Feast of Beata Giovanna di Tolosa

Beata Giovanna di Tolosa, ora pro nobis

March 31st is the Feast of Blessed Jane of Toulouse, Countess of Toulouse, Virgin, Carmelite tertiary and foundress of the Carmelite Third Order. Taking a vow of chastity, she received the tertiary habit from St. Simon Stock and dedicated herself to a life of prayer and helping the sick and poor. Many miracles have been attributed to her after her death. Blessed Jane was beatified on February 11, 1895 by Pope Leo XIII.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Jane of Toulouse. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Beata Giovanna di Tolosa!

Prayer to Blessed Jane of Toulouse

Hear us, God our Savior, that, as we rejoice in commemorating the Virgin blessed Jane, we may be instructed by her loving devotion. 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. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Madonna col Bambino (Ca. 1480) by Domenico Gagini, Museo di Castelnuovo, Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Southern Italian Music for Holy Week

• Passione

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• La Voce Della Passione

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• Tenebrae: Neapolitan Music for the Holy Week

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• Passio Secundum Joannem by Francesco Feo

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All are available from Amazon.com

Lætare Sunday

A bouquet of golden roses

Lætare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum lætitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestræ. (Psalm) Lætatus sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. Gloria Patri.(1)

The fourth and middle Sunday of Lent is called Lætare Sunday, after the incipit of the Mass Introit (entrance antiphon), Lætare Jerusalem, which in Latin means “Rejoice, O Jerusalem.” A joyful day, it is meant to console the faithful and encourage us to persevere to the end of our austere Lenten journey. Instead of the penitential violet, the sacred ministers wear rose-colored vestments, music is played at Mass, and flowers adorn the altar for the day. Also called Rose Sunday, after the customary blessing of the Golden Roses by the Pope, the resplendent bouquets were traditionally bestowed upon Catholic sovereigns or sacred institutions as a sign of the Holy Father's favor. It is said the roses allude to Our Lord's shining majesty.

In celebration, I’m posting the Collect for the Mass. The photo of the golden roses was taken at the Our Lady of the Snow Society clubhouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. To be clear, this bouquet was not a gift from the Pope, but since it is held by the statue of the Blessed Mother, I thought it would make a nice example of the symbolism of Christ's splendor.

Collect Prayer

O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. 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

(1) Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. (Psalm) I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. Glory be to the Father.

Feast of San Giovanni Climaco

San Giovanni Climaco, ora pro nobis

March 30th is the Feast of St. John Climacus (also known St. John of the Ladder), 6th century Hermit, Ascetic, Monk, and Abbot. At the age of sixteen, he devoted himself to a life of prayer, mortification and solitude as a hermit on Mount Sinai. Revered for his wisdom and holiness, he was elected abbot of the monastery, where he wrote the influential treatise on monastic life, The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

In celebration, I’m posting the prayers to St. John Climacus from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home [link will open PDF file]. They are meant for private use. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Giovanni Climaco!

Troparia
Troparion Tone 4 We find your virtues to be a ladder leading us to heaven, venerable Father John. You have become virtue personified, 0 glorious saint!

Kontakion Tone 4 The Lord has placed you on the pinnacle of chastity, 0 Father John our Guide. Like abrilliant star you shed light on the earth!

Stichera from For a Monk.
Sessional Hymns from the weekday.

Feast of Beato Gioacchino da Fiore

Beato Gioacchino da Fiore, ora pro nobis

March 30th is the Feast of Blessed Joachim of Fiore (ca. 1135—1202), Calabrian theologian, exegete, seer, ascetic, philosopher, mystic, Cistercian abbot and founder of the monastic order of San Giovanni in Fiore. Regarded as one of the great thinkers of the Middle Ages, his Trinitarian conception of history, divided into the age of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, corresponds with the Old Testament, the New Testament, and an impending age of regeneration of the church and society respectively. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Joachim of Fiore. Evviva Beato Gioacchino da Fiore!

