Novena to Sant’Apollonia di Alessandria

Sant'Apollonia di Alessandria, ora pro nobis

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, January 31st to February 8th, in preparation for the Feast of Sant’Apollonia di Alessandria celebrated on February 9th. Evivva Sant’Apollonia di Alessandria!

O Glorious Apollonia, Patron Saint of dentistry and refuge to all those suffering from diseases of the teeth, I consecrate myself to thee, beseeching thee to number me among thy clients. Assist me by your intercession with God in my daily work and intercede with Him to obtain for me a happy death. Pray that my heart like thine may be inflamed with the love of Jesus and Mary, through Christ our Lord. O My God, bring me safe through temptation and strengthen me as thou didst our own Patron Saint Apollonia, through Christ our Lord. Amen

(Mention your request here…)

St. Apollonia, pray for us

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

* The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts.

Novena to San Sabino Vescovo

San Sabino Vescovo, ora pro nobis

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, January 31st to February 8th, in preparation for the Feast of San Sabino Vescovo celebrated on February 9th. Evviva San Sabino!

Glorious San Sabino Vescovo, beloved Patron, you served God in humility and confidence on earth. Now you enjoy His beatific vision in heaven. You persevered till death and gained the crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers, confusion and anguish that surround me and intercede for me in my needs and troubles, especially…[Mention your need here]. Amen.

San Sabino, pray for us. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…

* The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts.

Feast of Santa Martina

Santa Martina, ora pro nobis

Deus, qui inter cétera poténtiæ tuæ mirácula, étiam in sexu frágili victóriam martýrii con- tulísti: concéde propítius, ut, qui beátæ Mártinæ Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ natalítia cólimus, per ejus ad te exempla gradiá- mur. Per Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

January 30th is the Feast of St. Martina of Rome, Virgin and Martyr. According to tradition, St. Martina was arrested and dragged before Emperor Alexander Severus for refusing to make a sacrifice to the gods. Brutally tortured, milk and blood gushed from her wounds. She was condemned to die by ravenous beasts, but was left unscathed by the unusually docile animals. Then thrown onto a burning pyre, she miraculously emerged from the flames unharmed. Finally, she was beheaded. At her death, fire and thunder rained down from the heavens and an earthquake violently shook the city, toppling pagan statues and temples. Santa Martina is the patron saint of nursing mothers.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Martina in Latin and English. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The polychrome wood sculpture is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva Santa Martina!

Prayer

O God, who among the other marvels of Thy power, hast granted even to the weaker sex the victory of martyrdom: mercifully grant, that we who celebrate the heavenly birthday of blessed Martina, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may by her example draw nearer to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Photo of the Week: The Little King (Il Reuccio)

Statue of Charles II, King of Spain, in Naples, by Francesco D'Angelo
Photo by Andrew Giordano

Get Your Letters from Saint Valentine of Terni

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

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

A Portrait of Papal Zouave Ferdinand de Charette

Portrait of Ferdinand de Charette
de la Contrie (1837-1917)

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. 

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)

Feast of Beato Antonio da Amandola

Beato Antonio da Amandola, ora pro nobis

Among the Augustinians, January 28th is the Feast of Blessed Anthony of Amandola (17 January 1355—25 January 1450), Friar and Priest of the Augustinian Order. Renowned for his strict asceticism, devotion to the poor and apostolic zeal, many healing miracles have been attributed to his prayers. 

Preaching for several years in Bari, Apulia, he eventually returned to his native Amandola in Le Marche. There, he expanded the old monastery and built a new church in memory of Saint Augustine. 

Interred in the church after his death, his shrine and incorrupt body were desecrated in 1798 by revolutionary forces during the Napoleonic invasions of Italy.

 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Anthony of Amandola composed by Archbishop Norberto Perini of Fermo. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Beato Antonio da Amandola!

