November 30, 2020

Around the Web: The Latest from Crisis Magazine by Historian Charles A. Coulombe

Photos courtesy of Crisis Magazine
November 27, 2020
The Cross, the Crescent, or the Swastika?

By Charles A. Coulombe


If the past month has been chaotic in America, it has seen some bloody scenes here in Europe. On the morning of October 29, a 21-year old Tunisian national entered the Basilica of Notre Dame in Nice, France began knifing the three people he found there. He virtually severed the head of an elderly lady, stabbed an old man in the throat fatally, and then cut another lady sufficiently that while she escaped she succumbed to her wounds in a nearby café. Hastily summoned, the police shot the young man dead. That same day, here in Vienna, a mob of 50 Muslim youths invaded the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, kicked pews and a confessional, stormed around a bit shrieking “Allahu Akbar!” and then left.


Also here in Vienna, just a few days later on November 2 (All Souls Day, ironically) a twenty-year-old Macedonian Muslim went on a shooting spree in the tourist-filled First District, killing four and wounding 23 before being gunned down himself by police. Although the authorities declared that he had acted alone, they did arrest 14 people in the course of their enquiries. Continue reading

November 23, 2020
Civil War Is Coming. Can We Stop It in Time?

By Charles A. Coulombe


As all the world knows, the election of 2020 was destined to be messy, as the two nations inhabiting the territory of these United States geared up for battle: after four years of nonstop media abuse, in which the major news generators had long since abandoned any pretense to impartiality, both sides were spoiling for a fight. The two simply don’t inhabit the same mental universe. For the one faction, the four years of intolerable rule by the evil Orangeman threatened as nothing else had such natural rights as infanticide and sodomitical unions. For the other, the looming tyranny they endured under Obama seemed poised to return with a vengeance—punctuated by burning cities and the long march of the “woke” through beloved institutions. Thus far, the disputed election returns seem to the former as deliverance from Pharaoh, and to the latter as a titanic fraud amounting to a rolling coup. It is a tense moment at this writing, and into the midst of it has dropped a video tweeted by Jon Voight. Continue reading


For more by Charles A. Coulombe visit Crisis Magazine

November 26, 2020

RIP Diego Armando Maradona

October 30, 1960 — November 25, 2020

"O mamma mamma mamma, o mamma mamma mamma, sai perché mi batte il corazon? Ho visto Maradona, ho visto Maradona, eh, mammà, innamorato son."

“Oh Mama mama mama, do you know why my heart beats? I have seen Maradona, I have seen Maradona, and mamma I am in love.” ~ Excerpt from Napoli football chant


Forza Napoli Sempre!

Around the Web: What is Legitimism?

Reprinted from catholicism.org

By Charles A. Coulombe

“Legitimism” is a very curious word that pops up from time in history. It has to deal with the questions fought — politically or militarily — in many countries over the past few centuries. Considering that it deals with the issue of legitimacy — legitimate rule — it might actually have some interest for Americans, given our recent presidential election.

Legitimism is a fairly recent phenomenon. On the surface, it would appear to mean nothing more than loyalty to a particular royal line, even after its deposition by presumed usurpers. But there is more to it than that. Certainly, before the 16th century there had been succession disputes, which pitted adherents of one branch of a royal family against another — most famous of these were the Hundred Years War between the closely related English and French ruling lines, and the War of the Roses pitting the former’s York and Lancaster branches against one another. But despite the strange paradoxes of those conflicts — Richard III’s ultimate recognition of Henry VI’s sanctity, and the French opposition to the latter being led by St. Joan of Arc — the combatants in these conflicts had identical views regarding Church and State, the role of the Monarch, and various other issues that would, in addition to genealogical issues, animate the future Legitimists. Continue reading

Also see:
Around the Web: Are You a Monarchist?

A Prayer for Queen Isabella the Catholic’s Intercession

Isabella the Catholic, ora pro nobis
Almighty Father, in Your infinite goodness You made Queen Isabel the Catholic, a model for young ladies, wives, mothers, women leaders and government rulers. As the first sovereign of the American continent You granted to her heart a sense of piety, justice, compassion and the vision of a new land full of promise. Grant us the grace to see Your infinite majesty glorified in her prompt canonization, and through her intercession...[ask for your particular needs] that we ask of You in this present need through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Servant of God, Queen Isabel, pray for us.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Pray to the Servant of God Isabel the Catholic and ask her intercession for your particular needs. When you obtain your favor, please inform the: Comité Reina Isabel, P.O. Box 268237, Chicago, IL 60626-8237, U.S.A.

