Feast of San Nicasio Camuto de Burgio

San Nicasio Camuto de Burgio, ora pro nobis

July 1st is the Feast of San Nicasio Camuto de Burgio, Knight of Malta and Martyr. Born in Sicily circa 1135, San Nicasio is descended from a Saracen Emir who converted to Christianity following the Norman reconquest of the isle. Joining the Knights Hospitaller, he fought to defend Christendom at Acre and was captured at the Battle of Hattin in 1187. Refusing to renounce his faith, the devout Crusader, along with his brother Ferrandino and other prisoners, were beheaded in the presence of the Sultan Saladin. San Nicasio is the patron saint of Caccamo (PA), Sicily. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to St. Nicaise.(1) Pictured are a pair of Sovereign Order of Malta postage stamps depicting the glorious martyr.(2) Evviva San Nicasio!

Prayer to St. Nicaise

O God, every year you give us joy in the commemoration of your martyr, blessed Nicasius: grant that through his prayers and example the companions of our Order may grow in faith and always follow you with all their hearts. 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.

(1) Prayer courtesy of the Sovrano Military Ordine di Malta

(2) The stamps show the painting of the Madonna di Constantinople and detail of San Nicasio by the great Cavaliere Calabrese, Mattia Preti (1613-1699). An ex-voto for freeing Naples from the plague of 1656, the painting portrays the Blessed Mother crowning Santa Rosalia with San Giuseppe, San Gennaro, San Rocco and San Nicasio in attendance. The painting is held at the National Museum of Capodimonte in Naples.

Feast of San Giovanni da Matera

San Giovanni da Matera, ora pro nobis

June 20th is the Feast of San Giovanni da Matera (St. John of Matera), Benedictine Monk, Mystic, Hermit, Abbot and Wonderworker. Born circa 1070 in Matera, San Giovanni spent much of his life traveling around the Duchy of Apulia and Calabria (mainland Southern Italy), Sicily and the Holy Land in search of a religious house that best suited his strict and austere asceticism.

Subject to numerous celestial and infernal visions, he eventually settled at Pulsano after an apparition of the Blessed Mother inside the Cave of San Michele on Monte Gargano in Apulia instructed him to build an abbey there. His reputation for holiness attracted many followers and obeying her wishes the Basilian monks established the Abbazia di Santa Maria di Pulsano on the ruins of an old pagan temple.

A great wonderworker, many miracles have been attributed to the holy man, including bilocation. According to tradition, a group of friars working in the forest a day's walk from the abbey were set upon by a pack of baying demons. Out of nowhere their white-clad abbot appeared and rained terrible blows down on the foul fiends, forcing them to flee. Once the threat was over San Giovanni was gone. The next day, when the friars returned to the abby, they found their master busy with his tasks. When they recounted what had happened and thanked him, the Saint took no credit and attributed the miracle to the will of God.

Another story tells of the expulsion of evil spirits terrorizing a group of nuns at a nearby monastery. It would seem San Giovanni's saintly reputation proceeded him because his presence alone was enough to drive the spooks from the convent and send them scurrying back to the infernal pits whence they came, never to return.

San Giovanni died of fever at the Monastero di San Giacomo in Foggia, Apulia on June 20, 1139. Originally interred at the abby, in 1177 Pope Alexander III had the Saint's sacred remains moved to the Abbazia di Santa Maria di Pulsano. His relics were translated again in 1830 to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Bruna e di Sant'Eustachio in Matera.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. John of Matera. The Accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Chiesa San Pietro Caveoso in Matera. Evviva San Giovanni da Matera!

