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

Photos by Andrew Giordano

Thursday evening, Fr. Stephen Saffron and his congregation celebrated the Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot with a traditional Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono (St. Anthony bonfire) at St. Josaphat’s Church in Bayside, Queens. After the benediction with the relic and blessing of the fire, parishioners adjourned to the parish hall for a delicious pork dinner. Evviva Sant'Antouno Abate!

Feast of Sant'Antonio Abate

Sant'Antuono Abate, ora pro nobis

January 17 is the Feast of Sant' Antonio Abate, also known as Saint Anthony the Great, monk, hermit, and father of Christian monasticism. Patron Saint of livestock and fire, he is also invoked against demonic possession and contagious diseases, particularly skin maladies (e.g. shingles) and ergotism, a toxic condition caused by eating grains contaminated with ergot fungus. Also known as St. Anthony's Fire, ergotism causes gangrene in the extremities and drives its victims mad.

In Southern Italy huge wooden pyres called falò di Sant'Antuono, or the Bonfires of Saint Anthony (not to be confused with St. Anthony's Fire) are burned on the eve of his festival in public squares throughout the night. The purification ritual, which is meant to ward off evil spirits, also signifies the coming end of winter and the anticipation of spring. Local wines and delicacies are enjoyed, as well as fireworks, processions, music and other festivities.

Sant'Antonio's iconography includes the Tau Cross and the Holy Scriptures with flames shooting from the pages. The fire represents his gift to man (like the legend of Prometheus, Sant'Antonio stole fire for humanity). It also signifies the hardships he endured during his time as a hermit. Demons continuously harassed and tormented the Saint, who resisted their wicked temptations with prayer. 

The pig and bell are his attributes as well, though I've read conflicting theories as to why. Some say wild pigs are associated with the Devil, while others claim the animal symbolizes his ability to heal the sick. According to some, medieval apothecaries used pig lard to treat St. Anthony's Fire. The Antonites, a monastic order devoted to the Saint and caring for the sick, were founded in the Middle Ages (c.1100) by a French nobleman whose ailing son was miraculously cured by the Saint's Relics. The Hospitallers of St. Anthony supported its charities by raising swine, and bells, traditionally used to frighten demons, were put around animals' necks for protection.

Naturally there are many miracles and stories attributed to Sant'Antonio, but one of the more fantastic tales involves a pig. According to legend, the Saint descended to the Gates of Hell and used an unusually troublesome and elusive piglet to distract the infernal denizens. While his squealing companion created a diversion, Sant'Antonio hid smoldering embers inside his T-shaped staff and smuggled them back to earth to provide fire for mankind. Alternate versions say the Saint distracted the demons while the pig ran off with a firebrand.

In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to St. Anthony the Abbot. The accompanying photo of Sant'Antuono were taken at the 2011 Feast of Sant'Antonio Abate in Astoria, Queens. Evviva Sant'Antuono Abate!

Prayer to St. Anthony the Abbot

Dear God, St. Anthony the Abbot accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things. He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works. In the Sign of The Cross, he triumphed over the Devil. Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. St. Anthony the Abbot, great and powerful saint, grant us also this special request [make request]. We ask this through our lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever, Amen.

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

Solemnity and Feast of St. Vincent Pallotti at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in East Harlem, New Yoork

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.

Viva 'o Rre! Happy Birthday SG King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies

b. Napoli, 16 January 1836 – d. Arco, 27 December 1894

In memory of Servant of God, King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies, we offer a prayer for his beatification. Francesco II, ora pro nobis.

O One and Triune God, Who casts Your glance on us from Your throne of mercy, and called Francis II of Bourbon to follow You, choosing him on earth to be king, modeling his life on the very Kingship of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, pouring into his heart sentiments of love and patience, humility and meekness, peace and pardon, and clothing him with the virtues of faith, hope and charity, hear our petition, and help us to walk in his footsteps and to live his virtues.

Glorify him, we pray You, on earth as we believe him to be already glorified in Heaven, and grant that, through his prayers, we may receive the graces we need. Amen.

Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague for the Nine Days Preceding the 25th of Each Month (16th–24th)

1. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and for the salvation of the whole world, the mystery of the birth of our Divine Redeemer. Glory be to the Father, etc.

2. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and St. Joseph on that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrows of their hearts at not finding a place wherein to shelter themselves when the Saviour of the world was about to be born. Glory be to the Father, etc.

3. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the manger where He was born, the cold He suffered, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed, and His tender infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.

4. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body when He submitted to the rite of circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then for the first time He shed for the salvation of all mankind. Glory be to the Father, etc.

5. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity and all the virtues of the Child Jesus; and I thank Thee, and I love Thee, and I bless Thee without end for this ineffable mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God. Glory be to the Father, etc.

V. The Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.

Let us Pray

O God, whose only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, whom we acknowledge to have been outwardly like us, we may deserve to be renewed in our inward selves. Who lives and reigns with Thee forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague, TAN Books, 1990

Le Origini della Musica Sacra e il Canto Gregoriano

Feast of San Mauro Abate

San Mauro Abate, ora pro nobis

January 15 is the Feast of San Mauro Abate (Saint Maurus the Abbot), Wonder-worker and Healer of the sick. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, he is the principal patron of Viagrande (CT), Aci Castello (CT), San Mauro Castelverde (PA), San Mauro Forte (MT), San Mauro La Bruca (SA), and Casoria (NA), among others. 

In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to Saint Maurus. The accompanying photo of the Madonna and Child with San Mauro Abate by Francesco Solimena was taken at the Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo in Naples. Evviva San Mauro Abate!

Prayer to Saint Maurus

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the prayers of thy holy Abbot, blessed Maurus may commend us unto thee, that we, who have no power of ourselves to help ourselves, may by his advocacy find favor in thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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New Music: 18th Century Neapolitan Music

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• 18th Century Neapolitan Music performed by Estrovgante Ensemble and Riccardo Doni

Label: Da Vinci
Release Date: November 11, 2024
Audio CD: $18.18
Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

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March for Life 2025

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 the Infant Jesus of Prague

January 14 is the Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague (Gesù Bambino di Praga), a celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation of Our Lord. Representing Christ’s kingship over the world, the Little King is portrayed with an ornate crown, flowing royal raiment and a globe topped with a cross in His left hand. Symbolizing the salvation He brings us, the children of God, the Christ Child’s right hand is raised in blessing, with three fingers held heavenward to denote the unity of the Trinity and the other two fingers bent to reflect Christ’s divine and human nature. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Pictured, is a private shrine dedicated to Our Lord’s most holy infancy. Infant Jesus of Prague, have mercy on us.

Prayer to Infant Jesus of Prague

O Infant Jesus, I form the belief that I shall be granted forgiveness of sins and place it into the hands of Your most Holy Mother Mary; I commend myself to all and every Holy Mass that is celebrated this day and all over the globe, and I offer all this on behalf of the poor Souls in Purgatory. Amen

Feast of Blessed Christina of Savoy, Queen of the Two Sicilies, at St. Rocco Church in Glen Cove, New York

Tradition at the Table

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

January 13 is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The Octave day of the Epiphany (Jan. 6), it commemorates Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist. 

In celebration, we're posting a Prayer for the Baptism of the Lord. The accompanying photo of Gerolamo Starace-Franchis’ painting Battesimo di Cristo was taken at the Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo in Napoli.

Prayer for the Baptism of the Lord

Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. 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

Remembering His Royal Highness, Prince Ranieri of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

b. 3 December 1883 — d. 13 January 1973

Signore misericordioso, Ti ringraziamo di avercelo dato per Maestro, ed offriamo a Te oggi il nostro dolore e la profonda nostra tristezza, per la Sua beatitudine eterna. Accogli o Signore la Sua Anima, e la Tua luce risplenda su di essa.

In memory of His Royal Highness, Prince Ranieri of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, XVI Duke of Castro, Head of the Royal House and Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders, we pray for the happy repose of his soul.

Eternal rest grant unto His Royal Highness, 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

Second Sunday After the Epiphany at St. Michael's Church in Staten Island, New York

Feast of La Sacra Famiglia

Traditionally la Festa della Sacra Famiglia, or the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph, is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Epiphany (January 6th). 

In celebration, I'm posting the Consecration to the Holy Family. The accompanying photo was taken inside the Our Lady of Lourdes and Madonna di Ripalta chapel at Most Precious Blood Church in Manhattan’s Little Italy.

Consecration to the Holy Family 

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace and concord in Christian love: in order that by living according to the divine pattern of Thy family we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. 

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by the kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. 

O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, help us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal needs; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen. 

Say an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be three times.

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

Viva 'o Rre! Happy Birthday King Ferdinando I of the Two Sicilies

b. Napoli, 12 January 1751 – d. Napoli, 4 January 1825

In memory of King Ferdinando I of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. Viva ‘o Rre!

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

Viva 'o Rre! Happy Birthday King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies

b. Palermo, 12 January 1810 — d. Caserta, 22 May 1859

In memory of King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. Viva ‘o Rre!

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

S. Messa in Suffragio di S.M. Maria Sofia, Ultima Regina Consorte del Regno delle Due Sicilie nel Centenario della Sua Morte

In Turi (BA)

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.