Feast of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont

Blessed Gobert of Aspremont, ora pro nobis

August 20th is the feast of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont (c. 1200 – 1263), a Cistercian monk and nobleman from the region of Lorraine in northeastern France. Born into the noble House of Aspremont, Gobert was a knight in his early life and, in the service of the King of France, took part in the Crusade against the Albigensians. He later accompanied Emperor Frederick II in his expedition to the Holy Land. Despite his military background, Gobert was deeply drawn to a life of piety and contemplation.

Around 1230, moved by a profound spiritual awakening, he entered the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville in present-day Belgium, a renowned center of ascetic life and reform. There, he embraced a life of humility, prayer, and penance, renouncing the honors and privileges of his noble birth.

Gobert is remembered for his austere lifestyle, deep devotion to the Eucharist, and charitable works. He was especially known for his humility and obedience, embodying the Cistercian ideals of simplicity and devotion. His sanctity was widely recognized during his lifetime, and miracles were reported at his tomb following his death on August 20, 1263.

Though never formally canonized, Blessed Gobert of Aspremont has been venerated as beatus (blessed) within the Cistercian Order and in parts of the region of Lorraine and Wallonia.

Pictured is a 1659 engraving of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont, depicted as he was regarded by his fellow monks: a saintly man of prayer and devotion. In his honor, we offer the following prayer:

Prayer to Blessed Gobert of Aspremont

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont 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 Blessed Gobert protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Evviva San Rocco! A Look at the 136th Annual Feast of San Rocco di Potenza in Little Italy, New York

This past Sunday, I was delighted to participate in the 136th Annual Feast of San Rocco di Potenza in Little Italy, New York. After Mass at Most Precious Blood Church, where nearly 200 of us gathered in devotion, the procession carried San Rocco’s statue through the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little Italy. The air was thick with heat, but even more so with joy—joy in being together again, seeing familiar faces and old friends, walking side by side in faith. For me, it was deeply touching to carry the statue once more after two years away due to illness. The weight was real, the sun was blazing, but in that moment, all I felt was deep gratitude—gratitude for health, for community, and for the chance to honor San Rocco among my brothers and sisters. San Rocco, ora pro nobis.

Young Adult Mass at St. Mary's Church in Norwalk, Connecticut

In Loving Memory of Rita, Devoted Daughter of San Rocco

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rita Silvestri, a beloved member of our community and a faithful devotee of San Rocco, during this 136th Annual Feast of San Rocco in Little Italy, New York.

Rita’s kindness and generosity were well known to all who had the blessing of knowing her. She opened her heart and her home, often inviting me for dinner or sending me off with her home-cooked meals, a gesture of love that reflected her warm spirit.

As we reflect on this year’s Feast, we hold her in our prayers and entrust her to the care of San Rocco, to whom she was ever so devoted. Rita’s memory will remain a light among us, reminding us of the charity and devotion she so gracefully embodied.

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

Photo of the Week: San Rocco Inside the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio in Pomarico, Matera

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Paris: Where History, Art, and Romance Flow Together in the Cultural Heart of Europe (Part 7)

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

To stroll through Paris is to wander in the cultural heart of Europe, where every boulevard and narrow cobbled street seems steeped in centuries of artistry, thought, and romance. Here, Gothic spires rise above the Seine, the light of the old masters dances across museum walls, and café terraces hum with the timeless ritual of conversation over coffee and wine. The city is a tapestry of the monumental and the intimate—majestic landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame stand alongside hidden bookshops, flower markets, and sunlit gardens. More than a destination, Paris is an experience of culture in its purest form, a place where history and modernity converse with effortless elegance. Many thanks to my friend for sharing the beautiful photos of his recent trip, which brought this vision of Paris vividly to life.