Feast of San Leucio d’Alessandria

San Leucio d'Alessandria, ora pro nobis

In San Salvatore Telesino (BN), the last Sunday in July is the Feast of San Leucio d’Alessandria, First Bishop of Brindisi, Missionary and Wonderworker. It commemorates the Saint's miraculous intercession during the 1656 plague epidemic in the Kingdom of Naples. San Leucio's liturgical memorial is celebrated on January 11.

Highly revered throughout Southern Italy, San Leucio is the patron saint of Atessa (CH), Rocca di Mezzo (AQ), Villavallelonga (AQ), San Leucio del Sannio (BN), Pietracamela (TE), and San Salvatore Telesino (BN). He is invoked against plague, drought and demonic possession.

In 1773 the utopian colony of San Leucio in Caserta was founded and named after the great Saint by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Leucius courtesy of the San Leucio Society of Paterson, New Jersey. Pictured is the Saint’s statue in San Salvatore Telesino. Evviva San Leucio d’Alessandria!

Prayer to St. Leucius

Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. Leucius, and I give You thanks for all the graces You have bestowed upon him. 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 by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Your goodness and promise, St. Leucius might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, ora pro nobis

July 31 is the Feast of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, priest, knight, mystic, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and great protagonist of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. One of the 52 co-patrons of Naples, he is also the patron saint of soldiers and spiritual retreats.

 

In celebration we’re posting a prayer to St. Ignatius Loyola. Pictured is Sant’Ignazio di Loyola in Gloria by Mattia Preti. Evviva Sant’Ignazio di Loyola!

Prayer to St. Ignatius Loyola

O Glorious Patriarch, St. Ignatius, we humbly beseech you to obtain for us from God above all things, freedom from sin, the greatest of evils. May your example inflame our hearts with an efficacious glory to God and the good of our neighbor; and obtain from the loving Heart of Jesus, our Lord, the crown of all other graces, the gift of final perseverance, and eternal beatitude. Amen.

Around the Web: What is a Brigand?

Brigand Way (Photo courtesy of Calabria: the Other Italy)

Reprinted from Calabria: the Other Italy

The word “brigand” – brigante in Italian – is heard quite a bit with reference to Southern Italy, and I have noticed a certain confusion, particularly amongst English speakers, as to its significance. It’s an important term in understanding the Italian South and the history of Italy, so I thought I’d contribute my two cents to the question, “What is a brigand?” in an Italian context.

Brigand in the early 1800s

Brigand: In the Dictionary

Taking the dictionary definition, there’s no doubt, the term has strong negative connotations. Bandit, robber, outlaw, marauder and highwayman are common synonyms for brigand, which is often used to describe a member of a band that ambushes and robs people in forests and mountains.

Brigandry or brigandage – brigantaggio in Italian – is classically the form of the word that depicts the criminal activity carried out by brigands.

So why then, when in Southern Italy, do you hear the word brigante pronounced with a quasi-reverence?

Brigand - Brigante: Historic Use

Words have a way of changing their meaning. In the Middle Ages, an Italian brigante was a type of foot soldier, an adventurous member of a mercenary unit. The term’s negative characteristics apparently came through the French, who used it during the Napoleonic period to disparage Italian revolts to their occupation. Thus, brigante referred not only to bandits in the pure sense of the word but also included those with social and political motivations. Continue reading

Ponderable Quotes from ‘A Knight’s Own Book of Chivalry’ by Geoffrey De Charny

“Thus it should appear to everyone that the best pastime of all is to be often in good company, far from unworthy men and from unworthy activities from which no good can come.” (P.63)

“You should be generous in giving where the gift will be best used and as careful as you can that you let your enemies have nothing that is yours. Love and serve your friends, hate and harm your enemies, relax with your friends, exert yourself with all your strength against your foes. You should plan your enterprises cautiously and you should carry them out boldly.” (P.70)

“Trusting too much in his daring can make a man lose his life foolishly; but when one is engaged on an armed enterprise, one should dread vile cowardice more than death.” (P.71)