Prayer to St. Blessed Anthony of Amandola

We come to You, O Lord, full of gratitude and filial confidence because You are rich in graces and ready to forgive. In the name of Blessed Anthony, Your faithful servant and our protector, we ask You to bless our country; to make families prosper by preserving prayer, peace, mutual love; to make young people docile, job-loving, honest; to give bread to the poor who suffer so much; to instill serenity and patience in the sick so that their pain becomes a means of purification for all; to comfort our elders; to assist the dying with Your grace so that, having overcome the last trials, they come to enjoy You in Your paradise. O Blessed Anthony, we all honour you and invoke your intercession with the Lord, so that He may allow us to always live your faith and to imitate your example made up of few words and many good works. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

* Prayer courtesy of anastpaul.com

Feast of San Pietro Nolasco

San Pietro Nolasco, ora pro nobis

January 28th is the Feast of St. Peter Nolasco (1189-1259), Confessor and Founder of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians). Prompted by a Vision of St. Peter the Apostle, the great Saint founded the religious order in Barcelona, Spain, in 1218 with the support of St. Raymond Penafort and King James I of Aragon. Establish for the redemption of Christian slaves in North Africa, the Mercedarians were required to give all, including themselves, if necessary, to save those in danger of losing their faith.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Saint Peter Nolasco. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Pietro Nolasco!

Prayer to Saint Peter Nolasco

O God, St. Peter was divinely guided by the example of Your won love to enrich Your Church with a new community dedicated to the ransoming of imprisoned Christians. Release us from the slavery of sin through his intercession so that we may enjoy the eternal freedom of our home in heaven.

Feast of San Giuliano di Le Mans

San Giuliano di Le Mans, ora pro nobis

January 27th is the Feast of St. Julian of Le Mans, hermit, first Bishop of Le Mans (Gaul), and wonder-worker. In addition to many healing miracles, through his prayers, St. Julian is said to have vanquished a noxious dragon, brought forth a spring of water after striking the ground with his crozier, and raised the dead. Patron saint of Castrovillari in Cosenza, Calabria; Giugliano in Campania, Napoli; and Pollina in Palermo, Sicily; his cult was introduced to Southern Italy in the 11th century by the Normans.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Julian of Le Mans. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Giuliano di Le Mans!

Prayer to St. Julian of Le Mans

Eternal and almighty God, You wanted Saint Julian to bring the light of the Gospel to those who have gone before us; since we take the name of Christians from him, let us conform our whole life to the faith of our heart. Through Jesus Christ, Your only Son, our Lord and our God who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Novena to Sant’Agata

Sant'Agata, ora pro nobis

Pray novena to St. Agatha of Sicily for nine consecutive days, January 27th — February 4th, in preparation for the Feast celebrated on February 5th.

O Holy St. Agatha pray for us and our troubled world. Pray for those survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Pray for those who are suffering with breast cancer. May we imitate you as a faithful servant of God. Amen 

(Mention your request here…)

St. Agatha, pray for us.  

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

* The accompanying photo was taken at St. Joseph’s Church in Long Island City, New York.

Feast of Santa Paola Romana

Santa Paola Romana, ora pro nobis

January 26th is the Feast of St. Paula of Rome, fourth century noblewoman, devoted wife and mother, widow, ascetic, abbess, disciple of St. Jerome, and foundress of two monasteries in Bethlehem. She is the patron saint of widows.

In celebration, we’re posting St. Jerome’s prayer to St. Paula. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Santa Paola Romana!

St. Jerome’s prayer to St. Paula

O dear Saint Paula, help me now by your prayers, and do not forget me, who taught you to live for God and Heaven. Your faith and your piety have already placed you in the bosom of God, and I know He cannot now refuse to hear you. Oh, then, my child, pray, pray for me.

Feast of Sant’Alberico di Citeaux

Sant'Alberico di Citeaux and
companions, orate pro nobis

January 26th is the Feast of St. Alberic of Cîteaux, Hermit, Abbot and a co-founder of the Cistercian Order in 1098 with Saints Robert of Molseme and Stephen Harding. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Alberic of Cîteaux. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant’Alberico di Citeaux!

