Congratulations A.C. Geraci and U.S.D. Messana!

The Blu Granata are back in Eccellenza!

Messana are promoted to Eccellenza for the first time!

Source: Sicilian Football @SicilianCalcio

First Scudetto in 33 Years Within Napoli’s Grasp

Sarò con te,
E tu non devi Mollare,
Abbiamo un sogno nel cuore,
Napoli torna campione! *

I know it's tempting fate to say out loud, but Napoli is well on their way to winning our third Scudetto! We’ve been waiting for thirty three-years for this moment, and I can't contain myself any longer. There were more than a few glorious moments along the way, but nothing feels quite like this. I only wish my dear friend Gennaro were alive to see this with me. Originally from Torre del Greco, we met in high school and he introduced me to calcio (football, aka soccer), S.S.C. Napoli, and the team’s lore and rivalries. Back then, we were the only Partenopei fans in our circle of friends, who mainly were Juventini, Interisti, and Milanisti. Predictably, we took a lot of abuse during our weekly squabbles, especially through the lean years (’98–’06). Thanks in part to the more recent arrivals from Naples, it’s great to see so many Napoli supporters in New York City these days.

Quickly putting to rest all the uncertainties surrounding the revamped squad at the beginning of the season, Napoli soon showed their quality and passion by emphatically outclassing their opponents. Jumping out of the gate early, the Neapolitans took a commanding lead and never relinquished it.

Clearly needing a shakeup, my friends and I were happy with most of the new signings. Except for Kalidou Koulibaly, I was okay with all the moves. Thankfully, new center-back Kim Min-Jae immediately proved me wrong and has become a fan favorite and one of the best defenders in Serie A. Yes, we were sorry to see the old guard go (Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Fabián Ruiz, etc.), but it was time for a change.

The ascendance of Victor Osimhen, Stanislav Lobotka and Alex Meret, combined with new arrivals Giovanni Simeone, Giacomo Raspadori, and the Georgian revelation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has sparked new life into the squad and raised their style of play to the next level.

Team captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Matteo Politano, Elif Elmas, and the rest of the squad have all thrived and gelled under the brilliant coaching of Luciano Spalletti. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and there hasn’t been a disappointment among them. I’m not one to buy a jersey anymore, but if I were to, it would have to be Mário Rui’s number six. In the shadow of the big-name stars, the unsung Portuguese left-back is a fiery playmaker whose tenacious work ethic was indispensable for the team’s success.

While I expected a competitive side who would fight for at least a top-four finish, I never expected this in my wildest dreams. Napoli are dominating Serie A and dazzling all comers in the Champions League with their attractive brand of football. As of this writing, they are 19 points ahead of second-place, Lazio, with a mind-boggling 48 goal difference (F-64 A-16). Napoli are currently in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history and, to make things more interesting, they're facing their northern Italian rivals, Milan.

Aside from the ugly special edition kits for Christmas and Valentine's Day, the one disappointment thus far was the loss to Cremonese in the Coppa Italia. I don't want to be too greedy or arrogant, but it was a side we should have easily beaten and a tournament we could have won. More importantly, it would have prevented our northern rivals from winning silverware. While we never want to lose, the tight 1-0 losses in Serie A to Inter and Lazio, two quality sides, are nothing to be embarrassed over.

As a bonus, our bitter rivals Juventus were docked fifteen points for financial irregularities and false accounting by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). So instead of second place, they currently sit in seventh. I would love to see the Turin giants shamed and relegated, but I will be satisfied if they miss out on European football next season. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the teams from Rome and Milan, let alone the knobs from Bergamo, will keep them out.

Truly one for the books, we will forever be grateful to the lads, Mr. Spaletti and his coaching staff, Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli, and of course, President Aurelio De Laurentiis and his entire organization for this historic achievement. They have all earned a place of honor among Napoli’s revered pantheon of sporting legends.

With only eleven games left to play, and if everything goes well, Napoli can officially win the championship in five against Duosiciliano compatriots, Salernitana. In a dream scenario, the teams following them slip up, and Napoli wins in four against Juventus in Torino. Either way, Forza Napoli Sempre! ♥︎♥︎♥︎

~ Giovanni di Napoli, March 29, Feast of San Bertoldo di Calabria

* I’ll be with you,
And you must not give up,
We've got a dream in our heart,
Napoli, become a champion again! ~ Napoli football chant

Ponderable Quote: Lieutenant Wibaux Recounts How the Most Blessed Sacrament Gives Life to the Zouaves

La Communion des Zouaves (1910)
by Lionel Royer (1852-1926)

Thanks to Brendan Cassell (Papal Zouave History @PapalZouaveUS) for bringing Rev. C. Du Coëtlosquet's book about Lt. Theodore Wibaux (1849-1882) and this highly affecting anecdote regarding the Papal Zouaves to our attention. Bl. Pius IX, pray for us!