Prayer to Blessed Joachim of Fiore

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

Francesco V D'Austria-Este, a 150 Anni dalla Sua Morte

A Prayer for the Earthquake Victims in Southeast Asia

Sant'Emidio, prega per noi

We offer prayers for the victims of the catastrophic earthquake that hit Southeast Asia Friday afternoon. The loss of life, the suffering, and the destruction deeply sadden us. May Sant'Emidio, Blessed Isidore Ngei Ko Lat, and Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung protect and watch over you.

Prayer to Saint Emygdius in Times of Earthquake and Calamities

Saint Emygdius, Bishop and Martyr of the faith, accept kindly the prayer that we confidently address to you. Intercede for us before the Lord so that, by imitating you, our faith, vivified by works, be a testimony of filial love for God and fraternal love for one’s neighbor. Encouraged by your example we promise to live with a heart detached from earthly goods and the willingness to sacrifice everything in order to remain faithful to God and the Church. Extend upon us, on our families and on our cities your protection, from the earthquake and from every other calamities or pestilence, so that preserved from them, we may lead a quiet and peaceful life dedicated at giving glory to God hoping to secure the salvation of our souls. Amen.

Feast of San Bertoldo di Calabria

San Bertoldo di Calabria, ora pro nobis

March 29th is the feast of St. Berthold of Calabria, 12th-century French crusader, mystic, hermit, ascetic, founder and first prior general of the Carmelite Order. While defending Antioch from the Saracens, he had a vision of angels carrying his fallen brethren to heaven. After the siege, he established a small hermit colony in Palestine and built a chapel on Mount Carmel dedicated to Our Lady, founding the Carmelite Order in 1155. He served as prior for forty-five years until his death in 1195.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Berthold of Calabria. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Bertoldo di Calabria!

Prayer to St. Berthold of Calabria

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Berthold may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Berthold protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Incontro Annuale dei Comitati delle Due Sicilie

Feast of San Giovanni da Capestrano

San Giovanni da Capestrano, ora pro nobis

March 28th is the Feast of San Giovanni da Capestrano, Franciscan friar and priest. Patron Saint of military chaplains and jurists, he is also the protector of Capestrano, a commune in the Province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo), where he was born in 1386. 

San Giovanni is revered as the "soldier saint" for his role in the valiant defense of Belgrade against the Ottoman Turks in 1456. With his fiery sermons, he helped raise a peasant army and assisted John Hunyadi, the heroic White Knight of Wallachia, in breaking the siege and routing the invaders. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer in honor of St. John of Capistrano. Evviva San Giovanni!

Prayer to St. John of Capistrano

Lord, you raised up Saint John of Capistrano to give your people comfort in their trials. May your Church enjoy unending peace and be secure in your protection. 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 Princess Cristina Pia of the Two Sicilies

24 December 1869 – 28 March 1870

In memory of Princess Maria Cristina Pia Anna Isabella Natalia Elisa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, daughter of SG King Francesco II and Queen Maria Sophia of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul.

Eternal rest grant unto her, 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 Concert of Sacred Choral Music at Sacred Heart Church in Boston's Historic North End

Remembering Charles III, Duke of Parma

14 January 1823 – 27 March 1854

In memory of Carlo III di Borbone, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. While out for a stroll on Sunday 26 March 1854, the Duke was mortally wounded by an assassin’s blade and died at 5:30 PM the following evening on 27 March.

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.

A Look at the Miniature Siege of Gaeta Diorama I'm Made for a Friend

I just about finished the small diorama of the Siege of Gaeta, featuring a metal miniature of Servant of God King Francesco II of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, which I made for a friend. All that remains is to make and attach His Majesty's sword and scabbard, which were missing from the box. Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted the photos I took to document the creative process (building, priming, painting, etc.), so all I can show you is the nearly finished product.

