Photo of the Week: Portal to the Verdant Gardens at Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Happy Birthday S.A.R. Don Sixto Enrique de Borbon

July 22, Birthday of S.A.R. Don Sixto Enrique de Borbon and Bourbon Busset (Pau, 1940), Duke of Aranjuez, Standard Bearer of Tradition.

Born on his mother's name day, Doña Magdalena de Borbón Busset (+1984), Duchess of Parma, last legitimate Queen of Spain.

Depicted in the image next to his august father and predecessor, S.M.C. Don Javier I (+1977).

New Music: The Wonders of Naples 18th Century Orchestra and Concertos

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• The Wonders of Naples 18th Century Orchestra and Concertos

Label: CPO
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Audio CD: $32.70
Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

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New Book — Luca Giordano: Baroque Master in Florence

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

• Luca Giordano: Baroque Master in Florence by Riccardo Lattuada, Giuseppe Scavizzi and Valentina Zucchi

Publisher: Officina Libraria
Publication Date: September 7, 2023
Paperback: $40.00
Language: English
Pages: 176

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New Book: The Late Mattia Pascal

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

• The Late Mattia Pascal by Luigi Pirandello

Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date: May 1, 2023
Hardcover: $16.69
Paperback: $6.99
Language: English
Pages: 182

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Remembering S.M.C. Don Carlos VII, Rey de las Españas

Carlos VII, Don Carlos María de Borbón y Austria-Este,
Duque de Madrid (b. 30 March 1868 — d. 18 July 1909)

In memory of S.M.C. Don Carlos VII, Duke of Madrid, legitimate King of Spain, who died in exile in Varese, Italy, in 1909, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. ¡Viva el Rey!

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

La Storia del Sud, le Imprese del Sud

In Gioiosa Jonica, RC

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Charbel Makhlouf in Brooklyn, New York

Saint Charbel Makhlouf, ora pro nobis

When my friends asked me to join them in celebrating the feasts of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Charbel Makhlouf at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral (113 Remsen St.) in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, on Sunday, I jumped at the opportunity. It has been over three years since I last visited the Cathedral and attended the Maronite Divine Liturgy in Syriac. While the Roman Calendar commemorates his feast on July 24th, the Maronites celebrate it on the third Sunday in July.

After Mass, we were invited to partake in a magnificent luncheon in the church hall. Warmly welcomed by Fr. VanHeusen and the parishioners, we, unfortunately, could not stay for more than a cup of coffee because we had arranged our own celebratory meal at Le Sajj (8221 5th Ave.), a terrific family-owned Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. We enjoyed stuffed grape leaves, spinach and meat pies, hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, flatbread, chicken kebabs, stuffed cabbage, baklava, and much more.

Photo of the Week: Interior Tiles, Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of Beato Bernardo II di Baden, Il Cavaliere Angelico

Beato Bernardo II di Baden, ora pro nobis

July 15th is the feast of Blessed Bernard II of Baden, the “Angelic Knight,” Margrave, Tertiary of the Order of St. Francis, Crusader and Envoy. Born in 1428, Bl. Bernard was the second son of Jacob I of Baden and Catherine of Lorraine. Trained in the arts of war and diplomacy, after the death of his father he entered into the service of Emperor Frederick III. Deeply pious, the “apostle of the poor” worked tirelessly to help the sick and the needy. Attempting to negotiate an alliance with the Venetians and Genoese against the Ottomans, he found the city of Genoa in the grip of a virulent epidemic. Advised against entering the city, he chose to fulfill his duty and was infected. In 1458, on the journey home, he died of the plague in Moncalieri, Piedmont, where he soon became a local patron due to the numerous healing miracles which took place around his tomb.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Bl. Bernard II of Baden. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Beato Bernardo II di Baden!

Prayer to Bl. Bernard II of Baden

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Bl. Bernard II of Baden may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of Bl. Bernard protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Remembering Jacques Cathelineau, the “Saint de l’Anjou”

b. 5 January 1759 — d. 14 July 1793

In memory of the “Saint de l’Anjou” Jacques Cathelineau, Vendée royalist and premier généralissime de l'Armée catholique et royale, we pray for the happy repose of his soul.

