You'll be able to interact with Mr. Coulombe (and others) and explore the ongoing reality we are all experiencing together, as Mr. Coulombe says, "with more joy, I hope, than sorrow."
You can visit Coulombe's Company at www.coulombescompany.com
March 3, 2025
Announcing Coulombe's Company on Substack
You'll be able to interact with Mr. Coulombe (and others) and explore the ongoing reality we are all experiencing together, as Mr. Coulombe says, "with more joy, I hope, than sorrow."
You can visit Coulombe's Company at www.coulombescompany.com
March 2, 2025
Feast of San Luca Casale da Nicosia
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| San Luca Casale, ora pro nobis |
Prayer to St. Luca Casale of Nicosia
O Glorious St. Luca Casale of Nicosia, 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
Wargame Featuring a Miniature Bourbon Army
For more information visit: www.shako64.com
March 1, 2025
Revisiting an Old Hobby
March — A Poem by Salvatore Di Giacomo
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The month of March is named after
Mars, the god of war. Relief from Villa San Michele, Capri
Photo by New York Scugnizzo
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Marzo
Marzo: nu poco chiove
e n' ato ppoco stracqua:
torna a chiovere, schiove,
ride 'o sole cu ll'acqua.
Mo nu cielo celeste,
mo n'aria cupa e nera:
mo d' 'o vierno 'e tempeste,
mo n'aria e primmavera.
N' auciello freddigliuso
aspetta ch' esce 'o sole:
ncopp' 'o tturreno nfuso
suspireno 'e vviole...
Catarì!... Che buo' cchiù?
Ntiénneme, core mio!
Marzo, tu 'o ssaie, si' tu,
e st'auciello songo io.
March: there's a bit of rain,
just a bit later it stops:
it starts, then it stops again,
the sun laughs with the drops.
A moment of clear azure,
a moment of clouds threatening:
a moment of winter's fury,
a moment of glorious spring.
A shivering bird nearby
waits for the sun to return,
while all of the violets sigh
over the sodden terrain.
Caterina!... Isn't it clear
from what you've already heard?
You know, you are March, my dear,
and I am that little bird.
* English translation by Michael Palma
February 28, 2025
Meridiunalata: East Village by Cav. Charles Sant’Elia
East Village
Freva ‘e nejone ‘e nuttate,
Schizzarielle ‘e sciate
Ncopp’’e vetrate,
E finalemente doppo miezujuorno
Na passejata cu te.
Schiara e schiara
Schiocca ‘a luce e sponta ‘a veretà-
Babbelonia, Bonosário,
Chi sape, che mporta?
Ajere muorto, ogge nascenno, craje nun nato,
È ‘o stesso.
Sunnatore, sunnámbulo, o sunnato,
Nun me ntrico quanno te veco.
East Village
Neon fever the nights,
Little droplets the breaths
On glass,
And finally after noon
A walk with you.
The light
Clears and clears
Bursts and the truth sprouts-
Babylon, Buenos Aires,
Who knows, what does it matter?
Yesterday dead, today birthing, tomorrow not born,
It is the same.
Dreamer, sleepwalker, or dreamt one,
I don’t delay when I see you.
* 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.
New Book — St. Agatha of Sicily Biography
• St. Agatha of Sicily Biography: Her life from beginning to the end and Catholic Novena prayers with scriptures by Alaric Stonewall
Publisher: Independently published
Publication Date: February 14, 2025
Paperwork: $12.99
Language: English
Pages: 76
Read description
Click here to see more books
Listing does not imply any endorsement
February 27, 2025
Birth of the Tercio de Nápoles
“The ink that dyes my pen is not soaked in the blue of literary chimeras, but is red like the blood of the soldiers of the ‘tercios’ of the kings of Naples, in which my Neapolitan ancestors, sons of Italian land, established the truth absorbing us with the perfect grace of the whirling flash of their imperial swords.” ~ Francisco de Tejada [1]
Today, we commemorate the formation of the Tercio de Nápoles, the Old Third of Naples. February 27, 1537, marks the traditional birth date of this elite fighting force. Dios, Patria, Fueros y Rey. [2]
Notes
[1] Translated from La monarchia tradizionale, Francisco Elías de Tejada, Controcorrente Edizioni, 2001, p. 16. The original reads: “L’inchiostro che tinge la mia penna non è intriso nell’azzurro delle chimere letterarie, ma è rosso come il sangue dei soldati dei 'tercios' dei re di Napoli, in cui i miei antenati napoletani, figli di terra italiana, stabilirono la verità che ci assorbe colla grazia perfetta del roteante balenio delle loro spade imperiali.”
