with a young Gustave Caillebotte. Work from all periods of De Nittis’s career is featured along with select works by his most important artist friends in Paris.

 Plan your visit 

The Phillips Collection

1600 21st Street, NW,

Washington, DC

Photo of the Week: Chiesa di San Nicola alla Carità, Napoli

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of San Felice di Nola

San Felice di Nola,
ora pro nobis

Concéde quesumus, omnipotens Deus: ut ad meliorem vitam Sanctórum tuórum exémpla nos próvocent; quátenus, quorum solémnia ágimus, étiam actus imitémur. Per Dóminum. 

Ouæsumus Dómine, salutáribus repléti mystériis: ut, beáti Felícis Mártyris tui, cujus solémnia celebrámus, oratiónibus adjuvémur. Per Dóminum.

January 14th is the Feast of St. Felix of Nola, 3rd century Priest and Martyr. Co-patron of Nola, Campania with San Paolino di Nola, he is also the patron saint of lost pets and spiders.

An “invincible confessor of the Faith,” St. Felix is regarded as a martyr even though he was not put to death. According to tradition, he was imprisoned and cruelly tortured during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. He miraculously escaped from captivity with the aid of an angel and eluded being recaptured when a spider helped camouflage him with its web.

In celebration, we’re posting the prayer and secret from the Mass commemorating St. Felix of Nola in Latin and English. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The polychrome wood sculpture is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva San Felice di Nola!

Prayer

Grant, We beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Thy saints may inspire us to a better life, whereby we may imitate his deeds whose solemnity we are keeping. Through our Lord.

Secret

Graciously receive, O Lord, the sacrifices dedicated to the merits of Thy blessed martyr Felix, and grant them to profit us unto everlasting aid. Through our Lord.

Feast of Sant’Ilario di Poitiers

Sant'Ilario di Poiters,
ora pro nobis

January 14th is the Feast of St. Hilary of Poitiers, 4th century convert, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Sometimes called the “Hammer of the Arians,” he is invoked against telling lies and snakebites. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Hilary of Poitiers. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The polychrome wood sculpture is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva Sant’Ilario di Poitiers!

Prayer to St. Hilary of Poitiers

Father, through the intercession of St. Hilary, keep us from vain strife of words. Grant to us constant profession of the Truth! Preserve us in a true and undefiled faith so that we may hold fast to that which we professed when we were baptized in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that we may have You for our Father, that we may abide in Your Son and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Feast of San Bernardo da Corleone

San Bernardo da Corleone, ora pro nobis

January 12th is the feast of St. Bernard of Corleone (b. Palermo Feb. 16, 1605—d. Jan. 12, 1667), Capuchin lay brother renowned for his charity and spirit of penance. He is the patron saint of mafia victims and expectant mothers.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Bernard of Corleone. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Bernardo da Corleone!

Prayer to St. Bernard of Corleone

God our Father, you have given us blessed Bernard as a wonderful example of penance and of Christian virtues. By the power of your Spirit make us firm in faith and effective in our work. 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

Rest in Peace, King Constantine II

b. 2 June 1940 — d. 10 January 2023

We offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the Greek people on the passing of His Majesty King Constantine II of the Hellenes. May God have mercy on his soul.

Feast of San Leucio d’Alessandria

San Leucio d'Alessandria, ora pro nobis

January 11th is the Feast of San Leucio d'Alessandria, First Bishop of Brindisi, Missionary & Wonderworker. He is invoked against plague, drought and demonic possession.

Highly revered throughout Southern Italy, San Leucio is the patron saint of Atessa (CH), Rocca di Mezzo (AQ), Villavallelonga (AQ), San Leucio del Sannio (BN), Pietracamela (TE), and San Salvatore Telesino (BN). In San Salvatore Telesino, he is also venerated on the last Sunday in July, which commemorates the Saint's miraculous intercession during the 1656 plague epidemic in the Kingdom of Naples.

In 1773 the utopian colony of San Leucio in Caserta was founded and named after the great Saint by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Leucius courtesy of the San Leucio Society of Paterson, New Jersey. The accompanying photo of San Leucio by of Anthony Scillia was taken at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Evviva San Leucio d’Alessandria!

Prayer to St. Leucius

Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. Leucius, and I give You thanks for all the graces You have bestowed upon him. I ask You to please increase grace in my soul through the merits of this saint, and I commit the end of my life to him by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Your goodness and promise, St. Leucius might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen.

Meridiunalata XXXV: 'Freva D’Acciaro' by Cav. Charles Sant'Elia

Reprinted from Cav. Charles Sant'Elia's Meridiunalata / Southernade, an evocative bilingual collection of poetry written in Neapolitan and translated to English between 1989 and 2010.*

Freva D’Acciaro 

Vulesse creà,
Acqua fredda

Ncopp' 'e zizze
De l'arma mia
Vaco truvanno
'O cuorpo d' 'a notte chiù prena, 

Chiar' 'e luna 

Chiù luntano,
Prezziusiello,
Vulesse suspirà. 

Steel Fever 

I would like to create,

Cold water

On the breasts

Of my soul

I go seeking

The body of the most pregnant night,

I’d like to sigh

The most distant

Moonlight,

Rather precious. 

* Self-published in 2010, Meridiunalata / Southernade is a treasury of poems gleaned from Cav. Sant'Elia's previous collections (Nchiuso dint''o presente, 'A cuntrora, and 'O pino e l'éllera), which were circulated among friends in New York City and Naples. Special thanks to Cav. Sant'Elia for allowing us to reprint his poetry and translations.

Remembering the Papal Zouaves Who Fought at the Battle of Le Mans (1871)

Bataille d'Auvours by Lionel Royer

Pictured is a painting of the Battle of Le Mans (sometimes called the Battle of Auvours) during the Franco-Prussian War on January 10-12, 1871, by renowned French artist Lionel Royer (1852-1926). The canvas immortalizes a Battalion of Papal Zouaves, the Volunteers of the West, led by Col. Boiscuillé (center missing arm). During the fray, the Zouaves saved Gen. Antoine Chanzy's (on horse) artillery.

As the other regiments fell into confusion, Generals Collin and Goujard implored the Papal Zouaves to preserve the honour of France—the Zouaves advanced. As they pressed forward, a soldier from one of the confused battalions exclaimed, "Here are the Priests who are going to be killed, good riddance!"

To which the brave Zouaves replied, "We are going to show how the French can die!"

They made good on their word: out of 440 Papal Zouaves, only 85 returned unwounded! 

Another notable person depicted is Marquis de Coislin (bottom right, white bearded man), a noble Volunteers of the West NCO.

Our Lady of Pontmain, ora pro nobis!

By Brendan Cassell (Papal Zouave History @PapalZouaveUS)

New Book — The Deeds of the Neapolitan Bishops: A Critical Edition and Translation of the ‘Gesta Episcoporum Neapolitanorum’

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

• The Deeds of the Neapolitan Bishops: A Critical Edition and Translation of the ‘Gesta Episcoporum Neapolitanorum’ by Luigi Andrea Berto

Publisher: Routledge

Publication Date: May 30, 2023

Paperback: $170.00

Language: English

Pages: 192

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