Photo of the Week: Bas Relief from the Tepidarium in Pompeii

Bas relief from the tepidarium, or warm bath, in Pompeii
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

A Look at the 2016 Feast of San Michele and the Madonna della Fontana in Newark, New Jersey

Evviva San Michele! Evviva Maria!

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

By Giovanni di Napoli

Southern hospitality, Calabrese-style, was in full effect Sunday, as members of the Società Madonna Della Fontana and Spilingese Social Club celebrated their annual Feast of San Michele Arcangelo and the Madonna della Fontana in Newark, New Jersey. 

Arriving a little early, my friend and I were greeted at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (259 Oliver St.) by church historian and caretaker, Eric Lavin. Mr. Lavin was kind enough to show us around the church and sacristy, which is bursting with southern Italian religious relics and artwork. A gem encrusted image of the Madonna di Montevergine from Avelino and a large reliquary with bone fragments of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto were of particular interest.  

(L-R) The Madonna di Montevergine from Avelino and a large reliquary with bone fragments of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto

Following the tour, Mr. Lavin walked us over to the nearby Spilingese Social Club and introduced us to members of the society. Warmly welcomed, we were plied with espresso and an array of pastries. Mingling with members, they readily shared some of their favorite memories and history about the Feast before parting for church. 

Eric Lavin with the Madonna Della Fontana standard

Mass was celebrated in Italian with Father Nicholas Figurelli, who was filling in for Cav. Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Ambrosio while he was in Rome celebrating the Confirmation of TRH Princess Maria Chiara, Duchess of Palermo and Princess Maria Carolina, Duchess of Capri with members of the U.S. Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George.

Next to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is a replica of the Santuario di Santa Maria della Fontana in Spilinga, Calabria

After Mass, the statues of San Michele and the Blessed Mother were carried out of church with much fanfare by the Tony Neglia Band. We were all relieved to see that the thunderstorms in the forecast never materialized and were blessed with a brisk, sunny day. 

Family and friends come together to celebrate our faith and culture

Before the procession, celebrants cheered, waved flags, and rushed to pin donations onto their beloved patrons. For nearly two hours we sauntered through the old neighborhood, stopping on occasion so devotees could make an offering. There was a touching moment halfway through the procession, when we made a short detour to visit the society’s senior member 101-year-old Mrs. Campesi. Mrs. Campesi and her family were clearly moved by the love and affection evinced by the community, who filed into her doorway one at a time to greet and wish her well.

So many blessings at the Feasts

We returned to the church for the Benediction and veneration of the relic of the Blessed Mother. The statues were returned to their chapel next to San Giovanni Battista, co-patron of Spilinga.

(Above & below) After Mass, the statues are brought out to the expectant crowd

From the church we moved to the auditorium for a spectacular luncheon. Partygoers were treated to a delicious repast, replete with southern Italian specialties, including spicy sausage and peppers, pizza, breaded cutlets, and, of course, ‘nduja sliders, the quintessential Calabrian delicacy. Naturally, we were invited to partake in the festivities and we happily obliged.

Passing on the traditions to the next generation

Many thanks to Maria Giorgia Pannucci, President of the Società Madonna Della Fontana, and Pasquale “Pat” Pontoriero, President of the Spilingese Social Club, for their warmth and hospitality. Everyone went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Special thanks to Eric Lavin for extending the invitation. Your hard work and dedication to our community serves as an inspiration to us all. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of your special day and I look forward to celebrating with you again.