[2] Carlist motto, which means "God, Country, Privileges and King"
Feast of San Leandro di Siviglia
February 27th is the Feast of St. Leander (c. 534 - c. 601), Hispano-Roman Benedictine Monk and Bishop of Seville, Spain. Born to a devoutly religious family in Cartagena, Spain, he was the brother of Saints Isidore of Seville, Fulgentius of Ecija and Florentina of Cartagena. Founding a religious school and composing a monastic Rule for nuns, he most famously introduced the recitation of the Nicene Creed at Mass. A great defender of the Faith against the Arian heresy in Iberia, St. Leander was instrumental in converting the Visigoths to Catholicism. The Spanish Church honors him as a Doctor of the Faith.
San Leandro di Siviglia, ora pro nobis
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Leander of Seville. The accompanying photos come courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy cards are part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Leandro di Siviglia!
Prayer to St. Leander of Seville
Lord God, who graciously imbued blessed Leander with heavenly doctrine, grant, through his intercession, that we may keep that same teaching faithfully and express it in what we do.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 San Gabriele dell’Addolorata
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San Gabriele, ora pro nobis |
February 27th is the Feast of San Gabriele dell’Addolorata (Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows), seminarian, mystic and Passionist brother of the Holy Cross. Protector of the Abruzzo Region of Southern Italy, he is also the Patron Saint of students, clerics and young people.
In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Saint Gabriel. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Francis of Paola Church (219 Conselyea Street) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva San Gabriele!
Prayer to Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
O Good Saint Gabriel, God inspired you to see the Passion of Jesus as it was reflected in the heart of Mary His Mother. By her side you stood beneth the cross of Jesus, gazing on Him as she did and learning the meaning of love. O Saint Gabriel, we wish, like you, to grow in love for God and all God’s people. Remember us in our trials, remember especially those who are young. Support us by your prayers all our days. And when this life is done may we join you in heaven in the company of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
February 26, 2025
A Short Story for “National Tell a Fairy Tale Day”
_painting_by_Franz_von_Stuck_1890_National_Gallery_in_Sofia.jpg) |
| Lucifer (1890) by Franz von Stuck |
It is ‘o munaciello who turns the house topsy turvy, puts the furniture in disarray, disturbs the heart, confuses the mind and fills it with fear. It is he, the tormented and tormenting spirit who brings chaos in his black habit, ruin in his black hood. It is ‘o Munaciello. ~ Matilde Serao, Neapolitan Legends (1881)While out having a coffee with a friend the other night, she had trouble finding her glasses in her pocketbook. Poking fun at her cluttered bag, I playfully suggested that the Munaciello had hidden them from her. An older gentleman sitting alone at the table beside us overheard our conversation and butted in: “What do you know of the Munaciello?”
“He’s a mischievous house spirit—an imp,” I said, “the ghost of a young water carrier (pozzaro).”
“The Munaciello is more than a prankster,” the old man said sternly, “and he’s real. This is no joking matter.”
I nodded, hoping he would elaborate.
Downing the rest of his espresso, he continued: “When I was a young boy, the Munaciello visited me in my family's garden.”
“Where was this?” I interrupted.
“Teggiano, provincia di Salerno.”
“Sorry, please continue.”
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| The Dead Travel Fast (1839) by Émile Jean Horace Vernet |
“What did you do next?” I asked.
“I ran home to tell my father what had happened. Armed with a spade, he returned with me and was shocked by the destruction.”
“Did your father believe you?”
“Of course,” he said, displeased with my question.
“I always pictured the little devil to be a small, misshapen hunchback, reminiscent of John Henry Fuselli's The Nightmare." He was unfamiliar with the reference.
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| The Nightmare (1781) by John Henry Fuselli |
“No,” said the gentleman. “Dressed all in black, he was imposing, with gleaming eyes and pale skin. His horse was dark as night.” Pausing for a moment, “I’ll never forget those terrible eyes, they pierced my soul.”
