A Few Highlights from the "Orgoglio e Memoria: Emigrazione dal Meridione" Exhibit at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York in Manhattan

Honoree Rocco B. Commisso takes a tour of the exhibit

A resounding success, the "Orgoglio e Memoria: Emigrazione dal Meridione” exhibit opened at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York in Manhattan Wednesday evening to an enthusiastic standing-room-only audience. After introductions and salient speeches by a plethora of speakers, this year’s esteemed “Wall of Fame” honorees, Rocco B. Commisso and Carlo Scissura, were each awarded a beautiful Neapolitan presepio figure handcrafted at maestro Marco Ferrigno’s world-renowned workshop located on San Gregorio Armeno in Naples.

Genealogical tree and historical summary
of all the Kings of the Two Sicilies, compiled
by Padre Celestino Gasdia dedicated to Bishop
Raffaele De Franco, Bishop of Catanzaro

Following the presentations, guests were treated to some wine, pizza con alici, and an in-depth tour of the Institute’s galleries by Gaetano Bonelli. Among the many fascinating treasures on view are a Kingdom of the Two Sicilies passport to America and the complete first edition of Gaetano Filangieri's La Scienza della Legislazione. 

Organized by the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, the important material on view hails from the Museum of Naples - Bonelli Collection and the Lendinara Citadel of Culture. The curators of the exhibit are Fabio Finotti, Director of the Institute of Culture; Dott. Nicholas Gasparetto, Director of the Library of Lendinara; Luigi Liberti, journalist at Patrimonio Italiano TV; and Gaetano Bonelli, founder and Director of the Museo della Citta' di Napoli and the Caruso Museum.

The exhibit is free and open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Institute’s days of operation are not listed on the website, so please call before visiting (212-879-4242). It runs to Monday, August 28, 2023. For more information visit: www.iicnewyork.esteri.it.

Master of Ceremonies Fabio Finotti welcomes everyone to the event

Carlo Scissura was presented a beautiful presepio figure

Gaetano Bonelli gave an in-depth guided tour of the exhibit

Kingdom of the Two Sicilies passport to America (1854)

Complete first edition of Gaetano Filangieri's La Scienza della
Legislazione (Published in Naples between 1780 and 1788)

Miniature busts of San Gennaro

Il gobbo, an old hunchback charm

Framed image of San Gennaro

Antique biscotti tin from Naples

Feast of Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli

Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli, ora pro nobis

June 30th is the Feast of Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli (1702-1744), Redemptorist Priest and lawyer. One of Sant'Alfonso de Liguori’s earliest companions, the Neapolitan nobleman was a prolific writer, publishing over thirty volumes on various subjects. A zealous preacher and missionary, he tirelessly tended the sick and, with the support of King Carlo di Borbone, worked against prostitution and the corruption of young girls in the Kingdom of Naples. Invoked against prostitution, he is also the patron of writers and Italian Missionaries. In celebration, I’m Posting a prayer to Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli. Evviva Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli!

Prayer to Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli*

O Blessed Gennaro Maria, faithful disciple of Jesus the Redeemer, you put all your energy into revealing the loving countenance of God to the poor who live in neglect, to the sick who live in loneliness, to young girls who live amid the dangers of society, to those who live without a family’s love. You open the heart of Christ as the road to hope. Listen to my prayer and help all who call on you for care. Break the bread of God’s Word with those who are far from the faith so that the Redeemer’s blood may reach everyone, and bring the Church to true fellowship in God’s love. Amen.

* Prayer reprinted from A Life of Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli: Redemptorist (1702-1744) by Francesco Chiovaro, C.SS.R., Liguori Publications, 2003

Serata Identitaria con Storia Musica e Lotteria Borbonica!

In Torre del Greco

Feast of San Pietro and San Paolo

San Pietro e San Paolo, orate pro nobis

June 29th is the Feast of San Pietro and San Paolo (Saints Peter and Paul), Apostles and Martyrs. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, the saints are the principal patrons of Galatina (LE), Agropoli (SA), Miglionico (MT), Petronà (RC), and Lamezia Terme (CZ), among others. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Peter and St. Paul. The accompanying photo of Saints Peter and Paul by Jusepe de Ribera (Játiva 1591-1652 Naples) was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Evviva San Pietri e San Paolo!

Prayer to Saint Peter and Saint Paul

O holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, I choose you this day and forever to be my special patrons and advocates; thee, Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles, because thou art the Rock, upon which Almighty God hath built His Church; thee, Saint Paul, because thou wast fore-chosen by God as the Vessel of election and the Preacher of truth in the whole world. Obtain for me, I pray you, lively faith, firm hope, and burning love; complete detachment from myself, contempt of the world, patience in adversity, humility in prosperity, attention in prayer, purity of heart, a right intention in all my works, diligence in fulfilling the duties of my state of life, constancy in my resolutions, resignation to the will of God and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death; that so, by means of your intercession and your glorious merits, I may be able to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and may be made worthy to appear before the chief and eternal Shepherd of souls, Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth for endless ages, to enjoy His presence and love Him forever. Amen.

Saints Peter and Paul Attributed to Giuseppe Picano

San Paolo Apostolo

During our recent visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (see Another Edifying Excursion to the Met), we viewed many spectacular works—too many, to be sure, to post in a single post. Regrettably, our photo of San Pietro attributed to Giuseppe Picano (1732-ca. 1810) was a little blurry, so we omitted it. However, seeing as it is the vigil of the Brother Apostles, we thought we would revisit our trip to the museum and share the photos despite their obvious shortcomings. 

These terracotta statuettes (1780s) served as models for the statues of Saints Peter and Paul in the choir of the Oratorian church of the Girolamini in Naples. The statues were carved later (ca. 1795) by Picano's follower Francesco Verzella (Naples, active ca. 1790-1845).

San Pietro Apostolo

Ponderable Quote from ‘Return to Center’ by Otto von Habsburg

Otto Von Habsburg (1912-2011)

Just as the old Europe would not have arisen without God, the new one must not simply be a big market or a big administration. Neither Communism in the East nor the consumer economy of the West is giving a valid answer to the final questions of man-kind. If Communism was shattered because a godless system cannot survive, that is also true of the materialist format that certain market idolaters want to give to the European Community.

Naturally we need a free and social economy, for that is the only kind that works and serves people. But a Europe without Christianity would have to collapse like a house of cards, because it would have no soul.

Reprinted from Return to Center by Otto von Habsburg, translated by Amalthea Verlag, Ariadne Press, 1993, p. 214

Remembering Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie

Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg and Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria

In memory of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, who were assassinated in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, we pray for the happy repose of their souls.

Eternal rest grant unto Their Highnesses, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Feast of San Ladislao I d'Ungheria

San Ladislao I d'Ungheria, ora pro nobis

June 27th is the Feast of St. Ladislaus I of Hungary (1040-1095), the Knight-King. Revered as a model king, St. Ladislaus lived a devout and virtuous life filled with prayer and study. Spreading the Christian faith throughout his realms of Hungary and Croatia, he was a just and wise legal and cultural reformer who supported the Benedictine Order, embellished churches and defended his lands from Cuman invasions. Following the Seljuk incursion into the Holy Land, the warrior saint prepared his forces to take part in the First Crusade, but he fell seriously ill and died in Nitra, Slovakia in 1095.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Ladislaus I of Hungary. 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 Ladislao I d'Ungheria!

Prayer to St. Ladislaus I of Hungary

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Ladislaus I of Hungary 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. Ladislaus protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of the Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso

Our Lady of the Passion, ora pro nobis

June 27th is the Feast of the Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso, or Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Originating in the Byzantine East, devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help was spread in the West by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or Redemptorists. Enshrined over the high altar in the Chiesa di Sant’Alponso di Liguori in Rome, the icon is one of the most recognizable images of Our Lady. Replete with symbolism, many miracles have been attributed to the glorious icon. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The accompanying photo of the Our Our Lady of Perpetual Help bye-altar was taken at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in Manhattan. Evviva Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso!

Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke your powerful name, the protection of the living and the salvation of the dying. Purest Mary, let your name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, Blessed Lady, to rescue me whenever I call on you. In my temptations, in my needs, I will never cease to call on you, ever repeating your sacred name, Mary, Mary. What a consolation, what sweetness, what confidence fills my soul when I utter your sacred name or even only think of you! I thank the Lord for having given you so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely uttering your name. Let my love for you prompt me ever to hail you Mother of Perpetual Help. Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for me and grant me the favor I confidently ask of you. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Andrea Apostolo

Sant'Andrea Apostolo, ora pro nobis

June 27th is the Feast of Sant’Andrea Apostolo, Missionary, Wonderworker and Martyr. He is the patron saint of Amalfi and fishermen. His liturgical Feast is commemorated on November 30th.

The Amalfitans, and greater Christendom, honor the first Apostle on this day for miraculously saving the Southern Italian coastal city from an attack by the infamous Ottoman corsair Barbarossa in June 1544.

According to tradition, as the Saracen marauders approached the city looking for slaves and booty, terrified townspeople crowded into Amalfi’s famed Duomo and appealed to their glorious patron for protection. Answering his people’s prayers, the clear blue sky suddenly grew dark and a violent storm hit the dreaded armada, sinking several ships and driving off the rest.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Andrew the Apostle. The accompanying photo of the Fontana di Sant’Andrea was taken in the Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi. Evviva Sant'Andrea Apostolo!

Prayer to St. Andrew the Apostle

O Christ, our Lord, Who didst beautify the most blessed Andrew with the grace of apostleship, and the crown of martyrdom, by granting to him this special gift, that by preaching the mystery of the cross, he should merit death on the cross; grant us to become most true lovers of Thy holy cross, and denying ourselves, to take up our cross and follow Thee; that by sharing Thy sufferings in this life, we may deserve the happiness of obtaining life everlasting. Amen

Remembering Alfonso V of Aragon

Alfonso the Magnanimous, King of Aragon, Naples and Sicily
sculpted by Achille D'Orsi on the western facade of the
Royal Palace in the Largo del Palazzo Reale in Naples

In memory of Alfonso the Magnanimous (1396 — 27 June, 1458), King of Aragon, Naples (as Alfonso I) and Sicily (as Alfonso V), we pray for the happy repose of his soul. Viva ‘o Rre!

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

Feast of San Pelagio di Cordova

San Pelagio di Cordova, ora pro nobis

June 26 is the Feast of San Pelagio di Cordova (San Pelayo Mártir, St. Pelagius of Córdoba), Martyr. Held hostage by the caliph of Andalusia, Spain circa 926 AD, the young Christian boy was brutally tortured and beheaded for spurning the Moors lascivious advances and for refusing to renounce the Faith. He is the patron saint of chastity, abandoned people, torture victims and Carlist youth. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Pelayo. Pictured is the martyrdom of San Pelayo. Evviva San Pelagio di Cordova!

Prayer to San Pelayo

Lord, our Father, who promised the pure of heart the reward of seeing your face, grant us your grace and your strength, so that, following the example of Saint Pelayo, martyr, we put your love before the seductions of the world and keep the heart clean from all sin. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit and is God for ever and ever. Amen 

Photo of the Week: Archway Inside the Sala dei Cavalieri, or Knight's Hall, at Villa Rufolo, Ravello

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of San Guglielmo di Montevergine

The Vision of St. William by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro

June 25th is the Feast of San Guglielmo di Montevergine (St. William of Montevergine), hermit and abbot. Patron saint of Irpinia in Avellino, St. William was the founder of the Benedictine Williamites, the now defunct monastic Order of Mount Virgin. He built several monasteries in Southern Italy, including that of Montevergine in 1119, and served as a trusted advisor to HRH King Ruggero II of Sicily. 

According to tradition, while living as a hermit on a mountain near Atella in Potenza, St. William restored site to a blind man. News of the miracle brought unwanted attention and compelled him to leave and find a new place of solitude. Moving to Monte Virgiliano (named after the Roman Poet Virgil) he had a vision of the Blessed Mother holding the Divine Infant. With only his donkey, he started building a shrine in her honor on the site of an earlier temple to Cybele. One day while working, a wolf killed his donkey. St. William scolded the beast and commanded it to take the donkey’s place. The wolf obeyed the saint and started hauling timber and stone.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. William. The accompanying photo of The Vision of St. William (Visione di San Guglielmo) by the great Neapolitan artist Domenico Antonio Vaccaro (1678-1745) comes courtesy of Museo Abbaziale di Montevergine. San Guglielmo, ora pro nobis.

Prayer to St. William

O God, Who hast set for us in Thy saints an example and a help to our weakness, to assist us to tread the path of salvation, grant us so to venerate the virtues of the blessed abbot William, that we may share in his prayers and follow in his footsteps. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Santa Febronia

Santa Febronia, ora pro nobis

June 25th is the Feast day of Santa Febronia, Virgin and Martyr. Invoked against plagues, earthquakes and other natural disasters, she is the principal patroness of Palagonia (CT), Patti (ME) and Minori (SA). Her feast is also celebrated on the last Sunday of July in Patti and July 13th in Minori.

According to tradition, Febronia was born in Patti to a wealthy pagan family. Secretly converting to Christianity, she was baptized, took a vow of virginity and consecrated herself to Jesus Christ.

Learning of his daughter's conversion, Febronia's father viciously beat and harassed the young maid. Seeking to escape her father's wrath, she fled to the caves of Mons Iovis, near Mongiove.

Discovering her hiding place, the angry patriarch had Febronia bound and cast into the sea. Miraculously, her body traversed the Mediterranean and was discovered on the beach of Minori, along the Amalfi Coast, where she is venerated as Santa Trofimena.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Santa Febronia. The accompanying photo was taken at the Santa Febronia Chapel in Hoboken, New Jersey. Evviva Santa Febronia!

Prayer to Santa Febronia

Thank you Lord for giving us the virgin martyr Santa Febronia, our fellow citizen, as a model of virtue and protector. Through her intercession bless our Patti and the Church to which we are proud to belong. For us and for our families we ask the gifts of compassion and fortitude. Amen

Feast of Beato Guido Maramaldi

Beato Guido Maramaldi, ora pro nobis

June 25 is the feast of Beato Guido Maramaldi (b. Naples, mid 14th century — d. Naples, c. 1391), Dominican Priest, Inquisitor-General, and Missionary. He founded a Dominican friary in Ragusa, Sicily. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Guido Maramaldi. Evviva Beato Guido Maramaldi!

Prayer to Blessed Guido Maramaldi

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Blessed Guido Maramaldi 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 Blessed Guido Maramaldi protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Around the Web: Ruled by Different Rhythms

Reprinted from Genealogies of Modernity

By Matthew Scarince

“Christ never came here,” writes Carlo Levi, describing the desolate village of Gagliano in the hinterlands of southern Italy to which he was exiled in 1935. “Christ stopped along the coast, at Eboli.” Internal exile is a strange concept in the digital age. For a generation raised with the global reach of the internet, to whom landscapes are defined by interstate highways and airports rather than by hills and villages, this technique of isolating a political opponent seems absurd and trivial. Francesco Rosi begins his four-part TV miniseries adaptation of Levi’s year of exile (Christ Stopped at Eboli, 1979) by emphasizing his isolation: though constantly escorted, Levi is alone, his light grey suit of a fashionable cut standing out against the unrelenting black clothing of the Lucanese peasants and the dark overcast sky. They are visible only in their poverty; they are, as Rosi’s contemporary and fellow director Vittorio De Seta once titled them, “the Forgotten.” And to the inhabitants of Basilicata (ancient Lucania), the doctor from Turin is a foreigner in their forgotten country.

When Rosi released the film to television audiences in 1979, Italy was at the height of the tumultuous “Years of Lead,” a period of intense political violence carried out by Marxist and Neo-Fascist militias—arguably the only lasting cultural legacy of the old Fascist regime. A decade earlier, writer and philosopher Augusto Del Noce sought to cut the Gordian knot of modern politics by achieving a concrete definition of the philosophy underlying Mussolini’s dictatorship. Breaking with the consensus established by Ernst Nolte, Del Noce defines Fascism not as a reactionary coup against modernity, but rather as a “stage” in the “age of secularization.” Accordingly, Mussolini’s Fascist Idealism was not a complete rejection of Marxism-Leninism but an alternative to it. The Fascist state fits directly into the paradigm of a technocratic society, against which the only defense is to regain “a genuine historical awareness.” Through Levi’s eyes, Rosi shows his audience a historical community, damaged and impoverished yet still worth preserving and even emulating. Continue reading

Ponderable Quote from 'The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times' by Eduard Habsburg

Die Well (and Have a Memorable Funeral)

We live in an age where almost everyone seems certain that they will go to Heaven. (As somebody once said, "nowadays the only thing you need to do to get to Heaven is to die.") Most people seem blissfully unaware that there is a possibility that they may end up in Hell for all eternity. In fact, I am frequently surprised at how casually priests at funerals provide assurances that the dearly departed is "with God." Priests rarely speak of Purgatory and almost never mention Hell. Presumably these pastors do not wish to burden family and friends with unpleasant possibilities. But perhaps they should remind people of the concrete things they can do for their departed loved ones, such as pray for their souls?

Reprinted from The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times by Eduard Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, Sophia Institute Press, 2023, p. 137

Feast of San Giovanni Battista

San Giovanni Battista, ora pro nobis

June 24th is the Feast of San Giovanni Battista, the herald of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes called "Summer Christmas," St. John's Day is a celebration of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. The Church solemnly commemorates his Passion on August 29th. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint John the Baptist. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Francis of Paola Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva San Giovanni Battista!

Prayer to Saint John the Baptist

O God, You raised up Saint John the Baptist to prepare a perfect person for Christ. We call upon Saint John's intercession to properly prepare us with a true sense of repentance to receive Your grace and salvation. Make us faithful to truth and justice, as You did Your servant, John the Baptist, herald of Your Son's birth and death. Lord, may You increase Your life within us. Amen.

The Vigil of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

San Giovanni Battista, ora pro nobis

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus, ut família tua per viam salútis incédat; et beáti Joánnis Præcursóris hortaménta sectándo, ad num quem prædixit, secúra pervéniat, Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Turm. Qui tecum.

June 23rd is the Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Customarily a day of fasting, it is popularly celebrated with large bonfires and dancing (Ballo di San Giovanni) to ward off evil spirits. In some parts of Southern Italy the Vigil is also a night of betrothal (St. John is invoked for good marriages) and moonlight bathing to help cure spiritual and physical ailments. In celebration of my beloved namesake, I’m posting a prayer to the glorious light-bearer before Christ in Latin and English. The accompanying photo was from our 2020 falo di San Giovanni, or St. John's bonfire. Evviva San Giovanni Battista!

Prayer

Grant we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that Thy household may walk in the way of salvation, and by following the extortions of blessed John the Precursor, may safely come unto Him Whom he foretold, even Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee.

Feast of Sant'Agrippina di Mineo

Sant'Agrippina, ora pro nobis

June 23rd is the Feast of Sant'Agrippina di Mineo, Virgin and Martyr. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Agrippina.* The accompanying photo was taken at St. Leonard's Church during the 2014 Feast of Santa Agrippina in Boston's North End. Evviva Sant'Agrippina!

Prayer to St. Agrippina

O glorious virgin and Martyr Agrippina your cruel executioner bound you to prepare you for martyrdom. Pray for us that our hearts will also be bound always to God's holy love, Let us pray fervently. May devotion to Saint Agrippina Endure for ever. Amen.