“Be sure that you do not despise poor men or those lesser in rank than you, for there are many poor men who are of greater worth than the rich.” (P.71)

“Refrain from remonstrating with fools, for you will be wasting your time, and they will hate you for it.” (P.71)

“Above all refrain from enriching yourself at others' expense, especially from the limited resources of the poor, for unsullied poverty is worth more than corrupt wealth.” (P.71-72)

“From arrogance grow many branches from which many evils come, so many as may cause the loss of soul and body, honor and wealth.” (P.73)

“What you do not know, you should ask with due humility to be taught it.” (P.73)

* Reprinted from A Knight’s Own Book of Chivalry by Geoffrey De Charny (1306-1356), translated by Elspeth Kennedy, 2005, University of Pennsylvania Press

X Edition of the Pio Alferano Prize Honors Men and Women From the World of Culture with Patroness HRH Princess Beatrice di Borbone Delle Due Sicilie

HRH Princess Beatrice di Borbone viewing the ongoing exhibit Imitanda: The myth of arceology and the dream of the Grand Tour in the Di Giaimo collection
Photo courtesy of Corriere Borbonico

This year in a splendid area of the San Costabile di Castellabate Castle in the Cilento region of Campania the ceremony for the Premio Pio Alferano 2022 was held, organized by Constantinian Knight Cav. Prof. Vittorio Sgarbi, with HRH Beatrice di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, Grand Prefect of the Constantinian Order, as Patroness. 

Princess Beatrice was accompanied by the Delegate of Naples and Campania of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (SMOCSG), Donna Federica De Gregorio Cattaneo Dei Principi di Sant'Elia. The Prize, sponsored by the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies, was attended again this year by many personalities such as the Mayor of Castellabate and illustrious guests such as the noted journalists Marcello Veneziani and Cesara Buonamici; the Director of the Pompei Excavations, Gabriel Zuchtriegel; the Abbot of Montevergine, Don Riccardo Guariglia; the singer songwriter Enrico Ruggeri; the author of “Osho”, Federico Palmaroli; and the actor Bruno Torrisi.

Mostre Edizione 2022, from 3 July to 30 September 2022,
Castello Dell'Abate - Castellabate (SA)

Princess Beatrice, accompanied by Don Leopoldo De Gregorio Cattaneo and by Dr. Gerardo di Meo, then inaugurated the magnificent exhibit of Bourbon era furnishings from the private collection of the antiquarian Saverio di Giaimo, and "Sgarbeide" a photographic collection covering the numerous trips of Vittorio Sgarbi in Italy and abroad through the work of Nino Ippolito, his press officer, both on view in the Castello dell'Abate through 30 September 2022.

The Fondazione Pio Alferano inspired by the values of the General of the Carabinieri Pio Alferano, seeks to promote knowledge of artistic and cultural heritage through exhibitions and soirées such as this to honor figures who distinguish themselves during the year for their activities promoting culture.  

Source: www.fondazionepioalferano.it

Feast of San Lupo di Troyes

San Lupo di Troyes, ora pro nobis

July 29th is the Feast of San Lupo di Troyes (c.383-c.478), monk, wonderworker and Bishop of Troyes. He is renowned for combating Pelagianism in Britain and saving Troyes from Attila the Hun. San Lupo di Troyes is the patron saint of San Lupo in Benevento. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Lupo. The accompanying photo of the bust of San Lupo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in the Marion section of Jersey City, New Jersey. Evviva San Lupo di Troyes!

