Feast of Santa Maria Mater Domini

Santa Maria Mater Domini, ora pro nobis

May 31st is the Feast of Santa Maria Mater Domini, patroness of Fraine, a commune in the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo. According to tradition, around the year 1000 the Virgin Mary appeared before a young deaf mute tending her flock near the Vicenne Forest. Curing the girl, Our Lady told her to call out to her parents. At first, not recognizing the voice and busy at work they ignored her calls. However, when they finally learned what had happened the overjoyed couple rushed to the woods with their daughter to give thanks and praise. The Blessed Mother called upon them to build a house of worship at the location of the miracle. The grateful family, with the support of the local clergy, did as they were instructed and built a Benedictine chapel. Completed in 1056, the Sanctuary was renovated several times over the centuries and continues to be a popular destination for pilgrims and devotees. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to the Mother of God. The accompanying photo of Santa Maria Mater Domini was taken at Holy Face Monastery in Clifton, New Jersey. Evviva Santa Maria Mater Domini!

Prayer to the Mother of God

O most glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ our God, accept our prayers and present them to thy son and our God, that He may, for thy sake, enlighten and save our souls. Amen

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in East Harlem, New York

The Feast of Corpus Christi

Celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, the Feast of Corpus Christi, or Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, honors the real presence of the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

In celebration, I’m posting the Anima Christi, a Medieval prayer of unknown origin. The accompanying photo of the monstrance with consecrated Host was taken at St. Ephrem's Church (929 Bay Ridge Pkwy.) in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of San Ferdinando III, King of Castile and León

San Ferdinando III, ora pro nobis

May 30 is the Feast of San Ferdinando III (c.1200-1252), King of Castile and León. During the Reconquest of Spain, the “invincible champion of Christ” conquered the cities of Córdoba, Jaén, Sevilla and Murcia. A wise and virtuous monarch, with a great devotion to Our Lady, he was a model Christian ruler. The holy sovereign’s sword, Lobera, or "wolf-slayer,” is kept in the Capilla Real in the Cathedral of Seville. He is the patron saint of engineers, prisoners, the poor and rulers. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Ferdinand of Castile. Evviva San Ferdinando III!

Prayer to St. Ferdinand of Castile

O God, who was pleased that blessed Ferdinand should fight thy battles and overcome the enemies of faith: grant that, protected by his intercession, we may be delivered from the enemies of mind and body. Amen.

Feast of Santa Giovanna d’Arco (St. Joan of Arc)

St. Jeanne d'Arc, ora pro nobis

May 30th is the Feast of St. Joan of Arc, la Pucelle d'Orléans, or "the Maid of Orléans." A childhood hero of mine, her faith, heroism and loyalty to her homeland still captures my imagination today as much as it did back then. Buon Onomastico to my Mother, who taught me about St. Joan and so much more.

In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to St. Joan of Arc. The accompanying photo of Emmanuel Fremiet's equestrian statue of Jeanne d'Arc outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art was taken during a day trip to the "City of Brotherly Love" in 2016. Vive Sainte Jeanne d’Arc!

Prayer to St. Joan of Arc

Maid of Lorraine, mount your horse; draw your sword and call your army. Maid of Orleans, unfurl your banner, sound the charge, and ride to rescue me! Lift the siege on my heart, lift the siege on my mind, lift the siege on my soul! Maid of my heart, strengthen me. Maid of my mind, set me free. Maid of my soul, make my enemies flee! Fierce, fearless and faithful, St. Joan of Arc, lift the siege, and rescue me!

