Celebrating the 118th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo, Martire di Craco, in Little Italy, New York

Viva San Vincenzo!

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

A Look at Sunday’s cold and rainy 118th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo Martire at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood (113 Baxter St.) in Little Italy, New York.

Thank you Fred Spero, Stephen La Rocca and all the members of the Craco Society for your hard work and dedication. As always, it was a tremendous pleasure to celebrate our faith and culture together. Viva San Vincenzo!

The 1901 statue of San Vincenzo

(Above & below) Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Nicholas Grieco  

Lectors Michael Salomone and Patrick Colabella reading the Sacred Scriptures

During his sermon, Msgr. Grieco spoke at length about San Vincenzo 

(L) Joseph Rinaldi proclaiming the intercessions. (R.) Cantor Susan Mello
sang a glorious rendition of Inno a San Vincenzo Martire

After Mass, devotees venerate San Vincenzo

Donations are pinned onto the 1930s era statue of San Vincenzo 

Our buddies Konstantinos with the standing statue
and Stephen La Rocca with the relic of San Vincenzo

Children venerating the relic

Cav. John Napoli of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George with dear friends, Tony, Anna, and Konstantinos Mavrianos-Cesare 

San Rocco Society brethren, Cav. Napoli with
Cav. Paul Tocci of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre

Viva Sant'Angelo!

After Mass, I had the privilege of helping carry the statue of Sant'Angelo d’Acri from his niche to the bye alter for the Mass in the Saint’s honor.

Photo of the Week: Ruins of Pompeii

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Celebrating the Forty Hours Devotion at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents in New York City

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Immortalitátis alimónian consecúti, quǽsumus, Dómine: ut, qui sub Christi Regis vexillis militáre gloriámur, cum Ipso, in cælésti sede, júgiter regnáre possímus: Qui tecum vivit.(1)

Over the course of three days members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) joined the faithful at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in Manhattan to celebrate the Forty Hours Devotion, a solemn forty-hour period of continuous prayer made before the Most Blessed Sacrament in exposition. A bastion of traditional Catholicism, the church is the only parish in the entire Archdiocese of New York that observes the devotion in its traditional form.(2)

Beginning Friday evening with Holy Hour and Confession, the Votive Mass of Exposition was sung by Rev. Fr. James L.P. Miara. After Holy Communion, the Most Blessed Sacrament was placed in the monstrance and incensed. A solemn Eucharistic procession around the nave with crucifer, thurifers, and a retinue of acolytes carrying torches and processional canopy culminated with the enthronement of the Blessed Sacrament on the altar for all-night Adoration while the Schola chanted the Tantum Ergo Sacramentum. Mass concluded with the Benediction, Divine Praises, and the chanting the Litany of the Saints. 

Returning Saturday afternoon, we found the tired faces of a few devout souls who remained and prayed through the night. Settling in, we implored God's divine mercy and joined the congregation in praying the Holy Rosary. As it happens, it was also the final day of Cardinal Raymond Burke and Bishop Athanasius Schneider’s forty-day crusade of prayer and fasting, so we prayed the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows for the good intentions of the Holy Father as well as for his rejection of the theological errors and heresies connected with the Amazon Synod.

Missa Pro Pace (Mass for peace) was sung by Fr. Miara at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help bye-altar.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the faithful continued throughout the night.

Sunday morning, the closing Mass of Reposition and the Solemnity of Christ the King was celebrated Coram Sanctissimo, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The Forty Hours Devotion closed with a solemn procession and final reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Same as with the opening Mass of Exposition, Fr. Miara ended with a Benediction, the Divine Praises, and chanting the Litany of the Saints. The congregation sang the Te Deum and recited the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Plenary Indulgences were gained by all who confessed their sins and received Holy Communion at the church during the three days of Exposition.