Prayer to St. John of Matera

Lord, amid the things of this world, let us be wholeheartedly committed to heavenly things in imitation of the example of evangelical perfection You have given us in St. John. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Eframo di Napoli

Sant'Eframo Vescovo, ora pro nobis

May 23rd is the Feast of Sant’Eframo (Sant’Efébo, St. Euphebius), Bishop of Naples, Thaumaturge and Martyr. One of the city’s co-patrons, the beloved saint enjoys a popular reputation of holiness and miracles among the Neapolitans. Once every hundred years his devotees carry his silver bust in procession from the Duomo di Napoli to the Chiesa Sant’Eframo Vecchio, where he was originally buried with San Massimo and San Fortunato. He is also commemorated on November 8th along with all the city’s Holy Bishops. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Euphebius. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Napoli. Evviva Sant'Eframo!

Prayer to St. Euphebius 

O Glorious St. Euphebius, 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

Feast of San Severo di Napoli

San Severo di Napoli, ora pro nobis

April 29th is the Feast of San Severo di Napoli, Bishop (363-409), Confessor and Miracle worker. Credited with founding several churches in Naples, including the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore, San Severo also built the monumental Battistero di San Giovanni in Fonte, the oldest baptistery in Western Christendom. It is often alleged he had San Genaro’s relics translated from Pozzuoli to the catacombs of Naples, but that honor actually belongs to Giovanni I, the city’s fourteenth Bishop.

According to an eleventh century account of the saint’s life, San Severo brought a dead man back to life to save his wife from an unscrupulous creditor. Threatening a poor widow and her young children with slavery, the man claimed her deceased husband put them up as collateral for a loan. Unable to convince the man to reconsider, San Severo brought him and several witnesses to the late husband’s sepulcher, and raised him from the dead. Confronted by the husband, the fraudster was forced to admit he lied about the debt and quickly made himself scarce.

Together with the Madonna del Soccorso and San Severino Abate, he is the patron saint of San Severo in Provincia di Foggia, Apulia. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Severus of Naples. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Napoli. Evviva San Severo di Napoli!

Prayer to St. Severus of Naples

O Glorious St. Severus of Naples 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

Feast of Sant’Agnese di Montepulciano

Sant'Agnese di Montepulciano,
ora pro nobis

Deus, qui sponsam tuam Agnetem miro decorasti orationis ardore, concede ut eius imitatione, tibi mentibus semper intenti, copiosum pietatis fructum exinde consequi valeamus. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

April 20th is the Feast of St. Agnes of Montepulciano, Virgin, Mystic, Miracle Worker, Dominican Nun, and Prioress. Born circa 1268 to a noble family in the hamlet of Gracciano Vecchio, Siena, she joined a convent of sisters known as “Saccate” from their distinct dress and consecrated herself to God at the age of nine.

At fifteen she was chosen by her novice mistress Sister Margherita to help found a new monastery at Proceno, Viterbo. There, St. Agnes was elected against her will to be the new community’s prioress.

According to tradition St. Agnes miraculously received Holy Communion from an angel for nine Sundays in a row. On another occasion, a heavenly messenger gave her a handful of soil from the Garden of Gethsemane and a shard of a basin the Virgin Mary used to bathe the Child Jesus. On the Feast of the Assumption, Our Lady appeared to St. Agnes and let her hold the Infant Jesus in her arms. Reluctant to give Him up, she snatched a small cross from around His neck.

In addition to visions, St. Agnes also performed many miracles, including healing the sick, converting sinners, and delivering people possessed by demons. On several occasions, while feeding the poor and hungry, the depleted food rations miraculously multiplied so there was enough for everyone.

Receiving a vision of San Domenico, St. Agnes obeyed his command and joined the Dominican Order. In 1306 she returned to Montepulciano and established a Dominican monastery dedicated to Santa Maria Novella in Gracciano, which she governed until her death.

St. Agnes died at midnight on April 20, 1317, and is said the children of Montepulciano awoke weeping to their parents that Sister Agnes had died and is a saint. After her death, many healing miracles have taken place around her tomb. The blind, lame and crippled were healed after touching a precious liquid that secreted from her fingertips.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Agnes of Montepulciano in Latin and English. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant’Agnese di Montepulciano!