Prayer to St. Lupus of Troyes

O Glorious St. Lupus of Troyes, Bishop and Confessor, you served God in humility and confidence on earth, now you enjoy His beatific vision in Heaven. Help me to strengthen my faith and protect me in conflict. Obtain for me the grace to live a holy life, so that one day I may join you in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen

Presentation of the First Comprehensive Book on Cav. Dr. Pietro Ramaglia in Ripabottoni

Presentation of the first comprehensive book on Cav. Dr. Pietro Ramaglia, Knight Grand Cross of the Sacred Military Order of Saint George, by Prof. Gabriella Paduano and Father Gabriele Tamilia sponsored by the Abruzzo and Molise Delegation of the SMOSCG (Photo courtesy of Prof. Gabriella Paduano)

In the splendid location of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Ripabottoni, Campobasso the master work of the noted architect Ferdinando Sanfelice, and a national landmark, on the 22 July the presentation of the new book, Pietro Ramaglia (1802-1875). Il medico molisano fondatore della Moderna Scuola Medica Napoletana was held.  This was the first presentation of the book fresh from the presses, in the town where Dr. Ramaglia was born and in the church where he was baptized.

In an atmosphere which speaks of the glorious Neapolitan 18th Century, surrounded by the works of Francesco Solimena and his Molisan pupil Paolo Gamba, 220 years after his birth the authors Mons. Gabriele Tamilia and Dr. Gabriella Paduano have brought back from oblivion the great clinician, credited with founding modern medicine in Europe and who was the personal doctor of King Ferdinando II of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies. Cav. Prof. Avv. Franco Ciufo, Delegate for Abruzzo and Molise of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, to which Ramaglia belonged and which has sponsored the publication of the book, presided over the ceremony.

After the greetings of the Mayor of Ripabottoni, Orazio Civetta, the authors discussed their findings with a distinguished panel which included Mons. Gianfranco De Luca, Bishop of the Dioceses of Termoli- Larino; Prof. Italo Testa, former head physician of the Cardarelli Hospital of Campobasso, a well known connoisseur of the history of Molisan and Neapolitan medicine; Dr. Carolina De Vincenzo, representative of the Order of Physicians of Campobasso; Mons. Claudio Palumbo, Bishop of the Dioceses of Trivento; and Cav. Prof. Avv. Franco Ciufo contextualized Dr. Ramaglia in the legendary golden age in the southern Kingdom which produced so many scientists in all fields, especially in medicine and treatment assistance with the establishment of many well known hospitals.

On a sweltering July afternoon, a church was filled with people to remember that young man from Ripabottoni, a small town in Molise, who set out to Naples, where he was the head clinician of the Royal Incurabili Hospital, a scientist, founder of a School of Medicine, physician of the Royal House and personal physician to King Ferdinando II who made him Cavaliere di Grazia del Sacro Militare Ordine Costantiniano di San Giorgio, but above all, a pious and generous man.

Source: www.ordinecostantinianoabruzzomolise.it

Ferdinando II: La tradizione oltre il mondo liberale

In Torraca (SA)

Novena in Honor of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

Santissimo Salvatore, have mercy on us

Pray the novena in honor of the Transfiguration of Our Lord for nine consecutive days, July 28th to August 5th, in preparation for the Feast on August 6th.

First Day (July 28)

In the Transfiguration, heaven and earth meet, humanity and divinity, time and eternity. Give me the grace to see how powerful you are. You are master of the universe. If my prayer is not answered, it is not because you cannot do what I want but that you have a different and better plan for me. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Second Day (July 29)

The prophet Malachi promised that Elijah would return as a sign the Messiah had arrived. Elijah and Moses appeared with Christ in his Transfiguration. Open our eyes to see how you speak to us in history and throughout our lives. You always keep your promises. Help us learn to read the signs of the times. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Third Day (July 30)

Peter blurted out the first thing that came into his head, as we often do. Help me to keep a guard on my mouth: not to gossip or criticise, not to be hurtful or rude. Help me also to be careful if I tell other people how they should be living their lives. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Fourth Day (July 31)

Finally, Peter said, “Lord, it is good to be here”. Give me the grace to be with you and to be glad to be with you, trusting you with my life; to know I am not alone in life; that you love me and have a wonderful plan for me if I trust you. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Fifth Day (August 1)

