Celebrating the Feast of San Francesco di Paola with Focacce and Paulaner Bier

Wednesday evening, a few close friends came together for our annual pizza and Paulaner bier party in honor of the Feast of San Francesco di Paola. Since it’s Lent and we’ve given up meat, dairy, and eggs for the Great Fast, we opted for cheeseless focacce instead of pizza. This year, we also chose to switch from our traditional Paulaner hefeweizen to a crisper lager, which complemented our simple meal nicely.

San Francesco di Paola, ora pro nobis

Besides tasting great, the reason we choose to drink Paulaner bier is its connection with San Francesco di Paola. For those who may not know, the Minims, a mendicant order of monks founded by the great Calabrian Saint in the fifteenth century, began brewing the beer in 1634 to help support their charitable works. The name Paulaner itself is a corruption of Paola, the town in Provincia di Cosenza where St. Francis was born.

Wishing you a blessed Lent, may our glorious patron San Francesco di Paola protect and watch over you.

Feast of Santa Fara (Burgundofara)

Santa Fara, ora pro nobis

April 3rd is the Feast of Santa Fara (also Burgundofara or Fare), Virgin and Abbess. Patroness of Cinisi, a town and commune in the Province of Palermo, Sicily, she is invoked by those suffering from eye ailments. She is also venerated on December 7th. In celebration, we're posting an invocation by Prof. Plinio Correa de Oliveira (1908-1995), Brazillian intellectual and Catholic activist.*

"We ask [Santa Fara] to imbue our souls not only with nostalgia for that past era of faith, but above all with a hope for this future. An ardent hope should inspire us to do everything that we can to accelerate this future so that the Reign of Mary will come as soon as possible. Making penance for our faults, maintaining our desire for a complete victory for Our Lady, and completely rejecting the present day abominations in the Church and society are the backdrop for this prayer. By our suffering, work, fight, and dedication, by the risks we are willing to face, we should help in the restoration of Christendom and the implantation of her glorious Reign.  

"Let us ask St. Fara to confirm us in these sentiments on her feast day."

The accompanying photo of Santa Fara was taken at Saint Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Evviva Santa Fara!

* Quoted from "St. Fara, April 3" by Prof. Plinio Correa de Oliveira at traditioninaction.org

Storia Delle Guerre di Vandea

In Chieti

First Friday at the Shrine Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, New Jersey

The Gaeta 2025 Two Sicilies Commemorations and a Special Presentation on the Legacy of Cav. Dr. Pietro Ramaglia

Professor Gabriella Paduano

Guest Op-Ed

Submitted by Erasmo Russo

Congratulations to proud Molisan native Professor Gabriella Paduano on her latest presentation of her groundbreaking biography on the life and work of 19th-century Constantinian knight Dr. Pietro Ramaglia of Ripabottini, Molise. Dr. Gabriella Paduano, a friend of the Two Sicilies community and the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George (SMOCSG), has also published an important work on the history and patronage of the noble Francone family of the Molise and is a recipient of the SMOCSG’s Attestation of Merit, granted to her on 6 January 2025 in Campobasso, for her generous philanthropy and for self-financing her own archival research and the publication of books relating to Two Sicilies history.

On the 21 March, the Movimento Neoborbonico, Comitati delle Due Sicilie, and various southern groups held the traditional gathering in the city of Gaeta to honor the fallen soldiers and populace of the Kingdom who took their heroic last stand at the final siege there and the subsequent exile of King Francis II, marking the end of centuries of the independence of the nation in 1861. The event was a true immersion in history, with two days of presentations and ceremonies attended by hundreds of visitors from around Italy. The events included book presentations, Neapolitan language classes, guided tours, historical reenactments, a flag raising, and a symposium on the figure of King Francis II between kingship and sainthood (the canonization process has begun).

Among the presentations, Professor Paduano, who was invited by the Movimento Neoborbonico, presented her seminal work, Pietro Ramaglia: The Molisan Doctor who was a Founder of the Modern Neapolitan Medical School. The Neapolitan professor, journalist, author, and President of the Movimento Neoborbonico Gennaro DeCrescenzo, dialogued with Prof. Paduano. In the hall of the Serapo hotel in Gaeta, she reminded the audience of Dr. Ramaglia’s (Ripabottoni 1802 – Naples 1875) role in medical research, teaching, and treatment of people in need. Ramaglia did groundbreaking work in the understanding and treatment of meningitis and his 1840 Notomia Topografica was an important work that was widely reprinted and translated during his lifetime throughout Europe. Ramaglia was also a clinician at the Ospedale degli Incurabili in Naples for more than 30 years and served as a professor at the Medical College of Surgeons in Naples, as well as personal physician to King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies. Among the some 200 doctors his new school of medicine produced was also the eminent Molisan Dr. Antonio Cardarelli (1831-1927). For his achievements and Christian charity Ramaglia was knighted by King Ferdinand II as a Knight Grand Cross of the SMOCSG. Many visitors asked questions and acquired copies of Professor Paduano’s book, which is to date the most authoritative work on Ramaglia, based on her new research conducted in Ripabottoni and in Naples.