Prayer to St. Agnes of Montepulciano

O God, who adorned Agnes, Your bride, with a marvelous fervor in prayer, grant that by imitating her example, we may always hold fast to You in spirit, and so come to enjoy the abundant fruits of holiness. 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 Demetrio di Tessalonica

San Demetrio di Tessalonica, ora pro nobis

April 9th is the Feast of San Demetrio di Tessalonica, third century Deacon and Martyr. Widely venerated in Southern Italy, he is the patron saint of soldiers as well as the towns of San Demetrio Corone (CS), Morigerati (SA), Mosorrofa (RC), Piana degli Albanesi (PA), and San Demetrio ne' Vestini (AQ), among others. In the Byzantine Synaxarion his feast is celebrated on October 26th. 

Second in importance only to St. George, San Demetrio was very popular among the early crusaders, especially after his intervention at the Battle of Antioch during the First Crusade. Capturing the city in 1098, the Christians soon found themselves besieged by Kerbogha, Atabeg of Mosul. Witnessing a vision of an army arrayed in white atop a hill and led by Saints George, Mercurius (or Theodore) and Demetrius, the beleaguered knights rallied and routed the enemy. 

Devotion to San Demetrio was first introduced into Southern Italy with the arrival of Eastern refugees fleeing the iconoclast controversy in the 8th and 9th centuries. It was later reinforced by the crusaders returning from the Holy Land and further still during the 15th and 16th centuries by those escaping the Ottoman scourge in the Balkans.

According to tradition, San Demetrio openly preached the Word of God, performed miracles, and converted many to the faith. In the West he is said to have been a deacon in Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica in modern-day Serbia), while the Orthodox Churches believe he was a senator, or proconsul, from Thessalonica in Macedonia. All agree he was denounced as a Christian, arrested and brought before Emperor Maximian to be tried. 

Imprisoned at the local baths, San Demetrio awaited his fate while the Emperor attended the games at the arena. As the bloody spectacle raged on, St. Nestor of Thessalonica visited the holy prisoner and received his blessing before dispatching the hulking Lyaeus in hand-to-hand combat before a stunned crowd.  

Angered that his favorite gladiator was bested by a Christian, Maximian took out his frustration on his helpless captive and had San Demetrio run through with a spear. His rage undiminished, the bloodthirsty tyrant had St. Nestor beheaded the next day. San Demetrio’s discarded corpse was recovered and properly buried by fellow Christians. 

Over the centuries many miracles have been attributed to San Demetrio, the most famous being the slaying of the Bulgarian Tsar Johanista (Kalojan). It is said during the siege of Thessalonica in 1207 San Demetrio came to the aid of the city mounted on a white charger and killed Kalojan with his lance while he slept in his tent. Their leader dead, the Bulgarians lifted the siege and withdrew to their homeland.

Back in 2009 I was fortunate enough to see a 16th century icon depicting the miracle at the “Origins of El Greco: Icon Painting in Venetian Crete” exhibit at the Onassis Cultural Center in Manhattan. Painted by Donato Bitzamanos the panel originates from Otranto in Apulia and is currently housed at The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In celebration, I’m posting the prayers to San Demetrio from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home [link will open PDF file]. They are meant for private use. The accompanying photo of the statue, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. The image of the icon was taken from the Origins of El Greco: Icon Painting in Venetian Crete exhibit catalogue. Evviva San Demetrio di Tessalonica!

Troparia
Troparion Tone 3 The world has seen you as a defender of those imperiled, and a conquerer of the nations, O martyr. In cutting down the arrogance of Leo, you bolstered Nestor by your courage. O holy Demetrius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!
Kontakion Tone 2 God washed the Church red in the rivers of your blood, and presented you to her as an invincible power. Keep this city safe, for you are its patron. 

