Simple Pleasures: A Materan Cucù

A friend brought back a traditional cucù from his trip to Matera. A timeless symbol of the Sassi city, this hand-painted terracotta bird whistle blends local folklore with artisanal craftsmanship. Once given as a congratulatory gift, it is an ancient good luck charm and a symbol of prosperity.

Remembering Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie

Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg and Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria

In memory of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, who were assassinated in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, we pray for the happy repose of their souls.

Eternal rest grant unto Their Highnesses, 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

The Most Precious Blood of Jesus at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacro Cuore di Gesù in Napoli

The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sacro Cuore di Gesù) is celebrated nineteen days after Pentecost Sunday in reparation for the indignities and sins committed against Our Lord. The devotion has its origins in the eleventh century, but only became widespread in 1690 after the death of its principal exponent St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. First celebrated in 1670, the Feast was eventually extended to the whole church by Pope Pius IX in 1856. The counter-revolutionary movements of the 18th and 19th centuries—such as the Royalists of the Vendée during the French Revolution and the Pontifical Zouaves during the so-called Italian Risorgimento, among others—were steadfastly loyal to the devotion. In celebration, I'm posting the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, The accompanying photo of the Sacred Heart was taken at the Chiesa di San Ferdinando in Piazza San Ferdinando during my 2007 pilgrimage to Napoli.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee. I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee. I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.

Feast of the Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso

Our Lady of the Passion, ora pro nobis

June 27th is the Feast of the Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso, or Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Originating in the Byzantine East, devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help was spread in the West by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or Redemptorists. Enshrined over the high altar in the Chiesa di Sant’Alponso di Liguori in Rome, the icon is one of the most recognizable images of Our Lady. Replete with symbolism, many miracles have been attributed to the glorious icon. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The accompanying photo of the Our Our Lady of Perpetual Help bye-altar was taken at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in Manhattan. Evviva Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso!

Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke your powerful name, the protection of the living and the salvation of the dying. Purest Mary, let your name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, Blessed Lady, to rescue me whenever I call on you. In my temptations, in my needs, I will never cease to call on you, ever repeating your sacred name, Mary, Mary. What a consolation, what sweetness, what confidence fills my soul when I utter your sacred name or even only think of you! I thank the Lord for having given you so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely uttering your name. Let my love for you prompt me ever to hail you Mother of Perpetual Help. Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for me and grant me the favor I confidently ask of you. Amen.

Feast of San Ladislao I d'Ungheria

San Ladislao I d'Ungheria, ora pro nobis

June 27th is the Feast of St. Ladislaus I of Hungary (1040-1095), the Knight-King. Revered as a model king, St. Ladislaus lived a devout and virtuous life filled with prayer and study. Spreading the Christian faith throughout his realms of Hungary and Croatia, he was a just and wise legal and cultural reformer who supported the Benedictine Order, embellished churches and defended his lands from Cuman invasions. Following the Seljuk incursion into the Holy Land, the warrior saint prepared his forces to take part in the First Crusade, but he fell seriously ill and died in Nitra, Slovakia in 1095.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Ladislaus I of Hungary. 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 Ladislao I d'Ungheria!

Prayer to St. Ladislaus I of Hungary

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

Feast of Sant’Andrea Apostolo

Sant'Andrea Apostolo, ora pro nobis

June 27th is the Feast of Sant’Andrea Apostolo, Missionary, Wonderworker and Martyr. He is the patron saint of Amalfi and fishermen. His liturgical Feast is commemorated on November 30th.

The Amalfitans, and greater Christendom, honor the first Apostle on this day for miraculously saving the Southern Italian coastal city from an attack by the infamous Ottoman corsair Barbarossa in June 1544.

According to tradition, as the Saracen marauders approached the city looking for slaves and booty, terrified townspeople crowded into Amalfi’s famed Duomo and appealed to their glorious patron for protection. Answering his people’s prayers, the clear blue sky suddenly grew dark and a violent storm hit the dreaded armada, sinking several ships and driving off the rest.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Andrew the Apostle. The accompanying photo of the Fontana di Sant’Andrea was taken in the Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi. Evviva Sant'Andrea Apostolo!