At the Transfiguration, Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for the crucifixion. You tell us that if we want to follow you we should take up our cross; but we always hope that the cross will go away. Give me the courage to believe that you carry my cross with me and that it will not crush me. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Sixth Day (August 2)

In the Transfiguration there is a glimpse of your glory, a glimpse of your divine nature. Give me this grace: to see your power in my life and have a desire for holiness. Help me to believe I will not lose myself if I follow your teachings. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Seventh Day (August 3)

The disciples who saw your Transfiguration were terrified, but you told them to stand up and not to be afraid. Help me remember this. When life knocks me down and when I am afraid, help me to stand up and walk onward with you. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Eighth Day (August 4)

Moses and Elijah are living in the presence of Christ in the Transfiguration. All who face death with faith in you will live in your presence for ever. Help us not to fear death. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

Ninth Day (August 5)

As in eternal life I will see your glory, so at the resurrection of the dead I, too, will be glorified. This life is only a small part of my life in you. Help me to look forward in hope to heaven and to the resurrection of the dead. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be

* The accompanying photo of Santissimo Salvatore della Transfigurazione (Most Holy Savior of the Transfiguration), courtesy of Stephen La Rocca, was taken at St. Mary Magdalene dei Pazzi Church (712 Montrose St.) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Celebrating the Feast of San Giacomo il Maggiore

We began our modest celebration with prayers, toasts
and a little Abadía da Cova, a distinctive Galician herb liquor

Unable to get out of work in time to attend Mass Monday evening, my workmates and I instead celebrated the Feast of San Giacomo il Maggiore at a local Galician tapas bar. In addition to being widely venerated across Southern Italy, Santiago Matamoros (as he is called in Spain) is also the patron saint of the old Kingdom of Galicia and de las Españas. Evviva San Giacomo!

Tortilla de Betanzos

Pulpo á Feira

Chorizos al Infierno

Churrasco con chimichurri

Estrella Galicia '1906' Reserva ESP

Estrella Galicia

Photo of the Week: Beata Vergine del Rosario nel Duomo di Ravello

Blessed Virgin of the Rosary in the Cathedral of Ravello
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of Beato Saverio Bordas Piferer

Beato Saverio Bordas Piferer, ora pro nobis

July 24 is the Feast of Blessed Xavier (Javier) Piferer Bordas (1914-1936), Salesian Priest and Martyr. With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Father Xavier sought refuge at his parents property in Sarria, Barcelona. Discovered by anti-Catholic forces, he was shot for the crime of being a priest. He was Beatified on 11 March 2001 by Pope John Paul II. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer for Blessed Xavier Piferer Bordas. Evviva Beato Saverio Bordas Piferer!

Prayer

God of power and mercy, you gave Blessed Xavier Piferer Bordas, your martyr, victory over pain and suffering. Strengthen us who celebrate this day of his triumph and help us to be victorious over the evils that threaten us. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. 

Feast of Beata Mercedes del Sacro Cuore

Beata Mercedes del Sacro Cuore, ora pro nobis

July 24 is the feast of Blessed Maria Mercedes Prat (1880-1936), Teresian Sister, Virgin and Martyr. Arrested in Barcelona for being a nun by anti-Catholic forces during the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Maria Mercè was executed in cold blood while praying the Pater Noster, the Lord’s Prayer. She is the patron saint of persecuted Christians.

 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart. Evviva Beata Mercedes del Sacro Cuore!

Prayer to Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart

God of infinite goodness, You gave Blessed Maria Mercedes, virgin, the courage to bring to fullness in martyrdom her offering to You and to the Church. Grant us, through her intercession, the grace to be so firmly rooted in the love of Christ that nothing can ever separate us from this love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

Feast of Blessed Martyrs of Daimiel

Blessed Martyrs of Daimiel, orate pro nobis

July 24 is the Feast of Blessed Nicefero Diez and Companions, Martyrs. Between July 23 and October 23, 1936 twenty-six Passionist priests and brothers from the Monastery of Santo Cristo de la Luz in Daimiel, Spain were murdered by Republican thugs during the Spanish Civil War. 

