Feast of Santa Teresa Margherita del Cuore di Gesù

Santa Teresa Margherita del
Cuore di Gesù, ora pro nobis

March 11th is the Feast of St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart, Virgin, Mystic, and Discalced Carmelite Nun. Anna Maria Redi was born to a noble and pious family on July 15, 1747 at Arezzo, Grand Duchy of Tuscany. At seventeen, after receiving a sign from St. Teresa of Avila, she entered the Carmelite Monastery of Santa Apollonia in Florence, where she diligently worked in the infirmary and served as a sacristan. Taking the religious name Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart, she received her habit on March 11, 1764 and professed her vows two years later on March 12, 1766. Foreseeing her own death, she soon suffered a sudden attack of peritonitis and died on March 7, 1770 in Florence at the age of 23. The Carmelite Order commemorates her on September 1st.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart. 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 Teresa Margherita del Cuore di Gesù!

Prayer to St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart

O seraphic Saint Teresa Margaret, you consumed your earthly life so quickly experiencing that God is Charity and that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an ardent furnace of love, obtain for us to be inflamed like you, by a fervent, generous and holy life. O Angel of Carmel, intercede for us so that your virtues of humility and innocence, penance and charity, with which you offered yourself virginally to the Lord, may be ours too, so that our life may be totally consecrated to the perfect service of God. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Entrance to the Farnese Collection, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Presentazione del Libro L'Invasione Francese del Regno di Napoli

Remembering the Martyrs of Tradition

La Verdad a los Mártires de la Tradición [3]

“We must procure suffrages for the souls of those who have preceded us in this secular struggle, and honor their memory in all imaginable ways, so that they serve as an encouragement and example for the young and keep alive in them the sacred fire of love for God, the Country and the King.” ~ Don Carlos VII [1]

March 10th, as designated by Don Carlos VII in 1895, in remembrance of the anniversary of the death of his grandfather Don Carlos V, is a national holiday in honor of the martyrs who have “perished in the shadow of the flag of God, Country and King on the battlefields, in exile, in dungeons and hospitals.” [2] 

In memory of the Martyrs of Tradition (Mártires de la Tradición), we pray for the happy repose of their souls.

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

_____________________________

[1] S.M.C. Don Carlos VII, in a letter from his exile in Venice to his Chief Delegate, the Marquis of Cerralbo

[2] Ibid

[3] Illustration from La Verdad: Periódico Popular Tradicionalista, Año XVI Número 751 - 1913 marzo 10

Novena to San Giuseppe

San Giuseppe, ora pro nobis

Pray novena for nine consecutive days, March 10 to March 18th, in preparation for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19th. The prayer was written by Pope Leo XIII. Evviva San Giuseppe!

To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. Through that charity which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which thou embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to graciously regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with thy power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once thou rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by thy constant protection, so that, supported by thy example and thy aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

* Photo of Glorious St. Joseph was taken at the Shrine and Parish Church of the Holy Innocents in New York City.

Tutti A Gaeta

TUTTI A GAETA per respirare (finalmente) l'aria buona della storia e dell'orgoglio (ultime prenotazioni) 21, 22 e 23 MARZO.

IL GRANDE PROGRAMMA DI GAETA 2025

con il Patrocinio della Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, della Città di Gaeta e dell'Ancci, a cura di Movimento Neoborbonico e Fondazione Il Giglio con Comitati Due Sicilie, Passato e Futuro Onlus, Terra Aurunca, Fondazione Francesco II delle Due Sicilie, Associazione I Lazzari, Osservatorio Due Sicilie, Daunia Due Sicilie, Terra di Capitanata

VENERDÌ 21 MARZO

SEZIONE I

Gli incontri e la Patria ritrovata

Ore 07.00 Gaeta - Si alza la Bandiera sulla Torre Carlo V (evento non pubblico)

Apertura ufficiale della Gaeta 2025.

- Ore 17.00 - Hotel Serapo.

Allestimento degli stand espositivi che resteranno aperti fino al sabato sera.

Chi fosse interessato ad uno spazio espositivo per il venerdì e/o sabato, può inviare una mail a: onlus.passatoefuturo@libero.it , all’attenzione di Riccardi Giuseppe.

- ORE 17.00 "LIBRI DALLE DUE SICILIE"

Hotel Serapo – Sala Conferenze

La rassegna di libri dal Sud e per il Sud. Saranno illustrati i libri degli autori presenti. A cura di Gennaro De Crescenzo.