I can't explain the discrepancy in appearances, but his harrowing description of the spirit reminded me more of Émile Jean Horace Vernet’s The Dead Travel Fast or Franz von Stuck’s Lucifer.
Wishing us a good night, we thanked him for his story and he left.
My friend found her glasses, and we continued with our date. After finishing our coffee, we learned that the talkative old gentleman had given us more than a story; he also paid for our drinks. Turning to my friend, "It would seem that the legends are true, and the Munaciello gives as much as he takes."
~ By Giovanni di Napoli, February 25, Feast of Santa Valburga, protectress from witchcraft and evil spirits
Novena to San Tommaso D'Aquino
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| San Tommaso D'Aquino, ora pro nobis |
Saint Thomas Aquinas, patron of students and schools, I thank God for the gifts of light and knowledge God bestowed on you, which you used to build up the church in love. I thank God, too, for the wealth and richness of theological teaching you left in your writings. Not only were you a great teacher, you lived a life of virtue and you made holiness the desire of your heart. If I cannot imitate you in the brilliance of your academic pursuits, I can follow you in the humility and charity that marked your life. As Saint Paul said, charity is the greatest gift, and is open to all. Pray for me that I may grow in holiness and charity. Pray also for Catholic schools and for all students. In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena. (Mention your request). Amen.
* The accompanying photo was taken at Saint Mary's Church (10-08 49th Avenue) in Long Island City, New York.
Remembering Joseph de Maistre
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| b. 1 April 1753 — d. 26 February 1821 |
Eternal rest grant unto him, 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
Remembering King Roger II of Sicily
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| Statue of Ruggero II di Sicilia sculpted by Emilio Franceschi on the western facade of the Royal Palace in the Largo del Palazzo Reale in Naples |
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
February 25, 2025
Feast of Santa Valburga
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| Santa Valburga, ora pro nobis |
St. Walburga is also venerated on May 1st in remembrance of her canonization by Pope Adrian II in 870 and the translation of her holy relics to Eichstätt from Heildenheim. During this celebration, she is associated with the coming of spring and invoked for bountiful crops and protection against witchcraft and sorcery. Interestingly, on April 30th, known as Saint Walpurga’s Night, great bonfires are set ablaze to ward off evil spirits and witches, similar to the protecting fires erected on the Eves of Sant’Antonio Abate and San Giovanni Battista.
She is counted among the Elaephori, or oil-exuding saints. Still flowing from her tomb in Eichstätt, this miraculous manna is said to have cured countless pilgrims of their illnesses. As the patron saint of sailors, she is invoked against violent storms and hydrophobia.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Walburga. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Santa Valburga!
Prayer to St. Walburga
O holy St. Walburga, glorious servant of God, after you had lived holily in peaceful obscurity, you were united by your blessed death to your Divine Spouse, Jesus Christ, in order to receive from Him the reward of your virtues. You followed the Lamb wherever He went, and you shared in that glory and joy which only the clean of heart can enjoy. You are enthroned amid the choir of saints, joined by your holy parents, St. Richard and St. Wuna, and to your holy brothers, St. Willibald and St. Wunibald. Forget not those who still have to struggle amid the stormy sea of life, and obtain for them the prize of victory. Amen.
Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet
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| O Infant Jesus, Whose truth enlightens the darkness of our heart, have mercy on us |
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* www.sistersofcarmel.com
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.
Photo of the Week: Entrance to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
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| Photo by New York Scugnizzo |
February 24, 2025
Feast of Beato Tommaso Maria Fusco
February 24th is the feast of Beato Tommaso Maria Fusco, Priest and Confessor. Born to a noble family in Pagani, Salerno on December 1, 1831, Tommaso was the seventh of eight children. Losing both parents at an early age, the children were raised and educated by their fraternal uncle, who was a priest and school teacher. Extremely pious, Tommaso entered the seminary in 1847 and was ordained a priest on December 22, 1855. Joining the Congregation of Missionaries of Nocera, he travelled around the Kingdom of Naples for a few years to preach. Opening a school of moral theology in his home, he also founded the Priestly Society of the Catholic Apostolate to support missions and the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood to care for orphans. He died in Pagani on February 24, 1891. 