Stichera
O glorious martyr Demetrius, like a bright star you glisten forever for your fatherland because you always protect it from destruction at the hands of enemies, and you deliver it from every strife and menace. Therefore, O blessed one, your people annually observe your memory and celebrate with joy, and with faith and love they extol the Lord who glorified you.
Glory be...now and ever...Today the universal feast of the martyr summons us. Come, therefore, O lovers of feasts, let us celebrate his memory in splendor and say: Rejoice, for you overcame the snares of the enemy by the might given to you by the one God. Rejoice, for you suffered wounds by the thrusts of a sword, and thus spiritually depicted for us the blessed passion of Christ. O Demetrius, O inspiration of martyrs, implore Him that we be delivered from visible and invisible enemies, and that our souls may be saved. 

Sessional Hymns
Let us devoutly observe today the feast of the martyr Demetrius, for he prays constantly to Christ to grant great mercy to us all.
Glory be...now and ever...O faithful, let us bless the Theotokos, the fervent defender of those in danger. She is our help and our conversion to God. Through her we have been delivered from corruption. 

Farewell to Maestro Roberto De Simone

Maestro Roberto De Simone

Noted Neapolitan scholar and maestro Roberto De Simone died in his home in Naples on 6 April 2025 at the age of 91. De Simone was born in Naples on 25 August 1933 and studied piano and composition at the famous San Pietro a Majella Conservatory. Beginning in 1957 he performed on piano and harpsichord, including in the Domenico Scarlatti Orchestra. He conducted intense activities in the field of ethnomusical studies and completed significant research in the Neapolitan, Campanian, and Southern Italian folk traditions, with emphasis on music and songs performed at seasonal and religious feasts and funerals. He also specialized in 18th-century Neapolitan composed music. In the 1960s he co-founded the Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare group which performed and recorded a significant repertoire of the Neapolitan folk song tradition. He brought to life for modern audiences many songs such as Jesce Sole, Canto dei Sanfedisti, Canto delle Lavandaie, Cicerenella, Lo Guarracino, La Canzona de Zeza, Quanno Nascette Ninno, Vurria Ca Fosse Ciaola, Si Tu Nenna M’Amave N’Autro Anno, Pastorella Siciliana, as well as arrangements of Di Giacomo and other’s songs.

Among De Simone’s memorable groundbreaking works was his famous 1976 La Gatta Cenerentola (based on the folktale famously preserved in its Neapolitan telling by Giambattista Basile), which he wrote, composed and directed, and which was acclaimed in Italy and abroad. He taught music history at the Accademia di Belli Arti di Napoli and served as artistic director at the San Carlo Opera House. De Simone also composed music scores for films.

A mentor for many musicians and ethnomusicologists, De Simone also published many important works, including Immagini della Madonna dell'Arco, with A. Rossi (1973); Chi è devoto, feste popolari in Campania (1974); Testo verbale e strutture musicali nei canti popolari, in L'etnomusicologia in Italia (1975); Carnevale si chiamava Vincenzo, with A. Rossi (1977); Canti e tradizioni popolari in Campania (1979); Racconti e storie per i 12 giorni di Natale (1987); Il mito del S. Carlo nel costume napoletano (1987); Il Pentamerone di G. B. Basile tradotto da R. De Simone in napoletano moderno (1989).

De Simone was a visible living icon in Naples and well-known to the public. Watching his performances and collaborations was a part of life for the last three generations. Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi issued a statement saying, “We are profoundly saddened by the death of Roberto De Simone. Naples lost a cultural reference point that brought our city around the world over decades, marrying ancient traditions with an extraordinarily innovative attitude. We were closely linked to De Simone, conscious of his artistic greatness: for his 90th birthday, during the New Year’s celebrations in San Domenico Maggiore, we dedicated an homage to him in the context of the “Naples City of Music” project. The “Christmas at the Court of Charles of Bourbon” concert by La Nuova Polifonia orchestra directed by Alessandro De Simone together with the Ensemble Vocale di Napoli choir- represented a very emotional moment. Naples and the Municipal Administration will remember De Simone as he deserves, for his contribution to Italian and international culture. For the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of Naples, we had already planned an exhibition commemorating his productions at the San Carlo.”

