Photo of the Week: View of the Gothic Cloister Columns at Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

The Spoils of War

Photo courtesy of Club Napoli Due Sicilie

Before today’s home match between Serie A champions Napoli and Fiorentina, the ultras of Curva B provocatively unfurled their banners and an inverted tricolor shield. Reading “Bottino di Guerra” and “Campioni in Italia” the message couldn’t be clearer: Naples is not Italy! The Italian shield represents captured war loot by the champions in Italy, not of Italy, meaning Naples remembers its storied past as a capital of an ancient kingdom before being reduced to a provincial backwater in the unified state. Traditionally worn as a badge of honor by the victors, for us, it symbolizes the spoils of war.

It is customary for rival ultra groups to flaunt their booty and display it upside down in the stands to gloat and disrespect their bested adversaries. We’ve seen this earlier in the year when supporters of Red Star Belgrade burned captured Roma banners with a sign reading “You chose the wrong friends.” The Serbian side is twinned with Napoli while their rivals Dinamo Zagreb are twinned with Roma.[1]

As an aside, Napoli continued our dominance in the league by defeating in-form Fiorentina 1-0.

After the match, the team officially celebrated with their fans with music, fireworks and a spectacular light show inside the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. I especially love how the Napoli fans co-opted the derisive anti-Neapolitan chant "Vesuvio Erutta" and turned it into an anthem. Grazie ragazzi e Forza Napoli Sempre!
_______________________________
[1] Following the match between Roma and Empoli on February 4th at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, some fifty Red Star Belgrade and Napoli ultras ambushed and stole Fedayn and other Roma banners.

Feast of San Giovanni a Porta Latina

San Giovanni Apostolo ed Evangelista,
ora pro nobis!

May 6th is the Feast of St. John at the Latin Gate, a secondary feast to St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. Invoked against oil burns, poison and food poisoning, he is the patron saint of virgins, widows, theologians, writers, artists, armorers, alchemists, oil mills, and lamp oil. His principal feast is kept on September 26th.

According to tradition, an elderly St. John was arrested at Ephesus and brought to Rome in 95 AD. Emperor Domitian sentenced him to be boiled in a huge vat of oil outside the Porta Latina, but like the three children in the fiery furnace of Babylon, he miraculously emerged from the blistering cauldron cleansed and refreshed as if he took an invigorating bath. The Emperor seeing this had the holy man banished to the Isle of Patmos. Returning to Ephesus, St. John wrote his Gospel and three Epistles.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer St. John at the Latin Gate. The accompanying photo of The Martyrdom of St. John the Evangelist by Charles le Brun (1641-42) is from the church of St. Nicholas du Chardonnet in Paris. Evviva San Giovanni Apostolo ed Evangelista!

Prayer St. John at the Latin Gate

O God, Which seest that sins and sufferings do on every side rise up to trouble us, grant, we beseech thee, that we may find a shield in time of need through the glorious intercession of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist John. Through our Lord.

Download the Latest Edition of 'Il Portastendardo di Civitella del Tronto' at Ernesto il Disingannato

Click here to download the current issue (N. 23 Maggio 2023)

All previous issues can be found at ernestoildisingannato.blogspot.com

New Book — Palaces of Reason: The Royal Residences of Bourbon Naples

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

• Palaces of Reason: The Royal Residences of Bourbon Naples by Robin L. Thomas

Publisher: Penn State University Press

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

Hardcover: $109.95

Language: English

Pages: 224

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Leading a Catholic Family Life in Modern Times Conference in Kansas City, Missouri

Napoli Crowned 2022-23 Serie A Champions!

"The Napoli Scudetto is a victory for all the South"

Siamo Noi
Siamo Noi
I Campioni d'Italia
Siamo Noi [1]

Finally, after thirty-three years our dream came true and Napoli are crowned champions of Italy again! The Partenopei have been so dominant this season, winning our third Scudetto has been anticipated for weeks. Anything but anticlimactic, now that it is official the excitement and jubilation are greater than I ever expected. Try as they may, haters still do their best to cope and belittle the achievement, but nothing can diminish this triumph or spoil our fun. To give you an idea of how great this team truly is, consider there are still five Italian sides playing in the semi-finals of European competitions, by far the most of any country,[2] and there are still five rounds left to play in Serie A.