Sfilata dei Turchi e Festa di San Gerardo La Porta — Parade of the Turks and the Feast of Saint Gerard

Potenza, Basilicata

May 30th is the Sfilata dei Turchi e Festa di San Gerardo La Porta. The Feast recalls Potenza's desperate defense against Saracen raiders and the miraculous intercession of their beloved patron, San Gerardo La Porta. Mooring their galleys on the Basento riverbank, a band of corsairs made their way towards the unsuspecting townspeople of Potenza. Tradition has it that if not for the timely appearance of San Gerardo, flanked by angels, the town would have suffered the usual horrific fate met by so many other unfortunate victims of Moslem piracy across the Southern Italian seaboard—death or slavery. The sight of the celestial host before them caused panic among the marauding infidels, allowing the city's defense to organize and drive them off.

The Saint's intercession is celebrated with a magnificent parade called Sfilata dei Turchi or The Procession of the Turks. Dressed in picturesque costumes, Christian knights on horseback and Turkish pirates, including the Grand Vizier on a horse drawn carriage, complete with replica slave ships, march along the parade route with great fanfare. Children dressed in white (representing angels) and the effigy of San Gerardo La Porta follow them, to the crowd’s delight. After the parade the celebrants are treated to jousting competitions and horse races. San Gerardo’s Liturgical feast day is celebrated on October 30th.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer. San Gerardo La Porta, ora pro nobis.

Prayer to San Gerardo La Porta

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of San Gerardo La Porta may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, 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 San Gerardo protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

External Solemnity of Corpus Christi at Our Lady of Peace Church in Brooklyn, New York

Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi

Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi, ora pro nobis

May 29th is the Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi (Firenze 1566–1607), Mystic and Carmelite nun. One of the co-patrons of Naples, she is invoked against bodily ills and sexual temptation. Known as the “ecstatic saint,” due to the frequency she fell into ecstasy, many healing miracles followed her death. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi. The accompanying photo of the Madonna with Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Andrew Corsini was taken during my 2010 pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine in Sorrento, Campania. Evviva Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi!

Prayer to Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, pray that we will make a commitment to seek the presence of God in prayer the way you did. Guide us to see the graces God gives us as gifts not rewards and to respond with gratitude and humility, not pride and selfishness. Amen

Feast of Saints Cuono and Conello

San Cuono e Conello, orate pro nobis

May 29th is the Feast of Saints Cuono and Conello, the Iconium Martyrs. Father and son are the protectors of Acerra, a town in Campania, just northeast of the city of Naples. They are invoked for bountiful crops and protection from natural disasters, such as drought, earthquakes and Mount Vesuvius. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer in Italian. The accompanying photo of the Martyrdom of Saint Cuono and Son (Martirio di San Cuono e figlio) by E. Fiore (1867) is located in the Cattedrale di Acerra (photo courtesy of San Cuono e Conello on Facebook). Evviva Santi Cuono e Conello!

Preghiera 

O gloriosissimi Martiri Cuono e Figlio, Nostri potenti Avvocati e Protettori, mercé la vostra potente intercessione fate che il clementissimo Iddio sia sempre propizio a noi Acerrani da Lui a Voi affidati: liberandoci da tutti i flagelli, che meritano i nostri peccati. E soprattutto Vi preghiamo impartirci le grazie necessarie per salvare le nostre anime e con Voi godere Iddio eternamente in Cielo

Novena and Consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacro Cuore di Gesù,
Chiesa di San Ferdinando, Napoli

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore Thee, I love Thee and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer Thee this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Thy will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in Thee and for Thee. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Thy blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Within Thy Heart I place my every care. In every need let me come to Thee with humble trust saying, Heart of Jesus help me. Amen

The Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart attributed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee. 

I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee. 

I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.

Feast of St. Francis Caracciolo at St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Meridiunalata: “Ncuorp’’o Caudo D’’A Notte” 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.*

Ncuorp’’o Caudo D’’A Notte

Ncuorp’’o caudo d’’a notte
Se ne traseva ‘o friddo
‘E sta luna nova.
Niente s’è smuóppeto.
‘O graro de l’autare
Nce aspettava,
Nu puojo sulagno
Mmiez’’e parole
Ca sagliéveno a cefrone
Addò ghiéveno jéveno.
Ammarrávemo ‘e feneste
Int’’o sbacante,
Ogne lagnanza d’ammore
Scordata e passata
Se steva zitta.
Era ‘o tiempo d’’e canzone nove,
‘O dimane c’’a’ fine
Era venuta mbracci’a nuje.