* Prayer courtesy of Queen Isabella the Catholic. Portrait of Isabella I of Castile (April 22, 1451— November 26, 1504) by Luis de Madrazo (1825-1897)

Buona Festa del Ringraziamento (Happy Thanksgiving)

Celebration of the First Mass attributed to Léon Trousset
We at 
Il Regno wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. Even in hard times there is still a lot to be thankful for. We're thankful for our family, our brethren, and our faith. We're thankful for opportunities to work, and provide for ourselves and our loved ones. We're thankful for the past, because there can be no greater teacher. May we learn our lessons well. God bless you all. Buona Festa del Ringraziamento!

Prayer at Harvest and Thanksgiving

O God, source and giver of all things, you manifest your infinite majesty, power and goodness in the earth about us: We give you honor and glory. For the sun and the rain, for the manifold fruits of our fields: For the increase of our herds and flocks, we thank you. For the enrichment of our souls with divine grace, we are grateful. Supreme Lord of the harvest, graciously accept us and the fruits of our toil, in union with Jesus, your Son, as atonement for our sins, for the growth of your Church, for peace and love in our homes, and for salvation for all. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

November 23, 2020

November 19, 2020

Around the Web: Untold Italy Episode #047: Basilicata — Ancient Southern Region of Tradition and History

Reprinted from Untold Italy

Almost hidden among its better known neighbors – Campania, Puglia and Calabria – Basilicata is a small region of Italy finally getting its moment in the sun. Best known for Matera, the cave city, the region’s diverse terrain means you can be sunning yourself on the beach one day and exploring hilltop towns the next. Our guest Karen Haid explored the region researching her and book Basilicata: Authentic Italy and joins us to share what she learnt.


Listen to episode

November 15, 2020

Photo of the Week: Sarcophagus of Unknown Knight in the Cathedral of Salerno

Believed by some to belong to the Norman Duke Ruggero Borsa (1060/61–February 22, 1111), son of Duke Roberto il Guiscardo (c.1015—July 17, 1085)
Photo by Andrew Giordano

November 14, 2020

New Book: Greek Theater in Ancient Sicily

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

• Greek Theater in Ancient Sicily by Kathryn G. Bosher, Edith Hall, Clemente Marconi


Publisher: Cambridge

University Press

Publication Date: January 31, 2021

Hardcover: $99.99

Language: English

Pages: 300


Read description


Click here to see more books


Listing does not imply any endorsement

November 12, 2020

Celebrating the Feasts of Sant’Andrea Avellino, San Trifone, San Respicio & Santa Ninfa in Brooklyn, NY

Revelers gather at Amunì for a festive outdoor dinner
Enjoying St. Martin’s Summer (i.e. unseasonably warm weather) and taking a brief respite from the incessant inanity and madness of the news cycle, members and friends of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Sanfedisti for short) returned to Amunì Ristorante (7217 3rd Avenue) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Tuesday evening to celebrate the Feasts of Sant’Andrea Avellino, San Trifone, San Respicio and Santa Ninfa. 

Like everyone else in our poorly run city, the coronavirus lockdown and escalating lawlessness has dramatically hindered our ability to celebrate our faith and culture together, so whenever we get the chance we jump at the opportunity with great zeal and enthusiasm. Making the most of the celebration, our famished little warband made sure to honor all our November patrons, the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and heroic military veterans. We also threw in a couple of birthdays and a name day for good measure. 


As usual, Chef Vincent Dardanello made us feel right at home and, after grace, treated us to another sumptuous multi-course repast replete with Sicilian delicacies and chef specialties. A culinary gem, the food and service at Amunì are consistently good and the price is always right. 


One can only image how awesome the restaurant is going to be once all the draconian restrictions and soul-crushing pitfalls corrupt government tyrants have imposed on small businesses are finally lifted. In the meantime, we will continue to support, to the best of our ability, businesses, priests and, dare I say, politicians worthy of our support.