(Left) The Color Guard are raring to go
(Right) Celebrants Father Nicholas Figurelli and Joseph T. Lucia

(Above & below) The procession makes its way through the neighborhood

A good time was had by all

The standard bearers take a short break outside Mrs. Campesi's home 

Centenarian, Mrs. Campesi was deeply touched by the tremendous outpouring of affection shown to her by the community

The procession makes its way back towards the church

The Tony Neglia Band

Members pose for pictures outside the clubhouse

The statues are returned to the church

After the Benediction, devotees venerate a relic of the Blessed Mother

At the after-party, we enjoyed a meal fit for a king

Congratulations to Their Royal Highnesses on the Confirmation of Princesses Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara of Bourbon Two Sicilies

Saturday, May 14, 2016, St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican

Photo courtesy of Charles Sant'Elia

“Let us thank God for having called us to His holy faith. It is a great gift, and the number of those who thank God for it is small.” — St. Alphonsus Liguori

We at Il Regno offer our prayers and best wishes to TRH Princesses Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara of Bourbon Two Sicilies on the occasion of their Confirmation. May God's love be in your hearts to strengthen you along life's way. Congratulations and God bless you both.

His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro Announces Change to Rules of Succession

His Royal Highness Prince Carlo di Borbone

Due Sicilie, Duke of Castro

Press Release

The Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies would like to make the following announcement:

His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, Head of the Royal House makes public his decision to change the rules of succession which have thus far been in force in the House of Bourbon Two Sicilies in order to make them compatible with international and European law which prohibits any discrimination between men and women, not only in the enjoyment of their rights and freedoms but also in the exercise of public office of any kind.

The rule of absolute primogeniture will henceforth apply to his direct descendants.

The official Act is as follows:

WE, Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, Head of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders; Whereas the Royal Families of Europe currently ruling have finally abandoned, in order to comply with the principle of equality between men and women as part of the foundation of international and European law, the principle called the "Salic law", which excludes daughters from the order of succession, the majority of them have adopted the rule of succession of absolute primogeniture; 

Whereas the Real House of Bourbon Two Sicilies must, if it aspires to be able to claim to recover its sovereignty and to exercise it in accordance with the law and the principles recognized by the International community, hereby adopts in turn a rule of succession which conforms to this law;

WE decide:

Article 1: The order of hereditary succession to the Royal House of Bourbon of Two Sicilies is amended with the aim of introducing a strict equality between men and women. 

Article 2: The principle of absolute primogeniture is replaced in any rule of former succession. 

Article 3: This new order of succession is applicable for the first time to our descendants. 

Article 4: The rules and statutes of all dynastic orders referring to the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies will be amended accordingly.

Rome, 12 May 2016

Source: Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George American Delegation

Visiting South Philly’s Brigantessa

Brigantessa, Forneria Meridionale

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

By Giovanni di Napoli

It was a long time in coming, but I finally made it to Brigantessa, Forneria Meridionale. Named in honor of Michelina De Cesare, a pro-Bourbon freedom fighter who fought and died against the Piedmontese invaders, the restaurant is one of South Philly’s hip dining spots which specializes in southern Italian fare.  

Located at 1520 East Passyunk Avenue, Brigantessa offers a variety traditional dishes drawn from the unforgettable experiences of la cucina meridianale in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Decorated with original photography highlighting the splendor of the Italian south, the first floor—with bar and Neapolitan pizza oven—is intimate and cozy, while the upstairs dining area is roomy and better suited to larger parties. As to be expected from a southern Italian eatery, the staff was warm, friendly and very attentive.

Hanging sign with Michelina De Cesare

For lunch my friend and I started off with the Antipasti Della Casa, a delicious assortment of artichokes, olives, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, sformato and stracciatella. Mixing it up a little, we also tried the Frito Misto; a literal cornucopia of fried goodies served in a paper cone, including frittatina di maccheroni and polpette di baccalà (typical Neapolitan street fare).

Luckily, the drive from NYC made us pretty hungry, so we still had some room for our main courses. My friend had the Mozzarella in Carrozza Pannini, a new take on an old classic, while I inhaled the Crispy Eggplant Pannini smothered in smoked scamorza, spicy ’nduja and a yellow Piennolo tomato agrodolce. Both sandwiches were served with homemade potato chips.