Beatified by John Paul II on October 1, 1989, the martyrs were Nicefero Diez Tejerina; Ildefonso García Nozal; Pedro Largo Redondo; Justiniano Cuesta Redondo; Eufrasio de Celis Santos; Maurilio Macho Rodríquez; Jose Estalayo García; Julio Mediavilla Concejero; Fulgencio Calvo Sánchez; Honorino Carracedo Ramos; Laurino Proaño Cuesta; Epifanio Sierra Conde; Abilio Ramos Ramos; Anacario Benito Nozal; Felipe Ruiz Fraile; Jose Osés Sáinz; Felix Ugalde Irurzun; Jose Maria Ruiz Martínez; Zacarias Fernández Crespo; Pablo Maria Lopez Portillo; Benito Solana Ruiz; Tomas Cuartero Gascón; Jose Maria Cuartero Gascón; German Pérez Jiménez; Juan Pedro Bengoa Aranguren; and Felipe Valcobado Granado. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to the Blessed Martyrs of Daimiel. Evviva Blessed Martyrs of Daimiel!

Prayer to the Blessed Martyrs of Daimiel

Lord Jesus, Divine Martyr of Calvary, the Passionist Martyrs of Daimiel generously sacrificed their lives in order that Thy universal Kingdom of truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace become a reality upon earth. Through the merits of their sacrifice, united to Thine upon the Cross, grant that we may work untiringly for the coming of Thy Kingdom of salvation in the entire world, living as brothers and forgiving one another. Through the intercession of these Thy Martyrs, grant us also the particular grace we humbly implore for Thy glory and the good of our souls. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Alberico Crescitelli

Sant'Alberico Crescitelli, ora pro nobis

July 21 is the feast of Sant’Alberico Crescitelli (Guo Xide), Priest, Missionary, and Martyr. Born in Altavilla Irpina, Avellino on 30 June 1863, he entered the Pontifical Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul for Foreign Missions in Rome at the age of 12. Ordained in 1887, he was assigned to China by his superiors. Arriving in Shanghai in 1888, he journeyed to Ningqiang County in southern Shaanxi and converted many to the Faith. Captured and viciously tortured during the Boxer Rebellion, he was beheaded and tossed into the Han River on 21 July 1900.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Alberic. Evviva Sant’Alberico Crescitelli!

Prayer to St. Alberic 

Holy Saint Alberic, missionary and martyr, you gave your life to bring the message of the Gospel to non-Christians. Please ask Jesus, the Master of the harvest to bring us an abundance of missionary vocations, to that everyone my come to know, love and serve the one true God; to help our missionaries all over the world to grow in love and dedication to their service in Your name; to help me, and all those for whom I now pray, by granting these favors (Mention your petitions). Finally, I ask you to help me live my faith with the same heroic fervor that you did during your life on earth. Amen.

Feast of Saints Giusta and Rufina

Saints Giusta and Rufina, orate pro nobis

July 19 is the feast of Saints Giusta (Justa) and Rufina, Virgin-Martyrs of Seville. Patron saints of potters, the holy virgins are also invoked against earthquakes. According to tradition, the sisters were arrested and tortured to death by the prefect Diogenian for refusing to sell their earthenware for use in heathen rituals. 

In celebration, we’re posting a Prayer to Saints Justa and Rufina. The accompanying image of Saints Justa and Rufina by Francisco Goya is located in the Sacristy of the Chalices inside the Catedral de Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain. Evviva Sante Giusta and Rufina!

Prayer

All-powerful, ever-living God, turn our weakness into strength. As you gave your martyrs Justa and Rufina the courage to suffer death for Christ, give us the courage to live in faithful witness to you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Arsenio il Grande

Sant'Arsenio il Grande, ora pro nobis

If we seek God, he will show himself to us, and if we keep him, he will remain close to us. ~ Sant'Arsenio il Grande

July 19 is the Feast of Sant’Arsenio il Grande (354-450), Deacon, Hermit and Dessert Father. He is the patron saint of Sant’Arsenio in Salerno. 