New Book: Inside Sicily

A forthcoming title that may be of interest to our readers. Available at Amazon.com

• Inside Sicily by Christopher Garis and Guido Taroni

Publisher: Vendome Press
Publication Date: Sept. 16, 2025
Hardcover: $75.00
Language: English
Pages: 366

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Satisfying My Book Itch

“To be oblivious of the past, to turn our backs on it, has the effect we are witnessing today, namely, that human beings are becoming barbarians again.” ~ What is Knowledge? by José Ortega y Gasset, p.193 [*]

On one of our editorial team’s semi-regular conference calls to discuss upcoming projects, we got sidetracked (as we are wont to do) and talked about a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to) ancient Rome, modern politics, and the German Conservative Revolution, which took up most of our time. Far from being exclusively German, thinkers aligned with the political-philosophical movement could be found in other parts of Europe as well. Some of the names bandied about were Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923), Giovanni Gentile (1875-1944), and José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955). Debating their relevance to the movement (if relevant at all—I wouldn’t include Gentile), we naturally got little in the way of work accomplished, though we had a good time.

José Ortega y Gasset

Reflecting on our conversation the next morning, I decided to go to my favorite used book store to see what I could find by José Ortega y Gasset. As a teen, I was influenced by his The Revolt of the Masses (1929) and sometime later, What is Knowledge? (1934). I haven't read much more since and wanted to change that. Occasionally, I go through these obsessive phases where I take a deep dive into certain authors and read as much as I can by them. I’ve done this in the past with E.M. Cioran (1911-1995), Ernst Jünger (1895-1998), and most recently with the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935). I feel that compulsive urge brewing again, this time for Ortega.

Hitting the jackpot, I walked away from the bookshop with inexpensive beat-up copies of The Dehumanization of Art and Other Essays on Art, Culture, and Literature (1972), Velazquez, Goya, and The Dehumanization of Art (1972), and Meditations on Hunting (1942). Considering how prolific the great Spanish philosopher and essayist was, this small sampling will have to keep me content for the time being.

I know I once wrote that “I’m not a bibliomaniac” and that I don’t “suffer from some obsessive-compulsive disorder,” [See My Book Dilemma and Other First World Problems] but seeing how intent I was in getting a new book (even though I have so many I haven’t gotten to yet) I’m beginning to think that I may have a problem.

~ Giovanni di Napoli, March 25th, Feast of the Annunciation

Notes:
[*] Little to do with this anecdote, the epigraph is just a ponderable quote I found highlighted in my copy of What is Knowledge? and I thought it worth posting.

Honoring the Fallen of Civitella del Tronto, the Last Bastion of Bourbon Resistance, with Members of the 1° Reggimento Re

Photos courtesy of Angela Cuccillato

Eternal Majesty: A Musical Tribute to an Empress

For more information, visit musicatransalpina.org

Feast of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation and the Mystery of the Incarnation, recalls when the Archangel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary and announced she would conceive a Child by the Holy Spirit. It is also the traditional day to make your total consecration to Our Lord Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

In celebration, I'm posting The Angelus, a devotional prayer honoring the Blessed Mother's role in the Incarnation, which should be repeated three times daily (morning, midday and evening). The accompanying photo of the Annunciation was taken at St. Francis of Paola Church (219 Conselyea St.) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Angelus

Prayer at dawn:
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary:
And she conceived by the Holy Spirit

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Prayer at noon:
Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
Be it done unto me according to Thy Word.
Hail Mary…

Prayer at twilight:
And the Word was made flesh:
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…

Conclusion after each prayer time:
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen

Feast of the Madonna di Picciano

Madonna di Picciano, ora pro nobis

March 25th is the Feast of the Madonna di Picciano and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, protectress of the Santuario della Madonna overlooking the nearby hamlet of Picciano in Matera. Once guarded by the Knights Templar and later the Knights of Malta, the ancient sanctuary continues to draw pilgrims attracted to the miraculous image of the Blessed Mother, despite its suppression during the Napoleonic age. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer for the Feast of the Annunciation. The accompanying photo of the sanctuary’s wooden processional statue comes courtesy of Andrew Giordano. Evviva Maria!