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

Feast of St. Mildred of Thanet

St. Mildred of Thanet, ora pro nobis

July 13th is the feast of St. Mildred of Thanet, Benedictine Nun and Abbess. Daughter of King Merewalh of Magonsæte and his wife, St. Ermenburga, she was educated at the Royal Abbey of Chelles, near Paris. Given the veil by St. Theodore of Canterbury, she entered the monastery at Minster-in-Thanet in Kent, England, which was founded by her mother. Upon her mother’s death, she succeeded her as abbess. In 732 St. Mildred died at Minster from a lingering illness. Much beloved and with a reputation of holiness, she quickly became a local patron reverently known as “The Fairest Lily of the English.”

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Mildred of Thanet written by M. Lee Boseman. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva St. Mildred of Thanet!

Prayer to St. Mildred of Thanet

Good Saint Mildred, sweet flower of perfection and charity, while on earth, you rejected the riches you had been born of and gave your life to Christ. You are well known for your sincere love and compassion for the poor; please pray for us that we may be pleasing to God by accepting His Holy Will. And in accepting His Holy Will may we be less concerned with our own sufferings and more eager to help others in need as you did. Remember also my special intention(s) I now faithfully entrust to you. (Name your special intentions) Pray for us Saint Mildred that we may be made true servants of Christ and share in the eternal joys of heaven with God Our Father. Amen

Introducing the Saint Gerard Guild for Mothers

Operating under the care of the San Leucio Society

Our mission: to pray for mothers including and especially for expectant mothers. Everybody and anybody can and should join.

An Annual Traditional Mass will be said for those enrolled. Visit our website for more details on how to become a guild member.

Daily Prayer

O glorious St. Gerard, you served God in humility and confidence on earth and are now in the enjoyment of His beatific Vision in Heaven because you persevered till death and gained the crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers that surround me and intercede for me in my needs and troubles, especially for the St. Gerard Guild, members of the guild, and mothers and expectant mothers enrolled. Amen.

New Music – Francesco Leo: Cantatas Vol. 2

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Francesco Leo: Cantatas Vol. 2 performed by Lorenzo Tozzi and the Ensemble Romabarocca

Label: Da Vinci

Release Date: March 18, 2023

Audio CD: $20.76

Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

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Feast of St. Oliver Plunket

St. Oliver Plunket, ora pro nobis

July 11th is the Feast of St. Oliver Plunket (1625-1681), Bishop and Martyr. Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, St. Oliver Plunket was arrested on false charges in Dublin in 1679 as a collaborator in the so-called “Popish Plot,” a fictitious conspiracy devised to whip up anti-Catholic hysteria. Found guilty of high treason and propagating the Roman Faith in a mock trial, he was hanged and drawn and quartered in Tyburn, England in 1681.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Oliver Plunket. The photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The statue and "ex ossibus" relic of St. Oliver Plunket is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva St. Oliver Plunket!

Prayer to St. Oliver Plunket

Glorious martyr, Saint Oliver Plunkett, who willingly gave your life for the faith, help us also to be strong in our faith. By your intercession and example may all hatred and bitterness be banished from the hearts of men and women. May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts as it did in your heart even at the moment of your death. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Portal into Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of Santa Rufina and Santa Seconda

Orate pro nobis, Sante Rufina e Seconda

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut, qui gloriósos Mártyres fortes in sua confessióne cognóvimus, pios apud te in nostra intercessióne sentiámus. Per Dóminum.