Naturally, the right thing to do after a meal like that was to take a leisurely stroll and explore the neighborhood. Our experience was so good, my friend and I agreed we would come back for supper before making our trek home. So we made our reservation and partook in some of the many things Philadelphia has to offer. (See upcoming post)

A large photo of Michelina De Cesare also hangs over the beer taps

After our long excursion we worked up an appetite and returned for dinner. Not surprisingly, the place was hopping, so I recommend making a reservation before hand. Promptly seated, we ordered some wine and scoured the dinner menu for the perfect choices, salivating over the enticing selection of dishes to choose from.

For an appetizer we had the insanely delicious wood-grilled Lucanian Sausage with crispy polenta and Lacinato kale. My friend ordered the Regina Pizza, an authentic Neapolitan masterpiece covered with buffalo mozzarella, Piennolo tomatoes and basil, cooked to perfection following the strict regulations of the AVPN* in a famed Gianni Acunto wood-fired oven made with bricks from the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius. For my entrée I ordered the Saffron “Briganti Hats,” a delectable macaroni smothered in a cardoncelli mushroom and pork sausage ragu. I think I would have ordered this dish anyway because of the name, but I remembered reading a glowing review by our friend Danielle Oteri over at Feast on History and the choice became obvious.

Photos of southern Italy adorn the walls

They have a nice collection of wines (e.g. De Leonardis Aglianico del Vulture) and spirits (e.g. Amaro Lucano) from southern Italy. We chose a bottle of Ippolito 1845 Ciro Rosso from the oldest winery in Calabria. It’s distinct flavors pared well with our meal. 

Needless to say, our dinner was brought to its climactic conclusion with a piping hot espresso.

If I were a local, Brigantessa would definitely be one of my regular haunts, where I would happily sample my way through the entire menu and seasonal specialties. However, a few friends saw my "status" on Facebook and were disappointed they didn’t get to come, so I may be back soon enough to try some of the other dishes.

* Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana

Antipasti Della Casa, a delicious assortment of artichokes, olives, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, sformato and stracciatella

Our new pal Andre presents a couple of mouthwatering masterpieces

Crispy Eggplant Pannini smothered in smoked scamorza, spicy ’nduja and a yellow Piennolo tomato agrodolce

Caroline carves up some salumi with a vintage hand cranked Berkel slicer

Saffron “Briganti Hats,” a delectable macaroni smothered in a cardoncelli mushroom and pork sausage ragu

Pizza Regina

Lucanian Sausage with crispy polenta and Lacinato kale

Brigantessa, Forneria Meridionale ★★★★★
1520 East Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 318-7341

www.brigantessaphila.com

Photo of the Week: Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista in Matera, Basilicata

Grazie mille Andrew Giordano for sharing your wonderful photo of the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista (Church of St. John the Baptist) in Matera, Basilicata

Compra Sud — Monteleone's Bakery and Café

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Let's support those who keep our traditions and folkways alive

Monteleone's Bakery and Café 
355 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-852-5600

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* Our recommendations will be unsolicited, and only from our personal experience. No second hand suggestions will be made.

The Search for our Ancestry (XXIV)

Searching on ‘Familysearch.org’   

By Angelo Coniglio

The free Mormon site https://familysearch.org/ (hereafter called FamilySearch), has many options. New users should click ‘Create Account’ and register for free, then return to the main page and sign in. The ‘Search’ option appears near the top of the page, and throughout the site. Unlike searches on Yahoo! or Google, this site does not always let you search “globally” by entering a surname, or a keyword or phrase, to find all references to it. Even where information is ‘indexed’ and can be searched b individual’s name, remember everything is not indexed, and even when it is, there may be transcription errors. You must have an orderly approach to your searches, and I prefer viewing actual records, not transcriptions. Be forewarned that due to restrictions that may be placed on the LDS by certain towns or archives, some records may only be viewed after you sign in, and some may not be viewed unless you go to an LDS FamilySearch Center and use the computers there.