The legacy of Cav. Dr. Pietro Ramaglia as an exemplar of hard work and giving back is augmented by the backdrop of the Two Sicilies history. A pious and loyal man, Ramaglia resigned his posts after the ongoing occupation of Naples, despite being offered continued tenure at the Medical School under the new regime. The son of industrious farmers and shopkeepers in Molise, Ramaglia excelled as a young student and was able to study medicine thanks to a royal scholarship he earned. He maintained his integrity and looked after his compatriots in need as he witnessed the tumultuous fall of his country. Thanks to the efforts of a new generation of scholars such as Professor Paduano, whose own ancestors hail from Ramaglia’s hometown, a wider public now has access to this Two Sicilies story, debunking old Risorgimento tropes of a repressive and backward nation which needed to be annexed and improved by conquest. Ramaglia’s story vividly highlights the interaction between the capital and the regions of the Kingdom and the nation’s investment in its people and well-being.

Feast of San Francesco di Paola

San Francesco di Paola, ora pro nobis

April 2nd is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Paola, patron saint of sailors, the Region of Calabria and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Francis of Paola. The accompanying photo of the Saint was taken at the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The pictures of the Santuario di San Francesco in Paola, Cosenza, comes courtesy of our good friend John Cordi. The pictures below of the Basilica di San Francesco di Napoli were taken during my 2007 visit to Naples. Completed in 1846, this monumental neoclassical church (inspired by the Pantheon in Rome) was built by HM King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies in homage to St. Francis of Paola for the recovery of Naples from Joachim Murat and the French. Evviva San Francesco di Paola!

Prayer to Saint Francis of Paola

Lord God, by whom the holy are exalted and Saint Francis was raised to share in the glory of the saints, let his prayer and example bring us the reward you have promised to the humble. Amen.

Santuario di San Francesco di Paola in Paola, Cosenza

Basilica di San Francesco di Paola in Napoli

Another look at the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola in Napoli

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Novena to San Leone Magno

San Leone Magno, ora pro nobis

Pray Novena to San Leone Magno (St. Leo the Great) for nine consecutive days, April 2nd to April 10th, in preparation for the Feast on April 11th. Evviva San Leone Magno!

Eternal Shepherd, look favorably upon Thy flock, which we beseech Thee to guard and keep for evermore through the blessed Leo, Supreme Pontiff, who Thou didst choose to be chief shepherd of the whole Church. And by his mighty merits, glorious intercession, and solicitude care for the flock we beg of Thee to: (Mention your intentions) And govern Thy Church in Thy clemency, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so that under the guidance of Thy mighty rule, she may enjoy greater freedom and abiding integrity of religion. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

O God, who never allow the gates of hell to prevail against your Church, firmly founded on the apostolic rock, grant her, we pray, that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo, she may stand firm in your truth and know the protection of lasting peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you together, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

* The accompanying photo of the first class relic of San Leone Magno was taken in 2015 by Anthony Scillia at the Treasures of the Church Exposition at St. Leo’s Church in Elmwood Park, New Jersey.

His Excellency Don Francesco Ruspoli, Prince of Cerveteri, Visited New York City to Commemorate the Anniversary of the Passing of the Last Grand Master

Photo courtesy of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, H.E. Don Francesco Ruspoli, Prince of Cerveteri and Grand Chancellor of the Order, along with his consort, Donna Angelica, joined Knights and Dames in New York at a Mass for the anniversary of the death of the last Grand Master (Chapter IX of the Statutes), followed by a luncheon.

Choral Stations of the Cross at St. Josaphat Church in Bayside, New York

Feast of San Lodovico Pavoni

San Lodovico Pavoni, ora pro nobis

April 1st is the feast of St. Lodovico Pavoni, diocesan priest and founder of the Sons of Mary Immaculate (“Pavoniani”). Born on November 11, 1784, into a noble family in Brescia, Lombardy, St. Lodovico was sensitive to the condition and needs of the poor. Committed to becoming a priest, he devoted himself to his studies and was ordained on February 21, 1807.

Working with poor and sick youths, he opened an oratory to help catechize and teach them a trade. It was expanded into a hostel in 1821, and in 1825 he founded a religious congregation of priests and brothers to help train the boys in various livelihoods, including carpentry, smithery, shoemaking and, after purchasing a farm, agriculture, among others.