Following a profound spiritual crises, a celestial voice told the Roman patrician to “flee men.” Obeying, he rid himself of all worldly possessions and travelled to Alexandria in Egypt to live the ascetic life of a hermit. 

In the Sceté desert he joined a group of anchorites, where he spent his time in prayer and eremitic contemplation.

Forced to flee after a barbaric band of Mazici tribesmen devastated the hermitage and slaughtered many of the monks, he wandered the Egyptian wilderness for nearly fifteen years until his death in Troë near Memphis, Egypt. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Arsenius the Great. Evviva Sant’Arsenio il Grande!

Prayer to St. Arsenius the Great

God, You called St. Arsenius to seek Your Kingdom in this world through the pursuit of perfect charity. Grant that we may be strengthen by his intercession and advance in the way of love with joyful hearts. Amen.

Feast of San Vincenzo de’ Paoli

San Vincenzo de' Paoli, ora pro nobis

July 19 is the Feast of San Vincenzo de’ Paoli (1581-1660), Priest and Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists, or Vincentians) and the Confraternities of Charity. Patron saint of charitable societies, San Vincenzo is revered for his selflessness and compassion to the poor.

Appointed chaplain to the galleys by King Louis XIII of France, he ministered to the slaves and prisoners condemned to row the kingdom’s ships. Captured by Turkish corsairs off the coast of southern France in 1605, he was sold into slavery in the bazaars of Tunis. Eventually converting his Moslem master to the Faith, he was set free and returned to France. 

In addition to his many works of charity, San Vincenzo is also renowned for his reforms to counter clerical abuse and his opposition to the Jansenist heresy plaguing France. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Vincent de Paul. The accompanying photo is my makeshift shrine dedicated to the saint. Evviva San Vincenzo de’ Paoli!

Prayer to St. Vincent de Paul

Noble Saint Vincent de Paul, beloved servant of the poor, may we follow your example and do good works among those whom society has abandoned, enslaved, or forgotten. Inspire us to feed the hungry, to love a child, to provide comfort and medicine to the sick, to clothe those whose garments are threadbare, and to offer hope and our Lord’s words to all who need respite. Pray for us to our beloved God that we may commit ourselves selflessly to doing the same charitable acts that you did all your life, and intercede with him that we may have the favor of his guidance and strength and love upon this important and meaningful work. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Painted Ceramic Tiles Depicting San Michele Arcangelo, the Madonna Incoronata and Sant'Antonio di Padova in Pietrelcina, Benevento

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Rest in Peace Dom Luiz de Orleans e Bragança, Prince Imperial & Head of the Imperial House of Brazil

6 June 1938 — 15 July 2022

In memory of His Imperial and Royal Highness Augustus Dom Luiz Gastão Maria José Pio Miguel Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga de Orleans e Bragança, Head of the Imperial House of Brazil, Prince of Brazil, Prince of Orleans and Bragança, legitimate depositary of the rights to the Throne and the Crown of Brazil – de jure, Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of Brazil, we pray for the happy repose of his soul.

Eternal rest grant unto His Royal Highness, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Feast of San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti

San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti, ora pro nobis

July 15 is the Feast of San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti (1710-1766), Piarist Priest and Miracle Worker. Invoked against earthquakes, he is the co-patron of his hometown Montecalvo Irpino in Campania and Campi Salentina, his final resting place, near Lecce.

Itinerant missionary throughout the Kingdom of Naples, he quickly acquired a reputation for holiness and earned the title “Apostle of Abruzzo” for the extraordinary work he accomplished in the region.

Slandered and denounced by a group of jealous clergymen, San Pompilio had his faculties of confession temporarily revoked and was exiled from Naples by King Carlo VII. His popularity with the populous proved too great and he was recalled by the King.

