Better Late Than Never: A Look at Tommaso De Vivo’s ‘Storia del Regno delle Due Sicilie’ (Part 1)

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

It has come to my attention that we never actually posted the pictures of Tommaso De Vivo’s (c.1790-1884) oversized bilingual (French and Italian) Storia del Regno Delle Due Sicilie (1833) that I referenced in Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 4). Originally taken back in 2019, I’m taking the opportunity now to post a few of my favorite illustrations from the monumental work.

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 

Feast of the Most Precious Blood at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, New Jersey

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 di Patti

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.

Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet

O Infant Jesus, Whose truth enlightens the
darkness of our heart, have mercy on us

On the 25th of every month, devotees of the Divine Infancy should pray the Chaplet of the Infant Jesus of Prague, which includes three Our Fathers and twelve Hail Marys in celebration of the Holy Family and the first twelve years of Our Lord’s childhood. The Chaplet was composed by Venerable Sister Marguerite Parigot of the Blessed Sacrament (March 6, 1590—May 24, 1660), a Discalced Carmelite nun with a strong devotion to the Christ Child. Pleased with the devotion, Our Lord revealed Himself to Sister Marguerite and promised special graces to all who piously recite the Chaplet. In 1855 Pope Pius IX granted an Indulgence of 300 days, applicable to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, for its devout recitation.* 

In celebration, I’m posting the Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet. The accompanying photo was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey.

Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet

Divine Infant Jesus, I adore Thy Cross and I accept all the crosses Thou wilt be pleased to send me. Adorable Trinity, I offer Thee for the glory of Thy Holy Name of God, all the adorations of the Sacred Heart of the Holy Infant Jesus.

(3x) “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” and pray The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

(12x) “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” and pray The Angelical Salutation (Hail Mary)

Holy Infant Jesus, bless and protect us. Amen.

* www.sistersofcarmel.com

The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus at St. Josaphat Church in Bayside, New York

A Prayer for Dagestan

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the June 23rd terror attack in Derbent, Dagestan, in Russia. May St. Nicholas, St. Sergius of Radonezh, and the Theotokos protect and watch over you.

Prayer for Victims of Terrorism

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.

* Pictured: Russian Byzantine Catholic icon of the Theotokos (God-bearer)

Go Cats Go!

Generally not a fan of professional sports, especially American sports, the only U.S. teams I would deign to follow today are Rocco Commisso’s New York Cosmos (if they’re ever relaunched) and Vincent Viola’s Florida Panthers. The former is out of sentimentality for my childhood team and love for the “beautiful game,” aka football (American: soccer), and the latter is out of respect, loyalty, and admiration for the proud Italian American ownership, whose munificence extends far and wide.

I’m afraid the continued modernization, globalization, and sanitization of professional sports, not to mention cringe player antics and acquiescence to whatever the “latest thing” is, leaves me cold. Increasingly unwatchable, Serie A and Napoli were the last holdouts, however the atmosphere and mentality of Italian football (Italian: calcio) have changed so much in recent years that I’m finding it less compelling or relatable. Even after winning our third Scudetto (2022-2023), I couldn’t do more than check the scores last season (2023-2024). Luckily, my decision to spurn the matches spared me the pain of watching that miserable campaign. Finishing in 10th place, it was the worst title defense in Serie A history.

Unlike my steadfast allegiance to Napoli, which is based on sociopolitical fealty to my ancestral capital and a sense of solidarity with the diehard Neapolitan tifosi, my rooting for Florida in the Stanley Cup Final is based solely (as I have already mentioned) on respect, loyalty, and admiration for the Viola family. In the case of Napoli, footballers, coaches, and owners come and go, but the city they represent is eternal and all that really matters to me. They can languish in Serie C (Lega Pro) and I will still support them. On the other hand, my support for the Panthers is contingent on the ownership, not any esprit de corps with Floridians or fondness for the team. If the franchise were ever to change hands, so would my support. It’s that simple.

Until professional sports brings back something I can identify with and enjoy I will continue to entertain myself, whenever possible, with “alternative,” amateur, and more traditional sports, like water jousting (la joute nautique), fencing (scherma), and coursing (caccia), among others. Give me the Palio di Siena, the Palio delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, or Calcio Storico Fiorentino over the Super Bowl, or any other over-hyped commercialized cup final, any day of the week. Forza Napoli Sempre! Go Cats Go!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, June 23rd, Feast of Santa Agrippina

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.

Photo of the Week: The Venus Callipyge

The Venus Callipyge, Roman, 1st or 2nd century BC. Museo
Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, New Jersey

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!

Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at St. Michael's Church in Staten Island, New York

Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 4)

Sifting through my friend's massive collection, I happened on a batch of monarchist-themed prints. Definitely worth another look, I first saw these back in 2019 at his old office. However, if I remember correctly, they were part of a larger assemblage of works. I specifically remember a hand-colored lithograph depicting the Neapolitan Industrial Exhibition on 28 May 1853 and Tommaso De Vivo's oversized Storia del Regno delle Due Sicilie (1833), among others, being a part of the set. Somehow these pieces got separated and mixed in with other documents. With several storage facilities brimming with artifacts to pore over, the hunt for the missing works will be intriguing, to say the least.

Also see: 

• Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 1)

• Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 2)

• Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 3)

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

Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 3)

Friends with an avid collector of Two Sicilies ephemera (among other things), I’ve been given an extraordinary opportunity to examine and handle a unique array of artifacts I would not normally have access to other than in books and online resources. Some of the more interesting items I’ve been working on preserving are his collection of newspaper clippings with beautifully rendered illustrations depicting newsworthy events in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Also see: 

• Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 1)

• Helping Preserve Another Great Collection (Part 2)

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.