By Erasmo Russo

Feast of San Benedetto il Moro

San Benedetto il Moro, ora pro nobis

April 4th is the feast of St. Benedict the Moor (San Fratello c.1524–Palermo, April 4, 1589), hermit and miracle worker. Invoked against pestilence, famine and other natural disasters, he is the protector of San Fratello, Sicily, as well as one of the co-patrons of Palermo. 

Descended from African slaves that converted to Christianity, the meek and pious youth entered a Franciscan hermitage on Monte Pellegrino under Girolamo Lanza. Following the passing of their founder, Benedetto was elected their superior. 

In 1562, Pope Pius IV disbanded the hermit community and encouraged the confreres to join another order. Benedetto joined the Order of Friars Minor in Palermo and, despite being illiterate, eventually rose from cook to superior of the Friary of Santa Maria di Gesù. 

Revered for his sanctity, he was often consulted by priests, prelates and even the illustrious Viceroy of Sicily, Marcantonio II Colonna. He is renowned for healing the sick and feeding the poor by miraculously multiplying bread and fish through prayer.

After his death, San Benedetto’s cult spread from Sicily to Spain and the new world with the Spanish. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1743 and canonized by Pope Pius VII in 1807. His patronal Feast Day in San Fratello is commemorated on September 17th. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Benedict the Moor in Italian. The prayer card pictured was a gift from a friend who is a fervent devotee of “il santo Moro.” Evviva San Benedetto il Moro!

Preghiera

O celeste patrono S. Benedetto che per seguire fedelmente Gesù abbracciasti volontariamente la poverta', insegnaci a distaccare il nostro cuore dai beni terreni per non divenire schiavi. TU che vivesti nell' ardente amore di Dio e del prossimo, ottienici di praticare la vera carita' e di avere il cuore aperto a tutte le necessita' dei nostri fratelli. TU che conosci le ansie e le speranze di questa tua terra , proteggici sempre e donaci di poter conseguire con te la gloria eterna. Amen

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.

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.

Feast of San Giovanni de Matha

San Giovanni de Matha, ora pro nobis

February 8th is the Feast of St. John of Matha (b. 1160, Faucon-de-Barcelonnette — d. 1213, Rome), Mystic, Confessor and co-founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives (Trinitarians). According to tradition, an angel wearing a red and azure cross on his chest briefly appeared to St. John while he celebrated his first Holy Mass. By the seraph’s side were two chained slaves, a Christian and a Moor. Placing his hands on their heads the apparition disappeared.

Years later, still unsure what the vision meant, St. John was walking in the forest of Meaux (near Paris) with his friend and spiritual teacher St. Felix of Valois (1127-1212). Out of nowhere, a magnificent stag appeared with a red and azure cross between its antlers. The similarity of the crosses could not be overlooked, so St. John recounted to his mentor what he had seen years earlier. 

Red and azure Cross of the Order

Over the next three nights, the holy men were visited in their dreams by Our Lord Jesus Christ, who revealed His desire for them to found a new order for the redemption of slaves. Seeking the approval of Pope Innocent III (1161-1216), they set out to Rome and explained to the Holy Father what had happened. Later, while celebrating Mass, the Pope had the same celestial vision of an angel with slaves that St. John had described and gave his blessing to their request to establish a new congregation.

The Trinitarian Order and Rule of St. John de Matha were officially approved on December 17, 1198 and they immediately began ransoming Christian captives abducted from Europe's mediterranean coast and sold off in the slave markets and bazaars of Asia and Africa. They are believed to have liberated as many as 140,000 slaves.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. John of Matha. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Evviva San Giovanni de Matha!