Napoli’s contentious exit from the Champions League is nothing to be ashamed of or a reflection of the team’s quality. After all, Milan were Italy's reigning champions and I argue they were “lucky” to squeak past us. Despite the loss, we still hold our heads high and salute the lads for a compelling and hard-fought competition.[3]

Originally, I planned a long-winded rant about other clubs, supporters, referees, and all the hatred directed towards Napoli, but the euphoria of winning the Italian championship has softened my heart and made all my remonstrances seem petty and insignificant in comparison. In the spirit of good sportsmanship and attempting to be a gracious winner, I choose to put my many grievances behind me (for now). I’ll save my trash-talk for face-to-face confrontations with all the crybabies and sore losers I’ll inevitably cross paths with in the coming days. Sadly, New York City is lousy with Juventini, Interisti, and Milanisti, among others.

To be sure, I’m going to savor this strange and unfamiliar feeling called sweet victory. After all, who knows when we will win the Scudetto again? If history is any indicator, it may be a very long time indeed (see sobering graphic below). Even though the Vesuviani have been formidable over the past decade and finished in the top four regularly, it took an extraordinary season to finally wrench the title from the clutches of our northern rivals and put an end to our suffering. The one thing that is for certain, we are the champions and will be celebrating this historic achievement for years to come. Grazie ragazzi e Forza Napoli Sempre!

The disparity between the North and the South is so great, even if the Southern clubs won the next one-hundred Scudetti we would still trail them by thirteen! (five if you don't count the Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina and Cagliari championships)

Notes:
[1] We are, We are, Italian Champions, We are

[2] To put this in perspective, Spain and England have two clubs each, while Germany, Holland and Switzerland each have just one. For those of you who need it spelled out for them, this means Napoli dominated a strong and competitive Serie A.

[3] Admittedly, if Napoli did not win the Scudetto I would still be livid about the poor officiating during the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Also see: First Scudetto in 33 Years Within Napoli’s Grasp

Feast of San Nunzio Sulprizio

San Nunzio Sulprizio, ora pro nobis

May 5th is the Feast of St. Nunzio Sulprizio (Pescosansonesco 1817–Napoli 1836), orphan and young layman. Losing his parents at an early age, the pious boy was taken in by his cruel and abusive uncle. Beaten and starved, the child was made to do back-breaking labor in his uncle’s blacksmith shop. Nunzio was hospitalized in Aquila, then Naples, suffering from bone cancer and gangrene in one leg. In Naples, the boy was cared for and raised by Colonel Felice Wochinger, a kindly soldier known as “the father of the poor.” During his time in the hospital, Nunzio teaches the other sick children catechism and prepares them for their first confessions. Despite his sickness, the boy is recognized as a living saint by St. Gaetano Errico and welcomed into the incipient congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary; however, Nunzio’s health took a turn for the worse and died at the age of 19. St. Nunzio Sulprizio is the patron saint of workers, blacksmiths, the disabled, and Pescosansonesco, Abruzzo.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Nunzio Sulprizio. The Accompanying photo was taken in the rectory of St. Rita’s Church in Staten Island, New York. Evviva San Nunzio Sulprizio!

Prayer to St. Nunzio Sulprizio

Lord Jesus Christ, help us to trust always in you even when life is difficult, as St. Nunzio did. Although he endured so much suffering, he remained a person of faith. May we reach out to other people who need a caring word or gesture. Help us to love you as St. Nunzio did and know that you are with us in all times and places of our lives. Amen.

Feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Motril

Blessed Martyrs of Motril, orate pro nobis

"Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God ... and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God" (Rom 5:1-2). Today, in beatifying the martyrs of Motril, the Church puts these words of St. Paul on her lips. In fact, Vicente Soler, his six Augustinian Recollect companions and the diocesan priest, Manuel Martín, obtained access to "the glory of the sons of God" by the heroic witness of their faith. They did not die for an ideology but freely gave their lives for the One who had first died for them. They offered Christ the gift they had received from him. ~ Pope John Paul II*

May 5 is the Feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Motril. Between July 25 and August 15, 1936, a group of seven Augustinian recollect friars and one diocesan priest in Motril, Granada were murdered for their Faith by Communist thugs during the Spanish Civil War. The Blessed Martyrs José Ricardo Díez, Augustinian priest (d. July 25); León Inchausti, Augustinian priest (d. July 25); Julián Benigno Moreno, Augustinian priest (d. July 25); Deogracias Palacios, Augustinian priest (d. July 25); José Rada, Augustinian priest (d. July 25); Vicente Pinilla, Augustinian priest (d. July 26); Manuel Martín Sierra, parish priest at the Church of the Divine Shepherd in Motril (d. July 26); and Vicente Soler, Augustinian priest (d. August 15) were Beatified by Pope John Paul II on 7 March 1999.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer for the Blessed Martyrs of Motril. Evviva Blessed Martyrs of Motril!

