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| Statue of Charles II, King of Spain, in Naples, by Francesco D'Angelo Photo by Andrew Giordano |
January 30, 2023
Photo of the Week: The Little King (Il Reuccio)
Get Your Letters from Saint Valentine of Terni
Please consider buying a St. Valentine's Day fundraiser package for a special someone to help support our upcoming July Mass and Procession for the Feast of San Leucio.
Mailed Nationwide and delivered in time for the Feast of St. Valentine of Terni on February 14, 2023.
Link to buy is HERE.
Deadline to order is February 7, 2023
San Leucio, prega per noi. Saint Leucius, pray for us.
Thank you,
The San Leucio Society of Paterson, New Jersey
January 29, 2023
A Portrait of Papal Zouave Ferdinand de Charette
Ferdinand de Charette was born on July 11, 1837. He served in the army of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies between 1860-1861, where he fought in the battles of Volturno, Garigliano, and Gaeta. 
Portrait of Ferdinand de Charette
de la Contrie (1837-1917)
Great-nephew of the Vendéen General François de Charette, he was one of the four Charette brothers to serve in the Papal Army during the campaigns to defend the Papal States from 1860-1870.
Enlisting as a Papal Zouave in August 1861, he fought in the battles of Ceprano and Mentana.
When Rome fell to the Italians on September 20, 1870, de Charette went with a contingent of French Papal Zouaves (Volunteers of the West) to defend France during the Franco-Prussian War.
Ferdinand de Charette was wounded during the Battle of Loigny on December 2, 1870. He was promoted to Lieutenant in January 1871.
The portrait depicts him when he was still an enlisted soldier in the Papal Army between 1868-1870. He is wearing the Mentana Cross medal, the Order of Saint Gregory the Great medal, and a gold lapel pin with the pontifical arms.
For his services to the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, the Papal States, and France he was decorated with the following awards:
Knight of the Legion of Honour
Knight of the Order of Saint George of Naples
Knight of the Royal Order of Francis I of Naples
Knight of the Order of Pius IX
Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great
Knight of the Order of the Eagle of Este
Papal Roman Count
Fidei et Virtuti Medal
By Brendan Cassell (Papal Zouave History @PapalZouaveUS)
January 26, 2023
Ponderable Quote from ‘Chivalry’ by Maurice Keen
The medieval view of lineage and nobility is thus one which focuses not simply on birth as the determinant of caste so much as on family traditions of honour and privileged position founded in past achievement, and offering an example to future generations. Get heirs, says Philip of Novara, ‘for by means of heirs who bear their father’s surname, his memory and that of his ancestors shall live longer in this world.’ That so much attention should focus on the family — the lineage — is perfectly natural. ‘The family was the most basic social unit that the age knew; its customary law was permeated with the idea of lineal inheritance; and the Bible with its long genealogies bore witness to the significance of lineage in the history of religion. To have sought to set the individual and his stock entirely apart would have seemed quite unnatural. Even Dante, that ardent champion of individual virtue, saw that the acts of the individual reflected upon the family: ‘the individual ennobles the stock’, he declares. The acts and habits of the individual members of a lineage were seen as forming those of the stock: ‘you come of a noble line, therefore you should seek the harder to grow in virtue,’ says Louis de Gavre’s mother in the romance of the Seigneurs de Gavre. Indeed this is the point of the distinction which the purists drew between nobility and gentility. For his own particular achievement a man might be ennobled, but gentility implied something more, the forming of a tradition and manner of life and conduct which had stood the test of time into a second generation.
Reprinted from Chivalry by Maurice Keen, Yale University Press, 2005, pp. 160-161
January 25, 2023
Novena to San Biagio Martire
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| San Biagio Martire, ora pro nobis |
Preparatory Prayer
Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son.
Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen.
Prayer in Honor of St. Blase
O God, deliver us through the intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blase, from all evil of soul and body, especially from all ills of the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good confession in the confident hope of obtaining Thy pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips Thy most holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Invocation of St. Blase
St. Blase, gracious benefactor of mankind and faithful servant of God, who for the love of our Saviour didst suffer so many tortures with patience and resignation; I invoke thy powerful intercession. Preserve me from all evils of soul and body. Because of thy great merits God endowed thee with the special grace to help those that suffer from ills of the throat; relieve and preserve me from them, so that I may always be able to fulfil my duties, and with the aid of God's grace perform good works. I invoke thy help as special physician of souls, that I may confess my sins sincerely in the holy sacrament of Penance and obtain their forgiveness. I recommend to thy merciful intercession also those who unfortunately concealed a sin in confession. Obtain for them the grace to accuse themselves sincerely and contritely of the sin they concealed, of the sacrilegious confessions and communions they made, and of all the sins they committed since then, so that they may receive pardon, the grace of God, and the remission of the eternal punishment. Amen.