- Pino Aprile e Luca Antonio Pepe, Meglio Soli.

- Marco Ascione, Siamo Meridionali.

- Antonio Vito Boccia e Gennaro De Crescenzo, Il Ducato e Napoli Medioevale.

- Davide Brandi, Pinocchio a llengua napulitana.

- Angelo Calemme, La questione meridionale dall’unità d’Italia alla disintegrazione europea.

- AA.VV., a cura di Cesare Corretti e Italo Iozzolino, Piagnoni.

AA.VV. , Francesco II l'uomo della carità, a cura di Fondazione Francesco II delle Due Sicilie

- Antonio Luiso, Paraustielle. 50 favole di Fedro tradotte in napoletano.

- Gigi Di Fiore, Le Borboniche.

- Nadia Verdile, Portami a Napoli. Maria Amalia di Sassonia.

- Gennaro Zona, Una storia economica del Mezzogiorno dal 1860 ad oggi.

A SEGUIRE: un anno di libri, a cura di Edizioni IL CERCHIO e Fondazione IL GIGLIO

- ORE 20.30 Cena Conviviale presso l’ Hotel Serapo.

- ORE 21.30 Evento teatrale. Angeloantonio Aversana in “’O Surdato ‘e Gaeta”, liberamente tratto da Ferdinando Russo.

SABATO 22 MARZO

SEZIONE II

Parole, suoni e immagini

- Ore 09.30 VISITE SUI LUOGHI DELLA NOSTRA STORIA. Visita guidata alle Batterie Superiori di Monte Orlando.

Accesso attraverso il Parco Regionale con bus autorizzato. Numero limitato.

Partenza alle 09.30 piazzale Hotel Serapo.

Ritorno alle 13.00.

N.B. Considerata l’esclusività dei luoghi da visitare è indispensabile la prenotazione al 330556988 (costo 10 euro).

- Ore 13.30 Pranzo conviviale presso Hotel Serapo.

- Ore 15.00 INCONTRO IDENTITARIO –

CONCERTO/CONVEGNO

Hotel Serapo - Sala Conferenze.

"Pause" storico-musicali a cura di Napulitanata.

Inno delle Due Sicilie.

Consegna della Bandiera Pellegrina

Saluti del sindaco di Gaeta Cristian Leccese

ATTIVITÀ e PROGETTI.

La voce ai Delegati ed ai Rappresentanti delle Associazioni.

Terraurunca.

Comitati Due Sicilie.

Fondazione Francesco II.

Osservatorio Due Sicilie.

Comitato Luigi Giura.

Terra di Capitanata.

Daunia Due Sicilie.

STORIA ed IDENTITÀ. Interventi:

- Dott. Alessandro Romano – L’ Assedio e gli Eroi; prof. Gennaro De Crescenzo – A 100 anni dalla morte di Maria Sofia; prof.ssa Carmela Maria Spadaro, Univ. Federico II. A 200 anni dalla morte di Ferdinando I – Un grande Re.

- Ore 20.30 Cena Conviviale presso l’Hotel Serapo.

- Ore 22.00 Ricordando i nostri Soldati. Sotto gli spalti di Gaeta con fiaccole, soldati, musiche e storie (SPIAGGIA DI SERAPO).

DOMENICA 23 MARZO

SEZIONE III

La Memoria, la Tradizione, la Fede

- Ore 11.00 Santa Messa presso la Cattedrale di Gaeta

- Ore 12.30 BATTERIA LA FAVORITA – “Gaeta resiste ancora” (Lungomare Caboto).

- ALZABANDIERA. Militari: Imago Historiae; Real Marina.

Come tradizione sarà issata la “Bandiera Pellegrina” donata dalla Fondazione Francesco II.

- Deposizione di una corona di fiori per i Caduti dell’Assedio.

- Ore 13.30 - Pranzo sociale presso l’Hotel Serapo.

LOGISTICA ED ORGANIZZAZIONE

L’EVENTO E’ CONVENZIONATO CON L’HOTEL SERAPO: 0771 450037

Sono state stipulate convenzioni anche con altri esercizi di ristorazione e di accoglienza.

QUANDO SI TELEFONA per la prenotazione è necessario specificare che è per l’evento borbonico.