Prayer for the Feast of the Annunciation

O God, Who wast pleased that the eternal Word, according to the declaration of the angel, should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Give to our humble petitions; and grant that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her prayers. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Novena to Santa Fara (Burgundofara)

Santa Fara, Ora pro nobis

Pray Novena to Santa Fara for nine consecutive days, March 25th to April 2nd, in preparation for the Feast on April 3rd. 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.

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

Seminario di Formazione: La Crisi del Cosiddetto Welfare State

A Look at the Tavola di San Giuseppe in Lodi, New Jersey

Photo courtesy of John Cordi

Feast of San Gabriele Arcangelo

San Gabriele Arcangelo, ora pro nobis

March 24th is the Feast of San Gabriele Arcangelo, the exalted messenger of God. He is the patron saint of postmen, diplomats, messengers and telecommunication workers. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Archangel Gabriel. The accompanying photo of The Annunciation by Luca Giordano was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Evviva San Gabriele!

A Prayer to the Archangel Gabriel

O Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Aldemaro da Capua

The Abbey of Monte Cassino

March 24th is the Feast Day of Sant’Aldemaro il Saggio (St. Aldemar the Wise), Abbot and miracle worker. Born in Capua, as a young boy he was sent to the Abbey of Monte Cassino, where he became a Benedictine monk. Renowned for his wisdom and holiness, he was appointed rector of the Monastery of San Lorenzo di Capua, which was founded by the Lombard Princess Aloara (d.992). Performing many miracles, Sant’Aldemaro was eventually recalled to Monte Cassino by his superiors, which caused a bitter dispute between the Abbot Aligerno (949-86) and the Princess. Wanting no part in the quarrel, Sant’Aldemaro moved on to Boviano in Molise, where he miraculously escaped a crossbow attack by a man outraged by his brother’s generous donation of land to the Saint. Relocating again, Sant’Aldemaro settled in Bocchignano, Abruzzo, where he founded the Monastery of Santa Eufemia. Traveling around the Diocese of Chieti preaching and performing miracles, he built several more religious houses before dying in 1080.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Aldemar the Wise. The accompanying photo was taken during my 2007 pilgrimage to the Abbey of Monte Cassino in Southern Italy. Sant'Aldemaro da Capua, ora pro nobis.

Prayer to St. Aldemar the Wise

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

St. John Before the Latin Gate at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Feast of San Giuseppe Oriol

San Giuseppe Oriol, ora pro nobis

March 23rd is the Feast of St. Joseph Oriol, Priest, Mystic, Ascetic, and Wonderworker. Born on November 23, 1650 to a poor family from Barcelona, Spain, his education was entrusted to a local parish priest. Thanks to some benefactors, he attended university and obtained a doctorate in theology at the age of twenty-three. He was ordained a priest in 1676.

One day while sitting for a sumptuous dinner, an invisible force stayed his hand and kept him from partaking in the meal. Seeing this as a divine warning to fast and abstain from creature comforts, St. Joseph Oriol engaged in a lifetime of rigid asceticism and mortifications.

Seized suddenly with an ardent desire to one day be able to die a martyr, he left for Rome to offer himself as a missionary to evangelize the infidels. However, while on the pilgrimage, he fell ill, and only a vision of the Blessed Mother convinced him to return to Barcelona and strengthen the Faith back home.

Dedicating himself to helping the poor and sick, he led a very active apostolate, ministering successfully to soldiers and children. Renowned for his many miracles, St. Joseph Oriol cured the sick, blind, deaf, and lame.

Realizing his death was near, he received extreme unction and Viaticum. During his last three days, he subsisted solely on the Eucharist. Announcing the end had arrived, on March 23, 1702 he requested the Stabat Mater to be recited and exhaled his last breath.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Joseph Oriol. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Giuseppe Oriol!