Prayer
My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena.
Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.
* For more on St. Blase and the Fourteen Holy Helpers, I highly recommend Project Gutenberg's free ebook, Mary, Help of Christians and the Fourteen Saints Invoked as Holy Helpers, compiled by Rev. Bonaventure, O.F.M. It has instructions, legends, novenas and prayers, with thoughts of the saints for every day of the year. Photo of San Biagio at the Chiesa dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo in Napoli courtesy of Andrew Giordano.
January 24, 2023
Commemorating the 230th Anniversary of the Murder of King Louis XVI of France in Brooklyn, New York
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| After dinner, participants took a commemorative photo with the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies |
Domine salvum fac Regem et exaudi nos in die qua invocaverimus te. Gloria Patri et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio et nunc et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Lord, save the King, and hear us when we call upon thee. Glory to the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning and is now, and it shall be, for ever without end. Amen.
Heartfelt thanks to all who joined us Saturday evening in commemorating the 230th Anniversary of the Murder of King Louis XVI of France. For the fourth year in a row, various traditional Catholic and monarchist circles came together to pray, break bread, and remember the martyred King. We are, of course, ever grateful to Fr. Stephen Saffron for leading us in prayer and for his spiritual guidance.
Special thanks to Professor John C. Rao for delivering another stirring and thought-provoking talk about the tragic events of the French Revolution and its catastrophic repercussions today. Chairman of the Roman Forum, you can read Dr. Rao's extensive catalog at For the Whole of Christ or stream and listen to his Church History lecture series via SoundCloud. Vive le Roi!
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| Framed portraits of Queen Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI of France with assorted royalist flags, blessed candles, and prayer sheets |
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| Dr. John C. Rao |
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| A short break between courses |
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"Salute"
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| A few lucky guests received a Kingdom of the Two Sicilies coat of arms lapel pin courtesy of the Sanfedisti |
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| (L) Several attendees wore Bourbon cockades. (R) I got a nice hardback copy of the Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle for my birthday |
Guests were treated to a sumptuous repast at Joe's of Avenue U, one of Brooklyn's favorite old-school Sicilian restaurants. As always, Paolo, Caterina and the rest of the crack waitstaff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.
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| Vongole al forno |
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| Calamari fritti |
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| Panelle |
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| Caponata |
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| Mista polpo e calamari |
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| Insalata |
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| Cavolfiore alla palermitana |
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| Spaghetti al nero di seppia |
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| Linguine marinara |
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| Stuffed meat roll with mushroom gravy and potatoes |
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| Pollo alla Milanese e crocchè di patate |
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| Merluzzo |
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| Once again, due to my youthful good looks and boyish charm, the numbers on our dessert were transposed |
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| Tartufo |
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| Profiterole |
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| The restaurant is decorated with traditional Sicilian marionettes depicting the heroic Paladins and Saracens from the Song of Roland |
Photo of the Week: Bejeweled Gilded Bust of San Gennaro in Storefront Window in Napoli
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| Photo by Andrew Giordano |
January 23, 2023
Bust of Francis II of Bourbon Donated to the Church of Santa Caterina a Formiello in Napoli
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| Servant of God Francesco II, ora pro nobis |
Many supporters of the Bourbons and devotees of SG Francesco II were in attendance, including the association's President Luigiantonio Galasso.
After Holy Mass in suffrage of His Majesty, the bust was blessed by Don Carmine Amore. Evviva 'o Rre!
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| Photos courtesy of the Associazione Maria Carolina |
For more information and to watch a video of the blessing ceremony visit Napoli, busto di Francesco II di Borbone donato alla chiesa di Santa Caaterina a Formiello – Video (www.brevenews.com)
January 21, 2023
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January 20, 2023
A Prayer for Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón
We hope and pray for His speedy recovery. May the Apóstol Santiago, San Millán de la Cogolla, San Rafael Arcángel, Santa Teresa de Jesús, and Nuestra Señora del Pilar watch over you.