PRENOTAZIONI GIÀ AVVIATE (CONSIGLIATO ANTICIPARSI VISTO L'ALTO NUMERO DI PRENOTAZIONI)

Feast of Santa Francesca Romana

Santa Francesca Romana, ora pro nobis

March 9th is the Feast of St. Frances of Rome (Francesca de' Ponziani, née Bussa de' Leoni), wife, mother, widow, mystic, ecstatic, and foundress. Born in Rome in 1384 to a noble family, St. Frances was obliged by her father to marry at an early age. Distraught and ill because she had to give up her religious vocation, she was visited in a dream and healed through the intercession of St. Alexius of Rome. She had three children, Battista, Evangelista and Agnes.

A great benefactress of the poor and sick, she was renowned for her extraordinary acts of charity and holiness. In 1425 she founded the Olivetan Oblates of Mary, a monastic community under the Rule of St. Benedict committed to prayer and service to the needy. Despite her noble birth, she lived modestly and begged for alms for the poor. Derided by the patricians, the common people embraced her as one of their own and nicknamed her “the poor girl of Trastevere.”

As a widow (1436), she retired among her oblates at Tor di Specchi and was made superior. Foreseeing her own death, she died on March 9, 1440 at the age of fifty-six.

Co-patroness of Rome, with Saints Peter and Paul, she is invoked against plagues and for the liberation of the Souls in Purgatory. In 1950, Pope Pius XII declared her the patron saint of motorists because her guardian angel used to light her path whenever she traveled.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Frances of Rome. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The polychrome wood sculpture is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious statuary and relics. Evviva Santa Francesca Romana!

Prayer to St. Frances of Rome

Merciful Father, in Frances of Rome you have given us a unique example of love in marriage as well as in religious life. Keep us faithful in your service, and help us to see and follow you in all the aspects of life. 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.

Opening Night of the De•compositions Group Exhibit at St. Joseph’s Church Parish Hall in New York City

Noetic Apparition, charcoal on paper by David DiPasuale

Art Deco WWII memorial on the
sixth Ave. facade of the church

Friday evening, I attended the opening night of De•compositions, a group exhibition at St. Joseph’s Church Parish Hall (371 6th Avenue) in Greenwich Village, New York. The ongoing exhibit, curated by Lucy Rahner and Erin K. McAtee and presented by Arthouse2B, features works on paper by 24 Catholic artists, including two friends from my congregation. 

Following the Mass for Artists, nearly 100 attendees adjourned to the gallery space for refreshments and light fare. In addition to the art on display, guests were treated to some original choral music, spoken word, and interpretive dance performances.

De•compositions will run until April 9, 2025.

Attendees mingle and enjoy the art

Eidolon, charcoal on paper by David DiPasuale

Remorse, charcoal on paper by David DiPasuale

Mary at the Empty Tomb, tissue paper mosaic by Sophia Hildegard Wong

(L) They Look to Him, graphite on paper by Denise Gracias.
(R) A Hidden Path, pastel, Sumi ink, graphite on claybord by Jennifer Ahn

Feast of San Cataldo, Vescovo di Taranto

San Cataldo Vescovo, ora pro nobis

March 8th is the Feast of San Cataldo, Monk, Wonderworker and Bishop of Taranto. Invoked against epilepsy, paralysis and visual impairments, he is also called upon for protection against plagues, droughts and terrible storms. 

Born in the early seventh century to pious parents in Canty, Ireland, San Cataldo had a reputation for great holiness. According to tradition, he performed many miracles, including raising from the dead a worker who fell to his death while repairing the roof of the monastery in Lismore, County Waterford.

Accused of witchcraft by Meltrides, the regulus of the Desii, he was imprisoned by the King of Munster. However, two angels visited the King in a dream and warned him not to harm his prisoner. The next day when the King learned that Meltrides had died, he immediately freed San Cataldo and offered him the dead man's lands in recompense. He was appointed Bishop of Rachau.

Leaving Ireland to visit Rome and the Holy Land, a great storm on the return trip left him shipwrecked at Taranto in Apulia. There, he brought back to life a sailor who died in the storm. Naturally the people did not want the holy man to leave and chose him to stay and be their Bishop.

Carrying out his work, San Cataldo built churches and schools, ordained new priests, and helped the city’s downtrodden. Continuing his miracles, he restored the eyesight of a blind man.

Dying on March 8th in 685, he was interred in the chapel of St. John of Galilee in the Duomo di Santa Maria Maddalena (now the Cattedrale di San Cataldo). Sacked and destroyed by Saracens, the memory of the tomb was lost in time.