Rennes, March 30 [1871]

This morning I went to Communion for the close of the retreat, as did all the men who are left of our regiment, with the General at their head. After such an act, it seems as if our forces were increased fourfold; we feel like giants, able to swallow all Montmartre at a single gulp. Our poor little regiment! always at death's door, and always returning to fresh life and more than renewed youth; it reminds me of the shrubs that are cut down in order that they may send out new and more vigorous shoots. You would hardly believe how strong the esprit de corps is amongst us and what wonders it works.*

* Reprinted from Theodore Wibaux: Pontifical Zouave And Jesuit by the Rev. C. Du Coëtlosquet, S.J., The Catholic Truth Society, 1887, p. 279

Meridiunalata XXXVI: 'Duje' by Cav. Charles Sant'Elia

Reprinted from Cav. Charles Sant'Elia's Meridiunalata / Southernade, an evocative bilingual collection of poetry written in Neapolitan and translated to English between 1989 and 2010.*

Duje

Pígliate chist’ammore
Ca te rummane ncanna,
Cávera e líqueta,
Ca sciulia e passa
Ca te cade nzì ‘o vellícolo,
Acchiáppate a stu pilo ‘e bene
Tujo ca priesto a matina
Te fa schiattà cuntenta,
Ca te spremme ‘e carne,
Ca stracqua ‘a sera te fa cadè.

Two

Take this love
That leaves you
Warm and liquid in your neck,
That slips and passes
That falls all the way to your navel,
Grasp this bit of your
Love that early in the morning
Makes you rage happily,
That wrings out your flesh,
That tired in the evening makes you fall.

* Self-published in 2010, Meridiunalata / Southernade is a treasury of poems gleaned from Cav. Sant'Elia's previous collections (Nchiuso dint''o presente, 'A cuntrora, and 'O pino e l'éllera), which were circulated among friends in New York City and Naples. Special thanks to Cav. Sant'Elia for allowing us to reprint his poetry and translations.

A Prayer for Nashville, Tennessee

San Sebastiano, ora pro nobis

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the horrific mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, Monday morning and their families. May San Giuseppe, San Sebastiano, and Santa Giovanna di Chantal watch over you.

Prayer for the victims

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.

The Constantinian Order Remembers Prince Ferdinand of Bourbon-Two Sicilies in New York City

On Passion Sunday, some two dozen Knights and Dames of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George (SMOCSG) and Royal Order of Francis I attended Mass in Mantle at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Manhattan in memory of the 15th Anniversary of the Death of the late Grand Master, His Royal Highness, Prince Ferdinando Maria Andrea Alfonso Marco of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

Mass was followed by a luncheon at the Columbus Citizens Foundation with H.E. Don Francesco Ruspoli, Prince of Cerveteri, Grand Chancellor of the Dynastic Orders and a member of the Royal Deputation. The Prince was accompanied by his wife H.E. Donna Angelica Ruspoli, Princess of Cerveteri.

During the Pranzo Costantiniano, the Grand Chancellor bestowed the prestigious Bronze Benemerenti Medal of the Constantinian Order upon Professor Gaetano Cipolla, President of Arba Sicula, for his exemplary work in promoting Sicilian culture and language in these United States.

As part of the Delegation’s mission to promote Catholic education in North America, the Order generously presented a check for $5,000 to the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

New Music — Scarlatti: Cantate Da Camera

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Scarlatti: Cantate Da Camera performed by Lucile Richardot and Philippe Grisvard

Label: Audax Records
Release Date: January 20, 2023
Audio CD: $18.72
Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

Read description

Photo of the Week: Santa Veronica with Sudarium by Francesco Mochi in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Pietro Golia Una Vita ControCorrente

Upcoming event from the Campania Chapter of Filitalia International in Napoli.

Martedì 28/03 alle ore 17.30

https://meet.google.com/kzi-rqjo-bnr

A Prayer for the Victims of the Deadly Tornado and Storms that Devastated Mississippi

San Medardo, ora pro nobis

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the deadly tornado and storms that devastated rural Mississippi overnight. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life, the suffering and the destruction. May San Medardo, Santa Rosalia, San Marciano, and Santa Eulàlia, protect and watch over you.

