Photo of the Week: Ruins of the Temple of Hera and Poseidon at Paestum

Heraion II (Temple of Hera and Poseidon) at Paestum, Salerno
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Around the Web: Blessed Angelo of Acri

The incorrupt body of St. Angelo is venerated in the Basilica in Acri, Calabria

Reprinted from Tradition in Action

By Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira

Angelo, who would be the great apostle of South Italy, was born in 1669 in Acri, Calabria. He was the son of a manual worker. He entered the Capuchins and was a missionary for 40 years until his death in 1739.

His sermons attracted thousands and the number of conversions he worked was impressive. He received a special grace to combat the evil of the errors of the philosophy of that century. His first sermon was supposed to be preached in Lent, and Angelo spent much time studying and preparing for it, planning its delivery in the florid oratorical style fashionable at the time. When he mounted the pulpit to give it, he forgot the text completely. It was a complete failure. Continue reading

A Look at the 116th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco in Little Italy, New York City

Viva San Vincenzo, Martire di Craco!

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Scenes from Sunday’s 116th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco at Most Precious Blood Church in Little Italy, New York.

San Vincenzo Martire di Craco at Most Precious Blood Church 

The Craco Society's antique flag is stored in an
acid-free preservation box for posterity 

About sixty pilgrims attended the Feast Day Mass

(L) Donations are pinned onto the 1930s era statue of San Vincenzo.
(R) Our dear friends Fred Spero and Paul Tocci with the relic of San Vincenzo 

(L) The bone and blood reliquaries are kept at the saint's feet.
(R) A look at Most Precious Blood's High Altar 

(L) Teaching the traditions to the next generation.
(R) Our friends Andrew Taranto and Dolores Alfieri
with Bill Russo, project manager at Most Precious Blood Church

Making the rounds, I made my customary intercessory prayers
to the saints (including San Rocco and newly sainted Sant'Angelo di Acri)
for the happy repose of the souls of my ancestors

At Forlini's Restaurant, President Joe Rinaldi delivers his welcome address 

Msgr. Grieco says grace before lunch

Partygoers pack into Forlini's for the celebratory meal

Mr. Francavilla with a handful of his famous homegrown diavolicchio

A beautiful family heirloom.
The old Reginella crown from the Feast of San Rocco was on display 

The party room was decorated with images of Craco and San Vincenzo

The Associazione Amici di Totò’s “New York Hall of Fame” Tribute at the Italian American Museum

This year's Associazione Amici di Totò’s "New York Hall of Fame"
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

As an unabashed Napoliphile, it was a tremendous honor to be counted among the Associazione Amici di Totò’s “New York Hall of Fame,” a tribute recognizing individuals who promote Neapolitan culture in New York City. In complete accord with fellow recipient Dr. Joseph Scelsa, our endeavors are a labor of love undertaken out of a sense of duty, not for any reward or glory. However, while we don’t do it for the accolades it is still nice to know members of our community appreciate our efforts.

Held on Monday, October 23rd, at the Italian American Museum in New York City’s historic Little Italy, the first edition of this terrific initiative—organized in conjunction with the Comitati Due Sicilie USA—kicked off with the screening of three movie trailers and five short films by some very talented Neapolitan writers and directors. Among these was Michelangelo Basso’s fascinating Capuzzelle, a short story based on Antonio De Curtis’ (Totò’s) poem ‘A Livella and shot in Naples’ famous Fontanelle Cemetery.

After a short intermission, guests mingled, discussed the films, and enjoyed some lite fare and vino, courtesy of the museum. The festivities resumed with the awards ceremony and brief thank-you speeches. As an added bonus, the Comitati honored Dr. Joseph Scelsa, Vincenzo de Sio and yours truly with certificates for our commitment and passion for southern Italy. 

Congratulations to my fellow honorees: Dr. Joseph Scelsa; Sonia Palmieri; Claudia Romano; Luigi and Antonietta Peluso; Dennis Loiacono; Era Makoci; Michele Pilla; Mngucc Del Core; Luigi Liberti; Michelangelo Basso; my dear friend Marcantonio Pezzano; and my Constantinian brethren, Cav. Charles Sant’Elia. I am humbled to be among such wonderful company.

Thank you President Alberto De Marco, Vincenzo De Sio and all the members of the Associazione Amici di Totò for you hard work and dedication to Neapolitan culture, film, and the memory and legacy of the great Totò. We look forward to the Association’s exciting new projects showcasing the vast talent and imagination of Neapolitan cinema.

The awards table

Vincenzo De Sio awards IAM President Dr. Joseph Scelsa 

Vincenzo awards Dennis Loiacono and Sonia Palmieri

Vincenzo awards Claudia Romano and Luigi Liberti

Vincenzo awards Luigi and Antonietta Peluso

Vincenzo awards Domenico Del Core and Michele Pilla

Vincenzo awards Marcantonio Pezzano

Vincenzo awards Cav. Charles Sant'Elia

Cav. Sant'Elia presents Dr. Scelsa with the
Comitati's coveted certificate of appreciation

In the presence of Vincenzo De Sio, Cav. Sant'Elia presents
Cav. John Napoli with the Comitati's certificate of appreciation

Compra Sud — E. Rossi & Co.