                                         ~ Giovanni di Napoli with Andrew Giordano, Sunday, October 27, The Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ 

(1) We who have received the food of immortality, beseech Thee, O Lord: that we who glory in our warfare under the banners of Christ our King, may reign with Him for ever in His heavenly dwelling place: Who liveth and reigneth. ~ Postcommunion Collect

(2) Forty Hours Devotion at Church of Holy Innocents This Weekend by Stuart Chessman, October 24, 2019, The Society of St. Hugh of Cluny

Around the Web: “Why We Are Neo-Bourbon” an IAP Lecture on the Southern Italian Roots of the Italian American Community

In celebration of Italian American Heritage Month, our favorite moderator John M. Viola has been invited to speak to the Northern Ohio Italian American Foundation (NOIA Foundation) about the history of Southern Italy and its impact on the Italian American story.

Recorded from a live presentation, join our friends in Cleveland as they explore a brief history of a united Southern Italy, from the Golden Age of the Norman Kingdom, through the Bourbon era and the end of the Kingdom’s 731 year sovereignty.

In this beginners overview of two of the most dynamic and important periods of the history of the Two Sicilies, you’ll discover some fascinating historic trivia, and as John shares the shocking statistics of what the South was really like on the eve of the Risorgimento, you’ll begin to understand the long-lost counter-history that explains why the nation that in 1860 had Europe’s lowest rate of emigration, would lose nearly 40% of its population within 50 years of the Italian Reunification.

Listen to the episode

Celebrating the 120th Annual Feast of San Gerardo Maiella in Newark, New Jersey

Evviva San Gerardo! 

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

A Look at Sunday’s cold and rainy Feast of San Gerardo Maiella at St. Lucy’s Church, the National Shrine to St. Gerard, in Newark, New Jersey.

In the chapel, devotees pin donations on to the statue

Among the many statues depicting the Blessed Mother are
the Madonna Addolorata and the Madonna del Carmine

Making the rounds, I made my customary intercessory prayers
to all the saints, including to San Michele Arcangelo and San Sabino

Clerestory windows above the aisles illuminate the nave.
Images include San Michele Arcangelo and San Sabino di Avellino

Detail of ceiling mural depicting the martyrdom of Santa Lucia

Next door to the church, displaying tons of historical memorabilia, is the Museum of the Old First Ward (in the basement of St. Lucy's Community Center)

The front and back of an antique standard

Some badges and pins on display 

Among the museum's many treasures is an authentic Neapolitan Presepio

(Above & below) Presepio pieces on display near the gift shop 

The Magi bearing gifts 

Our Lady with the Infant Jesus

(Above & below) Cold and sodden, the procession returns to the fairgrounds 

(Above & below) The statue is generously wrapped in money 

The rain didn't dampen the festive spirit

Diehard devotees escort the saint back into the church

Praying for the Repose of the Souls of the Faithful Departed with the New York Purgatorial Society

Evviva San Vincenzo!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

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.

Monday evening, members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) made the long overdue trek to St. Vincent Ferrer Church (869 Lexington Ave.) in Manhattan for the monthly sung Requiem Mass. Sponsored by the New York Purgatorial Society, the Mass is offered in the Dominican or Roman Rites for the poor and forgotten souls in Purgatory.

Arriving early, we had the opportunity to explore the beautiful church and say our preparatory prayers before the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Wishing not to disturb the other worshipers, I waited until after Mass to take my pictures. However, buy that time the lights were dimmed and most of the chapels were gated, so I didn’t get to take as many photos as I would have liked. 

Mass was celebrated by the Rosary bye-altar

High Mass was sung by Fr. Joseph F. Wilson, Chaplain of the Society. He was dutifully assisted by several servers and the society’s very talented Schola. Celebrated at the Rosary bye-altar, I did not have a clear view of the Mass, but thanks to the church’s amazing acoustics we heard everything perfectly.