Prayer to St. John of Matha

Glorious St. John of Matha, thou who wast inflamed with a great love of God and a tender compassion for thy neighbor, and wast divinely chosen to found the famous Order of the Holy Trinity, and didst spend thy days in glorifying that assurable mystery and in redeeming Christians from the most miserable slavery; obtain for us, we beseech thee, the grace to pass our lives also in glorifying the most blessed Trinity, and in doing good to our neighbor, by works of Christian charity, so that it may be our happy portion to enjoy in Heaven the blessed vision of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen

Feast of San Francesco Saverio Maria Bianchi, Apostolo di Napoli

San Francesco, ora pro nobis

When you hear that I cannot celebrate Mass any more, count me as dead. ~ San Francesco Saverio Maria Bianchi

January 31st is the Feast of San Francesco Saverio Maria Bianchi (Saint Francis Xavier Mary Bianchi), Barnabite Priest and Scholar. Born in Arpino on December 2, 1743, he was raised in a loving and pious household. At the age of twelve he was entrusted to the Barnabites, which awakened in him, against his parents wishes, the call to the priesthood. While attending seminary at Nola, San Francesco had the good fortune of meeting Sant’Alfonso de Liguori, who convinced the irresolute young novitiate to fully embrace a religious life.

Completing his studies at Naples, San Francesco was ordained a priest on January 25, 1767. First assigned to the Barnabite Collegio dei Santi Carlo e Filippo in Arpino as a professor of humanities, he was later transferred in 1769 to the Collegio di San Carlo alle Mortelle in Naples as a professor of philosophy and mathematics.

Thanks to the guidance and friendship of the great Neapolitan mystic Santa Maria Francesca delle Cinque Piaghe (St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds), San Francesco gave up his scholarly pursuits and withdrew to a more-fulfilling life of prayer and contemplation. Spending long hours in the confessional working with poor penitents he earned the celebrated appellation: “Apostle of Naples.”

In addition to working with the city’s lazzaroni, San Francesco offered spiritual guidance to King Charles Emmanuel IV of Sardinia and his wife Queen Marie Clotilde when the French Revolution had forced the northern monarchs to flee Turin and go into exile in Naples.

A great miracle worker, San Francesco famously stopped the spewing lava of Mount Vesuvius from destroying the towns of Torre del Greco and Portici. Holding a framed portrait of St. Mary Frances, he gathering the panicked townspeople together in prayer. Raising his right hand, he commanded in the name of God the torrents of lava to stop and to everyone’s great relief and amazement it did. 

San Francesco Saverio Maria Bianchi died in Naples on January 31, 1815. Originally interred at the Chiesa di San Giuseppe delle Scalze a Pontecorvo, on June 18, 1972 his relics were translated to the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Caravaggio.

In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Francis Xavier Mary Bianchi. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Caravaggio in 2019. Evviva San Francesco!

Prayer to St. Francis Xavier Mary Bianchi

God, our Father, through the deep charity of St. Francis Xavier Mary Bianchi, you wanted to attract your people to your love. Help us now, through his intercession and by his example, to come to recognize and love you in our brothers and sisters. We ask this 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.

Additional reading: 
• St. Francis X. Bianchi at Barnabite Holiness

Remembering Papal Zouave Philippe Marie Jean de Vassal-Cadillac

Philippe Marie Jean de Vassal-Cadillac

Born on August 14, 1850, Philippe Marie Jean de Vassal-Cadillac joined the Papal Zouaves in February 1868 at the age of 18. He was promoted to Sergeant in November 1869. 

The outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in July, 1870 led France to enact a conscription. Jean was one of those conscripted so he was forced to resign from the unit in August 1870.

Jean became Sergeant Fournier in the French Mobiles and was then promoted to Lieutenant in the 119th Line Infantry Regiment.