July 10th is the feast of Saints Rufina and Secunda, Virgins and Martyrs of Rome. Daughters of a Roman Senator, the pious sisters were betrothed to Christian men who renounced their faith for fear of persecution. Refusing to get married to the apostates, the girls consecrated their virginity to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Unwilling to break their vow, they were apprehended and tortured by the prefect Giunio Donato. Beaten and scourged, their captors were unable to get the girls to renounce their faith. Condemned to death, the sisters had weights fastened around their necks and tossed into the Tiber River, however instead of sinking an angel kept them above water. Finally, led ten miles on the Via Cornelia, Rufina was beheaded and Seconda was clubbed to death. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer in Latin and English to Saints Rufina and Secunda as well as the Holy Seven Brothers, Martyrs, who are also commemorated on this day. The painting of The Martyrdom of Saints Secunda and Rufina was a collaboration by Il Morazzone, Giulio Cesare Procaccini and Il Cerano. Evviva Santa Rufina e Santa Seconda!

Prayer to Saints Rufina and Secunda, and the Holy Seven Brothers

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that, we, who have known the courage of the glorious martyrs in their confessing Thee, may experience their kindness in interceding for us with Thee. 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. 25 Luglio 2023)

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

Ponderable Quote from ’The Forest Passage’ by Ernst Jünger

In our present age, each day can bring shocking new manifestations of oppression, slavery, or extermination—whether aimed at specific social groupings or spread over entire regions. Exercising resistance to this is legal, as an assertion of basic human rights, which, in the best cases, are guaranteed in constitutions but which the individual has nevertheless to enforce. Effective forms exist to this end, and those in danger must be prepared and trained to use them; this represents the main theme of a whole new education. Familiarizing those in danger with the idea that resistance is even possible is already enormously important—once that has been understood, even a tiny minority can bring down the mighty but clumsy colossus... 

It is the natural ambition of the power holder to cast a criminal light on legal resistance and even non-acceptance of its demands, and this aim gives rise to specialized branches in the use of force and the related propaganda. One tactic is to place the common criminal on a higher level than the man who resists their purposes.

In opposing this, it is critical for the forest rebel to clearly differentiate himself from the criminal, not only in his morals, in how he does battle, and in his social relations, but also by keeping these differences alive and strong in his own heart. In a world where the existing legal and constitutional doctrines do not put the necessary tools in his hands, he can only find right within himself. We learn what needs to be defended much sooner from poets and philosophers.

* Reprinted from The Forest Passage by Ernst Jünger, translated by Thomas Friese, Telos Press Publishing, 2013, pp. 85-86

New Music – Nicola Porpora: L’Angelica

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Nicola Porpora: L’Angelica performed by Ekaterina Bakanova, Teresa Iervolino, Paola Valentina Molinari and Federico Maria Sardelli

Label: Dynamic

Release Date: 2023

Audio CD: $22.99

Number of Discs: 2

Available at Amazon.com

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Meridiunalata XXXVIII: 'Campanaro' 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.*

Campanaro

Campanaro, tu sì rummaso, fedele,
Abbracciato ‘a stu silénzio
A veglià a stu quartiere,
Senza jurecà e manco addimannà pecchè
Tu l’he ‘a fà passà stu gulío,
Ma fusse già cuntento tu?
Staje veglianno l’ore sane
Comme fùsseno nu muorto.
Lloco annanze nce stesse ancora
Na trezza jonna ca assaje
Na vota faceva sunnà?
‘O silenzio d’’o vierno
Sta arravuglianno tutto,
Pure sott’a stu sole d’està.

Belltower

Belltower, you are left, faithful,
Embracing this silence
To keep vigil over this neighborhood,
Without judging and not even asking why
You’ve got to make this whim pass,
But could you be happy already?
You keeping vigil over entire hours
As though they were a corpse,
Here in front could there be
A blond tress that once upon a time
Caused one to dream so much?
The silence of the winter
Is enveloping everything,
Even under this summer sun.

* 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.

Feast of Sant’Ulrico di Augusta

Sant'Ulrico di Augusta, ora pro nobis

July 4th is the feast of St. Ulrich, Bishop of Augsburg. Born in Augsburg, Bavaria, in 890, he was educated at the abbey of St. Gall in Switzerland. After completing his studies, he returned to Augsburg, where he was ordained a priest. With the support of his kinsmen, Ulrich was made bishop of the city in 923.