Prayer to St. Andrew the Apostle

O Christ, our Lord, Who didst beautify the most blessed Andrew with the grace of apostleship, and the crown of martyrdom, by granting to him this special gift, that by preaching the mystery of the cross, he should merit death on the cross; grant us to become most true lovers of Thy holy cross, and denying ourselves, to take up our cross and follow Thee; that by sharing Thy sufferings in this life, we may deserve the happiness of obtaining life everlasting. Amen

Remembering Alfonso V of Aragon

Alfonso the Magnanimous, King of Aragon, Naples and Sicily
sculpted by Achille D'Orsi on the western facade of the
Royal Palace in the Largo del Palazzo Reale in Naples

In memory of Alfonso the Magnanimous (1396 — 27 June, 1458), King of Aragon, Naples (as Alfonso I) and Sicily (as Alfonso V), we pray for the happy repose of his soul. Viva ‘o Rre!

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

Gothic Fiction Reawakened: Dracula and Frankenstein Return in 2025

"In seeking life, I created death." ~ Victor Frankenstein

Around this time last year, I shared my excitement for the then-upcoming films Nosferatu (2024) and Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024). Now, once again, I find myself eagerly anticipating two new releases: Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Luc Besson’s Dracula. Both trailers look promising, and hopefully—like last year’s offerings—they’ll live up to expectations. As a longtime fan of horror and gothic fiction, I’m always looking forward to authentic retellings of classic tales.

Having said that, Besson’s Dracula appears to lean more toward a reimagining of Gary Shore’s Dracula Untold (2014) than a faithful adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Given how nearly impossible it would be to surpass Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, perhaps that’s for the best.

Watch the Dracula trailer

Del Toro’s Frankenstein, on the other hand, makes me especially hopeful. If he remains faithful to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818), we may finally get a cinematic version that captures the novel’s philosophical depth and romantic soul—qualities so often lost in film adaptations.

Watch the Frankenstein trailer

Luc Besson’s Dracula is scheduled for release on July 30, 2025, while Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is set to premiere on Netflix in November.

Feast of San Pelagio di Cordova

San Pelagio di Cordova, ora pro nobis

June 26 is the Feast of San Pelagio di Cordova (San Pelayo Mártir, St. Pelagius of Córdoba), Martyr. Held hostage by the caliph of Andalusia, Spain circa 926 AD, the young Christian boy was brutally tortured and beheaded for spurning the Moors lascivious advances and for refusing to renounce the Faith. He is the patron saint of chastity, abandoned people, torture victims and Carlist youth. In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Pelayo. Pictured is the martyrdom of San Pelayo. Evviva San Pelagio di Cordova!

Prayer to San Pelayo

Lord, our Father, who promised the pure of heart the reward of seeing your face, grant us your grace and your strength, so that, following the example of Saint Pelayo, martyr, we put your love before the seductions of the world and keep the heart clean from all sin. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit and is God for ever and ever. Amen 

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Margaret of Cortona Church in the Bronx, New York

Simple Pleasures: A Thoughtful Gift for My Name Day

For my name day (the Feast of San Giovanni Battista), a friend gave me a new flag commemorating Napoli’s fourth Scudetto. Perhaps blurring the line between the sacred and the profane, the flag depicts San Gennaro—the patron saint of our glorious capital—arrayed in Napoli’s colors and triumphantly brandishing the fourth Scudetto. Forza Napoli Sempre!

Feast of San Guglielmo di Montevergine

The Vision of St. William by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro

June 25th is the Feast of San Guglielmo di Montevergine (St. William of Montevergine), hermit and abbot. Patron saint of Irpinia in Avellino, St. William was the founder of the Benedictine Williamites, the now defunct monastic Order of Mount Virgin. He built several monasteries in Southern Italy, including that of Montevergine in 1119, and served as a trusted advisor to HRH King Ruggero II of Sicily. 