Returning to Southern Italy, San Pompilio founded the brotherhood of devotees in Montecalvo and worked tirelessly spreading the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Blessed Mother, whom he affectionately called “la Mamma Bella.”

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Pompilio in Italian. Evviva San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti!

Preghiera a San Pompilio

O Dio, Tu hai voluto che San Pompilio Maria si facesse tutto a tutti nell’educazione della gioventù e nella predicazione del Vangelo ai poveri: concedi anche a noi, per Sua intercessione, di imitare Cristo, maestro buono, per essere accolti, con i piccoli e i poveri in spirito, nella gloria eterna del Tuo Regno. Per Cristo nostro Signore. Amen.

Feast of San Marciano di Frigento

San Marciano di Frigento, ora pro nobis

July 14 is the Feast of San Marciano di Frigento, fifth century ascetic, miracle worker and Bishop. He is the patron saint of Frigento and Taurasi in Avellino, Campania. According to tradition, San Marciano was born in Greece and sold all his worldly possessions to help comfort the poor and sick. Looking to escape the unwanted adulation, he took refuge in Italy, near Frigento, to live the austere life of a hermit. However, his reputation for holiness and the various healing miracles attributed to him soon attracted numerous followers. During a pilgrimage to Rome, Pope Leo the Great found him in prayer inside the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres (the Pantheon). Receiving a vision, the Holy Father elected San Marciano Bishop of Frigento, where he continued to perform a great many miracles. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Marciano by Arciprete Don Luigi Liberto. Evviva San Marciano di Frigento!

Preghiera a San Marciano

O Glorioso S. Marciano, nostro speciale Patrono, rivolgi il tuo sguardo di Padre e di Guida sul popolo che Ti invoca e Ti venera. Accogli la nostra supplica e, con la Tua potente intercessione, ottieni a noi le sospirate grazie. Illumina le intelligenze, ottenebrate dall'errore, fortifica le volontà vacillanti; riscalda i cuori, col Tuo stesso amore, con l'ardore delta Tua carità. Conforta e solleva i nostri affanni; asciuga il nostro pianto; guarisci le ferite del nostro spirito; allontana dalle nostre campagne il pericolo delle tempeste e della grandine devastatrice. Impetra libertà alla Chiesa di Dio, pace alla umana società, concordia ed unione agli spiriti agitati e sconvolti. La tua benedizione sia il pegno dei favori celesti e l'arma sicura del trionfo del bene. Amen. 

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Photo of the Week: Detail of Painted Ceramic Tile Mural with the Madonna della Libera in Pietrelcina

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of San Pancrazio di Taormina

San Pancrazio di Taormina, ora pro nobis

July 9th is the Feast of San Pancrazio di Taormina, Bishop, Missionary and Martyr. He is the patron saint of Taormina (ME) and Canicatti (AG) in Sicily. Born in Antioch, Cilicia, he visited Jerusalem as a young boy with his father to see Our Lord Jesus Christ in person. Returning to Antioch, the youth was baptized and instructed in the Faith by St. Peter. In due course St. Peter sent San Pancrazio to Sicily and he became the first bishop of Taormina. He was stoned to death by pagans for refusing to kiss a graven image.

In celebration, I’m posting the prayers to St. Pancratius, Hieromartyr from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home. They are meant for private use.

Pictured is a detail of the Martyrdom of San Pancrazio di Taormina from the 2015 feast program. Evviva San Pancrazio Vescovo!

Troparia

Troparion Tone 8 Like an arrow on fire, you were aimed at Tauromeno to kill the godless and to bring light to the faithful of that place. You strengthened them in the faith by your preaching, and you finished your work by spilling your blood. O martyred priest, Pancratius, pray for your flock and for all who cherish your memory.

Kontakion Tone 4 You appeared to the people of Tauromeno as a star, and you became a martyr-priest for Christ, Pancratius. As you stand before Him, pray for us who love you. 

Stichera from for a Hieromartyr.

Sessional Hymns from the weekday.