On May 10, 1071 the body of San Cataldo was discovered during the restoration of the Cathedral. The Saint’s gold cross with the inscription, "Cataldus Rachau," was found in the marble urn and is now preserved in the Chapel’s treasury. Reinterred in a silver casket, his relics are reposed beneath the church’s high altar.

In addition to March 8th, the city of Taranto honors their glorious patron on the first Sunday of September and on May 10th, in commemoration of the discovery of his relics. 

Widely venerated across southern Italy, San Cataldo is the principal patron of Taranto (TA), Corato (BA), Cagnano Varano (FG), Brienza (PZ), Massa Lubrense (NA), Roccaromana (CE), Cirò Marina (KR), San Cataldo (CL), Gangi (PA), Gagliano Castelferrato (EN), and Giuliano Teatino (CH), among others. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Cataldo. The accompanying photo was taken at the Shrine church of Most Precious Blood (113 Baxter Street) in New York City's historic Little Italy. Evviva San Cataldo!

Prayer to Saint Cataldo

We salute thee with our hearts o most glorious San Cataldo, our Protector and Advocate. We remit all our possessions and ourselves to your pity. Be so graceful to bestow upon us the protection and grace of God through your most potent intercession; do so that our life conforms to yours to join you in Heaven to praise and enjoy God. Amen.

Download the Latest Edition of "Il Portastendardo di Civitella del Tronto"

Click here to download the current issue (N. 45 Marzo 2025)

Rosary Rally for Pro-Life Priests

Feast of the Crown of Thorns

Lord Jesus, have mercy on us

The Holy Crown is for the faithful soul a source of merit.. [it] will merit for you a crown of glory... A single soul performing her actions in union with the merits of My Holy Crown may gain more than many others. ~ Jesus to Sr. Marie Martha Chambon

The first Friday of Lent is the Feast of the Crown of Thorns, Festum susceptionis coronae Domini. Originally instituted in 1239, after the solemn translation of the holy relic from Constantinople to Paris by St. Louis IX of France, the feast spread throughout Europe and was kept on various dates. Eventually adopted at Rome as a double major in 1831, it is observed on the Friday following Ash Wednesday. In celebration, I’m posting The Crown of Thorns Prayer. The accompanying photo of the Crown of Thorns and Holy Nails was taken at the Church of St. Boniface (109 Willoughby St.) in Brooklyn, New York. Viva Cristo Re!

The Crown of Thorns Prayer

Dear Lord, I am grieved when I consider Thy sad condition when Thou wore the Crown of Thorns upon Thy holy Head. I desire to withdraw the thorns by offering to the Eternal Father the merits of Thy Wounds for the salvation of sinners. I wish to unite my actions to the merits of Thy Most Holy Crown, so that they may gain many merits, as Thou hast promised. Amen.

The "Prayer Before a Crucifix" Lenten Indulgence

The Return Crucifix at the Shrine
Church of the Holy Innocents

Please note well that on Lenten Fridays, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer before a Crucifix.” 

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and implore You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment, while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Your five wounds, pondering over them within me, having in mind the words which David Your prophet said of You, my Jesus: “They pierced My hands and My feet; they numbered all My bones.”

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father. Etc., for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Feast of San Tommaso D'Aquino

San Tommaso D'Aquino, ora pro nobis

March 7th is the Feast of San Tommaso D'Aquino (St. Thomas Aquinas), Doctor of the Church. Considered one of the Church's greatest theologians, he is the patron saint of students, academics, scholars and philosophers. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, he is the principal patron of Aquino (FR), Belcastro (CZ), San Mango d'Aquino (CZ), Falerna (CZ) and Grottaminarda (AV), among others. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Thomas Aquinas. The accompanying photo was taken at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Evviva San Tommaso D'Aquino!

Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas

Father of wisdom, You inspired Saint Thomas Aquinas with an ardent desire for holiness and study of sacred doctrine. Help us, we pray, to understand what he taught and to imitate what he lived. Amen

Santa Messa in onore dei Martiri della Tradizione

Domenica 9 marzo alle ore 10, presso la chiesa di Gesù e Maria, detta del Gesù (strada del Gesù 62) a Castellammare di Stabia, sarà celebrata una Santa Messa in onore dei Martiri della Tradizione.