We were able to venerate the relics of Pope St. John Paul II,
on the eve of his Feast Day (October 22nd), and St. Jacinta Marto

As an aside, the one thing that really stood out for me was how young most of the assemblage was. I finally witnessed first hand the much-vaunted youthfulness of traditional Catholics. Admittedly, this hasn’t always been my experience, so it was nice to see so many young faces. Additionally, the sound of happy toddlers in the back of the church was most welcome.  

St. Ann and the Blessed Mother

Afterward, we were invited to join the Purgatorial Society for some drinks at a nearby watering hole. Mingling with other partygoers, we were happy to learn that several of the attendees were new to the Latin Mass.

Knocking back a few pints, we drank to the memory of good King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies and the ever faithful Loyalists who fought and died for the Kingdom. Seeing as it was his Feast Day (October 21st), we couldn't forget Blessed Emperor Karl I of Austria and his wife, Servant of God Empress Zita.

The sanctuary and High Altar

Thank you Very Rev. Walter Wagner, O.P., Pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer and St. Catherine of Siena Parish, and members of the congregation for your warmth and hospitality. Special Thanks to our pal Pete Clemente for inviting us, I wish we took you up on the invitation sooner. God bless the members of the New York Purgatorial Society for sponsoring the Masses and their righteous mission to promote prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. As always, it was a great joy to celebrate our faith together.

The Next Purgatorial Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Church will be offered on Wednesday, November 13th. For more information about the New York Purgatorial Society visit www.nypurgatorial.com or write to nypurgatorial@yahoo.com.

                                            ~ Giovanni di Napoli, Tuesday, October 22nd, the Feast St. Abercius of Hieropolis

Photo of the Week: A Sphinx from Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele in Capri

A Sphinx from Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele, Capri
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Celebrating the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

After Mass, the Visitation Sisters generously offered us some literature about the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Jane de Chantal, and their Order

Cor Iesu, lancea perforatum, miserere nobis. (1)

For two days, Members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) celebrated the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690), Disciple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sacro Cuore di Gesù) and a beloved benefactress of our society. Commemorated a day apart on the new and traditional Liturgical Calendars, the Feast is observed on October 16th and 17th respectively. At both Masses, the Sanfedisti prayed for our Holy Father, Christ’s Vicar, and the cleansing of Holy Mother Church of all heresy and apostasy. On the 16th, we also prayed for the repose of the soul of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France who was savagely executed in 1793 during the French Revolution (i.e. The Terror).

Opening Mass for the Jubilee Year in Honor of the Centenary of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Canonization 

Wednesday, October 16th — Despite the torrential downpour, a handful of devout parishioners made the sodden trek to Visitation Monastery (8902 Ridge Blvd.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for the opening Mass for the Jubilee Year (2019-2020) in honor of the Centenary of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Canonization. Presided by the Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, His Excellency recalled with ardor and reverence the life of the great Saint.

The cold rain started to let up a little after Mass

The grace of a Jubilee Year was obtained by the Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary from the Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome, which under the usual conditions (2) grants the grace of a plenary indulgence to all those who cross the doors of their chapels on the following dates:

• The first Friday of each month
• The feast of St. Margaret Mary on October 16, 2019 and 2020
• The Solemnity of St. Francis de Sales on January 24, 2020
• The 100th anniversary of St. Margaret Mary's canonization, May 13, 2020
• The Solemnity of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary on May 31, 2020 
• The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2020
• The Solemnity of St. Joan of Chantal on August 12, 2020

The Jubilee Year will close on October 17th, 2020.

Missal and prayer cards in hand, I prayed with my brethren
to bring us closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating Low Mass in Honor of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque at Holy Innocents Church

Thursday, October 17th — The Sanfedisti reconvened the following night at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 W. 37th St.) in Manhattan for the traditional Feast Day of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. After praying the Holy Rosary (weekdays at 5:20 p.m.) and venerating the Relic of the True Cross, we sat in silent prayer before the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Low Mass was celebrated by Fr. Louis Van Thanh, who spoke at length during his sermon about the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Margaret Mary, St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897), and St. Maria Faustina Kowalski (1905-1938). Fr. Van Thanh was dutifully assisted by two servers.