Until you’re more experienced, you should bypass options to start searching for ancestors by name, Some names are indexed and appropriate records may be found this way, but most are not. After you have become familiar with the site and the presentation of images, you may come back and try individual searches. But first, click on ‘Search’, select ‘Records’, and you’ll get to the page www.familysearch.org/search, where you’ll again be tempted to ‘Search for a deceased ancestor.’ Skip that, and instead click on the map on the right, headed ‘Research by location’; click on the drawing of Europe to see a list of countries, then click on ‘Italy’.

Scroll down the resulting page to ‘Italy Image Only Historical Records’ and find the town you want from the list that is alphabetized by province. Each list has a link to ‘Browse Images’, and then a list of towns. Clicking a town gives a list of types of record (in Italian). These include Nati (Births); Pubblicazioni (Marriage Banns); Matrimoni (Marriages); Allegati (Attachments to Marriage Records); Morti (Deaths) and Cittadinanza (records showing transfer of residency).  Each type is followed by the range of years for which records are available.

The images that appear in these searches are versions of the Mormon microfilms that were photographed from the original records. As such, they are laid out like a microfilm, and paging through the images on-line is like rolling through on a film reader. The advantage is that you don’t have to start at the beginning of the film. If the site indicates, for example, that there are 1,237 images for a town’s civil marriage records for the years 1880 through 1891; to see records for the year 1886, you can estimate the location of that year’s records, go immediately to an image you think is close to that year, say image 600, and begin your search from there. The disadvantage is that you must search image by image, and searching with a slow browser can be tedious.

Many original records include indices after each year, or after a ten-year period. Once you’ve found the year you want, page through it to the end. In most cases, you’ll see an index (indice) of all the events in that category (births, or deaths, or marriages, etc.) Indices give the number of the record of the document for which you’re searching, making it easier to find a specific record. The details of these indices may vary by town or era. Some are simply chronological lists giving only a name and a number, in the order in which the events occurred. If so, you must look at every name in the index to find the number of the record, and then go back to the records to find the one you want. In some cases, the indices are roughly alphabetized by the first letter of the surname, or even by the first letter of the given name.  

In the best indices, the list is fully alphabetized by surname, and may actually have a brief summary of the record itself: the record number and date of a child’s birth and its parents’ names. Italian and Sicilian civil marriage records after 1875 are displayed on FamilySearch with two records per image; birth records are three to an image, and death records are four to an image. You can count forward or backward by twos, threes or fours from any numbered record, to find the document you want. Follow the on-screen hints to enlarge, reduce or print the desired image. At least some knowledge of the Italian language is necessary. The indices use Arabic numbers, but the numbers on the actual records may be written out. Thus, for example, a number shown as ‘325’ in an index may be written as ‘trecentoventicinque’ (three hundred twenty-five) on the record itself.

Coniglio is the author of the book The Lady of the Wheel, inspired by his Sicilian research. Order the paperback or the Kindle version at http://bit.ly/SicilianStory    

Coniglio’s web page at http://bit.ly/AFCGen has helpul hints on genealogic research. If you have genealogy questions, or would like him to lecture to your club or group, e-mail him at genealogytips@aol.com

Photo of the Week: San Michele Arcangelo from the Chiesa Madre di San Michele Arcangelo in Pomarico

Grazie mille Andrew Giordano for sharing your wonderful photo of the statue of San Michele Arcangelo from the Chiesa Madre di San Michele Arcangelo in Pomarico, Matera, Basilicata

For Altar and Throne: Investiture into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George

Knights and Dames in full regalia at Holy Innocents Church, NYC

Photos by Achille Pirro

By Cav. John Napoli

Saturday, April 30th, I joined my fellow postulants at historic Holy Innocents Church in Manhattan (128 W 37th St.) for Mass and Investiture into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George with the Royal Order of Francis I of the Royal House of Bourbon Two-Sicilies. Founded by Emperor Constantine after the appearance of the Cross at Saxa Rubra, the Order of St. George is considered one of the oldest Orders of Knighthood.

Receiving our instructions and distinctive church mantle, we processed before our ancient standard from the sacristy through the nave to the high altar. Taking our seats in the front pews, we were warmly welcomed by the congregation and our esteemed Delegate HE Cav. John M. Viola. 