As bishop, he restored buildings, built churches in honor of St. John and St. Afra, and founded the monastery of St. Stephan. A strong supporter and trusted advisor of Emperor Otto I the Great, he built Augsburg's stone wall fortifications and served as general against the invading Magyars. In 955 he successfully defended the city against the invaders until the arrival of the Emperor’s army and the siege was broken.

Often depicted with a fish, St. Ulrich famously rewarded a diligent messenger with a goose leg that miraculously turned into a fish on Friday morning.

St. Ulrich died in 973, and a local cult soon arose. Many miracles took place at his tomb and he was canonized by Pope John XV in 993, the first known canonization by a pope. He is invoked against anger, fever, mice, moles and complications with pregnancy and childbirth.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Ulrich of Augsburg. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant’Ulrico di Augusta!

Prayer to St. Ulrich of Augsburg

O God our Father, you give us the lives of the saints as witnesses of Truth and examples of virtue. We thank you for the gift of St. Ulrich, who faithfully served your Church as a kindly Bishop that cared deeply for the poor and the sick. By his example of charity, perseverance and courage, may we too attain the holiness which he lived. We ask all things in the name of your Divine Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

New Books and Kindle Editions on Naples

New titles that may be of interest to our readers. Both are available at Amazon.com

• Hidden Naples: A Guide to the City of Souls and Skulls by Fiorenzo Foglia and Luca Montemagno

Publisher: Independently Published

Publication Date: June 28, 2023

Hardcover: $19.00

Paperback: $12.00

Language: English

Pages: 299

Also sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC

Kindle: $0.00

File size: 39858 KB

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• The Sacred Blood of Naples: A Journey into the Wonders of Blood by Fiorenzo Foglia

Publisher: Independently Published

Publication Date: July 1, 2023

Paperback: $6.30

Language: English

Pages: 107

Also sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC

Kindle: $0.00

File size: 664 KB

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Feast of Beato Piergiorgio Frassati

Beato Piergiorgio Frassati, ora pro nobis

July 4th is the feast of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Dominican Tertiary. Born on April 6, 1901, to a wealthy family in Torino, Pier studied mechanical engineering with a specialization in mining. More interested in helping the poor minors than his studies, he was often reproached by his father. Preferring prayers and charitable works to his schooling, Pier joined every Catholic association he could, including the Conferenza di San Vincenzo and l’Azione Cattolica. A professed member of the Third Order of St. Dominic, he assumed the religious name of Girolamo after Girolamo Savonarola. In 1924 he even founded the society of Tipi Loschi (“swindlers and swindlerettes” or “shady characters”) with his close friends to organize hikes and mounting climbing, as well as to assist one another with their interior lives and to help the less fortunate.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati unexpectedly died of Polio on July 4, 1925, at the age of 24. Thousands, mostly the sick and poor, turned up for his funeral. Impressed by the turnout, his broken-hearted father finally realizes who his son was and returns to the faith.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Beato Piergiorgio Frassati written by Cardinal Giovanni Saldarni, Archbishop of Turin. The photo of the relic from the wood of the coffin of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The relic is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Beato Piergiorgio Frassati!

Prayer to Beato Piergiorgio Frassati

O Father, you gave to the young Pier Giorgio Frassati the joy of meeting Christ and of living his faith in the service of the poor and the sick; through his intercession may we, too, walk the path of the beatitudes and follow the example of his generosity, spreading the spirit of the Gospel in society. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

* Learn more about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

New Kindle Edition — Hidden Naples: A Guide to the City of Souls and Skulls

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

• Hidden Naples: A Guide to the City of Souls and Skulls by Fiorenzo Foglia and Luca Montemagno

Publisher: N/A

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Publication Date: June 18, 2023

Kindle: $0.00

Language: English

File size: 39858 KB

Read description

Click here to see more books

Listing does not imply any endorsement