Afterward, we took the opportunity to light candles and make our usual prayers of thanks, praise and reparation. We also implored the Sacred Heart of Jesus through St. Margaret Mary Alacoque to intercede for the private intentions made on behalf of family and friends going through difficult times. Evviva Santa Margherita Maria Alacoque!

                                            ~ Giovanni di Napoli, Saturday, October 19th, the Feast San Pietro d'Alcántara

(1) “Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us.” Taken from the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

(2) In order to receive the plenary indulgence, one must be in a state of grace, have sacramentally confessed their sins, and prayed for the intentions of the Holy Father

Updated: New Book — New York City's Italian American Neighborhoods

Forthcoming title that may be of interest to our readers. Available at Amazon

• New York City's Italian American Neighborhoods by Raymond Guarini

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Publication Date: November 11, 2019
Paperback: $23.99
Language: English
Pages: 96

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Celebrating High Mass, Blessed Charles de Foucauld, and Devotions in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima in NYC

Icon of Blessed Charles de Foucauld

Sunday morning, members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) gathered at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in Manhattan to make confession and celebrate High Mass for the Feasts of Blessed Gerardo Sasso, Santa Chelidonia de Abrruzzo, and the 102nd anniversary of the last apparition of Our Lady to the three shepherd children at Fatima. 

The Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was sung by Celebrant and Homilist Fr. James L.P. Miara, who was dutifully assisted by six servers and the parish Schola. Following his sermon, Fr. Miara consecrated the church’s new icon of Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916), a hermit priest who was martyred at the oasis city of Tamanrasset in French Algeria.

After Mass, the faithful were invited to venerate the icon before retiring to the church basement for some lite refreshments, coffee and fellowship.

Replacing Vespers was the Devotions in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima. In addition to the praying of the Holy Rosary there was a solemn candlelight Eucharistic procession and traditional “Fatima Farewell,” where devotees wave white handkerchiefs as the statue of Our Lady is carried in procession around the nave.

Rosary in hand, Fr. Miara led us in prayer at Duffy Square

Bringing a close to the congregation’s 54-Day Rosary Novena in reparation for all the evils in our country, some fifty parishioners took to the teeming streets of Times Square with Fr. Miara to pray fifteen decades of the Holy Rosary at Duffy Square. Along with new friends Mark and Michael, the Sanfedisti had the great honor of carrying the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the procession.

Returning the statue to the church, we were able to venerate the icon of Blessed Charles de Foucauld a second time before leaving for our celebratory, but modest dinner.

Prayer to obtain a favour through the intercession of Brother Charles - Father de Foucauld

God Our Father, you called your servant Charles de Foucauld to discover the infinite greatness of your love by contemplating the life of Jesus of Nazareth, your Son, who became flesh, who humbled himself to the point of death, who was raised to life, and who sent the Holy Spirit as his first gift to those who believe. May we find, as we lovingly read the Gospel, and as we adore the Eucharist, a fountain of inexhaustible life in Christ, and a missionary courage and energy which will bind us in a spirit of universal fraternity. Thus we can work together to bring about your plan for the salvation of all people. We ask you in particular to grant, by the intercession of your servant Charles de Foucauld, if this is in conformity with your will, this grace.... for... whom we commend to your fatherly heart. We ask you this through Jesus, your beloved Son, Our Lord.

Photo of the Week: Detail from the Cappella delle Anime al Purgatorio, Castel Nuovo, Naples

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

America Needs Fatima in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

Ave Maria!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Saturday afternoon, I joined some fifty parishioners at the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn for the annual America Needs Fatima public square Rosary Crusade. Marking the 102nd Anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, our group prayed the Rosary for peace and the salvation of souls. Special thanks to the Holy Name Society for organizing this spiritually edifying convocation.