During the 2nd Battle of Dijon on December 18, 1870, he received two gunshot wounds and was seriously injured. Never truly recovering, he died in Angers on January 28, 1873.

The above portrait comes from my personal collection and once belonged to the Vassal-Cadillac family.

Archduchess Maria Theresa

On the back is an additional portrait of the Countess of Chambord Maria Theresa of Austria-Este, the wife of legitimist French King, Henry V.

I also have Jeaan's Papal Zouave Manual Prayer Book. Page 117 is circled which includes a prayer of thanksgiving after Communion and instructions on how to receive an indulgence.

Below is the translation.

ACT OF KINDNESS    

The tenderest and most generous of friends! what could now separate me from you, after you have given me such touching proof of your love? Ah! I renounce with all my heart what had taken me away from you; and I propose, with the help of your grace, to fall no more into faults which have so often afflicted your heart. 

Papal Zouave Manual prayer book

Those who, after going to confession and after receiving Holy Communion, recite the following Prayer before an image of the Crucifix, can gain a plenary indulgence and deliver a soul from purgatory.  (Pius VII, April 10, 1821.)

O good and sweetest Jesus, before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with all fervour of soul I pray and beseech Thee to vouchsafe to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a most firm purpose of amendment; whilst I contemplate with great sorrow and love Thy five Wounds, and ponder them over in my mind, having before my eyes the words which, long ago, David the prophet spoke in his own person concerning Thee, my Jesus: Foderunt manus Meas et pedes Meos; dinumeraverunt omnia ossa Mea.*

Five Paters and five Aves are then said, for the ordinary intentions of the Holy Church, to receive the plenary indulgence.

By Brendan Cassell (Papal Zouave History @PapalZouaveUS)

* They dug My hands and My feet; they numbered all My bones.

Venerating the Relics of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich

Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich

On a beautiful winter day, we found ourselves in Convent Station, New Jersey on the picturesque campus of St Elizabeth University. Home to the Sisters of Charity of St Elizabeth, the campus boasts the beautiful Holy Family Chapel, which was dedicated in 1909.

That day, the Chapel being open, we decided to enter and say our obligatory prayers. A serene, peaceful setting, the Holy Family Chapel was the perfect place to pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

After our prayers and contemplation, we were greeted by Sister Regina Bernard, who graciously asked if we’d like to see the relics of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich. We happily and excitedly agreed.

Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, New Jersey

***

Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich was born on March 26, 1901, in Bayonne, New Jersey to Ruthenian immigrant parents, the youngest of seven children. She was raised in the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Rite. After losing her mother to the Spanish Influenza pandemic in 1918, she studied at the then-named College of St Elizabeth. It was at the College of St Elizabeth’s St Rita Hall where as a student, Miriam Teresa had a vision of our Blessed Mother from her dormitory room. Miriam Teresa went on to graduate from the College of St. Elizabeth in 1923 with the highest honors. Shortly after, Miriam Teresa accepted her first teaching position.

Miriam Teresa had been discerning entering a religious order, and she finally joined the Sisters of Charity of St Elizabeth, receiving the habit in 1925. As a postulant and then a novice, she taught at the Academy of St Elizabeth, still located on the Convent Station campus. Sister Miriam Teresa was known for her piety and devotion to the Holy Rosary. Much of her time when she wasn’t working would be dedicated to prayer. Sister Miriam Teresa also wrote twenty-six conferences for the novitiate at the request of her spiritual advisor which are now compiled in the book titled Greater Perfection.

Unfortunately, in 1926 Sister Miriam Teresa’s health began to decline precipitously. Suffering from tonsillitis, appendicitis, myocarditis, and nervous exhaustion, Sister Miriam Teresa took her permanent vows in periculo mortis in April 1927. She died on May 8, 1927. Her funeral was held in the Holy Family Chapel and she was buried in the Holy Family Cemetery on the grounds of the Sisters of Charity of St Elizabeth motherhouse.