Prayer to St. Medard

Saint Medard, patron saint for protection against bad storms, we ask you to intercede for us during the storms of our lives as well as the storms in nature. Protect our families and our homes. We pray for assistance for the victims of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Loving God, send in more helpers, and multiply resources and supplies for the aid of those in need. You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee; deliver us from the storms that are raging around us now. Amen

Fourteen Years and Counting

“Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien [1]

It doesn’t seem all that long ago, but fourteen years to the day, I hit publish, and Il Regno [2] was born. It was never my intention to be a blogger, but the disconnect with our community’s ideologically driven self-appointed leaders (both on the Left and what passes as the Right) compelled me to begin writing about the various subjects I felt were not getting the attention they deserved. As it turned out, it struck a chord with many people who feel just as disaffected and marginalized in modern society, particularly regarding religion.

For the most part, the experience has been very rewarding. I've learned a lot and met a number of interesting people. Forging lasting friendships with some, we’ve created a small but tight-knit community of fellow travelers to help preserve and celebrate our faith and culture in the face of pervasive Godlessness and crushing assimilation.

Detail of a mosaic of Christ Crowning

King Ruggero II, Martorana, Palermo

Dissident Voice

"Those who think they have but one life to live can do little good that will outlast it. Man is distinguished from the animal by his reason, and the distinction of man’s reasoning is that it can discover and work toward goals that are beyond the brief extent of his own animal life." ~ Otto Von Habsburg [3]

As expected, many people have a problem with (or simply don’t understand) my political views. They are genuinely bewildered by, and sometimes hostile to, my anti-democratic, anti-egalitarian, and staunch monarchist leanings. Sadly, like most people, Italian Americans tend to dismiss the idea of monarchy out of hand and increasingly identify with Americanism in all its discordant manifestations. [4] 

Thanks to assimilation, not only have they abandoned their ethnocultural particularism for a generic Italian American identity, those even more far-gone have opted for a generic American identity, which in today’s ever-shrinking materialist world means little more than being a consumer and tax-payer. Aside from quaint regional accents, it appears that the most significant distinctions between the majority of Americans today are the color of their local sports-ball team’s jerseys and which Tammany-style political party they blindly follow. There are holdouts, but fewer every day.

Considering the abhorrent state of American politics, especially these past few years, I’m taken aback by the number of people who still buy into the lies and corruption. Democracy is a farce; it is a false god propped up by the corrupt fourth estate and Janus-faced political elites complicit in deluding the masses. In post-Christian America, it has evolved into a ungodly state religion whose trite tenets of representation, freedom of speech, equality, etcetera, are constantly being trampled on by its soi-disant adherents to benefit a bloated totalitarian oligarchy.

Bring back the old national demarcations

Up the Devolution!

"Liberty, on the other hand, dominates in diversity—wherever nations and men differ. That applies to their history, their speech and race, to their customs and habits, their art and their religion. Here there cannot be too many colors on the palette." ~ Ernst Jünger [5]

Another area of contention with some is my stance on a free and independent Southern Italy. Though slowly changing, it’s been my experience that Italian Americans overwhelmingly tend to be, if somewhat superficially, pro-Italy. Despite il Bel Paese’s betrayal of our ancestors, my partiality for the restoration of the pre-unification states and borders is anathema to many. [6]

To be clear, being pro-separatist doesn’t mean I dislike Northern Italians (or anyone else, for that matter). If truth be told, I greatly admire pre-unification Northern Italy, the same way I admire pre-revolutionary France, pre-Reformation England, et al. While they all take a back seat to Naples, some of my fondest memories were exploring the historic promenades and ancient churches of Rome, Venice and Florence. I just think our respective homelands would have been better served if they had remained politically independent of each other. This is undoubtedly true for the peoples of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, who still suffer greatly from Italian unification.

Sink or Swim

"The traditions of each people … are common treasures that all of us, brothers of the same chosen family, must keep with love." ~ Francisco Elías de Tejada [7]

In short, the goal is to revel in our differences and oppose at every opportunity the cultural leveling and social engineering orchestrated by the global elites and their soulless acolytes. Needless to say, if a true federative solution cannot be realized in Italy I’d prefer a more amicable dissolution like the partition of Czechoslovakia in 1992 as opposed to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia that same year. Obviously, it is all meaningless if we merely create several new slavish puppet states that continue emulating the same self-destructive policies under the tyranny of the European Union. This is a conversation for another day.

As unrealistic or quixotic as it may sound, especially when one considers how far gone and deracinated the American diaspora already is, and the fact that so few are actually concerned with saving anything other than some old family recipes, I want to see the preservation of the remnant of our sundry communities in the same vein as the Amish or Hasidim do in our own self-reliant enclaves, ghettoes and Little Italys across the country. 

This shouldn’t be a controversial or problematic statement, but I unapologetically love my own culture and heritage and I want to see it survive, nay thrive. This doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy or appreciate others—I do. It also doesn’t mean I have to like or respect them all—I don’t. Some, such as the culture of death and throwaway culture currently afflicting the unravelling West, are clearly abhorrent and should be emphatically rejected.