Celebrating Martedì Grasso at Elizabeth Street Garden

"I do not yearn for an untouched nature, a nature without the mark of the peasant that ennobles it or the palace that crowns the hill. But for a nature safe from plebian industrialism and irreverent exploitation." ~ The Authentic Reactionary: Selected Scholia of Nicolás Gómez Dávila

Taking advantage of a break in the weather, I invited an old friend, who was in town on business, to Elizabeth Street Garden after lunch to catch up and reflect on the aphorisms of Nicolás Gómez Dávila. She introduced me to her countryman about twelve years ago with a copy of his Scholia to an Implicit Text (2013). Now, I am returning the favor by giving her a copy of The Authentic Reactionary: Selected Scholia of Nicolás Gómez Dávila (2023). Whenever possible, I enjoy visiting the verdant little garden and reading beneath the stony array of nymphs, sphinxes, gorgons, and griffins. I thought she would appreciate seeing the nearly 200-year-old oasis threatened to be bulldozed by developers and politicians before it is too late [For more about the garden, visit Help Save the Garden].

Giving up all cheese, eggs, and meat for Lent, we enjoyed a little imported Manchego (aged 12 months), hand-sliced Jamón Bellota Ibérico (Iberian Acorn-fed Ham), and tortilla tradicional (traditional omelet) for Martedì Grasso

I believe this stump was once home to the dreaded wood beast of Arboria

Feast of Sante Perpetua and Felicita

Sante Perpetua e Felicita, orate pro nobis

March 6th is the Feast of Saints Felicitas and Perpetua, Martyrs. They are the patron saints of mothers, expectant mothers, ranchers and butchers.

Arrested and tortured for their Faith, Perpetua, a noblewoman from Carthage with a newborn child, and her servant, Felicitas, an expectant mother, along with the Martyrs Saturino, Revocato and Secondulo, were driven before a large crowd to be trampled and gored by wild beasts.

Their bloodlust sated, the mob demanded an end to their suffering and the mutilated victims be put to the sword. The young heroines were beheaded.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Saints Felicitas and Perpetua. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sante Perpetua and Felicita!

Prayer to Saints Felicitas and Perpetua

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we may reverence with unceasing devotion the triumphs of Thy holy Martyrs, Perpetua and Felicitas; though we cannot worthily celebrate their merits, we may at least approach them with our humble service.

Feast of Santa Rosa da Viterbo, Patron Saint of Exiles and Tertiaries

Santa Rosa, ora pro nobis

Live so as not to fear death. For those who live well in the world, death is not frightening, but sweet and precious. ~ St. Rose of Viterbo

March 6th is the Feast of Santa Rosa da Viterbo (1233-1251), Virgin, Mystic and Miracle Worker. A poor Franciscan Third Order penitent, young Rosa was a zealous street preacher who, inspired by a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, exhorted Christians to live a life filled with prayer and penance.

During the great power struggle between Emperor Frederick II and the papacy, Rosa sided with the local Guelph faction loyal to Pope Innocent IV against the rival Ghibellines, who supported the Holy Roman Emperor. Briefly exiled to Soriano nel Cimino for her political alignment, she foretold the impending death of the Emperor and soon returned home after papal dominion was restored.

In addition to her gift of prophecy, Rosa was also a great miracle worker. According to tradition, while preaching at nearby Vitorchiano she came across a witch and tried to convert her. Failing to do so, Rosa had the townspeople build a large wooden pyre and climbed on top. Setting it ablaze, she sang the praises of God for three hours while engulfed in flames. Seeing Rosa emerge miraculously unscathed, the astonished sorceress and all the other doubters in the town immediately repented.

Back in Viterbo, she sought admission into the Order of St. Clare (the Poor Clares), but was turned away because she could not provide the required dowery. Accepting the decision, she foretold her admission to the convent after her death. Continuing her life of penance and mendicancy, she soon fell ill and died at the age of eighteen.

Not long after her death, Rosa appeared in glory to Pope Alexander IV and urged him to translate her body. Found to be incorrupt, the Holy Father had her body moved from the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Poggio to the church in the Monastery of the Poor Clares, as she had prophesied. The church and monastery are now named after Santa Rosa. On September 4th the city of Viterbo commemorates the translation.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Saint Rose of Viterbo. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken in 2019 at the Chiesa Sant'Anna in Pietrelcina, Benevento. Evviva Santa Rosa!

Prayer to Saint Rose of Viterbo

Lord God, who gave the holy Virgin Rose gift upon gift from heaven, grant, we pray, that, imitating her virtues on earth, we may delight with her in the joys of eternity. 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.