According to tradition, while living as a hermit on a mountain near Atella in Potenza, St. William restored site to a blind man. News of the miracle brought unwanted attention and compelled him to leave and find a new place of solitude. Moving to Monte Virgiliano (named after the Roman Poet Virgil) he had a vision of the Blessed Mother holding the Divine Infant. With only his donkey, he started building a shrine in her honor on the site of an earlier temple to Cybele. One day while working, a wolf killed his donkey. St. William scolded the beast and commanded it to take the donkey’s place. The wolf obeyed the saint and started hauling timber and stone.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. William. The accompanying photo of The Vision of St. William (Visione di San Guglielmo) by the great Neapolitan artist Domenico Antonio Vaccaro (1678-1745) comes courtesy of Museo Abbaziale di Montevergine. San Guglielmo, ora pro nobis.

Prayer to St. William

O God, Who hast set for us in Thy saints an example and a help to our weakness, to assist us to tread the path of salvation, grant us so to venerate the virtues of the blessed abbot William, that we may share in his prayers and follow in his footsteps. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Santa Febronia

Santa Febronia, ora pro nobis

June 25th is the Feast day of Santa Febronia, Virgin and Martyr. Invoked against plagues, earthquakes and other natural disasters, she is the principal patroness of Palagonia (CT), Patti (ME) and Minori (SA). Her feast is also celebrated on the last Sunday of July in Patti and July 13th in Minori.

According to tradition, Febronia was born in Patti to a wealthy pagan family. Secretly converting to Christianity, she was baptized, took a vow of virginity and consecrated herself to Jesus Christ.

Learning of his daughter's conversion, Febronia's father viciously beat and harassed the young maid. Seeking to escape her father's wrath, she fled to the caves of Mons Iovis, near Mongiove.

Discovering her hiding place, the angry patriarch had Febronia bound and cast into the sea. Miraculously, her body traversed the Mediterranean and was discovered on the beach of Minori, along the Amalfi Coast, where she is venerated as Santa Trofimena.

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Santa Febronia. The accompanying photo was taken at the Santa Febronia Chapel in Hoboken, New Jersey. Evviva Santa Febronia!

Prayer to Santa Febronia

Thank you Lord for giving us the virgin martyr Santa Febronia, our fellow citizen, as a model of virtue and protector. Through her intercession bless our Patti and the Church to which we are proud to belong. For us and for our families we ask the gifts of compassion and fortitude. Amen

Feast of Beato Guido Maramaldi

Beato Guido Maramaldi, ora pro nobis

June 25 is the feast of Beato Guido Maramaldi (b. Naples, mid 14th century — d. Naples, c. 1391), Dominican Priest, Inquisitor-General, and Missionary. He founded a Dominican friary in Ragusa, Sicily. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Guido Maramaldi. Evviva Beato Guido Maramaldi!

Prayer to Blessed Guido Maramaldi

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

Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet

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

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

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

Infant Jesus of Prague Chaplet

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

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

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

Holy Infant Jesus, bless and protect us. Amen.

* www.sistersofcarmel.com

Father Vincent R. Capodanno and the Cause for Canonization with Vice Admiral P. Stephen Stanley

Praying for Peace

Our Lady of Fatima, ora pro nobis

"I shall come to ask for the Consecration of Russia to My Immaculate Heart…If people attend to My requests, Russia will be converted and the world will have peace.” ~ The Virgin Mary at Fatima (July 13, 1917)

In this dark hour, as the fires of conflict rage across the Middle East, consume Ukraine, and now threaten to engulf Iran, we raise our voices—not in hatred, but in warning, and in hope.

The world stands perilously close to the brink of a war that could devastate not only nations but also the very future of mankind. The specter of World War III is no longer a distant nightmare; it looms near, born of reckless pride and the ideological delusions of power-hungry madmen.

We condemn the warmongers on all sides—especially those among our own leaders—driven by power and profit, hell-bent on dragging these United States into yet another foreign conflagration.

And so, as children of a sorrowful age, we turn not to politicians or parties, but to Heaven. We humbly implore the intercession of Our Lady. In union with the faithful across the world, we renew the Consecration of Russia to your Immaculate Heart, as requested at Fatima. Though long delayed and imperfectly fulfilled, we pray that this act be accepted—in spirit and in truth.

A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Feast of San Giovanni Battista

San Giovanni Battista, ora pro nobis

June 24th is the Feast of San Giovanni Battista, the herald of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes called "Summer Christmas," St. John's Day is a celebration of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. The Church solemnly commemorates his Passion on August 29th. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint John the Baptist. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Francis of Paola Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva San Giovanni Battista!