Inside The Warmth of the Night

Inside the warmth of the night
The cold of this new moon
Was entering.
Nothing moved.
The step of the altar
Was awaiting us,
A solitary ledge
Between the words
That were rising up like chevrons
Wherever they went.
We shuttered the windows
In the void,
Every complaint of love
Forgotten and passed
It was quiet.
It was the time of new songs,
The tomorrow that in the end
Had come into our arms.

* 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.

Ottocento e Dintorni

In Napoli

Requiem Mass for the Souls of Society Enrollees at St. John the Baptist Church in Allentown, New Jersey

A Look at the Sixteenth Annual Battle of Bitonto Commemoration in New York City

Battle of Bitonto (c.1750) by Giovanni Luigi Rocco

Busy with work, family, and personal business these past few weeks, this year’s Annual Battle of Bitonto Commemoration in memory of Carlo di Borbone's decisive victory over the Austrians in Apulia on 25 May 1735 and the founding of the Bourbon Dynasty in Naples and Sicily was a modest and intimate affair.

Hosted by Brooklyn's exclusive Salone di Partenope, guests were treated to a convivial dinner, recordings of Neapolitan cantatas (Scarlatti, Porpora, etc.), and stimulating conversation on a variety of topics, including religion, history, art, current affairs, and the selection of dramatic charcoal drawings on display from David DiPasquale’s thought-provoking Liber Mysteria.

As is our custom, we honored the fallen on both sides of the conflict and celebrated the feasts of San Gregorio VII and the Madonna delle Milizie.

Original charcoal landscape drawing
from David DiPasquale's Liber Mysteria

Original charcoal landscape drawing
from David DiPasquale's Liber Mysteria

Original charcoal landscape drawing
from David DiPasquale's Liber Mysteria

Original charcoal landscape drawing
from David DiPasquale's Liber Mysteria

Original charcoal landscape drawing
from David DiPasquale's Liber Mysteria

(L) Carlo di Borbone (c. 1761) by Anton Raphael Mengs. (R) The more daring among us attempted to drink some Lacrymma Christi from a Spanish porrón.

Antipasto (Taralli, dates, Cerignola and Castelveltrano
olives, and sharp provolone and primo sale cheese)

Antipasto (Olives, caponata and hot Calabrian chili peppers)

Antipasto (Marinated eggplant, grilled zucchini and roasted peppers)

Fritto misto Palermitano (Crocchè di patate, arancini and panelle)

Focaccia Barese

Peperoni ripieni al forno

Manicotti

Babà Napoletano

Photo of the Week: Torre d'Ingresso at Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Corpus Christi Sunday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in East Harlem, New York

Poor and Forgotten Souls in Purgatory Figurines at E. Rossi & Co. in Little Italy, New York

I recently stopped by E. Rossi & Co. (193 Grand St.) in New York City’s historic Little Italy and spotted these antique terracotta Poor and Forgotten Souls in Purgatory figurines. Disappointed, they weren’t for sale, it was still really neat to get to see and hold them. Currently undergoing a Renaissance, the old gift shop is constantly uncovering great finds in its brimming storehouses. It is a must-see when visiting Little Italy.

Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

The Most Holy Trinity

The first Sunday after Pentecost is the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, or Trinity Sunday. The celebration honors the Triune nature of the Godhead, who is one eternal and incomprehensible God in the form of three divine persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to the Most Holy Trinity. The photo of the statue of the Most Holy Trinity was taken in the choir loft of the Shrine Church of Saint Anthony of Padua (154 Sullivan Street, New York, NY 10012) in SoHo, New York.

Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity 

God our Father, who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made known to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in profession the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Feast of the Madonna dei Miracoli

Madonna dei Miracoli, ora pro nobis

May 26th is the Feast of the Madonna dei Miracoli (Our Lady of Miracles), patroness of Collesano in Provincia di Palermo, Sicily. Beginning in April, the month long celebration culminates on May 26th in memory of a miracle that saved the town from famine in 1643. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to the Madonna dei Miracoli in Italian. The photo of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, was taken at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and Saint Stephen's Church in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Evviva Madonna dei Miracoli!

Preghiera

Vergine SS. Madre dei Miracoli, tu che in tante occasioni to sei mostrata nella portentosa immagine dell’Annunziata, Regina ed Avvocata del popolo di Collesano, deh I tu lo ricoveri sempre sotto il tuo manto stellato affinchè raccolto alle tu ginocchia, non paventi le insidie di Satana, nè sia desolato dai mali e dai flagelli. Che anzi qualora questo popolo a te si rivolga con fiducia e ti preghi nella tua cappella oh i allora esaudisci dall’eccelso soglio della tua gloria affinchè, dopo aver sperato ed ottenuto il tuo soccorso quì in terra, ottenga goderti eternamente nel Cielo.

Feast of San Filippo Neri

San Filippo Neri, ora pro nobis

May 26 is the Feast of San Filippo Neri (1515-1595), Third Apostle of Rome and "jester of God." Founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy, he is the patron saint of joy, laughter, and comedians. Protector of Roseto Valfortore, a small town in the Province of Foggia in Apulia, he is also one of the 52 co-patrons of Naples. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Philip Neri. The photo was taken at The Oratory Church of Saint Boniface in downtown Brooklyn. Evviva San Filippo Neri!

A Prayer to St. Philip Neri

O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, you who trusted Scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand and that we need not have anxiety about anything, in your compassion heal our worries and sorrows and lift the burdens from our hearts. We come to you as one whose heart swells with abundant love for God and all creation. Hear us, we pray, especially in this need (make your request here). Keep us safe through your loving intercession, and may the joy of the Holy Spirit which filled your heart, St. Philip, transform our lives and bring us peace. Amen.

Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Staten Island, New York

Feast of the Madonna delle Milizie di Scicli

Madonna delle Milizie di Scicli, ora pro nobis

Every year on the last Saturday in May, the Baroque jewel of Scicli in the province of Ragusa, Sicily celebrates the Feast of the Madonna delle Milizie and the miraculous triumph of Count Roger of Hauteville over the Saracens in 1091. 

The feast commemorates the divine intercession of the Blessed Mother on behalf of the Norman forces at a critical point in the battle. Nearly overwhelmed by the paynim's superior numbers and fearing defeat, Count Roger invoked the aid of the Virgin. Mounted on a white charger and dressed in full military regalia, the apparition of Our Lady appeared on the field-of-battle in the district of Milizie and lead the Normans to victory. The triumph was of great importance for the eventual Christian reconquest of the island.

As part of the jubilant festivities the Sciclitani dress in period costumes (Christian and Moslem) and parade an equestrian statue of the Madonna through the bustling streets with much fanfare. Among the local delicacies served for the occasion is a delectable cream puff shaped like a turban called testa di turco, or Turkish heads. 

In celebration, I'm posting the Invocation to Our Lady by St. John Bosco:

O Mary, powerful Virgin, you are the mighty and glorious Protector of the Church. You are the Marvelous Help of Christians. You are Terrible as an Army set in Battle Array. You alone have destroyed every heresy in the entire Church. In the midst of my anguish, my struggles and my distress, defend me from the power of the enemy, and at the hour of my death, receive my soul into Paradise. Amen.

Feast of San Gregorio VII

San Gregorio VII, ora pro nobis

Deus, in te sperántium fortitúdo, qui beátum Gregórium, Confessórem tuum atque Pontificem, pro tuénda Ecclésiæ libertáte, virtúte constántiæ roborásti: da nobis, ejus exémplo et intercessióne, ómnia adversántia fórtiter superáre. Per Dóminum.