Beato Tommaso Maria Fusco, ora pro nobis
In celebration, I’m posting a prayer for the Glorification of Blessed Tommaso Maria Fusco. Pictured are the front and back of my reliquary pin with second class relic (ex indumentis). Evviva Beato Tommaso Maria Fusco!
Prayer
O God, Father of life, in the Blood of Christ, your Son and our Redeemer, you manifested your love for the world, you established the new and eternal alliance, you made up for us source of all holiness. Accept this humble prayer: grant, if it is in your will, full glorification among your saints by the priest Tommaso Maria Fusco, and, through his intercession, the grace that I ask of you (mention your request here…) so that I too can put me in service of your plan of salvation and witness the charity of Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Happy Birthday Prince Carlo di Borbone!
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| HRH was born in Saint Raphaël, France on February 24, 1963 |
In celebration, we’re posting the traditional prayer for the Prince.*
Ant. O Lord, save our Prince, Charles, and hear us on the day we call upon Thee.
Let us pray:
Extend, O Lord, the right hand of Thy heavenly aid to Thy servant Charles, Master of our Order, so that strengthened by Thy protection, he may ever be the just, brave, pious, prudent and untiring ruler of this Sacred Order, drive out the unfaithful, and honor justice, reward merit and punish fault: may he be the defender of the Faith of Thy holy and Catholic Church, to the honor and praise of Thy glorious Name, and after a long and happy life on earth, may, by Thy Will, enjoy eternal beatitude in Heaven. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
* Source: The American Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George
February 23, 2025
Feast of San Pier Damiani
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| San Pier Damiani, ora pro nobis |
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to great Saint. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The wood sculpture is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva San Pier Damiani!
Prayer to St. Peter Damian
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may so follow the teaching and example of the Bishop Saint Peter Damian, that, putting nothing before Christ and always ardent in the service of your Church, we may be led to the joys of eternal light. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus
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| Holy Face of Jesus, have mercy on us |
O Lord Jesus Christ, in presenting ourselves before Thy adorable Face, to ask of Thee the graces of which we stand in most need, we beseech Thee above all, to grant us that interior disposition of never refusing at any time what Thou requires of us by Thy holy commandments and divine inspirations. Amen.
O Good Jesus, who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” grant us O Lord, that faith which obtains all, or supply in us what may be deficient. Grant us, by the pure effect of Thy charity, and for Thy eternal glory, the graces that we need and that we seek from Thy infinite mercy. Amen.
Be merciful to us, O my God, and reject not our prayers, when amid our afflictions, we call upon Thy Holy Name and seek with love and confidence Thy adorable Face. Amen.
O Almighty and Eternal God, look upon the Face of Thy Son Jesus. We present It to Thee with confidence to implore Thy pardon. The All-Merciful Advocate opens His Lips to plead our cause. Hearken to His cries, behold His tears, O God, and through His infinite merits, hear Him when He intercedes for us poor miserable sinners. Amen.
Adorable Face of Jesus, my only love, my light and my life, grant that I may know Thee, love Thee and serve Thee alone, that I may live with Thee, by Thee and for Thee. Amen.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the adorable Face of Thy Beloved Son for the honor and glory of Thy Name, for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of the dying. O Divine Jesus, through Thy Face and Name, save us. Our Hope is in the virtue of Thy Holy Name! Amen.
* The novena prayer was reprinted from www.traditioninaction.org. Pictured is a blessed Holy Face of Jesus medal with the Latin inscription based on Psalm 66:2: Illumina, Domine, vultum tuum super nos (May, O Lord, the light of Thy countenance shine upon us). The medal is a shield of courage and a guarantee of love and mercy that Jesus wishes to give the world. Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus is a special defense against the diabolical snares plaguing the hearts of men today. All who devoutly wear the medal and visit the Blessed Sacrament every Tuesday (if possible) in reparation for the outrages committed against Our Lord during His Passion and the daily sacrileges and profanations against the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, will be fortified in Faith and promised a happy death under the loving gaze of Christ Himself.