Prayer

Lord, hear the prayers of the martyrs Blessed Vicente Soler and Companions and give us the courage to bear witness to your truth. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen

* From the homily of Pope John Paul II during the Beatification of Eight Spanish Martyrs, Third Sunday of Lent, 7 March 1999

The Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies Celebrate Napoli's Third Scudetto!

His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Chief of the Royal House with HRH Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro, and their daughters HRH Princess Maria Carolina, Duchess of Calabria and Palermo, and HRH Princess Maria Chiara, Duchess of Noto and Capri

Photos courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie

Remembering El Tres de Mayo

The Third of May, 1808 in Madrid (1814) by Francisco José de Goya

Following the Spanish uprising in Madrid against Napoleon on 2 May 1808 (Dos de Mayo), the brave and loyal sons and daughters of Spain were rounded up on 3 May (Tres de Mayo) and massacred en masse. We pray for the happy repose of their souls. ¡Viva la Contrarrevolución!

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

Remembering the Dos de Mayo Uprising in Madrid

The Charge of the Mamelukes or The Second of May 1808 by Francisco de Goya

In remembrance of the May 2nd Uprising of Madrid against Napoleon in 1808, we offer a prayer to the brave and loyal people of Spain who fought and died for Dios, Patria, Fueros y Rey. ¡Viva la Contrarrevolución!

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

Photo of the Week: Inside La Sala dei Cavalieri in Ravello

 Inside the Sala dei Cavalieri, or Knight's Hall, at Villa Rufolo in Ravello
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of Beato Benedetto da Urbino

Beato Benedetto da Urbino, ora pro nobis

April 30th is the Feast of Bl. Benedict of Urbino, Capuchin Priest. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer and petition from a Papal Zouave on February 10th, 1867, asking for the intercession of Bl. Benedict of Urbino, who had just been beatified by Bl. Pope Pius IX on January 15, 1867.

O thou who art now so glorious in Heaven, be not selfish in the midst of thy felicity! I expect a miracle at thy hands, for thy power is only equalled by thy compassion. Look down on a poor Zouave who has to fight and struggle, as thou didst during thy life on earth; make me a chaste and worthy soldier of Christ, detach me from this world, in order that I may be united to God. I desire to love the cross now, that I may win Heaven hereafter.

Bl. Benedict of Urbino, Pray for us!

By Brendan Cassell (Papal Zouave History @PapalZouaveUS)

A Look at the Investitures in the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Bourbon—Two Sicilies in New York City

Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George
Photos courtesy of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George

We declare and promise to Almighty God, to Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the powerful intercession of St. George the Martyr, to observe as true Soldiers of Christ all that we are asked and recommended. ~ Postulants for investiture in the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George

The Labarum

On Sunday, April 23rd, the Solemnity of St. George the Martyr, Mass and the Rite of Investiture of new Knights and Dames admitted into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George (SMOCSG) was celebrated at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York City. Most Rev. Gr. Cr. Arthur J. Serratelli, STD, SSL, DD, GCGCO, First Subprior of the American Delegation, was the Principal Celebrant and Homilist. Rev. Uff. Edmund A. Luciano III, KGCO, KCHS, Second Subprior of the American Delegation, was the Concelebrant.

Following Mass, new and promoted Knights of the Royal Order of Francis I (ROFI) were invested at a ceremony presided by our esteemed Delegate, Gr. Uff. John M. Viola at the nearby Columbus Citizens Foundation.