A Prayer for Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón
Almighty and Eternal God, You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You. Hear us for Your sick servant Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy, that being restored to bodily health, he may give thanks to You in Your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Viva ‘a Reggina! Remembering HM Maria Sofia di Baviera, Queen of the Two Sicilies
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| My private makeshift shrine dedicated to HM Maria Sofia di Baviera, Regina delle Due Sicilie |
Eternal rest grant unto Her Majesty, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Thursday evening, a handful of us commemorated the anniversary of the death of HM Maria Sofia di Baviera (b. October 4, 1841—d. January 19, 1925), the last Queen of the Two Sicilies and Heroine of Gaeta, at a local Bavarian watering hole. Seeing as it was only two days before our 4th Annual King Louis XVI of France Memorial Dinner, we decided not to put people out with too many engagements. However, we were reluctant to skip the remembrance altogether, so we kept it intimate and light-spirited. Viva ‘a Reggina!
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| The Heroine of Gaeta on the ramparts accompanied by General Felix von Schumacher (1863) by Ferdinand von Piloty |
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| We set up the Queen's portrait at our table and discussed the life and times of Her Majesty |
January 19, 2023
Celebrating the Feast of Sant'Antuono Abate at Saint Josaphat’s Church in Bayside, Queens
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| Father Saffron offers a benediction by the fire |
A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, “You are mad, you are not like us.” ~ St. Anthony the Great
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| A good time was had by all |
Blessing the fire and the 50-some-odd attendees, Father Saffron spoke at length with the guests about the ascetic life of the great Saint and the many miracles attributed to him.
After the benediction, parishioners adjourned to the parish hall for coffee hour. In addition to the usual fare, attendees brought customary pork dishes in honor of St. Anthony the Abbot, including a variety of dried sausages and pulled pork.
Many, who were unfamiliar with the tradition, voiced their approval and spoke of making the celebration bigger and better next year. We're already looking forward to it. Evviva Sant'Antouno Abate!
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| Father Perricone gave another inspirational talk |
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| After Adoration, attendees fill the parish hall for the lecture |
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| Andrew and Bill prepare the kindling |
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| (Above & below) Parishioners gather around the fire |
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| Affettati e formaggi donated by the Sanfedisti |
Celebrating the Feast of Sant'Antuono Abate in Brooklyn, New York
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| Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono |
Tuesday evening, members and friends of the San Rocco Society gathered in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn for our Annual Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono, or St. Anthony bonfire. Honoring the father of Western monasticism, the purifying conflagration is an ancient tradition meant to ward off evil spirits, protect animals and livestock, and secure a bountiful harvest.
Representing the Saint's triumph over Satan and temptation, the fire ritual also signifies a time of renewal, or regeneration, as spring draws near and winter comes to an end.
A magical night, old tales tell that animals regain the ability to speak and misfortune befalls those who overhear them.
Taking comfort around the protecting flames, revelers ate, drank and prayed to our beloved patron. Continuing into the night, the fire was steadily fed old Christmas trees, dried palm fronds from Palm Sunday, and other kindling from the garden.
Heartfelt thanks to the La Rocca family for their seemingly endless warmth and hospitality. As always, it was a great joy to celebrate our faith and culture together. Evviva Sant'Antuono!
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| (L) Our gracious host Stephen with a framed image of Sant'Antuono Abate. (R) Votive candles |
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| The image of Sant'Antuono Abate is from the Sant'Antonio Abate Fraternal Society of Castrofilippo in Astoria, Queens |
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| Revelers gather around the fire |
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| After the bonfire was lit, only the good spirits remained |
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| Father Juan Luxamma blesses the fire and the participants |
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| Old Christmas trees were used as kindling |
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| (Above & below) The fire quickly turned into a towering inferno |
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| In addition to Christmas trees, devotees took the opportunity to burn old scapulars, palm fronds and other religious items |
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| Father Luxamma with the Guarini men |
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| Ray, Steve and John |
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| Gerardina served up some hot pizza |
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| As always, our gracious hosts had a delicious spread |
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| Seeing as it is customary to eat pork on the feast, I enjoyed a sausage and pepper sandwich |
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| For dessert there was a mouth-watering array of pastries and café |
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| I couldn't resist the Sicilian cartocci |
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