February 22, 2025
A Look at the Revival Styles, 1800-1850 Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
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| Queen consort of the French, Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily, marble, 1841, by Baron François- Joseph Bosio |
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| Ferdinando De' Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany, marble, ca. 1680-82, by Giovanni Battista Foggini (Italian Baroque Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gallery) |
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| Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul, hard-paste biscuit porcelain, ca. 1800, Dihl & Guérhard Factory, Paris |
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| Napoleon I in his coronation robes, a tapestry of wool, silk, and metal thread; gilded pine frame; woven in the high-warp workshop of Michel Henri Cozette at the Gobelins manufactory by several weavers (1808-11) after a design by François Gerard after a copy of a painting by Gerard (1805) |
Feast of Santa Margherita da Cortona
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| Santa Margherita da Cortona, ora pro nobis |
February 22nd is the Feast of Santa Margherita da Cortona (1247-1297), Penitent, Franciscan Tertiary, Mystic, and Foundress of a hospital and charitable lay apostolate known as the poor ones. Invoked against temptations, she is the patroness of the falsely accused, homeless, penitents, insane, orphaned, mentally ill, midwives, single mothers, reformed prostitutes, stepchildren, and the town of Cortona in Provincia di Arezzo.
In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Margaret of Cortona by Pope John Paul II (1999). The photo of St. Margaret of Cortona (c. 1758) by Gaspare Traversi was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. The masterpiece depicts the great Saint in the habit of a Franciscan Tertiary gazing at an angel holding a crown of thorns. Her illegitimate son, playing with a dog at her feet, represents her former sins. The dog, which is her attribute, is said to have led her to the body of her murdered lover in a forest. In the background, the Devil returns to the pit dejected, failing to tempt the penitent to return to her sinful life. Evviva Santa Margherita!
Prayer to St. Margaret of Cortona
O St. Margaret of Cortona, I pray with you at the feet of Christ Crucified and Risen...Lord Jesus, crucified for us, in offering yourself on Calvary for all humanity, you have revealed to us the wellsprings of everlasting life. May the mystery of your Passion enlighten our life making us ready to follow you on the way of holiness and love. Rekindle our faith; teach us to recognize and welcome in our everyday life the plans of your mysterious Providence. Give us the courage to confess our sins and open our hearts to sorrow, in order to receive the gift of your mercy. Empower us to forgive our brethren following the example of your love that knows no bonds... glorious St. Margaret of Cortona, present this request to our Crucified Lord...Guide us with the strength of your example, support us with your constant protection, be our companion we beg you, till we reach our Father's house. Amen.
Feast of the Chair of San Pietro Apostolo at Antioch
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| San Pietro Apostolo, ora pro nobis |
Prayer to St. Peter the Apostle
O Holy Apostle, because you are the Rock upon which Almighty God has built His church; 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, recollection 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 worthy to appear before the chief and eternal Shepherd of souls, Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever. Amen.
February 21, 2025
Brief Excerpt from “Religion, Liberty and Intelligence” by Juan Donoso Cortés
Man is by his nature religious, intelligent, and free. When these three characteristics, which constitute his nature, develop harmoniously, man achieves his highest degree of perfection and felicity. When these three elements do not develop harmoniously in him, a feverish agitation oppresses him and an indefinable and severe pain torments him.
To prove our theory, we invoke the testimony of history. When the element of intelligence in a man dominates the other elements, that man is a philosopher. When the sentiment of liberty inflames him, he is a warrior, and finally, when faith burns in his heart and consumes him, he is a monk.
In vain will one search history for other types of great and sublime characters; there are no others. Man, to be great, to live in posterity, has to be notable in war, religion, or letters. He has to be religious, intelligent, or free: a monk, a philosopher, or a warrior. Let us erase these three categories from the history of the world, and the world, destitute of its heroes, destitute of its philosophers, and destitute of its martyrs, would be left destitute of its glory.
The uniting in a single man of these three sublime characteristics has been realized only once in the world. Only once have the centuries witnessed a man whose voice was the intelligence of the world and the confusion of the wise, the most intelligent among the intelligent. A man who announced with his coming the kingdom of faith, who inflamed with his holy fire tepid hearts, the most religious among religious. There was a man, finally, who, when his mission was accomplished, resigned himself to a voluntary death, the freest of free men. Behold the man completely great, the representative man, the beautiful ideal of the whole of humanity: Ecce homo.
* Reprinted from “Religion, Liberty and Intelligence” El Porvenir, Tuesday, June 13, 1837, in Donoso Cortés: Readings in Political Theory, selected and edited with introduction by R.A. Herrera, Sapientia Press of Ave Maria University, 2007, pp. 15-16
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