The new and promoted Knights and Dames were admitted by command of His Royal Highness, Prince Carlo Maria Bernardo Gennaro of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies, by the Grace of God and Hereditary Right, Duke of Castro, Head of the Royal House of Bourbon—Two Sicilies, Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House. IHSV

The crucifer and standard bearer led the entrance procession

Baron Thibault de Saint Vincent and Baroness Heidi de Saint Vincent 

Postulants for the Constantiniam Militia are seated near the bye-altar

Most Rev. Gr. Cr. Arthur J. Serratelli blessed the postulants

Congratulations Dame Marianna Gatto

Congratulations Dame Alexis Carra-Tracey and Cav. Vito Totino

Congratulations Dame Suzanne Pearson

Congratulations Cav. Rev. Leo Joseph Camurati, O.P.

Newly invested Knights and Dames are seated in choir for Mass

Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Gr. Cr. Arthur J. Serratelli

Gr. Uff. John M. Viola at the nearby Columbus Citizens Foundation

(L) Miniature medals and rosettes were awarded to the postulants.
(R) Sash and breast star of the Royal Order of Francis I

Congratulations Cav. Max Bornstein

Congratulations Cav. Vincent Gangone

Congratulations Cav. John Napoli

Congratulations Cav. Theodore Jacobsen

Cav. Jacobsen was promoted to Knight
Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I

(L) Cav. Napoli and Cav. Gangone with Delegate Gr. Uff. John M. Viola.
(R) Ecclesiastical Knight of Grace Rev. Leo Joseph Camurati, O.P.

Cav. Vito Totino and Erin

The Gangone men with Rev. Canon Matthew Talarico and Fr. Ernest Rush

Dame Suzanne Pearson with Cav. John Napoli

Cav. Charles Sant'Elia with Cav. Jude Tiscornia and Catherine

(L) Miniature medals of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George & Royal Order of Francis I. (R) Tie with emblems of the Royal Order of Francis I

Rosette and miniature medal of the Royal Order of Francis I

New Book — The Outcast: A Novel

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

• The Outcast: A Novel by Luigi Pirandello

Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Publication Date: August 11, 2023

Hardcover: $69.95

Paperback: $27.95

Language: English

Pages: 314

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Feast of Santi Cleto e Marcellino

Santi Cleto e Marcellino, orate pro nobis

Gregem tuum, Pastor ætérne, placátus inténde: et per beátos Cletum et Marcellinum Mártyres tuos atque Summos Pontifices perpétua protectióne custódi; quos totíus Ecclésiæ præstitísti esse pastóres. Per Dóminum.

April 26th is the Feast of St. Cletus (Anacletus), Third Bishop of Rome, after Peter and Linus from 79-90; and Pope St. Marcellinus, who was elected on June 30, 296 and martyred in 304 during the persecution of Diocletian.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Saints Cletus and Marcellinus in Latin and English.  The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The polychrome wood sculpture of San Cleto is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva Santi Cleto e Marcellino, Papi e Martiri!

Prayer to Saints Cletus and Marcellinus

O Eternal Shepherd, do Thou look favorably upon Thy flock, which we beseech Thee to guard and keep for evermore through the blessed Cletus and Marcellinus Thy Martyrs and Supreme Pontiffs, whom Thou didst choose to be the chief shepherds of the whole Church. Through our Lord.

Servant of God Empress Zita Symposium in Hulbert, Oklahoma

Learn more about the life of Servant of God Empress Zita of Bourbon Parma, along with the Tridentine Brewing clan, at Clear Creek Abbey on May 13th! You’ll also meet Habsburg royalty and Charles Coulombe is speaking too. Get your tickets! empresszitacause.com

Congratulations to the New Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George

Photo courtesy of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George

We congratulate the new Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, invested at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York City on Sunday, April 23rd, the Feast of St. George, by our Delegation’s First Sub-Prior, Most Rev. Gr. Cr. Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D:

Knight and Dame of Justice 

Baron Thibault de Saint Vincent

Baroness Heidi de Saint Vincent 

Ecclesiastical Knight of Grace

Rev. Leo Joseph Camurati, O.P.

Knights of Merit

Leonardo Ferrisi 

Michael Sardano

Mark Solazzo

Vito Totino

Dame of Merit 

Suzanne Pearson

Knights of Office

Anthony DiSandro 

Ryan Haynie

Dames of Office 

Dr. Cara Aghajanian

Maryann Bonassi

Avv. Alexis Carra-Tracey 

Marianna Gatto  

Kerry Ann Gilmour

Patricia Howard 

Rita Huryk

Margaret Matcovich

Avv. Stephanie Rozalski Gaven 

Sarah Jane Starcher Germani

Anna Carabetta

IHSV