Novena to St. Longinus

San Longino, ora pro nobis

Pray Novena to St. Longinus for nine consecutive days, March 6th to March 14th, in preparation for the Feast on March 15th. Evviva San Longino!

O Saint Longinus, you were chosen as the venerable gate keeper and was granted the gift of discernment by the Lord. An eyewitness of God's miracle who glorified the resurrected Christ. To your death, you remained Christ's soldier and for Christ you gave your head.

Pray for us, therefore, O St. Longinus so that being inspired by your example and assisted by your prayers, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach eternal life to praise and thank God in heaven with you.

I ask you to pray to God this special request if it be His holy will.

(Mention your requests)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

Almighty, Eternal God, You were pleased to make Your Church illustrious through the varied splendor of St. Longinus. As we venerate his memory, may we also follow such shining examples of virtue on earth and thus obtain merited crowns in Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Longinus Patron Saint of the blind and people with poor eyesight, Pray for us.
St. Longinus Patron Saint of Labor and Power, Pray for us.
St. Longinus Patron Saint of Good Discernment, Pray for Us.

* Pictured is my makeshift shrine to San Longino with image of The Holy Lance by Louis Charbonneau-Lassay.

Uncovering a Few More San Gennaro Statues

A friend who shared his old collection of San Gennaro statuettes with us in early February [See A Private Viewing] recently unearthed a few more. While they are not in as good shape as the previous batch, they still hold historical interest. San Gennaro, ora pro nobis

Ash Wednesday (Mercoledì delle Ceneri)

Corajisima at the Casa della Cultura
in Palmi, Calabria (Photo courtesy of
Calabria: The Other Italy)

Remember man that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the period preceding Easter devoted to fasting, abstinence and penitence in memory of the forty days Our Lord Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness. A day for contemplating our mortality, crosses are ceremonially drawn on the forehead with blessed ashes made from the burned palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The ashes remind us that life is fleeting and that we need to repent and turn our hearts towards God. In celebration, I’m posting A Prayer for Ash Wednesday. 

The accompanying photo of Corajisima, the mourning wife of Carnevale, is a traditional Southern Italian rag doll personifying abstinence during the Lenten season. She holds a spindle and distaff, which represents the passing of time during the 40 days of penitence. Beneath her hangs a lemon (sometimes an orange, potato or onion) with seven feathers stuck in it. Each Sunday a feather is removed, counting down the weeks. The final feather is plucked on Easter, signaling the arrival of spring and the Resurrection.

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Gracious God, today begins a period of inner reflection and examination. The days stretch before me and invite me inward to that silent, holy space that holds your Spirit. This special time beckons me to see my life through Christ's eyes and the truth and reality of your love incarnate. Give me the grace to enter the space of these days with anticipation of our meeting. And, when I open my soul to your presence, let your loving kindness flow over me and seep into the pockets of my heart. I ask this for the sake of your love.

Feast of San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce

San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce, ora pro nobis

March 5 is the Feast of San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce (1654–1734), Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Mystic, Ascetic, and Miracle-Worker. He is the patron saint of the Isle of Ischia. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. John Joseph of the Cross. Pictured is an engraving of the saint by Innocente Alessandri after Pietro Antonio Novelli. Evviva San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce!

Prayer to St. John Joseph of the Cross

St. John Joseph, we ask today for your mighty intercession, to pray for us that we learn humility and seek an attitude of service so we, too, may follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In His Mighty Name we pray, Amen.

Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus

Chapel inside Holy Face Monastery in Clifton, New Jersey

By offering My Face to My Eternal Father, nothing will be refused, and the conversion of many sinners will be obtained. ~ Our Lord to Sr. Mary of St. Peter

O Lord, show us Thy Face & we shall be saved

Martedì Grasso (Shrove Tuesday) is the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus. Revealed to Sr. Mary of St. Peter by Our Lord in the 1840s, the express purpose of the devotion was to make reparation for the many insults Jesus suffered in His Passion as well as the neglect, sacrileges and profanations of the Blessed Sacrament today. In celebration, I’m posting The Golden Arrow, an act of reparation and praise dictated by Our Lord to Sr. Mary of St. Peter. The accompanying photo (above) of the chapel with life-size replicas of the Holy Shroud of Turin and mosaic of the Holy Face was taken at Holy Face Monastery in Clifton, New Jersey. The image (Right) of the Holy Face is from St. Veronica's veil, or Sudarium, kept in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Viva Cristo Re!

The Golden Arrow

May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most incomprehensible and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.