On March 24, 1849, during the violent uprising against the Austrian Empire, St. Lodovico led his young charges out of the city, away from danger, to the novitiate on the hill of Saiano. As the fighting raged on, he would die a week later of natural causes on Palm Sunday, April 1, 1849. He is the patron saint of vocational and trade schools.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Lodovico. 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 Lodovico Pavoni!

Prayer to St. Lodovico

We implore you, Father, source of life and joy; through the intercession of Saint Lodovico Pavoni, with confidence we ask for the grace of...(mention the grace you are praying for) May your all-powerful love grant our prayer and make us more like your faithful servant, who gave joy and hope to the young and the poor. May our dearest Mother Mary present You our petitions; she obtained the first miracle in Cana through Jesus, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Remembering Blessed Emperor Karl I of Austria

Blessed Karl I of Austria, ora pro nobis

On April 1, 1922, Blessed Karl I of Austria, By the Grace of God Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and the rest, died in exile on the Isle of Madeira at the age of 34.

O God, through the adversities of this world You led Blessed Karl from this earthly realm to the crown reserved for him in Heaven. Grant through his intercession that we may so serve Your Son and our brothers and sisters, that we may become worthy of eternal life. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

Ponderable Quote from "The Ruling Class" by Gaetano Mosca: Churches, Parties and Sects

Gaetano Mosca
April 1, 1858—Nov. 8, 1941
Sicilian jurist and philosopher

One could not maintain that it makes no difference whether a people embraces one religion or political doctrine or another. It would be difficult to show that the practical effects of Christianity are not different from those of Mohammedanism or socialism. In the long run a belief does give a certain bent to human sentiments, and such bents may have far-reaching consequences. But it seems certain that no belief will ever succeed in making the human being anything essentially different from what he is. To state the situation in other words, no belief will ever make men wholly good or wholly bad, wholly altruistic or wholly selfish. Some adaptation to the lower moral and emotional level that corresponds to the human average is indispensable in all religions. Those who refuse to recognize that fact make it easier, it seems to us, for people who use the relative inefficacy of religious sentiments and political doctrines as an argument to prove their absolute inefficacy. There comes to mind in this connection an opinion that has often been expressed. The bandits of southern Italy usually went about in true South Italian style, laden with scapulars and images of saints and madonnas. At the same time they were often guilty of murders and other crimes—whence the conclusion that religious beliefs had no practical influence upon them. Now, before such an inference could with justice be drawn, one would have to show that if the bandits had not carried scapulars and madonnas they would not have committed additional murders or acts of ferocity. If the images saved a single human life, a single pang of sorrow, a single tear, there would be adequate grounds for crediting them with some influence.

Reprinted from The Ruling Class by Gaetano Mosca, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1939, pp. 183-184

Feast of St. Francis of Paola at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco, California

Feast of Beata Giovanna di Tolosa

Beata Giovanna di Tolosa, ora pro nobis

March 31st is the Feast of Blessed Jane of Toulouse, Countess of Toulouse, Virgin, Carmelite tertiary and foundress of the Carmelite Third Order. Taking a vow of chastity, she received the tertiary habit from St. Simon Stock and dedicated herself to a life of prayer and helping the sick and poor. Many miracles have been attributed to her after her death. Blessed Jane was beatified on February 11, 1895 by Pope Leo XIII.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Jane of Toulouse. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Beata Giovanna di Tolosa!

Prayer to Blessed Jane of Toulouse

Hear us, God our Savior, that, as we rejoice in commemorating the Virgin blessed Jane, we may be instructed by her loving devotion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Madonna col Bambino (Ca. 1480) by Domenico Gagini, Museo di Castelnuovo, Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Southern Italian Music for Holy Week

• Passione

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• La Voce Della Passione

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• Tenebrae: Neapolitan Music for the Holy Week

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• Passio Secundum Joannem by Francesco Feo

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All are available from Amazon.com

Lætare Sunday

A bouquet of golden roses

Lætare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum lætitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestræ. (Psalm) Lætatus sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. Gloria Patri.(1)

The fourth and middle Sunday of Lent is called Lætare Sunday, after the incipit of the Mass Introit (entrance antiphon), Lætare Jerusalem, which in Latin means “Rejoice, O Jerusalem.” A joyful day, it is meant to console the faithful and encourage us to persevere to the end of our austere Lenten journey. Instead of the penitential violet, the sacred ministers wear rose-colored vestments, music is played at Mass, and flowers adorn the altar for the day. Also called Rose Sunday, after the customary blessing of the Golden Roses by the Pope, the resplendent bouquets were traditionally bestowed upon Catholic sovereigns or sacred institutions as a sign of the Holy Father's favor. It is said the roses allude to Our Lord's shining majesty.

In celebration, I’m posting the Collect for the Mass. The photo of the golden roses was taken at the Our Lady of the Snow Society clubhouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. To be clear, this bouquet was not a gift from the Pope, but since it is held by the statue of the Blessed Mother, I thought it would make a nice example of the symbolism of Christ's splendor.