Prayer to St. Joseph Oriol

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Joseph Oriol may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Joseph Oriol protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Great Hall of the Sundial in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Lenten Feria at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Sweet Sixteen

Today, our little blog turns sixteen, and like all things of beauty (cars, ships, etc.), we think of her as our baby. Unlike the lavish coming-of-age parties typically thrown for a girl's sixteenth birthday, we contributors are keeping our celebration modest and even-keeled. Later tonight, at our small celebratory gathering, we will raise a glass of champagne (as alcohol is not part of our Lenten fast) and make the traditional cent’anni toast for “a hundred years” before getting back to work. As the saying goes, there is no rest for the weary.

Considering that the average lifespan of a blog is only two to three years, we are pleased with what we have achieved thus far, but not content. We know a century is unrealistic, but when the time finally comes to put the old girl out to pasture, we hope to have left our mark on our community and be fondly remembered for years to come. As for now, there is still important work to be done, and I’m convinced we can do better. Wishing you a blessed Lent, please keep us in your prayers. Viva Cristo Re!

Celebrating World Poetry Day

“I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation.” ~ The Cask Of Amontillado, Edgar Allan Poe (1846)

Notorious for my insensitivity and putting my foot in my mouth, I once told my hard-of-hearing friend that he was lucky he couldn’t hear the idiotic conversation at the table next to us. A good sport with a great sense of humor, he loves reminding me of my verbal gaffes.

Joining him for a caffè yesterday, I overheard four women at a nearby table mention Edgar Allan Poe. Striking up a conversation, I optimistically (foolishly?) asked if they were celebrating World Poetry Day and pulled out my copy of The Complete Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe (Signet Classics), which I happened to be carrying (among others) for the poetry reading party I was attending later that night with friends.

Laughing, the ladies told me they were unfamiliar with his poetry and that they were just discussing what to wear this weekend at the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, a “chilling cocktail experience” dedicated to the stories of the 19th-century American literary giant. Apologizing for disturbing them, I politely smiled and sheepishly returned to our table.

Watching the train wreck and seeing the disappointment in my eyes, my friend said “I bet you wish you were deaf.”

Feast of Sant'Isidoro l'Agricoltore

Sant'Isidoro l'agricoltore, ora pro nobis

March 22nd is the Feast of Sant’Isidoro (c.1075-1130), lay farmer, ascetic and miracle-worker. He is the patron saint of farmers, day laborers, agriculture, Madrid, Spain, and Giarre, a commune in the Metropolitan City of Catania. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Saint Isidore the Farmer. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken in the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo in Nicosia, Sicily. The painting depicts the saint miraculously making water gush from stones as angels plow the arid fields with oxen. Evviva Sant' Isidoro l'agricoltore!

Prayer to St. Isidore the Farmer

Good Saint, we are told that your devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was so great that you would rise before it was light in order to be able to attend Mass before beginning your work in the fields. Obtain for us, we pray you, some of that loving devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There it is that the fruits of our farm labor, bread and wine, are brought and offered to God by the priest. Then, in the consecration, Christ Himself, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, becomes present on our altars under the appearances of this same bread and wine. And in what was the altar bread, He comes to us to be the very food of our souls. If we deeply realize the value and beauty of Holy Mass, we will be very happy to attend as often as we possibly can.

Help us to understand that in the Mass we offer ourselves to God with Christ by the hands of the priest. There we can bring to God all that we do, and offer it to Him in union with His Holy Sacrifice. The oftener we do this now, the happier we shall be hereafter. Good Saint Isidore, bless us and our labors, that we may some day reap the reward of good works with you in heaven. Amen.