May 25th is the Feast of San Gregorio VII (born Ildebrando di Sovana), Pope and Confessor. Ascending the papal throne on April 22, 1073, Pope Gregorio initiated many important Church reforms known as the Gregorian Reform, including clerical celibacy and the rooting out and destruction of the abuse of simony, the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges. 

Repeatedly clashing with King Henry IV (later Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire) over the right to install bishops and abbots, or the investiture controversy, Pope Gregorio excommunicated the German monarch on three separate occasions. 

Wax effigy and relics of Pope San Gregorio VII

In 1077 Gregorio famously made the penitent king prostate himself for three days in the cold outside the gates of Cannosa before giving him an audience. A short-lived reconciliation, after obtaining the Holy Father's forgiveness Henry continued to appoint bishops and was excommunicated again. 

Entering Rome with his troops in 1084, Henry forced Gregorio to lock himself inside Castel Sant’Angelo and installed the antipope Clement III (Archbishop Guilbert of Ravenna). 

Soon liberated by Roberto Guiscardo, Duke of Apulia, the wanton excesses of the Duke’s soldiery incensed the people of Rome and forced Gregorio and his Norman allies to withdraw south to Salerno. 

(L-R) Statues of Duchess Sigelgaita, Duke Roberto d'Altavilla,
St. Alfano I of Salerno, and Prince Gisulf of Salerno flank the wax effigy

San Gregorio died in the Principality of Salerno on May 25, 1085. Interred in the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio, which he consecrated a year earlier, his dying words, “Dilexi iustitiam, odivi iniquitatem, propterea morior in esilio" (I have loved justice and hated iniquity, therefore I die in exile) are imprinted on the reliquary.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer in Latin and English. The accompanying photos of the statues and wax effigy at the cathedral in Salerno comes courtesy of Andrew Giordano. Evviva San Gregorio VII!

Prayer

O God, the strength of them that trust in Thee, Who didst fortify blessed Gregory. Thy Confessor and Pontiff, with the virtue of constancy, for the defense of the liberty of the Church, grant us by his example and intercession courageously to overcome all adversities. Through our Lord.

Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Staten Island, New York

Feast of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice

Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, ora pro nobis

May 24th is the Feast of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice (Our Lady, Help of Christians). Instituted in 1815 by Pope Pius VII in fulfillment of a vow he made to God during his captivity (1809-1814) in Savona and Fontainebleau by Napoleon, the invocation Auxilium Christianorum (Help of Christians) actually dates back to 1571 when Pope St. Pius V included it in the Litany of Loreto in gratitude of the Holy League’s great victory against the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto on October 7th. Our Lady, Help of Christians famously came to the aid of Christendom again in the 17th century when Emperor Leopold I of Austria invoked the Blessed Virgin's help against the Turks during the Battle of Vienna. The siege was broken on the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary when Poland's heroic King Jan Sobieski and his winged hussars rescued the Imperial City from the Ottoman invaders. In celebration I’m posting a prayer to Our Lady, Help of Christians by San Giovanni Bosco. The accompanying photo of votive wall shrine dedicated to Our Lady, Help of Christians was taken in 2019 in Piazza Bellini in Naples. Evviva Santa Maria Ausiliatrice!

Prayer to Our Lady, Help of Christians

Most holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians, we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church’s history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation and danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners, the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter of the dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, to proclaim His Good News of God’s love for all people, and to work for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and abandoned, and all the dying. Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the graces of which we stand in need. (Mention your intentions.) May we serve Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.