Collect Prayer

O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. 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

(1) Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. (Psalm) I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. Glory be to the Father.

Feast of San Giovanni Climaco

San Giovanni Climaco, ora pro nobis

March 30th is the Feast of St. John Climacus (also known St. John of the Ladder), 6th century Hermit, Ascetic, Monk, and Abbot. At the age of sixteen, he devoted himself to a life of prayer, mortification and solitude as a hermit on Mount Sinai. Revered for his wisdom and holiness, he was elected abbot of the monastery, where he wrote the influential treatise on monastic life, The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

In celebration, I’m posting the prayers to St. John Climacus from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home [link will open PDF file]. They are meant for private use. 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 Giovanni Climaco!

Troparia
Troparion Tone 4 We find your virtues to be a ladder leading us to heaven, venerable Father John. You have become virtue personified, 0 glorious saint!

Kontakion Tone 4 The Lord has placed you on the pinnacle of chastity, 0 Father John our Guide. Like abrilliant star you shed light on the earth!

Stichera from For a Monk.
Sessional Hymns from the weekday.

Feast of Beato Gioacchino da Fiore

Beato Gioacchino da Fiore, ora pro nobis

March 30th is the Feast of Blessed Joachim of Fiore (ca. 1135—1202), Calabrian theologian, exegete, seer, ascetic, philosopher, mystic, Cistercian abbot and founder of the monastic order of San Giovanni in Fiore. Regarded as one of the great thinkers of the Middle Ages, his Trinitarian conception of history, divided into the age of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, corresponds with the Old Testament, the New Testament, and an impending age of regeneration of the church and society respectively. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Joachim of Fiore. Evviva Beato Gioacchino da Fiore!

Prayer to Blessed Joachim of Fiore

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

Francesco V D'Austria-Este, a 150 Anni dalla Sua Morte

A Prayer for the Earthquake Victims in Southeast Asia

Sant'Emidio, prega per noi

We offer prayers for the victims of the catastrophic earthquake that hit Southeast Asia Friday afternoon. The loss of life, the suffering, and the destruction deeply sadden us. May Sant'Emidio, Blessed Isidore Ngei Ko Lat, and Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung protect and watch over you.

Prayer to Saint Emygdius in Times of Earthquake and Calamities

Saint Emygdius, Bishop and Martyr of the faith, accept kindly the prayer that we confidently address to you. Intercede for us before the Lord so that, by imitating you, our faith, vivified by works, be a testimony of filial love for God and fraternal love for one’s neighbor. Encouraged by your example we promise to live with a heart detached from earthly goods and the willingness to sacrifice everything in order to remain faithful to God and the Church. Extend upon us, on our families and on our cities your protection, from the earthquake and from every other calamities or pestilence, so that preserved from them, we may lead a quiet and peaceful life dedicated at giving glory to God hoping to secure the salvation of our souls. Amen.

Feast of San Bertoldo di Calabria

San Bertoldo di Calabria, ora pro nobis

March 29th is the feast of St. Berthold of Calabria, 12th-century French crusader, mystic, hermit, ascetic, founder and first prior general of the Carmelite Order. While defending Antioch from the Saracens, he had a vision of angels carrying his fallen brethren to heaven. After the siege, he established a small hermit colony in Palestine and built a chapel on Mount Carmel dedicated to Our Lady, founding the Carmelite Order in 1155. He served as prior for forty-five years until his death in 1195.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Berthold of Calabria. 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 Bertoldo di Calabria!

Prayer to St. Berthold of Calabria

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Berthold 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 St. Berthold protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Incontro Annuale dei Comitati delle Due Sicilie

Feast of San Giovanni da Capestrano

San Giovanni da Capestrano, ora pro nobis

March 28th is the Feast of San Giovanni da Capestrano, Franciscan friar and priest. Patron Saint of military chaplains and jurists, he is also the protector of Capestrano, a commune in the Province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo), where he was born in 1386. 

San Giovanni is revered as the "soldier saint" for his role in the valiant defense of Belgrade against the Ottoman Turks in 1456. With his fiery sermons, he helped raise a peasant army and assisted John Hunyadi, the heroic White Knight of Wallachia, in breaking the siege and routing the invaders. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer in honor of St. John of Capistrano. Evviva San Giovanni!

Prayer to St. John of Capistrano

Lord, you raised up Saint John of Capistrano to give your people comfort in their trials. May your Church enjoy unending peace and be secure in your protection. 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

Remembering Princess Cristina Pia of the Two Sicilies

24 December 1869 – 28 March 1870

In memory of Princess Maria Cristina Pia Anna Isabella Natalia Elisa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, daughter of SG King Francesco II and Queen Maria Sophia of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul.

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