* Prayer courtesy of the Saint Agrippina Di Mineo Benefit Society of Boston

Happy Birthday Princess Maria Carolina!

HRH was born in Rome, Italy on June 23, 2003

Photo courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone

Happy Birthday Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duchess of Calabria and Palermo! May God's love and affection be with you always! Auguri Altezza Reale!

30 Anni di Centro Tradizione e Comunita'

In Modugno (BA)

Rosary March to Consecrate Texas to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Feast of San Paolino di Nola

San Paolino di Nola, ora pro nobis

June 22nd is the Feast of San Paolino (354 AD – 431 AD), Bishop and Poet. Patron saint of gardeners and bell-ringers, he is also the principal patron of Nola (NA), Villamaina (AV), Sutera (CL) and Torregrotta (ME). In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to San Paolino. The accompanying photo was taken at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva San Paolino di Nola!

Prayer to San Paolino

O Lord, You made Saint Paulinus renowned for his love of poverty and concern for his people. May we who celebrate his witness to the Gospel imitate his example of love for others. We ask 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.

Remembering "il Bosso," Ruggero I d’Altavilla, Gran Conte di Sicilia

Roger I of Sicily at the Battle of Cerami in 1063 by Prosper Lafaye

In memory of Roger I of Altavilla (1031 — 22 June 1101), Grand Count of Sicily, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. 

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

Feast of San Luigi Gonzaga

San Luigi Gonzaga, ora pro nobis

O celéstium donórum distribútor, Deus, qui in angélico júvene Aloísio miram vitæ innocéntiam pari cum pœniténtia sociásti: ejus méritis et précibus concéde; ut, innocéntem non secúti, pœniténtem imitémur. Per Dóminum.

June 21st is the Feast of San Luigi Gonzaga (1568-1591), Jesuit Ascetic and Mystic. San Luigi died in Rome caring for plague victims. Patron saint of Catholic youth and students, he is also invoked against contagious diseases. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Aloysius Gonzaga in Latin and English. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista in Matera. Evviva San Luigi Gonzaga!

Prayer

O God, the dispenser of heavenly gifts, Who in the angelic youth Aloysius didst combine wonderful innocence of life with penance, grant to his merits and prayers that we, who have not followed him in his innocence, may imitate his penance. Through our Lord.

Novena to Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, June 21st — June 29th, in preparation of the Feast of Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli on June 30th.*

O God, in Blessed Gennaro you gave us an outstanding example of compassion and service to the poor. We humbly ask you that, by imitating him and by the help of his prayers, we may believe more fully in your healing presence, bear the suffering of sickness in this life without wavering, and come with joy to the peace of heaven. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

* Prayer reprinted from A Life of Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli: Redemptorist (1702-1744) by Francesco Chiovaro, C.SS.R., Liguori Publications, 2003

Happy Summer!

The summer solstice, or midsummer, is the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. In celebration of this wondrous cycle, we’re sharing a poem by Vittorio Clemente from Dialect Poetry of Southern Italy: Texts and Criticism (A Trilingual Anthology) edited by Luigi Bonaffini, Legas, 1997, p.38. The accompanying photo of The Royal Palace of Apollo by Girolamo Starace Franchis (Napoli c.1730-Napoli 1794) comes courtesy of Andrew Giordano. It's from the elliptical double vault overhanging the Grand Staircase at the Royal Palace of Caserta, Campania.

Bliss

Golden days of summer, facing the sun,

facing the sea, delighted, and content.

Days spent eavesdropping on the wind,

mindful of words whispered in secret.

Words I'd unravel; listening, alone,

for the voice of the world, the nothing beyond,

alone, while my nimble heart took flight

for untold trysts and destinations.

Perhaps for the very edge of the world,

where Our Lady of the Mariners

trims white roses in the morning.

And to find myself here, again, eyes

like a boy's, quick and bright, seeing, upon

the lace of waves, roses ride to shore...

(Translated by Anthony Molino)