After a number of cures were reported due to her intercession, an official investigation by the Church was begun in 1946. In 2012, Sister Miriam Teresa Demjanovich was declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI and was beatified in 2014 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey, the first time a beatification was ever held in the United States.

In 2016, the remains of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich were transferred from the crypt to a new shrine in Holy Family Chapel. In a room adjacent to the Chapel, we find some of the personal items owned by Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich: her crucifix, her statuette of the Infant Jesus, her watercolors, brushes, and a picture of violets she painted symbolizing the Trinity as she was also an amateur artist.

We still await and pray fervently for her canonization.

Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich's Crucifix

Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich's Statuette of the Infant Jesus

Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich's Watercolors

A watercolor of violets representing the Trinity
by Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich

***

Sister Regina Bernard led us to the shrine on the left of the high altar, recounting the story of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demianovich and her relics. The beautiful shrine is contained within an alcove, framed by gothic-style arches. This shrine serves as a perfect permanent resting place for the relics of this Blessed Miriam Teresa. The relics themselves are preserved within an octagonal reliquary cask, fitted with a Waterford crystal for the purpose of viewing said holy relics. Beneath are rectangular boxes containing soil taken from her gravesite which form the base of the shrine.

Joining Sister Regina Bernard, we prayed before the relics of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, begging for her intercession. Kneeling before the holy relics, we peered inside the crystal oculus. Strands of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich’s hair lay across the crystal, and deep within the reliquary, we beheld her bones, the holy relics of this blessed woman.

Kneeling before her relics in veneration and prayer, the devotion of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich touches our hearts. Her brief time with us, nearly one hundred years past was a gift from our Lord Jesus Christ. In her humility and service, she bestowed upon us a model of sanctity, humility, and dedication to God.

~ Pasquale De Davide

The Reliquary

The reliquary's Waterford crystal oculus, with strands of hair

Inside the reliquary: the holy relics of
Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich

***

Prayer for Canonization of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich

Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, Whom Blessed Miriam Teresa loved so ardently, grant that we, like her, may become ever more conscious of Your Divine Presence within our souls. We implore You to continue to show signs that Your humble servant enjoys glory with You in Heaven, and to hasten the day when we may render her a lasting tribute of our veneration and love.

Feast of San Felice di Valois

San Felice di Valois, ora pro nobis

November 20th is the Feast of St. Felix of Valois (1127-1212), Cistercian hermit, Mystic and co-founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives (Trinitarians). An illustrious scion of the royal House of Valois, St. Felix (born Hugh) renounced his considerable wealth, was ordained a priest and withdrew to the forest of Meaux (near Paris) to live as an anchorite. His reputation for holiness attracted many followers, including his friend St. John of Matha.

According to tradition, during a walk in the forest with St. John, a magnificent stag briefly appeared before them with a shining red and azure cross between its antlers. The incident led St. John to recount a vision he had many years earlier of an angel wearing the same distinctive cross. Over the next three nights Our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the holy men and revealed His desire for them to establish a new religious order for the redemption of Christian slaves being held captive by the Moslems.

Red and azure Cross of the Order

Traveling to Rome for Papal permission to found a new congregation, they appealed to Pope Innocent III for his sanction. Witnessing the same celestial vision of an angel as St. John, the Holy Father consented to their request. Officially approved on December 17, 1198 the Trinitarians immediately began ransoming abducted Christians from the slave markets of Asia and Africa, sometimes offering themselves in exchange. They are believed to have saved as many as 140,000 slaves.

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer for St. Felix of Valois. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Evviva San Felice di Valois!

Prayer to St. Felix of Valois

O God, You inspired blessed Felix, Your confessor, to leave his hermitage to devote himself to the work of ransoming prisoners; grant we pray You that, by his intercession, through Your grace we may be freed from the bondage of sin and may be safely led to our heavenly home. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who being God, lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen