Feast of San Benedetto da Nursia

San Benedetto da Nursia, ora pro nobis

"Pray and work."

March 21st is the Feast of San Benedetto da Nursia, Hermit and Patriarch of Western monasticism (he wrote the "Holy Rule of Saint Benedict"). Invoked against demonic possession and temptation, San Benedetto is the patron saint of Europe, Pertosa in Salerno, monks, architects, engineers, speleologists and spelunkers. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Benedict of Nursia. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Monastery of Santa Maria di Picciano in Matera, Basilicata. Evviva San Benedetto da Nursia!

A Prayer to Saint Benedict

Dear Saint Benedict, I thank God for showering you with His grace to love Him above all else and to establish a monastic rule that has helped so many of His children live full and holy lives. Through the cross of Jesus Christ, I ask you to please intercede that God might protect me, my loved ones, my home, property, possessions, and workplace today and always by your holy blessing, that we may never be separated from Jesus, Mary, and the company of all the blessed. Through your intercession may we be delivered from temptation, spiritual oppression, physical ills, and disease. Protect us from drug and alcohol abuse, impurity and immorality, objectionable companions, and negative attitudes. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Feast of Bl. Maria Candida of the Eucharist

Bl. Maria Candida, ora pro nobis

“When I was still a child, and before I was old enough to receive Jesus in Communion, I used to rush to the front door to greet my mother when she returned from Mass. There I stood on tiptoe to reach up to her and cried, 'I want God too!' My mother would bend down and softly breathe on my lips; I immediately left her, and placing my hands across my chest, full of joy and faith, jumping for joy I would keep repeating: 'I have received God too! I have received God too!”

March 21st is the Feast of Bl. Maria Candida of the Eucharist, Virgin and Mystic. Born on January 16, 1884 in Catanzaro, Calabria, Maria Barba felt the calling to a religious life at an early age, but was discouraged by her family. Receiving her First Holy Communion on April 3, 1894 in Palermo, Sicily (her parents' hometown), she had a strong devotion to the Eucharist. Finally entering the Order of the Discalced Carmelites in 1919, she assumed the name Maria Candida of the Eucharist and made her solemn profession on April 23, 1924. Eventually serving as Prioress and Mistress of Novices at her convent in Ragusa, Sicily, Mother Candida wrote extensively about the Mystery of the Eucharist. She died of cancer on June 12, 1949. 

Relic at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Church in Newark, New Jersey

During his homily at the Beatification of Four Servants of God in St. Peter’s Square on March 21, 2004, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Pope St. John Paul II said of her

Maria Barba became a 'new creature' who offered her entire life to God in Carmel, where she received the name Maria Candida of the Eucharist. She was an authentic mystic of the Eucharist; she made it the unifying centre of her entire life, following the Carmelite tradition and particularly the examples of St. Teresa of Jesus and of St. John of the Cross. 

She fell so deeply in love with the Eucharistic Jesus that she felt a constant, burning desire to be a tireless apostle of the Eucharist. I am sure that Bl. Maria Candida is continuing to help the Church from Heaven, to assure the growth of her sense of wonder at and love for this supreme Mystery of our faith.

In celebration, I’m posting the Carmelite Prayer for Blessed Maria Candida. The photo of the relic of Bl. Maria Candida at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey comes courtesy of Eric Lavin. Evviva Beata Candida!

Carmelite Prayer

All-powerful and ever-living God, Who, by the breath of the Spirit, inspired Blessed Maria Candida, virgin, to contemplate the riches of the Eucharist, by her intercession, grant we beseech you, that gratefully offering the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ, in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may always glorify You in this Sacrament, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen 

Sources:
• http://www.meditationsfromcarmel.com/content/blessed-maria-candida-euchrist
• http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/2004/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20040321_beatifications.html 
• http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20040321_candida_en.html

The Annunciation at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Jersey City, New Jersey

Discovering Some Old Poster Stamps

While cataloging an old collection of Italian American sheet music dating from the early 20th century, I stumbled upon a few poster stamps from Neapolitan publishing houses that should be of interest to musicologists and philatelists alike.

Remembering HRH Prince Don Ferdinando Maria Andrea Alfonso Marco of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

28 May 1926 - 20 March 2008

In memory of His Royal Highness Prince Ferdinand of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, late Grand Master of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, we pray for the happy repose of his soul.

Let us pray:

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of the brethren, relations, and benefactors of our Order, and especially the late Grand Master, Ferdinand, the remission of all their sins, that they may obtain the clemency which they have always desired by pious supplications, and rejoice in the heavenly homeland with the Saints and Thy elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Happy Spring!

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

The March or vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring, a time of rebirth and fertility. In celebration of the new season I would like to share a poem by the acclaimed Sicilian poet and 1959 Nobel Laureate Salvatore Quasimodo from The Night Fountain: Selected Early Poems translated by Marco Sonzogni and Gerald Sawe, Arc Publications, 2008, p. 26-27. 

The accompanying photo of Primavera (Spring), or Flora, the goddess of fertility and springtime, from the Villa Arianna, Stabiae, first century AD, was taken at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli in 2010.

Wild Flowers

Blood clots hanging over torn green velvet:
the wounds of the fields!
Breathing in the sweet air, spring has broken
the veins of its swollen breasts.
Wind gusts with eager lips: a kiss!
Blood-red wild flowers float on threadlike
and foamless waves.

Primule

Grumi pensili di sangue sul lacero velluto verdognolo.
Oh le ferite dei prati!
La primavera respirando voluttuosamente l'aria soave, ha rotte
le vene del suo seno turgido.
Un fiotto di vento con le labbra avide; un bacio! E le
primule sanguigne galleggiano su l'onde filamentose e
senza spuma.

Feast of the Annunciation and Incarnation of Christ at St. Josaphat Church in Bayside, New York

Celebrating the Fifth Annual Sanfedisti Tavola di San Giuseppe in Brooklyn, New York

San Giuseppe, ora pro nobis

After Mass, members and friends of the Fratelli della Santa Fede gathered at Amunì Ristorante (7217 3rd Avenue) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on Sunday afternoon to celebrate our Fifth Annual Sanfedisti Tavola di San Giuseppe.

Heartfelt thanks to our dear friends from the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, the Roman Forum, the Gebetsliga USA/Canada, the San Rocco Society of Potenza in NYC, and the Brooklyn Latin Mass Society for joining us in the festivities.

Special thanks to Chef Vincent Dardanello for treating us to another delicious Sicilian repast. His warmth and hospitality are second to none.

As always, celebrating our faith and culture together was a great honor and pleasure. We are looking forward to doing it again next year. Evviva San Giuseppe!

We erected a modest St. Joseph's Table by the front window

Andrew, John, and John

After dinner, a few partygoers took a commemorative photo with the
flags of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and Cross of Burgundy

Jim and John

Enza and Andrew

Isaac and Emily

Antonio and Peter

Chef Dardanello

Caponata

Carciofi fritti

Arancini

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta con sarde with toasted breadcrumbs

Shrimp oreganata

Eggplant parmigiana

Milanesa de Pollo with Insalata di finocchio

Fruit and nuts

Sfingi di San Giuseppe

Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Raffle prizes included books by John Rao and Eduard Habsburg

This year's grand prize was a framed charcoal drawing
generously donated by local artist David DiPasquale

Feast of San Giuseppe

San Giuseppe, ora pro nobis

March 19th is Saint Joseph's Day. As a carpenter and spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster-father of the Infant Jesus, he is the patron saint of workers and protector of the family. He is also invoked in the fight against Communism and the grace of a happy death. 

In Sicily the day is popularly celebrated with La Tavulata di San Giuseppe or Saint Joseph's Table. Dating back to Medieval times, the ritual meal is held in honor of the Saint's intercession during an especially bad famine. According to legend, a severe drought struck the island inflicting widespread suffering and starvation. Saint Joseph answered the peoples' prayers and relieved them from the dreadful plight. 

Eternally grateful, a special feast was prepared by wealthy families to help those less fortunate. Fava beans are a staple because it is said the hardy vegetable was the only food that would grow during the famine. Toasted breadcrumbs are sometimes sprinkled over pasta dishes, which symbolizes sawdust from Saint Joseph's workshop. Other delicacies include sculpted breads (Pane di San Giuseppe) and the famous sfinci di San Giuseppe, decadent cream puffs filled with sweetened ricotta, chocolate and candied fruits. Traditionally meat is not served during the Feast because it takes place during Lent. The celebration is still observed by devout Sicilians around the world and variations of the Table are found in Campania, Puglia and other places in Southern Italy.

In the South, Saint Joseph's Day also serves as Father's Day (Festa del Papa). It's a wonderful opportunity for us to show appreciation to our fathers and honor our forefathers. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Joseph. The accompanying photo of the Saint was taken during my 2010 pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine in Sorrento, Campania. Evviva San Giuseppe!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, March 18th, Feast of St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Prayer to Saint Joseph

Blessed St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a fervent love of the interior life. After your example, may I perform my actions for the greater Glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for me, Saint Joseph, that I may experience the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen.

55° Incontro Tradizionalista di Civitella del Tronto

New York City is for the Birds

The relentless urbanization of the Big Apple and its surrounding environs during my lifetime (and everything that entails: overpopulation, pollution, etc.) has made me ever more appreciative of the city’s extant green spaces, wildlife, and natural phenomena. Because of this, seemingly insignificant experiences—such as the recent blood moon, stargazing with my nephews, and relaxing with a good book in Elizabeth Street Garden—mean the world to me today. Raised by outdoorsy parents, I always had a healthy fascination with the great outdoors and a love for nature, but (like so many other things diminishing from my life) I sometimes took them for granted. Unfortunately, so many people I interact with still do.

Consider two recent incidents involving birds.

First, across the street from my office stood a condemned building where a magnificent Cooper’s Hawk had made its nest. Almost daily, I would watch him perched high on the roof ledge, keeping a lookout for prey. Then, one day, workers arrived and began demolishing the old dilapidated building, and I never saw my avian friend again. That is, until the other day when I took a lunch break with my coworkers and found him dead on the sidewalk. Upset by the loss, my colleagues were completely indifferent.

They were equally uninterested when I told them about a raven I spotted. One of the largest I had ever seen in the city, I watched the wind-borne spook carry a rat to the top of an old utility pole and rend its catch to pieces.

Again, the story elicited no response—they couldn’t care less.

This got me thinking (again) about how different my interests are from your garden variety “normie.” This must be the way they feel every time we gather around the water cooler and my eyes glaze over when they talk to me about celebrity gossip, American sportsball, or the “latest thing.”

Heaven knows what kind of architectural monstrosity the developers will erect on the vacant lot. It's safe to assume that prime real estate in Lower Manhattan won't be "wasted" on green spaces and improving the quality of life. I'm guessing it will be another street-level low-end boutique or trendy fast-food eatery with overpriced condominiums above. Whatever they build there, the one thing we know for certain is that New York City is for the birds.

Feast of San Salvatore da Horta

San Salvatore da Horta, ora pro nobis

March 18th is the feast of St. Salvator of Horta (1520-1567), Franciscan Lay Brother, ascetic, and wonderworker. Renowned for his holiness and humility, St. Salvator miraculously healed the sick with the sign of the Cross.

Attracting thousands of desperate pilgrims wherever he settled, his superiors and confreres viewed him with suspicion and considered him a nuisance. In Barcelona, he was even denounced to the Inquisition but was soon found innocent of wrongdoing.

Expelled repeatedly from the friaries, St. Salvator did, however, spend almost twelve years at Horta in Tarragona, Catalonia. Transferred from here as well, he finally arrived at a friary in Cagliari, Sardinia, in November 1565, where he died two years later, saying, “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.”

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Salvator of Horta. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The sculpture is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva San Salvatore da Horta!

Prayer to St. Salvator of Horta

Almighty God, author of all miracles, we thank you for your wonder-working servant, St. Salvador. Throughout his life he was known to call down special heavenly graces for many who sought his intercession. By his great faith and exceptional humility, he was able to move mountains in the lives of your people and inspire them to seek you above all else. On this day, I too call upon his saintly help to assist with this most challenging need (mention intention). Grant that, above all, I may have the grace of joyful surrender to your Divine Providence. Through the intercession of St. Salvador, I abandon myself to your Holy Will. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Bronze Apollo with Lyre, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Women's Retreat at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception Retreat House in Huntington, New York

In Memoriam Uff. Nob. Nicola D'Elia

It is with much sorrow that we ask you in your charity to pray for the repose of the soul of our Confratello, Uff. Nob. Nicola D'Elia, who passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the age of 91. Uff. Nob. D'Elia is the father of our Confratello, Cav. Nob. Paolo D'Elia.

We extend our deepest condolences to the entire D'Elia Family.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

IHSV

Feast of Santa Gertrude di Nivelles

Santa Gertrude di Nivelles, ora pro nobis

March 17th is the Feast of St. Gertrude of Nivelles, Abbess, Ascetic, and Foundress. Born in Nivelles, Brabant, in 626, St. Gertrude was the daughter of Blessed Pepin I of Landen and St. Itta of Metz. Her older sister St. Begga was an ancestor of Charles Martel and Emperor Charlemagne.

When her father died in 639, her mother founded a Benedictine double monastery for men and women at Nivelles and appointed St. Gertrude as the first abbess. Primarily focused on instructing the monks and nuns in Holy Scripture, she also used her family’s wealth to build several churches, monasteries and hospices.

Enfeebled by her severe penances and self-deprivation, she resigned her office and appointed her niece St. Vulfetrude as her successor. She was revered as a saint immediately following her death in 659.

Patron saint of sailors and travelers, St. Gertrude is invoked against fever, plague, rats and mice. Her patronage of cats appears to be a recent attribute—possibly associated with her protection against rodents. Her patronage of sailors and travelers stems from her miraculous intercession at sea, famously protecting a ship under attack by a giant sea monster.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Gertrude of Nivelles. 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 Gertrude di Nivelles!

Prayer to St. Gertrude of Nivelles

Dear St. Gertrude, you have long been venerated as a patron against rats and mice. Please intercede for us, we pray, and ask God to rid our home of all mice. We ask for your prayers as we work to reclaim our home as ours alone, free from mice and any other pests. Amen