Feast of Blessed Mario Vergara

Beato Mario Vergara, ora pro nobis

May 24th is the Feast of Blessed Mario Vergara, Priest, Missionary and Martyr. Born in Frattamaggiore, Naples on November 16, 1910, he was the youngest of nine children. Entering seminary in Aversa in 1921, he received Confirmation and moved to the Pontifical Seminary of Campania in Posillipo in 1927. Ordained a priest on August 26, 1934, he soon travelled to Burma and began his missionary activities. At the outbreak of WWII, he was arrested and interred in a British concentration camp in India. After four years of captivity he resumed his missionary work. Murdered with catechist Isidore Ngei Ko Lat by Protestant (Baptists) guerrillas on May 24, 1950, their bodies were thrown in the Salween River. Presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato, the beatification of Fr. Mario Vergara and Isidore Ngei was celebrated in Aversa on May 24, 2014. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer for the Missionary martyrs. Evviva Beato Mario Vergara!

Prayer for the Blessed Martyrs Mario and Isidore

We humbly beseech the mercy of your majesty, almighty and merciful God, that, as you have poured the knowledge of your Only Begotten Son into the hearts of the peoples by the preaching of the blessed Martyrs Mario and Isidore, so, through their intercession, we may be made steadfast in the faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Corpus Christi with Eucharistic Procession at Our Lady of Peace Church in Brooklyn, New York

Feast of Sant’Eframo di Napoli

Sant'Eframo Vescovo, ora pro nobis

May 23rd is the Feast of Sant’Eframo (Sant’Efébo, St. Euphebius), Bishop of Naples, Thaumaturge and Martyr. One of the city’s co-patrons, the beloved saint enjoys a popular reputation of holiness and miracles among the Neapolitans. Once every hundred years his devotees carry his silver bust in procession from the Duomo di Napoli to the Chiesa Sant’Eframo Vecchio, where he was originally buried with San Massimo and San Fortunato. He is also commemorated on November 8th along with all the city’s Holy Bishops. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Euphebius. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Napoli. Evviva Sant'Eframo!

Prayer to St. Euphebius 

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

Feast of Beata Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore

Beata Maria Gargani, ora pro nobis

May 23rd is the Feast of Beata Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore (née Maria Gargani, 1892-1973), patroness of the Suore Apostole del Sacro Cuore di Gesù (Apostle Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus), a religious order she founded on February 11, 1936. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Beata Maria Gargani in Italian. Evviva Beata Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore!

Preghiera

Signore Gesù ascolta con bontà la nostra preghiera che implora grazia per intercessione della tua serva Beata Maria Gargani. Ella si è consumata costantemente nell’orazione e nel servizio ai fratelli più umili in luoghi anche disagiati. Se è nei tuoi disegni glorificala. Fa’ che sperimentiamo l’efficacia della sua intercessione affinché animati dal suo esempio possiamo servirti con spirito di fede e di amore. Amen

Corpus Christi with Eucharistic Procession at St. Bernadette's Church in Brooklyn, New York

Feast of Santa Rita da Cascia

Santa Rita da Cascia, ora pro nobis

May 22nd is the Feast of Santa Rita da Cascia, Augustinian nun, Ascetic, Mystic, Stigmatic and “Saint of the impossible.” Widely venerated across Southern Italy, she is one of the co-patrons of Naples. She is also invoked against smallpox, infertility, difficult marriages and lost or impossible causes. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Rita. The accompanying photo was taken at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 W 37th St.) in Manhattan. Evviva Santa Rita da Cascia!

St. Rita Prayer of the Roses

O Blessed Saint Rita, my powerful advocate, behold me prostrate before thy Divine Spouse, Jesus, thy Lord, thy God, and thy All. Behold me recalling His favors to thee, that thou mayst plead for me. May this blessed Rose, sweet with the memories of thy daily acts of love before the image of the Crucified Savior, and of the wonders wrought for thee in thy dying moments, give me confidence that thou in Heaven wilt plead that I, too, may share in the good things God has in store for thy clients. Saint Rita, mystical Rose of every virtue, pray for us.