Viribus Unitus [8]

“For behold! the storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien [9]

Naturally, I stand with all like-minded peoples who uphold the perennial principles of Faith, family and culture in the defense of Christendom. I’d much rather associate with a Catholic Burgundian légitimiste or Andalusian carlista than a Sicilian Marxist or Neapolitan atheist any day of the week. I have more in common with a Venetian or Roman looking to restore La Serenissima [10] and the Papal States than any Southern Italian with Jacobin, Republican or other revolutionary inclinations. Simply being Duosiciliano isn’t enough.

Dios, Patria, Fueros y Rey [13]

Pietas [11]

"The real struggle in which we are involved is more and more clearly that between the powers of destruction and the powers of life. In that fight the fighters for justice stand shoulder to shoulder like the chivalry of old." ~ Ernst Jünger [12]

Having said all that, as much as I want to see a return to Catholic federative monarchy in Southern Italy and elsewhere, including these United States, I don’t pretend it will ever happen in my lifetime. The disordered state of modern society, the weakness of the Royal Families and their loyal supporters, and the current apostasy within the Church hierarchy have ensured this. However, this does not mean we traditionalists abnegate our time-honored duties and responsibilities to achieve these goals. To the contrary, we are duty-bound by our Faith and honor to proselytize and do all we can to keep the flames of tradition burning until the natural order of church and state is restored. Viva Cristo Re!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, March 21st, The Feasts of Bl. Maria Candida of the Eucharist and San Benedetto da Nursia

Notes:

[1] Fellowship of the Ring, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1994, p.274

[2] The blog was originally published in 2009 under the title Magna GRECE

[3] "Divine Right of Minorities," Modern Age: A Conservative Review, Summer 1958, p.284

[4] In case you didn’t realize already, this is one of the reasons why we have the “Dissident Voice” descriptor in front of our title.

[5] The Peace, Henry Regency Co., 1984, p. 61

[6] This is another reason why we have the "Dissident Voice" descriptor in front of our title.

[7] La Monarchia Tradizionale, Controcorrente Edizioni, 2001, pp. 24-26

[8] Latin motto of Emperor Franz Joseph, meaning "with united forces."

[9] The Two Towers, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1994, p.501

[10] Nickname for Venice, meaning “Most Serene.”

[11] Pietas, Latin, the ancient Roman personification of familial affection, patriotism, and piety

[12] The Peace, Henry Regency Co., 1984, p. 77

[13] Carlist motto meaning "God, Country, Privileges and King"

Celebrating the Third Annual Tavola di San Giuseppe in Brooklyn, New York

This year's Tavola di San Giuseppe

After Mass, members and friends of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (aka Sanfedisti) gathered at Amunì Ristorante (7217 3rd Avenue) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Sunday afternoon to celebrate our Third Annual Tavola di San Giuseppe.

Heartfelt thanks to our dear friends from the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, the Hapsburg Restoration Movement, San Rocco Society of Potenza in NYC, the Italian Enclaves Historical Society, Brooklyn Latin Mass Society, the Italian Mass Project, the Brooklyn Latin Mass Society, and the Holy Name Society of the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette for joining us in the festivities.

Special thanks to Chef Vincent Dardanello, who treated us to another delicious cornucopia of traditional Sicilian fare. His warmth and hospitality are second to none.

We are especially grateful to Fr. Leo Camurati for joining us on this joyous occasion and blessing our table and bread. We are truly blessed to have him as a friend and spiritual father.

As always, celebrating our faith and culture together was a great honor and pleasure. We are looking forward to doing it again next year. Evviva San Giuseppe!

San Giuseppe, ora pro nobis

We erected a modest table by the front entrance

Religious articles were donated by the Sacred
Military Constantinian Order of St. George

Flowers were donated by the Italian Enclaves Historical Society

Fr. Leo blesses our table

Fr. Leo blesses our bread

Forty loaves of Pane di San Giuseppe were anonymously donated

We had another terrific turnout this year

John with the Sanfedisti's newest member, Dr. John Rao

Giorgio and Antoinette

Mike, Alexis and Diane

John and Maria

Susan and Angelo

Anthony and Matthew

Rita and Maria

Cindy and Jim

Caponata

Carciofi fritti

Arancini

Insalata di finocchio

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta con sarde with toasted breadcrumbs

Stuffed calamari

Shrimp oreganata

Eggplant parmigiana

A good time was had by all

Zeppole and sfingi di San Giuseppe from Fortunato Brothers' Bakery

Cuccìa

We raffled off a couple of San Giuseppe statues

(L) Vinny's homemade limoncello. (R) Return to the Center
by Otto von Habsburg, a much-appreciated belated birthday gift

Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and Cross of Burgundy flags