Prayer to St. Alberic of Cîteaux

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Alberic of Cîteaux may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of  St. Alberic of Cîteaux protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Commemorating the 230th Anniversary of the Murder of King Louis XVI of France in Brooklyn, New York

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!

Framed portraits of Queen Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI of France
with assorted royalist flags, blessed candles, and prayer sheets

Dr. John C. Rao

A short break between courses

"Salute"

(L) After dinner we enjoyed a little Chartreuse. (R) John and Andrew

A few lucky guests received a Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
coat of arms lapel pin courtesy of the Sanfedisti

(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.

Vongole al forno

Calamari fritti

Panelle

Caponata

Mista polpo e calamari

Insalata

Cavolfiore alla palermitana

Spaghetti al nero di seppia

Linguine marinara

Stuffed meat roll with mushroom gravy and potatoes

Pollo alla Milanese e crocchè di patate

Merluzzo

Once again, due to my youthful good looks and boyish charm,
the numbers on our dessert were transposed

Tartufo

Profiterole

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

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Bust of Francis II of Bourbon Donated to the Church of Santa Caterina a Formiello in Napoli

Servant of God Francesco II, ora pro nobis

A new bust of Servant of God King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies was donated to the Chiesa di Santa Caterina a Formiello near Porta Capuana in Naples. Among those who donated the bust with the Associazione Maria Carolina we find Dr. Luigi Andreozzi, Dr. Giovanni Samo and Dr. Giuseppe Giunto. The sculpture was made by papier-mâché master Leopoldo Santaniello in collaboration with the Bottega delle Due Sicilie.

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!

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)

Feast of Sant’Ildefonso da Toledo

Sant'Ildefonso da Toledo, ora pro nobis

January 23rd is the feast of St. Ildephonsus of Toledo, 7th century Benedictine monk, abbot, founder of a monastery for nuns, Marian visionary, and Archbishop of Toledo. Hailed as the “chaplain and faithful notary of the Virgin,” Our Lady appeared to St. Ildephonsus and presented him with a miraculous chasuble as reward for his great devotion to her. He is the patron saint of Toledo and Zamora, Spain.

In celebration, we’re posting the Marian Prayer of St. Ildephonsus. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant’Ildefonso da Toledo!

Marian Prayer of Saint Ildephonsus

Virgin Mary, hear my prayer: through the Holy Spirit you became the Mother of Jesus; from the Holy Spirit may I too have Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit your flesh conceived Jesus; through the same Spirit may my soul receive Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit you were able to know Jesus, to possess Jesus, and to bring him into the world. Through the Holy Spirit may I too come to know your Jesus. Imbued with the Spirit, Mary, you could say: “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word;” in the Holy Spirit, lowly as I am, let me proclaim the great truths about Jesus. In the Spirit you now adore Jesus as Lord and look on Him as Son; in the same spirit, Mary, let me love your Jesus. Amen

Feast of San Vincenzo di Saragozza

San Vincenzo di Saragozza, ora pro nobis

January 22nd is the Feast of St. Vincent of Zaragoza, 3rd century Deacon and Protomartyr of Spain. He is the patron saint of Lisbon, Portugal; Valencia, Spain; Adrano, Catania; and San Vincenzo La Costa in Cosenza, Calabria. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Vincent of Zaragoza. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Vincenzo di Saragozza!

Prayer to St. Vincent of Zaragoza

Almighty God, whose deacon Vincent, upheld by thee, was not Terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us, we beseech thee, to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

S. Messa di Commemorazione del Servo di Dio S. M. Francesco II di Borbone

In Arco, Trentino

A Prayer for Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón

Dear friends, we urge you to please keep Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón, the Standard Bearer of Tradition, in your thoughts and prayers. He is currently receiving treatment at a specialized clinic for an injury he suffered in La Pampa in 2001.

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

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!

The Heroine of Gaeta on the ramparts accompanied by
General Felix von Schumacher (1863) by Ferdinand von Piloty

We set up the Queen's portrait at our table
and discussed the life and times of Her Majesty