Prayer Source: Rural Life Prayerbook by Alban J. Dachauer, S.J., National Catholic Rural Life Conference,1956

The Heroic and Noble Virtues of Blessed Karl, Emperor and King, at the University Club of Washington, DC

Feast of San Benedetto da Nursia

San Benedetto da Nursia, ora pro nobis

"Pray and work."

March 21st is the Feast of San Benedetto da Nursia, Hermit and Patriarch of Western monasticism (he wrote the "Holy Rule of Saint Benedict"). Invoked against demonic possession and temptation, San Benedetto is the patron saint of Europe, Pertosa in Salerno, monks, architects, engineers, speleologists and spelunkers. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Benedict of Nursia. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Monastery of Santa Maria di Picciano in Matera, Basilicata. Evviva San Benedetto da Nursia!

A Prayer to Saint Benedict

Dear Saint Benedict, I thank God for showering you with His grace to love Him above all else and to establish a monastic rule that has helped so many of His children live full and holy lives. Through the cross of Jesus Christ, I ask you to please intercede that God might protect me, my loved ones, my home, property, possessions, and workplace today and always by your holy blessing, that we may never be separated from Jesus, Mary, and the company of all the blessed. Through your intercession may we be delivered from temptation, spiritual oppression, physical ills, and disease. Protect us from drug and alcohol abuse, impurity and immorality, objectionable companions, and negative attitudes. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Feast of Bl. Maria Candida of the Eucharist

Bl. Maria Candida, ora pro nobis

“When I was still a child, and before I was old enough to receive Jesus in Communion, I used to rush to the front door to greet my mother when she returned from Mass. There I stood on tiptoe to reach up to her and cried, 'I want God too!' My mother would bend down and softly breathe on my lips; I immediately left her, and placing my hands across my chest, full of joy and faith, jumping for joy I would keep repeating: 'I have received God too! I have received God too!”

March 21st is the Feast of Bl. Maria Candida of the Eucharist, Virgin and Mystic. Born on January 16, 1884 in Catanzaro, Calabria, Maria Barba felt the calling to a religious life at an early age, but was discouraged by her family. Receiving her First Holy Communion on April 3, 1894 in Palermo, Sicily (her parents' hometown), she had a strong devotion to the Eucharist. Finally entering the Order of the Discalced Carmelites in 1919, she assumed the name Maria Candida of the Eucharist and made her solemn profession on April 23, 1924. Eventually serving as Prioress and Mistress of Novices at her convent in Ragusa, Sicily, Mother Candida wrote extensively about the Mystery of the Eucharist. She died of cancer on June 12, 1949. 

Relic at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Church in Newark, New Jersey

During his homily at the Beatification of Four Servants of God in St. Peter’s Square on March 21, 2004, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Pope St. John Paul II said of her

Maria Barba became a 'new creature' who offered her entire life to God in Carmel, where she received the name Maria Candida of the Eucharist. She was an authentic mystic of the Eucharist; she made it the unifying centre of her entire life, following the Carmelite tradition and particularly the examples of St. Teresa of Jesus and of St. John of the Cross. 

She fell so deeply in love with the Eucharistic Jesus that she felt a constant, burning desire to be a tireless apostle of the Eucharist. I am sure that Bl. Maria Candida is continuing to help the Church from Heaven, to assure the growth of her sense of wonder at and love for this supreme Mystery of our faith.

In celebration, I’m posting the Carmelite Prayer for Blessed Maria Candida. The photo of the relic of Bl. Maria Candida at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey comes courtesy of Eric Lavin. Evviva Beata Candida!

Carmelite Prayer

All-powerful and ever-living God, Who, by the breath of the Spirit, inspired Blessed Maria Candida, virgin, to contemplate the riches of the Eucharist, by her intercession, grant we beseech you, that gratefully offering the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ, in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may always glorify You in this Sacrament, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen 

Sources:
• http://www.meditationsfromcarmel.com/content/blessed-maria-candida-euchrist
• http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/2004/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20040321_beatifications.html 
• http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20040321_candida_en.html