Prayer to Saint John the Baptist

O God, You raised up Saint John the Baptist to prepare a perfect person for Christ. We call upon Saint John's intercession to properly prepare us with a true sense of repentance to receive Your grace and salvation. Make us faithful to truth and justice, as You did Your servant, John the Baptist, herald of Your Son's birth and death. Lord, may You increase Your life within us. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Pulcinella Figurine

Pulcinella, Neapolitan (Capodimonte) or Spanish (Real Fabrica de Buen Retiro), soft-paste porcelain, 1759-80, Giuseppe Gricci (ca. 1700-1770). Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is unclear whether this figure of Pulcinella was produced at Capodimonte in Italy or its successor factory at Buen Retiro in Spain. When Charles VII of Naples became Charles III of Spain in 1759, he moved the entire operation, including forty workers and five tons of raw material, from Capodimonte to the palace of Buen Retiro, outside of Madrid. The factory mark of a fleur-de-lis remained in use in the new location, and thus it is often difficult to distinguish wares and figures made in the last years at Capodimonte from the early products of Buen Retiro. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Il Primo Reggimento Re Sara Presente al Corteo Storico della Real Colonia di San Leucio

Mourning Under the Watchful Gaze of Santa Rosalia

Santa Rosalia, ora pro nobis

Seated beneath the polychrome statue of Santa Rosalia—Palermo’s 12th-century noblewoman who renounced marriage and courtly privilege to live as a hermit on Mount Pellegrino—I prayed and reflected on the recent deaths of loved ones.

Clutching a cross in her hand, with a skull resting at her discalced feet, the statue embodies the medieval Christian motif of memento mori. More than a grim reminder of death, the image is a visual summons to contemplation, penitence, and sacred understanding.

In the stillness of Our Lady of Grace Church in Brooklyn, Rosalia’s figure stood as both warning and comfort—a testament to the inevitability of death, and an intercessor at the liminal threshold between life and the hereafter, offering prayers, guidance, and solace to souls crossing over.

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.

The Vigil of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

San Giovanni Battista, ora pro nobis

Præsta, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus, ut família tua per viam salútis incédat; et beáti Joánnis Præcursóris hortaménta sectándo, ad num quem prædixit, secúra pervéniat, Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium Turm. Qui tecum.

June 23rd is the Vigil of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Customarily a day of fasting, it is popularly celebrated with large bonfires and dancing (Ballo di San Giovanni) to ward off evil spirits. In some parts of Southern Italy the Vigil is also a night of betrothal (St. John is invoked for good marriages) and moonlight bathing to help cure spiritual and physical ailments. In celebration of my beloved namesake, I’m posting a prayer to the glorious light-bearer before Christ in Latin and English. The accompanying photo was from our 2020 falo di San Giovanni, or St. John's bonfire. Evviva San Giovanni Battista!

Prayer

Grant we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that Thy household may walk in the way of salvation, and by following the extortions of blessed John the Precursor, may safely come unto Him Whom he foretold, even Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee.

Feast of Sant'Agrippina di Mineo

Sant'Agrippina, ora pro nobis

June 23rd is the Feast of Sant'Agrippina di Mineo, Virgin and Martyr. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Agrippina.* The accompanying photo was taken at St. Leonard's Church during the 2014 Feast of Santa Agrippina in Boston's North End. Evviva Sant'Agrippina!

Prayer to St. Agrippina

O glorious virgin and Martyr Agrippina your cruel executioner bound you to prepare you for martyrdom. Pray for us that our hearts will also be bound always to God's holy love, Let us pray fervently. May devotion to Saint Agrippina Endure for ever. Amen.

* Prayer courtesy of the Saint Agrippina Di Mineo Benefit Society of Boston

Happy Birthday Princess Maria Carolina!

HRH was born in Rome, Italy on June 23, 2003

Photo courtesy of Real Casa di Borbone

Happy Birthday, Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duchess of Palermo and Calabria!

On this special day, may Heaven bless you with grace, joy, and unwavering peace. May the noble legacy you bear continue to shine through your life with beauty and dignity.

Auguri di cuore, Altezza!