Photo of the Week: La Statua del Nilo in Naples

The Statue of the Nile in Naples, nicknamed Cuòrpo' e Napule,
or "the body of Naples." Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of the Holy Martyrs of Salerno (San Fortunato, San Gaio, and Sant'Ante)

Holy Martyrs of Salerno, orate pro nobis

August 30th is the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of Salerno, San Fortunato, San Gaio (Gaius), and Sant’Ante. Little is actually known about the Saints, except that they were beheaded for their faith during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian (303-310). Originally interred in a small chapel marking the spot of their execution near the mouth of the Irno river, the Salernitani were induced to move the Saints’ relics to safety behind the city’s walls to protect them from saracen raids in the first half of the tenth century. Enshrined inside the now demolished Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, they were translated again in 1081 to the Romanesque Duomo di Salerno and placed in a chapel dedicated to the Holy Martyrs.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to the Martyrs of Salerno in Italian. The accompanying photos, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, were taken at the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio in Salerno during the 2019 Feast of San Matteo. The silver busts of the Holy Martyrs were made in 1680 by the great Neapolitan polymath, Giovan Domenico Vinaccia (1625-1695). Evviva San Fortunato, San Gaio, and Sant’Ante!

Preghiera a SS. Martiri Fortunato, Gaio e Ante

O nostri gloriosi Protettori, SS. Fortunato, Gaio e Ante, che pur di non abbandonare la fede nel Cristo, appresa dal presbitero salernitano S.Felice, preferiste insieme con lui affrontare il martirio, otteneteci dal Signore che la fede in Lui rifulga nella nostra vita pubblica e privata. Intercedete a che noi felici di essere stati chiamati alla fede, la rendiamo evidente in noi con l'obbedienza a quanto il Vangelo c'insegna. Pater, Ave, e Gloria

O santi nostri Patroni, illuminate le nostre menti! Fate che il vostro eroico esempio insegni a noi la coerenza nella nostra vita. Aiutateci ad essere cristiani con le opere, senza farci allettare dalle lusinghe del mondo. Che possiamo vivere, seguendo Gesù nell'amore del Padre e nell'essere d'esempio al nostro prossimo! Pater, Ave, e Gloria

O nostri celesti Patroni, che prima del martirio esortaste tutti ad abbandonare le dottrine false e bugiarde, pregate l'Altissimo, affinché un giorno, come voi foste nostri concittadini su questa terra, così noi possiamo divenire vostri concittadini nel cielo. Pater, Ave, e Gloria

Feast of Santa Rosa da Lima

Santa Rosa da Lima, ora pro nobis

Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggles increase. ~ St. Rose of Lima

August 30th is the feast of Santa Rosa da Lima (born Isabel Flores de Oliva), Virgin and Mystic. The first saint of the Americas, Santa Rosa da Lima is the patron saint of embroiderers, florists and gardeners. She is also invoked against vanity, by those who are derided for their piety, and for the resolution of family quarrels. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Rose of Lima. Pictured is St. Rose of Lima with the Child Jesus by Luca Giordano. Evviva Santa Rosa da Lima!

Prayer to St. Rose of Lima

Loving God, Saint Rose was a mystic and visionary who received invisible stigmata, and yet she often suffered from the feeling that You were distant. Despite how lonely this felt, she persisted in believing that You were indeed with her all the time, and she continually prayed to grow stronger in her ability to trust You. I ask her to intercede for me when my feelings tell me You are not near, and to pray most powerfully for all those I know who are right now experiencing loneliness because they are unaware of how close You are to them. Open our hearts to the reality of Your intimacy. Saint Rose, pray for us. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Agostino di Ippona

Sant'Agostino di Ippona, ora pro nobis

Adésto supplicatiónibus nostris, omnípotens Deus: et, quibus fidúciam sperándæ pietátis indúlges, intercedénte beáto Augustíno, Confessóre tuo atque Pontifice, consuétæ misericórdiæ tribune benignus efféctum. Per Dóminum.

August 28th is the Feast of Sant’Agostino di Ippona (St. Augustine of Hippo), Bishop monk, mystic, wonderworker, and Doctor of the Church. A Romanized Berber from the Province of Numidia, he received a Christian education from his mother, Santa Monica. Converting from a life of sin, St. Augustine became one of the great theologians of the Church. Thus he is the patron saint of theologians and printers.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Augustine in Latin and English. Pictured is my makeshift shrine. Evviva Sant'Agostino di Ippona!

