A Solemn Ash Wednesday

The Infant of Prague dressed in traditional violet vestments
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Meménto, homo, quia pulvis es, et in púlverem revertéris 1

After a decadent Martedì Grasso, or Fat Tuesday, members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) began the penitential season of Lent together on Ash Wednesday at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 W 37th St.) in Manhattan. Arriving early, we were able to get our regular seats on St. Joseph's side of the altar (i.e. the right side), before the church filled up for the evening Tridentine High Mass.

The scourging at the pillar

Settling in, we made our way around the nave, meditating on the Stations of the Cross and visiting the statues of the saints. Praying for the poor and forgotten Souls in Purgatory, I lit candles by my familial patrons, St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Infant of Prague, which was vested in traditional violet finery. We also prayed by the newly installed “Ecce Homo,” a powerful image of Christ flayed by the column. As is the custom, all flowers adorning the altar and statues were removed for Lent. Interestingly, I’ve never seen so many candles lit in this church before.

Prior to Mass, there was the traditional blessing and Imposition of Holy Ashes at the Communion Rail.

Fr. Peter Stravinskas sang the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. MC Eddy Toribio, the servers, and the very talented Schola Cantorum of Holy Innocents dutifully assisted him.

After the dismissal and blessing we stayed for the Exposition and Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, which was followed by the parish’s Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Joseph. The solemn rite concluded with the Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and veneration of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at the Communion Rail.

~ Giovanni di Napoli, Feast of Sant’Ilaro

(1) Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return. ~ Genesis 3. 19

Celebrating Fat Tuesday with the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City

Due Sicilie pride on display
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Carnevale culminated Tuesday evening at the Annual Dante Alighieri Society’s famous Martedì Grasso, or Fat Tuesday, celebration in Jersey City, New Jersey (562 Summit Ave.). A New Orleans’ themed party replete with shiny beads, colorful masks, and swinging jazz music, revelers stuffed themselves one final time before the penitential season of Lent with a veritable cuccagna of delicious southern Italian and spicy Cajun specialties, including jambalaya, chili con carne, and porchetta.

Warmly welcomed, the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) were given a tour of the clubhouse, which boasts two bars, a smoking lounge, a brand new billiards table, and a stocked wine cellar.

After dinner, we enjoyed some espresso, sweet Argentinian dessert empanadas, cigars, and a taste of their latest homemade vino novello.

Thank you President Al Cupo and all the members of the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City, Inc. for organizing this extraordinary celebration. Your hospitality is second to none.

Special thanks to the Tiscornia family—Lou, Linda, Jude and Michella— for extending the invitation and making us feel right at home. It was a great joy to celebrate our faith and culture together.

~ Giovanni di Napoli, Feast of San Gabriele dell'Addolorata

Lou welcomes everyone to the party

Carmine, Jude and Andrew

Mike and John

Argentine 'panadas with apple filling

An avid oenophile, Lou gave us an informative tour of their wine cellar

The wine is fermented in small casks 

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Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in NYC with HRH Princess Beatrice di Borbone delle Due Sicilie (Part 2)

The Reception

After the Benediction, guests made their way to the rectory for a lavish reception
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

02/22/20: Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Michael’s Church (424 W 34th St.) in Manhattan with HRH Princess Beatrice di Borbone of the Two Sicilies. The prayer service was followed by a reception in the rectory with the Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and friends. (See part one, The Benediction)

After the introductions, Dama Catherine Stevenson presents Her Highness with a beautifully "written" icon of St. George smiting the dragon

The Artist with her masterpiece

Very Rev. Msgr. Cav. Ambrosio blesses the icon

Her Highness warmly addresses the attendees

(Above & below) Guests enjoyed a delicious repast catered by the Vitale family 

(Above & below) Revelers mingled and took a few pictures with the Princess

(Above & below) A good time was had by all

Cake with the Royal Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Fr. Rutler and Princess Beatrice cut the cake

After dessert, partygoers retired to the parlour and sang their hearts out  

The Mandolin Orchestra played all our favorite Neapolitan songs

A plaster bust of Fr. Rutler

(Above & below) I loved the eclectic decor

The Peace Emperor, Charles I of Austria

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in NYC with HRH Princess Beatrice di Borbone delle Due Sicilie (Part 1)

The Benediction

Cavalieri and Dame rally around the Princess
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

02/22/20: Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Michael’s Church (424 W 34th St.) in Manhattan with HRH Princess Beatrice di Borbone of the Two Sicilies. The prayer service was followed by a reception in the rectory with the Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and friends. (See part two, The Reception)

Fr. George William Rutler welcomes the Order to St. Michael's Church

(L) HRH Princes Beatrice di Borbone delle Due Sicilie with HE Cav. John M. Viola, Delegate of the US Delegation. (R) Fr. Richard G. Cipolla, Knight Chaplain of Ecclesiastical Grace with HE Vice Delegate Cav. Patrick O'Boyle

(L) Very Rev. Msgr. Cav. Joseph Ambrosio, Knight Chaplain of Ecclesiastical Grace with Dama Catherine Stevenson. (R) HE Cav. Pasquale Menna with Cav. Charles Sant'Elia

Cav. John Napoli with Cav. Sant'Elia

Dama Luisa Cristofano with HE Cav. Viola.
(R) Cav. John Rosa with Dama Jeanne Abate Allen

(L) Cav. Vincent Gangone and Dama Rosanna Minervini with Cav. Dr. Walter Klein, Order of Malta. (R) Cavalieri Andrew Portelli, Tom Crane and Tom Gilmour

Processing into the church, the Order take their place in the front pews

(Above & below) After the Benediction, the Knights
and Dames file out of St. Michael's Church

Evviva San Michele!