~ Giovanni di Napoli, November 11, Feast of San Martino di Tours

Makeshift table shrine with reliquary prayer card for Sant'Andrea Avellini; tin reliquary for St. Pio; prayer cards for St. Gertrude the Great, St. Joseph Moscati, St. Martin of Tours, the Holy Souls in Purgatory, St. Andrew the Apostle and St. Charles Borromeo; and a large tin medallion of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini 
(L-R) Flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and
tapestry with the Imperial coat-of-arms of Austria-Hungary 

Carciofi fritti

Roasted eggplant with mozzarella, roasted peppers and balsamic reduction
Carduni fritti
Arancini
Panelle with fresh ricotta, caciocavallo and topped with lemon zest
Bucatini con sarde
Pounded pork chop with roasted potatoes and arugula salad
Homemade cannoli with crushed pistachios
We enjoyed some Amaro Lucano and cassata Siciliana with our espresso
Happy Birthday to Andrew and Charles!
Amunì ★★★★★

Una Vera Esperienza Siciliana

7217 3rd Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11209

718-833-7833 | vincent@amunibrooklyn.com

November 9, 2020

New Book — Instrumental Music in Late Eighteenth-Century Naples: Politics, Patronage and Artistic Culture

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

• Instrumental Music in Late Eighteenth-Century Naples: Politics, Patronage and Artistic Culture by Anthony R. DelDonna


Publisher: Cambridge 

University Press

Publication Date: Dec. 31, 2020

Hardcover: $99.99

Language: English

Pages: 300


Read description


Click here to see more books


Listing does not imply any endorsement

November 8, 2020

Photo of the Week: Tomb with Fresco in the San Gennaro Catacombs, Napoli

(L-R) Ilaritas (died at the age of 45), Nonnosa (age 2) and Theotecnus (age 65)
Photo by Andrew Giordano

November 7, 2020

New Book: Textile Activity and Cultural Identity in Sicily Between the Final Bronze Age and Archaic Period

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

Textile Activity and Cultural Identity in Sicily Between the Final Bronze Age and Archaic Period by Gabriella Longhitano


Publisher: Oxbow Books

Publication Date: July 31, 2021

Paperback: $55.00

Language: English

Pages: 288


Read description


Click here to see more books


Listing does not imply any endorsement

November 4, 2020

Month Mind Requiem Mass for Msgr. Ambrosio

This coming Saturday, November 7th, at 9:30 am there will be a Month Mind Requiem Mass, followed by the Rite of Absolution, for the eternal repose of the soul of Msgr. Joseph Ambrosio at the Church of Mt. Carmel in Newark, NJ (259 Oliver Street).

Please, share this information with those who knew the good Monsignor!

Source: sthughofcluny.org

November 3, 2020

A Prayer for Vienna

Blessed Charles I of Austria, ora pro nobis
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the November 2nd terror attack in Vienna, Austria. May Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, Saint Leopold III, Saint Maurice, and Blessed Charles I of Austria protect and watch over you. All ye holy saints, orate pro nobis. 

Prayer for Victims of Terrorism

Loving God, welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism. Comfort their families and all who grieve for them. Help us in our fear and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love. Strengthen all those who work for peace, and may the peace the world cannot give reign in our hearts. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Votive Wall Shrine in Naples

Photo by Andrew Giordano

November 1, 2020

Around the Web: Vatican extends November Plenary Indulgence for 2020

The Holy See has extended the availability of certain plenary indulgences for the souls in Purgatory, out of concern for the faithful during this time of pandemic.


According to a decree of 23 October, certain indulgenced acts, which can help to remit the temporal punishment due to sin for those who have died in a state of grace, can be obtained throughout the entire month of November 2020.

The decree was signed by Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, major penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary.

A Plenary Indulgence, applicable to the Faithful Departed, may be gained, under the usual conditions of Confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions, by making a devout visit to a parish church or a cemetery throughout November this year.

Reprinted from the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Pontifical Shrine (448 116th St.) in East Harlem, New York

Around the Web: A Prayer to Venerate Any Saint

PROMISE ATTACHED TO THE FOLLOWING PRAYER: "When you wish to honor any particular saint and give Me thanks for all the graces I have bestowed on that saint, I increase grace in your soul through the merits of that saint. When you commit the end of your life to any of the saints by special prayers, I appoint those saints to be your advocates and to provide whatever you need at that hour." 
— Our Lord to St. Gertrude

Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. (Name), and I give you thanks for all the graces You have bestowed upon him (her). I ask You to please increase grace in my soul through the merits of this saint, and I commit the end of my life to him (her) by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Your goodness and promise, St. (Name) might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen.

Reprinted from the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 W 37th St.) in New York City