Photo courtesy of E. Rossi & Co.

Let's support those who keep our traditions and folkways alive

E. Rossi & Co.

Gifts, Housewares, Music & More
193 Grand Street
Little Italy, New York, NY 10013
212-226-9254

www.erossico.com

instagram @erossiconyc

twitter @erossiconyc

erossicoinc@gmail.com

* Our recommendations will be unsolicited, and only from our personal experience. No second hand suggestions will be made. 

Photo of the Week: Ruins of the Temple of Athena at Paestum

Ruins of the Temple of Athena at Paestum, Salerno
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

HRH Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies Featured in the Fall 2017 Issue of 'Ambassador'

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

I’m honored to have been published in the Fall 2017 issue of Ambassador Magazine (Vol. 29, No. 1), the official organ of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). My brief profile of HRH Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies, this year’s recipient of NIAF’s Special Achievement Award in Philanthropy, joins the triannual publication’s many fascinating features spotlighting Sicily and southern Italy, including an interview with Stephan Talty, author of The Black Hand: The Epic War Between a Brilliant Detective and the Deadliest Secret Society in American History, and our friend Karen Haid’s In His Blood, a look at Francis Marion Crawford and the coastal Calabrian town that inspired his vampiric tale, For the Blood is the Life. Thank you NIAF for publishing my article and promoting our Duesiciliano culture and heritage!

http://www.niaf.org/memberships/ambassador-magazine/

Auxiliary Malta Walk in NYC, October 2017

Francesca Tempesta, DM (fifth from right), and the Order of Malta Auxiliary
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

After missing last month’s Auxiliary Malta Walk for the Feast of San Gennaro, it felt good to be back with our friends from the Knights of Malta and help distribute food to the homeless. Meeting every third Tuesday of the month (@7:30pm) at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral parish house (263 Mulberry Street), members of the Order's Auxiliary and friends prepare and hand out food in the surrounding neighborhoods. Led by the incomparable Francesca Tempesta, DM, our little, but spirited, group distributed 70 bags of ready-to-eat food (sandwiches, fruit, etc.) and toiletries (toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc.).

Anyone interested in supporting this noble endeavor can contact the Order of Malta Auxiliary at nycaux@orderofmaltaamerica.org or call 917-566-3937. For additional information, the Order can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/maltaauxiliarynyc.

God Bless Francesca, the Order of Malta Auxiliary, and Msgr. Sakano for organizing the monthly walk, their hard work and generosity are truly inspiring. I am deeply honored to serve with such an outstanding group of people and excited to do my part and contribute in any way I can to this worthy initiative.

A Look at the 118th Annual Feast of Saint Gerard Maiella in Newark, New Jersey

Evviva San Gerardo! 

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Scenes from Sunday's 118th Annual Feast of San Gerardo Maiella at Saint Lucy's Church, the national shrine of Saint Gerard, in Newark, New Jersey. 

Saint Gerard in Heavenly Glory by Gonippo Raggi.

Mural on the apse in Saint Gerard's Chapel

Boy Scout carried Old Glory during the National Anthem

After Mass, San Gerardo emerges from St. Lucy's Church with much fanfare

Cardinal Joseph Tobin offers a benediction before the procession

Devotees bring their babies to be blessed by the Saint 

Members of the St. Rocco Society of Potenza show their support

Always great to see our friends from the St. Joseph Society of Lodi, NJ

We stopped by to see our buddies at Buon Antipasto

We made new friends at Earth Moon Tide raw bar

Watching my weight, I skipped the fried food this year
and enjoyed some oysters with hot sauce and horseradish

Inside the church, I offered thanks to Santa Lucia and San Vito
for graces received through their intercession 

Making the rounds, I made my customary intercessory prayers
to the saints (including San Michele and San Sabino)
for the happy repose of the souls of my ancestors

I was blessed to have the opportunity to venerate the relic of San Sabino

Congratulations Nicole & John on Your Wedding!

"You may kiss the bride." At the end of Mass, principal celebrant HE Bishop Frank J. Caggiano pronounces the handsome couple man and wife

Congratulations Nicole (né di Bona) and John Viola! It was a tremendous honor to be a part of your joyous day and we wish you never-ending love and happiness. God Bless you and the family you are about to start.

Guests were given packaged butterflies to release after the wedding ceremony

For a split second, everyone outside the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola
took their eyes off the bride to watch the butterflies flutter away

HRH Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies
with Nob. Dr. Robert LaRocca (R.) and Cav. Charles Sant'Elia (l.)

Nicole was a stunning bride 

(Above & below) Everyone joined the happy couple
on the dance floor for the tarantella 

Saturday night, Cipriani Wall Street was the place to be

Baron La Rocca tripping the light fantastic with Teresa Viola

Like everything else that night, the wedding cake was magnificent 

I was amazed at how lifelike John's wedding cake topper looked 

It's not a party until the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies comes out.
Cav. Sant'Elia (l.) and Cav. John Napoli (r.) with our beloved U.S. Delegate of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George