Prayer to St. Augustine

Give ear to our prayers, O almighty God, and, by the intercession of blessed Augustine, Thy confessor and bishop, graciously grant the effect of Thine accustomed mercy to those in whom Thou dost encourage a strong trust in the kindness which is their hope. Through our Lord.

Feast of San Baccolo di Sorrento

San Baccolo di Sorrento, ora pro nobis

August 27th is the Feast of San Baccolo di Sorrento (St. Baculus), Bishop and Confessor. Though shrouded in mystery, we know San Baccolo was a seventh century Sorrentine nobleman who renounced his family’s wealth and privilege to devote his life to God. One of the many co-patrons of Naples, the great Saint is also the patron of Sorrento. Originally buried in a city wall for protection, the Bishop's relics were later interred beneath the altar in the Chiesa Santi Felice e Baccolo in Sorrento.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Baculus. The accompanying photo of a copy of Luca Giordano's The Patron Saints of Naples Adoring Christ on the Cross hangs above the Padre Pio confessional at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania. St. Baculus is the shadowy figure standing behind the kneeling Santa Candida the Elder. Evviva San Baccolo Vescovo!

Prayer to St. Baculus

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Baculus of Sorrento may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Look upon our Weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Baculus protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena to Pope St. Pius X

San Pio X, ora pro nobis

Prayer by Fr. Lawrence Lovasik to be recited for nine consecutive days, August 25th — September 2nd, in preparation for the Feast on September 3rd.

Glorious Pontiff, Saint Pius the X, devoted servant of Our Lord and loving child of Mary, I invoke you as a saint in Heaven. I give myself to you that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of holiness and salvation. Aid me in observing the duties of my state in life. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a fervent love of the interior life after your own example. 

Pope of the Blessed Sacrament, teach me to love Holy Mass and Holy Communion as the source of all grace and holiness and to receive this Sacrament as often as I can. Gentle father of the poor, help me to imitate your charity toward my fellowmen in word and deed. Consoler of the suffering, help me to bear my daily cross patiently and with perfect resignation to the will of God. Loving Shepherd of the flock of Christ obtain for me the grace of being a true child of Holy Mother Church. 

Saint Pius the X beloved Holy Father, I humbly implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare. I recommend to you in particular this favor… (mention your request) 

Great Pontiff, whom Holy Mother Church has raised to the honor of our altars and urged me to invoke and imitate as a Saint, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s Holy Will, my petition will be granted through your intercession for me at the throne of God. 

St. Pius the X pray for me and for those I love. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, do not abandon us in our needs. May we experience the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen 

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be, 3 x each

* The accompanying photo was taken in the sacristy of the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in New York City.

Feast of St. Louis IX, King of France

St. Louis IX, ora pro nobis

August 25th is the Feast of St. Louis IX, King of France. Reigning from 1226 to 1270, St. Louis valiantly led two crusades to recover the Holy Land from the Mohammedans. A pious and munificent ruler, King Louis built hospitals, orphanages and libraries, as well as schools, churches and cathedrals throughout his kingdom. In addition to being a great patron of the arts, he was renowned for his many charitable works, including the feeding of the poor daily in his palace and washing their feet every Saturday. Sadly, he died of pestilence during the siege of Tunis, precipitately ending the Eighth Crusade. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Louis IX. I’m withholding the location of the statue to prevent vandalism and violence by the unhinged mob who have targeted the great saint (and others) during the iconoclastic tantrums allowed to run roughshod by cowardly and corrupt leaders across these United States since 2020. Vive le roi!

Prayer to St. Louis IX, King of France

O God, Who didst exalt blessed Louis Thy Confessor from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy Heavenly kingdom: grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen

Feast of Santa Giovanna Antida Thouret

Santa Giovanna Antida
Thouret, ora pro nobis

August 24th is the Feast of Santa Giovanna Antida Thouret (Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret), Virgin, Nun and Foundress of the Sisters of Charity.

Born on November 27, 1765 in Sancey-le-Long, France, Santa Giovanna Antida was drawn to an austere religious life and entered the Vincentian Daughters of Charity at the age of 22.

When the sisters were banned during the anti-religious repression of the French Revolution, she refused to renounce her vows and was severely beaten by the authorities.

Forced into exile, Santa Giovanna Antida and a handful of religious fled to Switzerland, but due to anti-Catholic intolerance they moved on to the Kingdom of Prussia.

When the persecution subsided, she returned to France in 1797 and founded a school for poor girls. Soon after, with the support of Napoleon’s mother, Letizia Ramolino, she founded the Sisters of Charity in Besançon.

Despite papal recognition, the Archbishop of Besançon refused to approve the order, so in 1810 Santa Giovanna Antida and seven sisters moved south to the Kingdom of Naples and continued their charitable and apostolic works, caring for the sick, poor and infirm at the Hospital of the Incurable.

She died in Naples on August 24, 1826 and is interred at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Regina Coeli.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer in Italian to Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret. The accompanying photo was taken at the Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro inside the Duomo di Napoli. Evviva Santa Giovanna Antida Thouret!

Prayer to Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret

O Santissima Trinità, che regni in cielo, noi ti ringraziamo dei doni e delle grazie che hai concesse alla gloriosa Madre Santa Giovanna Antida, e ti preghiamo, per sua intercessione, di concederci la grazia che ti domandiamo. Concedici ancora di imitate le virtu di questa tua Serva fedele, la quale visse amando Te e beneficando il prossimo, e di fare nostra la preghiera che Ella ti indirizzava nei pericoli e nelle avversità della travagliata sua vita; Signore, tu vedi tutto, tu puoi tutto; io spero nella tua bonità e nella tua potenza; i tuoi voleri si compiano su di me per la mia santificazione. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Roman Mosaic at the House of Neptune and Amphitrite

Roman Mosaic at the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, 1st century AD, Herculaneum. Photo by Andrew Giordano

Around the Web: Announcing My New Book, Basilicata: Authentic Italy

Photo courtesy of Calabria: the Other Italy

Reprinted from Calabria: the Other Italy

The day has come. Basilicata: Authentic Italy, my new book about the unassuming region in the instep of the Italian boot is available! Years of planning, in-person research (the best part!), writing and production elements, and then, the date sort of sneaks up on you.

Why Basilicata?

I set out to explore Basilicata with a purpose. After writing Calabria: The Other Italy, which grew out of several years living in the region in the toe of the boot, people asked me, “What’s next?” I thought and thought. Conventional publishing would have directed me to add to the shelves of books about Rome, Venice or Florence. That’s what sells, after all. But I wanted to continue my exploration of the lesser known, the underrated.

Basilicata is Calabria’s northern neighbor. They share Italy’s largest national park, the Pollino. I had been to Matera, the City of the Sassi, which I included in my Calabria book and which has gradually become a destination for in-the-know travelers to Southern Italy. But what about the rest of the region?

Before visiting, I looked at the map and reasoned that I should be able to more or less cover such a small region in a brief 150 pages. Then I began visiting the villages and the larger towns, going to festivals, meeting the people, sampling the cuisine and reading what was available. I realized that I had taken on a major project. Continue reading

New Book — Basilicata: Authentic Italy

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

• Basilicata: Authentic Italy by Karen Haid

Publisher: Hiller Press
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Paperback: $17.95
Language: English
Pages: 249

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Feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Santa Giovanna Francesca
de Chantal, ora pro nobis

The peak of our perfection lies in our wanting what God wishes us to be. ~ St. Jane Frances de Chantal*

August 21st is the Feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal (b. Dijon, 1572—d. Moulins, 1641), foundress and first Mother Superior of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. Patron saint of the neglected and widows, she is also invoked by those who have trouble with their in-laws or grieving the loss of a parent. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Jane Frances de Chantal. The photo of the stained glass window was taken at Visitation Monastery (8902 Ridge Blvd.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Evviva Santa Giovanna Francesca de Chantal!

Prayer to St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Saint Jane, you forgave the man who accidently shot and killed your husband. Help me learn to forgive a particular person in my life who has caused me harm. You know how difficult it is to forgive. Help me to take the steps you took to welcome this person back into my life in an appropriate way. Amen

* Spiritual Light from St. Jane de Chantal, edited and arranged by Embraced by God at DeSales Resources and Ministries, Inc. Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. DeSales Resource Center, 2019, p. 25

Malta Walks NYC Resume

MALTA WALKS on Tuesday, August 25th at 6:30PM: Now more than ever, the homeless population is most evident and in need of our generosity. We would like to invite volunteers to meet on the North East side of 34 Street and Park Avenue to distribute pre-made bags for the homeless. Pre-made bags will include sandwiches, hand sanitizer, toiletry kits, individually wrapped masks, snacks and water. 

Email francesca.t.tempesta@gmail.com to participate.😷

Feast of San Bernardo di Chiaravalle

San Bernardo di Chiaravalle, ora pro nobis

August 20th is the Feast of San Bernardo di Chiaravalle (1090-1153), abbot, reformer, mystic, wonderworker and Doctor of the Church. Patron Saint of the Cistercian Order, he is also the patron of candlemakers and beekeepers. Founder of the Clairvaux Abbey, he wrote the Rule of the Knights Templar and In Praise of the New Knighthood, a treatise on the Order and the holy places of Jerusalem. He is also credited with writing the Memorare, a powerful prayer asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The accompanying photo was taken in the courtyard of St. Bernard Church in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn. Evviva San Bernardo di Chiaravalle!

Prayer to St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Heavenly Father, St. Bernard was filled with zeal for Your house and was a radiant light in Your Church. By his prayers may we be filled with his spirit of zeal and walk always as children of light. 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.

Novena to St. John the Baptist

San Giovanni, ora pro nobis

Pray Novena for nine consecutive days, August 20th to August 28th, in preparation for the Feast on August 29th. Evviva San Giovanni!

O Glorious Saint John the Baptist, greatest prophet among those born of woman, although you were sanctified in your mother’s womb and did lead a most innocent life, nevertheless it was your will to retire into the wilderness, there to devote yourself to the practice of austerity and penance, obtain for me from your Lord the grace to be wholly detached, at least in my heart, from earthly goods, and to practice Christian mortification with interior recollection and with the spirit of holy prayer. 

O Most Zealous Apostle, who, without working any miracle on others, but solely by the example of your life of penance and the power of your word, did draw after you the multitudes, in order to dispose them to receive the Messiah worthily and to listen to his heavenly doctrine, grant that it may be given unto me, by means of your example of a holy life and the exercise of every good work, to bring many souls to God, but above all to those souls that are enveloped in the darkness of error and ignorance and are led astray by vice. 

O Martyr Invincible, who, for the honor of God and the salvation of souls, did with firmness and constancy withstand the impiety of Herod even at the cost of your own life, and did rebuke him openly for his wicked and dissolute life, by your prayers obtain for me a heart, brave and generous, in order that I may overcome all human respect and openly profess my faith in loyal obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Pray for me, Saint John the Baptist, that I may be made worthy of the promises of Christ, specifically, (Mention Request) 

O God, who has made this day to be honorable in our eyes by the commemoration of blessed John the Baptist, grant unto your people the grace of spiritual joy, and direct the minds of all your faithful into the way of everlasting salvation. Amen.

* The accompanying photo was taken at the now-closed Saint Joseph’s Church (5 Monroe Street) in New York City. The statue is currently in storage at St. Anthony of Padua Church (155 Sullivan Street) in Greenwich Village, New York.

Sacred Image of Our Lady of Montevergine Installed at St. Frances Cabrini Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Our pal Tony Limone with the sacred image of Our Lady of Montevergine
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

In this time of pandemic we need many prayers and intercessors in our lives, our families and in our world. We make prayer and intercession to our Patroness, St. Frances Cabrini, as we pray each Wednesday in our novena prayers that honor her:

You aided the sick with goodness, look mercifully upon our suffering and promptly obtain the grace we confidently ask and remembering she traversed the earth to anoint others with inexhaustible charity, extend your help to us by hearing the prayer we devoutly entrust to your heart.

Another intercessor is the Virgin Mary who we pray to as the Mother of Good Health. We also have the image in our Church of Our Lady of Montevergine, who under this title is Patroness of the town of Avellino in Italy. A perpetual candle, lit by the statue by our parishioners, Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Limone, is for the intention to end the coronavirus. This is the prayer we offer to Our Lady of Montevergine for the health of our world:

O Blessed Virgin who have deemed worthy, centuries ago, to choose and consecrate Montevergine as your sanctuary, turn your eyes of mercy upon us kneeling at your feet, honoring you and invoking you in this Holy Image. 

O most loving Mother of all the faithful, be always for each one of us a true Mother as you have been until now; and obtain for us the grace to be always your true, loving, respectful and devout children. Hail Mary...

O Beneficent Treasure of divine graces, give us abundantly the favors we ask of you with confidence; you know well what are the many needs of our souls. Hail Mary... 

O most powerful Advocate of poor sinners, assist us in dangers, fortify us in temptations and guard us from all sins; and do not cease to intercede with your Divine Son for the salvation of our souls, until you have led us with you into Heaven. Hail Mary...

Source: St. Frances Cabrini Church
1562 86th Street
Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NY 11228
718-236-9165
www.stfrancescabrini-brooklyn.org

Celebrating the Feasts of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, San Gioacchino and San Rocco

Glorious San Rocco at the
Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents

Signum magnum appáruit in cælo: múlier amicta sole, et luna sub pédibus jus, et in cápite ejus coróna stellárum duódecim.(1)

Thanks to the Feasts of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, San Gioacchino and San Rocco, this past weekend felt semi-normal. After a long stretch without Masses or outdoor processions it was a great joy to finally get out and celebrate together as a community. As much as I love my peaceful, almost monastic, solitude, I always enjoy the company of my brethren and celebrating our faith and culture together.

Beginning Saturday morning at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in Manhattan, members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede, or Brothers of the Holy Faith (Sanfedisti for short), gathered for the Tridentine Low Mass in Latin for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. Arriving early, we brought flowers and finished the ninth day of our novena to San Rocco di Montpellier, ascetic, pilgrim and wonderworker. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated by our Pastor Fr. James Miara.

After Mass, we lit candles and circled the nave to visit the various Saints and prayed for the intentions of family, friends and the poor and forgotten Souls in Purgatory. Anyone interested can send their prayer intentions to the Sanfedisti at fratellidellasantafede@gmail.com and we will pray for the assistance you need.

Instead of eating at one of our usual spots, we tried Campania’s (9824 4th Ave.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for our group luncheon. Sitting outside, in the shadow of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, we started off with a delicious mixed pot of sautéed clams and mussels in a spicy marinara sauce. Since it was a day of abstinence (Brown Scapular devotion), and they are known for their coal fired pizza, we had to try a couple of well-done vegetarian pies. Keeping it simple, we ordered the Melanzane and Margherita. Both were crispy and tasty, I'm glad we gave it a try. 

Mixed pot of sautéed clams and mussels in a spicy marinara sauce

* * *

Deus in loco sancto suo: Deus qui inhabitáre facit unánimes in domo: ipse dabit virtútem, et fortitúdinem plebi suæ. Psalm 67. 2 Exsúrgat Deus, et dissipéntur inimici ejus: et fúgiant, qui odérunt eum, a fácie ejus. Glória Patri. Deus in loco sancto suo.(2)

The Sanfedisti returned to Holy Innocents Sunday morning for the 9:00 am Tridentine Low Mass and the 10:30 am Tridentine High Mass for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost with commemoration to San Gioacchino and San Rocco. Fr. Miara was the Celebrant at both and offered the early Mass for San Gioacchino and Sant’Anna. Father blessed the congregation at both masses with the first-class relic of San Rocco.

The first class relic of San Rocco

Despite being in a hurry to make the San Rocco procession in Little Italy, we couldn’t leave without saying our prayers of reparation to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the sacrilege committed against Our Lady during the Mass for the Feast of the Assumption at the Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta in Napoli. Apparently, in another misguided attempt at interfaith unity, they allowed the profaning of the church with loud drumming and Kandyan religious dancing. While beautiful, the dance has no place in a Catholic church. San Gennaro’s blood must be boiling!

Inspired by Cardinal Burke and Bishop Schneider’s Crusade of Prayer during the Amazonian Synod in 2019, the Sanfedisti have begun our own “crusade of prayer” for the rejection of heresies within the church. Starting on Monday, August 17th we began fasting with complete abstinence, meaning one full meal per day with no meat, except Sundays. Praying for the Holy Father's intentions, we will add at least one additional decade of the Holy Rosary to our daily prayers until September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please consider joining us in this endeavor.

* * *

Glorious San Rocco on the 'Guariglia' bye-altar at
the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood

Responsorio a San Rocco

Ave, Roche Santissime
Qui nobili natus sanguine
Crucis signaris schemate
Sinistro tuo latere.

Numinis in praesentia
Nostra nunc serva corpora
Et crucis per praesidia
A peste oppidum libera.

Roche, peregre profectus
Pestifere mortis ictus
Curavisti mirifice
Tangendo salutifere.

Vale, Roche qui angelice
Vocis citatus flamine
Obtinuiste deifice
A cunctis pestem pellere.

Sit Christe Rex piissime
Tibi Patrique gloria
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Et nunc et in perpetuum.

V. Ora pro nobis, beate Roche.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus

Populum tuum, quaesumus Domine, continua pietate custodi, et beati Rochi suffragantibus meritis, ab omni fac animae et corporis contagione securum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Votive candles inside Most Precious Blood Church 

Finishing our prayers, we headed to the Shrine Church of the Precious Blood (113 Baxter St.) in Little Italy for the 131st Annual Feast of San Rocco. Arriving just in time for the procession, we were warmly welcomed by our San Rocco Society brethren who were rearing to go. As to be expected, due to the COVID scare, Comrade De Blasio’s crime spike, and the poor weather, the turnout was noticeably smaller than usual. However, the fervor and devotion of those in attendance was never stronger.

(L) Confetti rains down on the Saint. (R) Devotees pin donations onto the ribbons

With so much uncertainty surrounding public events these days, especially peaceful Catholic ones, some of us weren’t too sure the celebration would even happen. Having helped distribute the feast posters a week earlier, I know the astonished shopkeepers were overjoyed to learn the Mass and procession were still on. Through the tireless efforts of the San Rocco Society Feast Committee, they proved all the nay-sayers wrong and pulled-off another successful Feast.

(L) The rain certainly didn't dampen the children's enthusiasm.
(R) Ray Guarini had the honor of carrying the San Rocco Society's standard

Mingling with friends throughout the day, we enjoyed some wine, caffé, and even a little souvenir shopping. I finally picked up my long sought after statue of San Francesco d’Assisi and a new Due Sicilie coat-of-arms T-shirt at E. Rossi & Co. We were very happy to learn from our friends in the Figli di San Gennaro that there will be a Mass and procession this year for the Feast of San Gennaro on Saturday, September 19th.

(L-R) The Tocci's and Codispoti's celebrating their faith and culture

After the festivities, friends and members of the society headed back to Da Nico Ristorante (164 Mulberry St.) and broke bread together with plenty of laughs, beer, wine, and, of course, traditional Southern Italian fare. Good food, service, and friends, you couldn't ask for anything more.

Ave Maria! Viva San Gioacchino! And Viva San Rocco!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, August 18th, Feasts of Sant’Elena di Laurino and Sant’Elena della Croce

(L-R) Members of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Fraternal Society of Staten Island, New York; St. Sebastian Society & St. Donato Society of Montclair, New Jersey; and the St. Joseph Society of New Orleans, Louisiana show their support

Departing Most Precious Blood Church, the three hour long procession wends its way through the bustling streets of China Town and Little Italy

The procession makes a brief stop outside E. Rossi & Co.

Danny Vecchiano and the Giglio Band

My new San Francesco d'Assisi statue and Due Sicilie T-shirt

We take a brief detour down Grand Street

Our friends from Aleva Cheese Shop always show love to San Rocco

Our buddy Salvatore takes a breather at Da Nico's

After a short break, the procession returns to Most Precious Blood Church

(1) A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

(2) God in His holy place; God who maketh men of one mind to dwell in a house; He shall give power and strength to His people. Psalm 67. 2 Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that Hate Him flee from before His face. Glory be to the Father. God in His holy place.

Feast of Sant'Elena della Croce, Madre di Costantino

Sant'Elena della Croce, ora pro nobis

August 18th is the Feast of Sant'Elena della Croce, Equal to the Apostles, Discoverer of the True Cross, great benefactress of the Church, Empress dowager and mother of Saint Constantine the Great. She is the patroness of Casapesenna in the Province of Caserta.

According to tradition, in 326 A.D. she made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem after a dream revealed the site of Our Savior's tomb at Golgotha. There she discovered the remains of the True Cross and the nails used to crucify Our Lord Jesus Christ.

As maintained by St. Gregory of Tours, on a treacherous voyage across the Adriatic, St. Helen cast one of the nails into the sea, thus calming its rage and making passage across its tempestuous depths less hazardous for seafarers.

The Feast should not be confused with that of Sant’Elena di Laurino, which is also celebrated on August 18th.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Helen. Pictured is my makeshift shrine dedicated to la Madre di Costantino. Evviva Sant'Elena della Croce!

Prayer to St. Helen

Holy and blessed Saint Helen, With the anguish and devotion with which You sought the Cross of Christ, I plead that You give me God’s grace To suffer in patience and labors of this life, So that through them and through Your intercession and protection, I will be able to seek and carry the Cross, Which God has placed upon me, So that I can serve Him in this life and enjoy His Glory ever after. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Wayside Shrine to San Rocco in Pisticci, Matera in Basilicata

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of San Gioacchino

San Gioacchino, ora pro nobis

August 16th is the Feast of San Gioacchino (St. Joachim), father of the Blessed Virgin Mary and husband of Sant’Anna. Patron saint of spouses, parents and grandparents, he is co-patron of Vernole, Lecce with his wife Sant'Anna. The great Patriarch is also one of the 52 co-patrons of Naples. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Joachim. The accompanying photo was taken at the now-closed Saint Joseph's Church (5 Monroe Street) in New York City. Evviva San Gioacchino!

Prayer to Saint Joachim

O great and glorious Patriarch, Saint Joachim, what joy is mine when I consider that thou wast chosen among all God's holy ones to assist in the fulfillment of the mysteries of God, and to enrich our earth with the great Mother of God, Mary most holy! By this singular privilege, thou hast become most powerful with both the Mother and her Son, so as to be able to obtain for us the graces that are needful to us; with great confidence I have recourse to thy mighty protection and I commend to thee all my needs and those of my family, both spiritual and temporal; and especially do I entrust to thy keeping the particular favor that I desire and look for from thy fatherly intercession.

And since thou wast a perfect pattern of the interior life, obtain for me the grace of interior recollection and a spirit of detachment from the transitory goods of this life, together with a lively and enduring love for Jesus and Mary. Obtain for me in like manner a sincere devotion and obedience to Holy Church and the sovereign pontiff who rules over her: to the end that I may live and die in faith and hope and perfect charity, ever invoking the holy names of Jesus and Mary, and may I thus be saved. Amen.

Novena to Santa Patrizia di Costantinopoli

Santa Patrizia di Constantinopoli, ora pro nobis

Pray Novena to Santa Patrizia di Costantinopoli for nine consecutive days, August 16th — August 24th, in preparation for the Feast on August 25th. Evviva Santa Patrizia!

O glorious Santa Patrizia, per quella tenerezza e compassione cosi grande che aveste del Prossimo, di cui tutte le tribolazioni e pene privaste a sentire come proprie nel vostro cuore, potendo ripetere con l’apostolo San Paolo: “chi è infermo ed io non mi ammalo con lui?” e quindi foste pronta ad aiutarlo e soccorrerlo degnatevi di ottenermi da Dio la grazia che tanto desidero.

Gloria al Padre

Santa Patrizia, prega per noi

O potente Vergine Santa Patrizia, mia Protettrice, che negli ultimi momenti della vostra vita chiedeste a Gesù, vostro Sposo, che ovunque fosse collocato il vostro corpo si degnasse infondere la divina grazia su tutti i fedeli, i quali vi si accostassero a pregare con fede, ottenetemi l’abbondante frutto di questa vostra preghiera e la grazia che ardentemente vi chiedo.

Gloria al Padre

Santa Patrizia, prega per noi

O prodigiosa Vergine Santa Patrizia, mia Avvocata e Protettrice, che negli ultimi momenti della vostra vita otteneste da Gesù consiglio e divina protezione a tutti coloro che a voi si rivolgessero per aiuto, ottenetemi da Dio la salute dell’anima e del corpo, la vittoria sul demonio e sulle passioni, allontanate le avversità che tanto mi circondano, consolatemi nelle presenti tribolazioni. Ottenetemi il perdono dei peccati e l’ingresso nel regno del cielo. Siate porto di salute ai naviganti e tutela all nostra città. Diffondete speciale patrocinio sopra di me e su tutti i vostri devoti, affinché il santo Nome di Dio sia benedetto, glorificato, esaltato e lodato da tutti nei secoli dei secoli. Cosi sia.

Gloria al Padre

Santa Patrizia, prega per noi

Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France

St. Louis IX, ora pro nobis

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, August 16th to August 24th, in preparation for the Feast celebrated on August 25th. Vive le roi! 

O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.

Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe exactly, all the days of my life, that holy rule which thou loved so ardently and kept so faithfully.

Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue but increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven. Amen

O God, Who didst exalt blessed Louis Thy Confessor from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy Heavenly kingdom: grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father…  Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

* Statue of St. Louis IX, King of France, at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania.

Novena to St. Bartholomew

San Bartolomeo, ora pro nobis

Pray novena to St. Bartholomew for nine consecutive days, August 15th to August 23rd, in preparation for the feast on August 24th. Evviva San Bartolomeo!

O Eternal God and loving father, you have given us the glorious Apostle Bartholomew as our beloved Patron Saint and powerful advocate in heaven. We offer you our prayers, animated by a spirit of confidence that through the efficacious intercession of Saint Bartholomew, we shall merit your unfailing help and protection and shall ever remain loyal and devoted to Divine will all the days of our life.

Teach us to cherish, proclaim, and practice the Gospel message of Christ, which Saint Bartholomew so eloquently preached and finally sealed with his heroic martyrdom.

As we prepare devoutly for his solemn feast by this Novena of prayers, we trustingly raise our minds and hearts to you. Refuse not, O Lord God, our humble petition but unite it with that of Apostle Bartholomew and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, so that we may obtain the grace of true repentance for our sins, of divine assistance in our spiritual and temporal wants, and of constant fidelity to all our Christian duties. This we ask through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.

[Mention your intentions here...]

O glorious St. Bartholomew the Apostle, our perfect prototype of consuming charity, pray for us.

Our Father…, Hail Mary…, Glory Be…

* The accompanying photo was taken at Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary and Saint Stephen's Church in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Evviva San Bartolomeo! 

Feast of the Madonna del Cardoneto

Madonna del Cardoneto, ora pro nobis

August 15th is the Feast of the Madonna del Cardoneto, Patroness of Ottati in Cilento, Salerno. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Our Lady of the Assumption by Pope St. Pius X. The accompanying photo of Our Lady of Cardoneto was taken at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn before the 2017 renovation. Evviva Madonna del Cardoneto!

Prayer to Our Lady of the Assumption

O immaculate virgin, mother of God and mother of humanity, we believe with all the fervour of our faith in your triumphal assumption both in body and in soul into heaven where you are acclaimed as queen by all the choirs of angels and all the legions of saints; we unite with them to praise and bless the Lord who has exalted you above all other pure creatures and to offer you the tribute of our devotion and our love.

We know that your gaze, which on earth watched over the humble and suffering humanity of Jesus, in heaven is filled with the vision of that humanity glorified and with the vision of uncreated wisdom, and that the joy of your soul in the direct contemplation of the adorable trinity causes your heart to throb with overwhelming tenderness; and we, poor sinners whose body weights down the flight of the soul, beg you to purify our hearts so that, while we remain below, we may learn to see God and God alone in the beauties of his creatures.

We trust that your merciful eyes may deign to gaze down upon our miseries and anguish, upon our struggles and our weaknesses; that your countenance may smile upon our joys and our victories; that you may hear the voice of Jesus saying to you of each one of us, as he once said to you of his beloved disciple:

"Behold you son," and we who call upon you as our mother, we, like John, take you as the guide, strength and consolation of our mortal life.

We are inspired by the certainty that your eyes, which wept over the earth crimsoned by the blood of Jesus, are yet turned toward this world racked by wars and persecutions, the oppression of the just and the weak. From the shadows of this vale of tears, we seek in your heavenly assistance, tender mercy, comfort for our aching hearts, and help in the trials of Church and country.

We believe finally that in the glory where you reign, clothed with the sun and crowned with stars, you are, after Jesus, the joy and gladness of all the angels and the saints, and from this earth, over which we tread as pilgrims, comforted by our faith in the future resurrection, we look to you our life, our sweetness, our hope; draw us onward with the sweetness of your voice, so that one day, after our exile, you may show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb.

O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.

Amen.