Feast of Sant’Andrea Apostolo

Sant'Andrea Apostolo, ora pro nobis

November 30th is the Feast of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, protokletos, or "First-Called." St. Andrew is the patron Saint of fishermen and the Southern Italian coastal city of Amalfi, where he is also fêted on June 27th. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Andrew. The accompanying photo was taken at the 2012 Feast of Saint Andrew in New Haven, Connecticut. Evviva Sant'Andrea Apostolo!

Prayer to Saint Andrew

O glorious Saint Andrew, you were the first to recognize and follow the Lamb of God. With your friend, Saint John, you remained with Jesus for that first day, for your entire life, and now throughout eternity. As you led your brother, Saint Peter, to Christ and many others after him, draw us also to Him. Teach us to lead others to Christ solely out of love for Him and dedication in His service. Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross and to carry our daily crosses without complaint so that they may carry us to Jesus. Amen.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

Beginning on November 30th, the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, the following prayer of anticipation is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas to help us prepare for the coming of Our Lord. 

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [State your intentions here...] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

The accompanying photo of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Belisario Corenzio (c.1558-1643) was taken by Andrew Giordano at the Duomo di Salerno.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Vigil of Saint Andrew the Apostle and Feast of St. Saturninus of Toulouse

San Saturnino di Tolosa, ora pro nobis

Dóminus secus mare Galilææ vidit duos fratres, Petrum et Andréam, et vocávit eos: Venite post me: fáciam vos fíeri piscatóres hóminum. Ps. 18, 2. Cœli enarrant glóriam Dei: et ópera mánam ejus annúntiat firmaméntum. V Glória Patri.

The Lord saw two brothers. Peter and Andrew, by the seaside of Galilee, and He called them; Come ye after Me, I will make you to be fishers of men. Ps. 18, 2. The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the works of His Hands. V. Glory

November 29th is the Vigil of Saint Andrew the Apostle and the Feast of St. Saturninus of Toulouse, Bishop and Martyr (If the feast of St. Andrew falls on a Monday, the vigil Mass is said on the previous Saturday as no vigil may be kept on a Sunday). In celebration, I’m posting the Introit (Matt. 4, 18, 19) and Prayers in Latin and English. The Illumination of the Martyrdom of St. Saturninus by Jacobus de Voragine was extracted from the Legend Aurea, XIV century. Evviva Sant’Andrea e San Saturnino di Tolosa!

The Vigil Prayer of St. Andrew

Quæsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut beátus Andréas Apóstolus, cujus prævenímus festivitátem, tuum pro nobus implóret auxílium; ut, a nostris reátibus absolúti, a cunctis étiam perículis eruámur. Per Dóminum.

We beseech Thee, O almighty God, that blessed Andrew, Thine apostle, for whose feast we are preparing, may implore for us Thine aid, that, our offenses being pardoned, we may also be saved from all dangers, Through our Lord.

Prayer of St. Saturninus (Nov. 29th)

Deus, qui nos beáti Saturnini Mártyris tui concedis natalítio pérfrui: ejus nos tríbue méritus adjuvári. Per Dóminum. 

O God, Who dost permit us to enjoy the feast-day of Blessed Saturninus, Thy martyr, grant us to be assisted by his merits. Through our Lord.

Novena to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States of America and the Former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Mary Immaculate, ora pro nobis

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, November 29th to December 7th (Solemnity on December 8th)

Prayer to the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius XII

Enraptured by the splendor of thy heavenly beauty, and impelled by the anxieties of the world, we cast ourselves into thine arms, O Immaculate Mother of Jesus and our Mother, Mary, confident of finding in thy most loving heart appeasement of our ardent desires, and a safe harbor from the tempests which beset us on every side.

Though degraded by our faults and overwhelmed by infinite misery, we admire and praise the peerless richness of sublime gifts with which God has filled thee, above every other mere creature, from the first moment of thy conception until the day on which, after thine assumption into Heaven, He crowned thee Queen of the Universe.

O crystal fountain of faith, bathe our minds with the eternal truths! O fragrant Lily of all holiness, captivate our hearts with thy heavenly perfume! O Conqueress of evil and death, inspire in us a deep horror of sin, which makes the soul detestable to God and a slave of Hell!