The insignia of the order

The investiture began with the Magistral Decree, proclaimed by our Chancellor Cav. Pasquale Menna. We then professed our faith by reciting the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, followed by the blessing of the insignia, a crimson cross adorned with the order’s motto In Hoc Signo Vinces (In this sign you will conquer) and the Chi Rho monogram in gold lettering attached to a sky-blue ribbon. 

Called up to the altar, one by one we were awarded our insignia and bestowed the diploma of appointment. Robed by our brethren, we each kneeled before our venerable Chaplain of the Order Cav. Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. Ambrosio and received a blessing. We then venerated the relic of the True Cross before returning to our seats.

Msgr. Ambrosio concluded the rite with the Investiture Versicle. 

Retiring to the antechamber, we took a short recess before Mass. Awed by the whole experience, I was glad to have a moment to let the grandeur of it all sink in.

Our first official act as members of the order was celebrating Mass on the Feast Day of Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). The Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was sung by celebrant and homilist Msgr. Ambrosio, who spoke at length during his homily, about the great Saint and her impact on Christendom, as well as the misfortune that befell the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies during and after Italian unification. 

Historic Holy Innocents Church

The service was highlighted by a brilliant performance of Saverio Mercadante's (1795-1870) celebrated Mass for Three Voices by the Schola Cantorum of Holy Innocents. Mass concluded with a fantastic rendition of Inno al Re, the national anthem of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, composed by Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816).

Afterward, celebrants attended a lavish reception at the luxurious Lotte New York Palace Hotel (455 Madison Ave.), where we enjoyed some Neapolitan music and a delicious buffet dinner with all the fixin's. We also had an opportunity to mingle and get to know some of our new Confratelli and Consorelle.

I would like to congratulate my fellow newly appointed Knights and Dames: Cav. Vincent Gangone, Cav. John J. Cafaro, Dama Janet Silvestri, Dr. Angelo Chinnici, Dr. Timothy DeZastro, Cav. Thomas Portelli, Dama Dr. Catherine Stevenson, Cav. Dr. Christopher Hipp, Cav. Dr. Allen Marchetti, Cav. Charles Sant’Elia, Cav. Anthony Schembri, Dama Linda Rose Carlozzi, Cav. Gregory Suchaneck, Dama Karen Reed Suchaneck, Cav. Rev. Msgr. Christopher J. Hynes, and Cav. Rev. Fr. Juan Daniel Peirano. 

I also want to congratulate the new Knights of the Royal Order of Francis I: Cav. Dr. Richard L. Cosnotti, Cav. Dr. Charles Michael Ridgdill, Cav. Mr. Mathew Dupee, Cav. Stephen Morris Williams, and Cav. Nicholas B.A. Nicholson.

Good luck and God Bless you all.

I want to personally thank HRH Prince Carlo Maria di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, Duke of Castro, head of the Royal House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House for this extraordinary opportunity; I promise to make the most of it. I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of the U.S. Delegation and look forward to serving the Royal Family.

Thank you Chancellor Cav. Pasquale Menna and Vice Chancellor Cav. Patrick O’Boyle for your friendship, guidance, and for believing in me. Special thanks to H.E. Cav. John M. Viola for your invaluable support and generosity. I am deeply indebted to all of you and eagerly anticipate working together. Viva ‘o Rre!

With their mantles draped over their arms, the postulants enter the nave 

Cav. Anthony J. O'Boyle had the honor of carrying the Order's flag

The celebrants make their way down the aisle

Msgr. Chris Hynes is invested as a Chaplain
of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George

Cav. John Napoli is blessed by Cav. Msgr. Ambrosio

Cav. John Napoli, Cav. Msgr. Ambrosio and Cav. Charles Sant'Elia
arrive at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel 

It didn't take long for partygoers to take out the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. (L-R) Cav. Sant"Elia and Cav. Napoli with our esteemed Delegate H.E. Cav. John M. Viola and Chancellor Cav. l'On Pasquale Menna