O well-beloved of God, hear the ardent cry which rises up from every heart. Bend tenderly over our aching wounds. Convert the wicked, dry the tears of the afflicted and oppressed, comfort the poor and humble, quench hatreds, sweeten harshness, safeguard the flower of purity in youth, protect the holy Church, make all men feel the attraction of Christian goodness. In thy name, resounding harmoniously in Heaven, may they recognize that they are brothers, and that the nations are members of one family, upon which may there shine forth the sun of a universal and sincere peace.

Receive, O most sweet Mother, our humble supplications, and above all obtain for us that, one day, happy with thee, we may repeat before thy throne that hymn which today is sung on earth around thine altars: Thou art all-beautiful, O Mary! Thou art the glory, thou art the joy, thou art the honor of our people! Amen.

* Photo of the Obelisco o Guglia dell’Immacolata (the obelisk or spire of the Immaculate Conception) in Piazza Gesù Nuovo, Napoli courtesy of Andrew Giordano.

Remembering Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresia

A few Austrian stamps from my collection issued in 1980 for the
200th Anniversary of the death of Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresia,
mother of Maria Carolina, Queen of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

In memory of Maria Theresia (13 May 1717 – 29 November 1780), Holy Roman Empress, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary, Queen of Bohemia, and the rest, we pray for the happy repose of her soul.

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

A Lament for the Passing of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies by Giacinto de' Sivo

Giacinto de' Sivo b. 29 November
1814—d. 19 November 1867

"I don’t say the old Regno was faultless, that it was a paradise. Wherever men govern each other there is always bound to be some discontent, whatever the country. Human good is relative – everything cannot be quite the same for everybody. Some nations are warlike, others consists of farmers, or of merchants, artists or manufacturers; what suits them is for them to decide. Only bad judges omit to weigh good against evil, since as many blessings as possible and as few ills are the real measure of a country’s prosperity. Political bias magnifies a government’s failings without taking the times and the circumstances into account, and crudely simplistic judgements obscure anything else worthwhile – as if perfection were attainable by human endeavours. Closing one’s eyes to all that is good makes everything else look bad and raises countless questions. Naples had fewer troops than France, fewer ships than London, less liberty than America, not so much of the fine arts as Rome, and less polish than Paris, though those are not the only things which make for happiness. Nonetheless, in relation to its size and status the country had enough of them to be second to none. Commerce, arts and letters, morality, religion, security, comfort, industry, civil rights, all these it had in plenty. People lived pleasantly and inexpensively, with an abundance of entertainment and amusements; anybody who avoided subversive politics enjoyed complete freedom and could do what he liked. In short the realm was the happiest in the world. Countless foreigners who came to it prospered so much that they settled. 

"During the last forty years the population increased by a quarter. There was a wealth of public buildings, of good roads, aqueducts, warehouses, free hospitals, bridges of stone, brick or iron, arsenals, arms factories, barracks, foundries, high schools, academies, universities, churches, royal palaces, convents, monasteries, harbours, docks, shipping, fortresses, prisons, orphanages, flourishing industries, scientific farming, prize herds, reclaimed marshes, reservoirs, rivers harnessed for irrigation, botanical gardens, pawnshops, corn exchanges, stock markets and finance houses, freeports, arts and crafts institutes, funded charities, savings banks, insurance agencies, shipping brokers, merchant banks, railways, electric and submarine telegraphs, and every other amenity of civilized life. As for crime, murder was rare. Paupers were few and hunger practically unknown, since there was provision by religious, private, municipal and government charities. There was no paper money, only gold and silver. Taxes were light and expenses small – one lived very well on a modest income. Work was plentiful, prices low and holidays many. There was respect for the gentry, for the law, for authority, safety and order for everyone everywhere. 

"Then Gladstone came and called the regime ‘the negation of God,’ fed with lies by the opposition who wanted to bring in their ‘God’, and ruined us…almost unbelievable calumnies were repeated in newspapers all over the world."

* Reprinted from Naples: A Travellers’ Companion selected and introduced by Desmond Seward, Atheneum, 1986 pp. 294-296. The excerpt is originally from Giacinto de' Sivo's Storia delle Due Sicilie dal 1847 al 1861 (Rome, 1863). 

Catholic Movie Night at Atrium Stadium Cinemas in Staten Island, New York

Feast of Santa Caterina Labouré

Santa Caterina Labouré, ora pro nobis

November 28th is the Feast of St. Catherine Labouré, Virgin, Marian Visionary, Messenger of Grace, and Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. She is the patron saint of the elderly and infirm people. In 1830 Our Lady manifested herself to St. Catherine and entrusted her to have a medal struck modeled on the vision. As promised by Our Lady, all who wear with confidence the Miraculous Medal, as it would soon be called, will receive great graces. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Catherine Labouré. Pictured is my makeshift shrine. Evviva Santa Caterina Labouré!

Prayer to St. Catherine Labouré

Saint Catherine Labouré, thou wast the chosen confidant of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She revealed to thee her desire that her children wear the Miraculous Medal as a mark of their love for her and in honor of her Immaculate Conception.

Intercede for us, that we may follow our heavenly mother's desires. Ask that we may receive those special graces which flow from her motherly hands like rays of light. Amen.

Feast of San Giacomo della Marca

San Giacomo della Marca, ora pro nobis

November 28th is the Feast of San Giacomo della Marca (St. James of the Marches), Missionary and Miracle worker. Counted among the many co-patrons of Naples, the austere friar preached tirelessly against greed and usury. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. James of the Marches. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at Saint James of the Marches R.C. Church in Totowa, New Jersey. Evviva San Giacomo della Marca!

Prayer to St. James of the Marches

O God, you have given to the Church in St. James of the Marches a tireless missionary of your word, totally dedicated to the salvation of souls and the conversion of sinners. May his intercession help us to atone for our sins and to walk swiftly on the path of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who is God.

Novena to Santa Fara (Burgundofara)

Santa Fara, Ora pro nobis

Pray Novena to Santa Fara for nine consecutive days, November 28th to December 6th, in preparation for the Feast on December 7th. Evviva Santa Fara!

Glorious Saint St. Fara, beloved Patron, you served God in humility and confidence on earth. Now you enjoy His beatific vision in heaven. You persevered till death and gained the crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers, confusion and anguish that surround me and intercede for me in my needs and troubles, especially...

(Mention your need here...).

Amen.

Saint Fara, pray for us.

Our Father…, Hail Mary… and Glory be…

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

Buona Festa del Ringraziamento (Happy Thanksgiving)

Celebration of the First Mass attributed to Léon Trousset

We at Il Regno wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. Even in hard times there is still a lot to be thankful for. We're thankful for our family, our brethren, and our faith. We're thankful for opportunities to work, and provide for ourselves and our loved ones. We're thankful for the past, because there can be no greater teacher. May we learn our lessons well. God bless you all. Buona Festa del Ringraziamento!

Prayer at Harvest and Thanksgiving

O God, source and giver of all things, you manifest your infinite majesty, power and goodness in the earth about us: We give you honor and glory. For the sun and the rain, for the manifold fruits of our fields: For the increase of our herds and flocks, we thank you. For the enrichment of our souls with divine grace, we are grateful. Supreme Lord of the harvest, graciously accept us and the fruits of our toil, in union with Jesus, your Son, as atonement for our sins, for the growth of your Church, for peace and love in our homes, and for salvation for all. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Advent Vespers at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in East Harlem, New York

Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Mary Immaculate, ora pro nobis

November 27th is the Feast of Our  Lady of the Miraculous Medal, a joyful commemoration of the Marian apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré (1806-1876). In 1830 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine,  a young novice of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, and instructed her to have devotional medals struck portraying the image she manifested and that all who wear it in confidence will receive great graces. Obeying the Blessed Mother, St. Catherine went to her confessor, Fr. Jean Marie Aladel, and explained what had occurred. After much scrutiny she eventually obtained approval from the archbishop and on June 20, 1832 the first 2,000 medals were produced. Officially called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, the devotion quickly spread, and due to the many extraordinary blessings bestowed it soon came to be popularly known as the Miraculous Medal.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The accompanying photo of the Miraculous Medal bye-altar was taken at St. Mary Mother of God Church in Washington, D.C. Ave Maria!

Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we unite ourselves to you under your title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your motherly affection for us and a constant reminder of our filial duties towards you. While wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. Most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives so that like you we may live and act according to the teaching and example of your Son. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death so that in union with you we may enjoy the happiness of heaven forever. Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

Novena to San Nicola di Bari

San Nicola di Bari, ora pro nobis

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, November 27th to December 5th, in preparation for the Feast celebrated on December 6th.*

Glorious Nicholas, my own protector! from that bright throne where thou dost enjoy the vision of thy God, in pity turn thine eyes upon me; ask for me from God those graces and helps most seasonable in my present necessities, whether spiritual or temporal, and especially the grace of [mention your request here] if such be expedient for my eternal welfare. Forget not, glorious and holy bishop, our true Sovereign Pontiff, the holy Church, and this pious city. Bring back to the right way of salvation those who live steeped in sin, or buried in the darkness of ignorance, error, and heresy. Comfort the sorrowing, provide for the needy, strengthen the weak-hearted, defend the oppressed, help the sick; let all know the effects of thy powerful patronage with Him Who is the supreme giver of all good. Amen 

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.

V. Pray for us, blessed Nicholas.

R. That we may made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

God, Who has honored, and ceasest not daily to honor, Thy high-priest and glorious confessor, blessed Nicholas, with innumerable miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that, by his merits and prayers, we may be delivered from the fires of hell and from all other dangers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Indulgence of 50 days, Pope Gregory XVI., 1880) 

* Prayer reprinted from catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com. May also be said separate from the Novena. The accompanying photo of the Icon of San Nicola, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Puglia.

Portrait of King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies by Giuseppe Cammarano

I recently had the opportunity to view my friend's latest acquisition: The Portrait of King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies (Palermo 1810-1859 Caserta) attributed to Giuseppe Cammarano (Sciacca 1766-1850 Napoli). The inscription on the reverse of the painting states that this was the "First study for the picture at the embassy of Naples in Paris." Dressed in the uniform of the Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Januarius, the Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola of Naples can be seen in the background. In addition to being a portraitist of the royal family, Giuseppe Cammarano served as a professor at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Naples.

A Prayer for Queen Isabella the Catholic’s Intercession

Isabella the Catholic, ora pro nobis

Almighty Father, in Your infinite goodness You made Queen Isabel the Catholic, a model for young ladies, wives, mothers, women leaders and government rulers. As the first sovereign of the American continent You granted to her heart a sense of piety, justice, compassion and the vision of a new land full of promise. Grant us the grace to see Your infinite majesty glorified in her prompt canonization, and through her intercession...[ask for your particular needs] that we ask of You in this present need through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Servant of God, Queen Isabel, pray for us.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Pray to the Servant of God Isabel the Catholic and ask her intercession for your particular needs. When you obtain your favor, please inform the: Comité Reina Isabel, P.O. Box 268237, Chicago, IL 60626-8237, U.S.A.

* Prayer courtesy of Queen Isabella the Catholic. Portrait of Isabella I of Castile (April 22, 1451— November 26, 1504) by Luis de Madrazo (1825-1897)

New Music — Luce D’Amore Divino: Neapolitan Christmas Songs by Franciscan Friars

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Luce D’Amore Divino: Neapolitan Christmas Songs by Franciscan Friars

Label: Nova Antiq
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Audio CD: $26.58
Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

Read description

Feast of San Mercurio di Ceasarea di Cappadocia

San Mercurio Martire, Ora pro nobis

November 25th is the Feast of St. Mercurius, third-century Roman general and martyr. He is the patron saint of Toro in Provincia di Campobasso in Molise. It is said that during a battle against barbarian invaders, the valiant Mercurius received a shining sword from St. Michael the Archangel and led the beleaguered Romans to victory. Renowned for his martial prowess, the brave soldier was promoted to General by Emperor Decius.

During the persecution of Christians, the Archangel appeared to Mercurius again and assured him not to be afraid. Betrayed by one of the guards, the Emperor had him arrested, stripped of his rank and brutally tortured for refusing to offer a sacrifice to the pagan deities. Three times St. Michael healed his wounds until finally, the Emperor had Mercurius deported to his native Caesarea in Cappadocia and beheaded.

According to legend, many years later St. Basil the Great was praying before an icon of St. Mercurius and requested that Julian the Apostate would not return from his campaign in the Sassanian Empire and continue the vicious persecution of Christians. Suddenly the image of the saint wielding a spear briefly disappeared from the painting and summarily returned with a bloodied weapon. It seems the iconic warrior saint appeared at the Battle of Samarra and slew the emperor on 26 June 363.

St. Mercurius would repeat the miracle in 1098 at the Battle of Antioch during the First Crusade. Appearing on a hilltop with St. George, St. Demetrius, and an army arrayed in white, the celestial host led the outnumbered Crusaders to victory over the Saracens.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Mercurius. The accompanying photo was taken in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church rectory in Newark, New Jersey. Evviva San Mercurio Martire!

Prayer to St. Mercurius

God of power and mercy, you gave St. Mercurius, your martyr, victory over pain and suffering. Strengthen us who celebrate this day of his triumph and help us to be victorious over the evils that threaten us. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

Feast of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, ora pro nobis

November 25th is the Feast of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria (St. Catherine of Alexandria), Virgin and Martyr. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and Four Capital Virgins, she is, inter alia, the patron saint of millers, potters, mechanics, spinners, archivists, librarians and hat makers. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, she is also the patroness of Caprioli (SA), Santa Caternina (SA),  Melito (SA), Grammichele (CT), San Pietro Clarenza (CT), Santa Caterina (CT), San Pietro Clarenza (CT), Pedara (CT), Locri (RC), Mongrassano (CZ), Santa Caterina Albanese (CZ), Monteverde (AV), Santa Caterina dello Ionio (CZ), Santa Caterina di Nardò (LE), Santa Caterina Villarmosa (CL), Santa Maria a Toro (BN), and Viggianello (PZ), among others. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The accompanying photo of St. Catherine of Alexandria (c. 1650) from the workshop of Bernardo Cavallino was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Evviva Santa Caterina!

Prayer to St. Catherine of Alexandria

Glorious Saint Catherine, virgin and martyr, help me to imitate your love of purity. Give me strength and courage in fighting off the temptations of the world and evil desires. Help me to love God with my whole heart and serve Him faithfully. O Saint Catherine, through your glorious martyrdom for the love of Christ, help me to be loyal to my faith and my God as long as I live.

Novena to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Martire, ora pro nobis

Prayers by Rev. Bonaventure, O.F.M. to be recited for nine consecutive days, November 25th — December 3rd (Feast on December 4th)

Preparatory Prayer

Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son.

Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen.

Prayer in Honor of St. Barbara

O God, who didst adorn Thy holy virgin and martyr Barbara with extraordinary fortitude in the confession of the Faith, and didst console her in the most atrocious torments; grant us through her intercession perseverance in the fulfillment of Thy law and the grace of being fortified before our end with the holy sacraments, and of a happy death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Invocation of St. Barbara

Intrepid virgin and martyr, St. Barbara, through thy intercession come to my aid in all needs of my soul. Obtain for me the grace to be preserved from a sudden and unprovided death; assist me in my agony, when my senses are benumbed and I am in the throes of death. Then, O powerful patroness of the dying, come to my aid! Repel from me all the assaults and temptations of the evil one, and obtain for me the grace to receive before death the holy sacraments, that I breathe forth my soul confirmed in faith, hope, and charity, and be worthy to enter eternal glory. Amen.

  St. Barbara, at my last end
    Obtain for me the Sacrament;
  Assist one in that direst need
    When I my God and Judge must meet:
  That robed in sanctifying grace
    My soul may stand before His face.

Prayer

My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena.

Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.

* For more on St. Barbara and the Fourteen Holy Helpers, I highly recommend Project Gutenberg's free ebook, Mary, Help of Christians and the Fourteen Saints Invoked as Holy Helpers, compiled by Rev. Bonaventure, O.F.M. It has instructions, legends, novenas and prayers, with thoughts of the saints for every day of the year. Pictured is my makeshift shrine with icon.

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

Feast of San Giovanni della Croce

San Giovanni della Croce, ora pro nobis

November 24th is the Feast of San Giovanni della Croce (St. John of the Cross), Doctor of the Church and patron saint of contemplatives, poets, and mystics. A major figure of the Counter-Reformation, St. John was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and, with St. Teresa of Avila, a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to St. John of the Cross. The accompanying photo was taken outside St. Athanasius School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn before it was replaced with a statue of Christ the King. Evviva San Giovanni della Croce!

Prayer to St. John of the Cross

Saint John of the Cross, in the darkness of your worst moments, when you were alone and persecuted, you found God. Help me to have faith that God is there especially in the times when God seems absent and far away. Amen 

Photo of the Week: Hercules and Omphale, Queen of Lydia, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at Corpus Christi Church in South River, New Jersey

Feast of Santa Felicita Martire

Santa Felicita Martire, ora pro nobis

November 23rd is the Feast of Santa Felicita (St. Felicity of Rome), Martyr. Commonly known as the mother of the Seven Martyrs (whose memorial is celebrated on July 10th) she is the patron saint of widows, grieving parents and those who want children. She is also the principal patroness of Torricella Peligna (CH), Collarmela (AQ) and Isca sullo Ionio (CZ). In celebration, we're posting a prayer to Santa Felicita. The accompanying photo of silver miniature was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Dated 1762, the prized statuette was copied after Giacomo Serpotta's stucco figures of Augustinian nuns in Sant'Agostino, Palermo. Evviva Santa Felicita!

Prayer to St. Felicita

All-powerful, ever-living God, turn our weakness into strength. As you gave your martyrs St. Felicitas and her sons the courage to suffer death for Christ, give us the courage to live in faithful witness to you. Grant 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.

Feast of Our Lady of Beauraing at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, New Jersey

Feast of Santa Cecilia Martire

Santa Cecilia Martire, ora pro nobis

November 22nd is the Feast of Santa Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. Patroness of music and musicians, Saint Cecilia’s Day marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Southern Italy. Traditionally celebrated with music and concerts, it is also customary to enjoy regional delicacies, such as le pettole di Santa Cecilia, a fried dough specialty sometimes sprinkled with sugar or stuffed with anchovies, capers and codfish. In celebration, I'm posting A Prayer to Saint Cecilia. The accompanying photo of The Ecstasy of St. Cecilia is by Bernardo Cavallino (ca.1616-1656), courtesy of the Museo di Capodimonte in Napoli. Evviva Santa Cecilia!

A Prayer to Saint Cecilia

O glorious saint, who chose to die instead of denying your King, we pray you please to help us as His fair praise we sing. We lift our hearts in joyous song to honor Him this way. And while we sing, remembering, to sing is to doubly pray. At once in our hearts and in our tongues we offer double prayer sent heavenward on winged notes to praise God dwelling there. While in our hearts and tongues we try with song to praise God twice, we ask dear saint, to help us be united close to Christ! Amen.

Feast of Beato Salvatore Lilli e Compagni

Beato Salvatore Lilli e Compagni,
orate pro nobis

November 22nd is the Feast of Blessed Salvatore Lilli, Franciscan Priest, Missionary and Martyr. Born on June 19, 1853 in Cappadocia, Abruzzo, Salvator Lilli assumed the Franciscan habit in June 1870, made his religious profession in August 1871, and was ordained a priest in Jerusalem on April 6, 1878. 

Two years later he was transferred to Armenia where he did his utmost to help the sick and poor for nearly 15 years. 

In 1895 he was captured and tortured by the Turks. Refusing to convert to Islam, Blessed Salvatore and seven companions were put to death. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Salvatore Lilli and Companions. Evviva Beato Salvatore Lilli e Compagni!

Prayer to Blessed Salvatore Lilli and Companions

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 Martyr Salvatore Lelli and Companions, 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 

Forty Hours Devotion at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey

Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis

Deus, qui beátam Mariam semper Virginem Spiritus Sancti habitáculum, holdiérna die in templo præsentári voluísti: præsta, quæsumus; ut, ejus intercessióne, in templo glóriæ tuæ præsentári mereámur. Per Dóminum…in unitate ejusdem.

November 21st is the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple. In fulfillment of a vow, San Gioacchino and Sant’Anna brought Our Lady as a child to the Temple in Jerusalem to consecrate their daughter to God and unknowingly begin her preparation to be the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Byzantine Church the celebration is regarded as one of the twelve great feasts of the liturgical year, called the Dodecaorton. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Latin and English. The accompanying photo of a young Blessed Virgin Mary is a detail of my old beat-up statue of Sant’Anna. Evviva Maria!

Prayer

O God, Who wast pleased that on this day the Blessed Virgin, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, should be presented in the Temple, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by her intercession, we may deserve to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through…in the unity of the same.

Novena to Sant’Andrea Apostolo

Sant'Andrea Apostolo, ora pro nobis

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, November 21st to 29th, in preparation for the feast on November 30th. Evviva Sant'Andrea!

Day 1 — November 21st

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his openness to Your call in our own lives, that we may be as ready to serve You as he was. St. Andrew, you were one of the first people to be called personally by Our Lord. He called you and your brother St. Peter to leave behind your lives as fishermen and to follow Him as Apostles. You followed His call to become “fishers of men.” And you remained faithful to that call, staying with Him throughout His ministry and spreading the Gospel after His death. You probably never would have guessed that you would be invited to be one of the closest friends of the Son of God, but you left everything behind in order to follow Him. Pray for me, that I may be as ready to serve Christ as you were. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 2 — November 22nd

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his virtue in our daily lives, throughout the work we do each day. St. Andrew, you were no stranger to hard work. You spent much of your life performing the physical labor involved in the life of a professional fisherman. You did not move away from the demands of this work. Instead, you embraced it and attempted to do it well. When Jesus called you to leave your work behind and become a “fisher of men,” you immediately left your old life and dived into a new kind of work for the glory of God. Pray for me, as I strive for holiness amidst my daily work. Pray that, like you, my life may revolve around devotion to Christ. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Day 3 — November 23rd

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his faith in our own lives, that we may follow You as unreservedly as he did. St. Andrew, you left behind your old life as a fisherman when Our Lord called you to be His apostle. You did not know what this new life might entail, but you chose to follow Him readily in faith. Throughout Christ’s public ministry, you remained close with Him and did not desert Him. After His death and resurrection, you carried out the mission of preaching the Gospel despite persecution. You had faith that God would reward you in Heaven. Pray for me, that I may remain faithful to God in my life, despite fears of the unknown or of suffering. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 4 — November 24th

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his devotion and his close friendship with You, that we too may have a deep friendship with You. St. Andrew, you were one of the people who was closest to Jesus during His time on earth. Along with the other Apostles, you saw Him perform miracles and heard Him teach. You were with Him at the Last Supper when He gave us Himself in the Eucharist. You saw Him after He had risen from the dead. During the time you spent with Him, you developed a deep friendship with Him. Pray for me, that I may have a deep friendship with Christ. Pray that I may grow to love Him and serve Him as faithfully as you did. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 5 — November 25th

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his zeal for Your glory and his deep desire to win souls for You. St. Andrew, you became a missionary for Christ after His death. He once called you to become a “fisher of men,” and you carried out this call by preaching the Gospel to others in the area near the Black Sea. Though Christians were persecuted and you knew that preaching about Christ could cause you to be killed, you did not waver in your mission. You continued trying to bring souls to God, until you were martyred for your missionary work. Pray for me, that I may be as zealous for souls as you were. Pray that I may never waiver in preaching the Gospel, even if I must suffer because of it. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 6 — November 26th

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his love for You, especially for the Eucharist that he encountered for the first time at the Last Supper. St. Andrew, you were one of Our Lord’s closest friends while He was on earth. With the other Apostles, you spent much time with Christ. You were one of the privileged men who shared the Last Supper with Him. You were there when He gave us His own Body and Blood in the Eucharist. You received from Him the immense gift of Himself that He continues to give us at each Mass. Pray for me, that I may always show the Eucharist the reverence It is due. Pray that I may always recognize what a gift Christ has given us in His Body and Blood. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 7 — November 27th

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his courage in preaching the Gospel, that we may always be firm in our faith, no matter what it may cost us. St. Andrew, you readily accepted the mission from Jesus to become a “fisher of men,” and you carried out that mission until the end of your life. After Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, Christians were often persecuted and killed. But despite this, you carried on courageously in your mission to preach the Gospel. You continued trying to win souls for Christ until your martyrdom, and you did not let the threat of suffering or death stop you. Pray for me, that I may have the courage to preach the Gospel against all obstacles as you did. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 8 — November 28th

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his courage amidst suffering, that we may be ready to even give our lives for our faith if necessary. St. Andrew, you knew that being a Christian and spreading the Gospel would not be easy. You knew that Our Lord’s words about the need to suffer for Him would be true in your own life. But even though remaining faithful to Him would mean your death, you did not waver in your faith. You willingly suffered for Christ and ultimately died for Him, knowing that your reward would be great in Heaven. Pray for me and for all who face the threat of suffering or death over their faith in Christ. Pray that we may have the strength to stand strong in our faith, even to the point of death if necessary. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 9 — November 29th

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Andrew the Apostle as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his humility, that we may be as humble as he was when he thought himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. St. Andrew, you worked with great bravery for the sake of the Gospel throughout your life, even continuing on courageously to the point of death. But like your brother St. Peter, you did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus did. When you were sentenced to death by crucifixion, you requested your cross to be different from Our Lord’s, feeling that your death as a sinful man should not look outwardly identical to the death of Jesus. Pray for me, that I may have a true, humble understanding of my own sinfulness. Please also pray for (mention your intentions here). St. Andrew the Apostle, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

* Photo of reliquary bust of Sant’Andrea Apostolo was taken inside the Duomo di Amalfi by Andrew Giordano