Photo of the Week: Ruins of Paestum with Heraion II in the Background

Ruins of Paestum with Heraion II (Temple of Hera and Poseidon) in the background; Paestum, Salerno. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Il Regno's 2017 Weekend Getaway

Flying the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies atop Look Out Point
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Saturday, October 28th — Birthday of Michelina De Cesare (1841-1868) and Anniversary of Emperor Constantine’s Victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge (312 AD)

Members and friends of the Circolo delle Due Sicilie USA—which is what we’re calling our merry band of netroots these days—took a much needed respite from city life this weekend with a long overdo excursion to Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in Westchester County, New York. Leaving the noise, grime and pollution behind, our little troop set out to the great outdoors for a little peace and tranquility, not to mention fresh air and fellowship. 

Placard with info about Dr. Sal J. Prezioso, the park's namesake

Half jokingly, we referred to ourselves as the “Guerra Gang” in memory of Michelina De Cesare, "la Brigantessa" who took to the hills and carried on the good fight in defense of our ancestral homeland, traditions and good King Francis II after the Piedmontese conquest of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1861.

One of the park's many hiking trails

In what was an absolutely gorgeous day, we parked our car, grabbed our provisions, and began our hike. Slowly ascending one of the many scenic trails, we eventually reached a clearing at Look Out Point (Elev. 740’) and admired the spectacular panoramic view of the changing foliage in the valley beneath us, and lakes Waccabuc and Rippowam. 

Panoramic view of the changing foliage

Taking a load off, we planted our flag, temporarily rechristened our little patch of turf “New Ferdinandia” in honor of HRM King Ferdinand I, and waxed poetic about our majestic surroundings. Sitting back in quiet reflection beneath the blue sky for awhile, I thanked God for my many blessings, including our brief jaunt into this remote sylvan idyll, and enjoyed the day with my companions. 

Breaking camp

Like all good things, our ramble came to an end and we needed to get back to our lodgings. So the thoroughly relaxed “Guerra Gang” packed up camp, took one last look at the incredible view, and sauntered down the mountain. 

* * *

Our Lady of Loreto RC Church in Cold Spring, New York

Sunday, October 29th — Feast of Christ the King

Unfortunately, Sunday was cold and rainy, so we decided to skip our planned hike in Bear Mountain State Park and take a trip to Cold Spring, New York, a quaint little village in Putnam County. 

The foggy Hudson River

After Mass at Our Lady of Loreto RC Church (24 Fair St.) we strolled over to the picturesque water front, complete with Civil War Parrott Cannon and large gazebo. Gazing across the foggy Hudson, we could faintly discern the United States Military Academy at West Point.

One of several statues of San Francesco d'Assisi around Graymoor Monastery

As the rain got heavier, we sought cover on Main Street, which is lined with restaurants, boutiques and antique shops. We looked around for a bit, but to be honest we weren’t much in the mood for shopping; it kind of defeated the purpose of our getaway. So we cut our stay short, and thanks to a suggestion by our friend Lucian, we took a drive to Graymoor Monastery (40 Franciscan Way) in nearby Garrison, New York. 

Part of the Monastery complex at Graymoor

Known as the Holy Mountain, Graymoor is the headquarters of the Franciscan Sisters and Friars of the Atonement. Normally a popular destination for pilgrims, the inclement weather kept most wayfarers away, so we virtually had the serene grounds, shrines and chapels all to ourselves. 

Chapel of Our Lady of Atonement

A blessing in disguise, the bad weather brought us to this harmonious oasis, where we spent our day praying, meditating and enjoying all the peace and tranquility it had to offer.

We lit a few candles inside the Chapel of Our Lady of Atonement

(L) Our Lady of Atonement. (R) The Sant'Antonio da Padova Chapel

Another shrine to Our Lady of Atonement

* * *

Seeing as we haven't eaten since breakfast, by the end of the day our group was thoroughly famished. However, instead of looking for an acceptable place to dine nearby, we decided to hold off a little longer and grab a bite back in Manhattan. Naturally, we ended up at Acqua (21 Peck Slip), our friend Chef Marrone’s restaurant in the South Street Seaport. My go-to place in Lower Manhattan, we enjoyed (and consumed) an array of delicious antipasti and pasta dishes. 

For my entree, I enjoyed a delicious plate of spaghettoni ai pomodorini del Vesuvio

It was unquestionably the perfect way to end our weekend of rest and relaxation.

Also see: Il Regno & Friends' Weekend of R&R

Congratulations to all our Confratelli and Consorelle

His Royal Highness, Prince Carlo di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, Duke of Castro, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, and Hereditary Grand Master of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and the Dynastic Orders of Two Sicilies, on the recommendation of the Magistral Council, has been graciously pleased to bestow the following Honors and Promotions to individuals of the United States Delegation, to be remitted in the City of Washington on Nov. 5, 2017:

SACRED MILITARY CONSTANTINIAN ORDER OF ST. GEORGE

Hon. Dominic Massaro
Knight Grand Cross of Merit

Don Nicola D'Elia
Knight Commander of Grace

Baron Dr. Robert A. LaRocca
Knight Commander of Grace

Louis Andre Mendola Mantegna
Knight Commander of Grace

Rev. Msgr. W. Ronald Jameson
Knight Commander of Ecclesiastical Grace

Timothy Pickles
Knight Commander of Merit with Star
-----

Knights of Ecclesiastical Grace:

Rev. Fr. William Farge, SJ
Rev. Fr. Michael Lankford-Stokes
Rev. Fr. David Skoblow, Esq.
------

Hon. Anita Bevaqua McBride
Dame of Merit with Star
-----

Knights and Dames of Merit:

Hon. Wayne Bacchus
Thomas Barra
Carol Berardi
Rocco Berardi
Nicholas Caiazzo
Aileen Mary Ann Shapiro Carlucci
Robert Edward Carlucci
Luisa Maria Cristofano
Nicholas Fedeli
Cav. Vincent Gangone
Rosanna Minervini
Joseph Panepinto, Sr.
Joseph Panepinto, Jr.
Mark Reynolds
Dr. Thomas Rossi
Debra Costa Turano

ROYAL ORDER OF FRANCIS I

Her Excellency Dr. Margaret Badum Melady
Dame Commander

Scott MacMillan of Rathdown
Knight Commander

MOTU PROPRIO APPOINTMENTS TO THE ORDER WILL BE RELEASED AT THE TIME OF THE INVESTITURE

 
We congratulate all members who will be admitted and all individuals who have been promoted by His Royal Highness for exemplary service to their community and dedication to the Order.

Celebrating Italian Heritage Month with the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

This year's honorees were Enzo Venuto, Maria & Vito Deserio, & Cav. John Napoli
Photos by Cav. Charles Sant'Elia, Lucrezia Nardulli and New York Scugnizzo

By Cav. John Napoli

Last week was very gratifying. My endeavors for the greater Duesiciliano (southern Italian) community were recognized by three different associations! Even though I’m not concerned with personal laurels, I am pleased to see that my hard work does not go unnoticed. The awards I received from the Associazione Amici di Totò and the Comitati Due Sicilie USA were for promoting Neapolitan culture and Compra Sud initiatives, but the honor I received Friday evening from the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata for spreading the faith made me especially proud.

Held at St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, partygoers packed into the festively decorated auditorium for an evening of fellowship, music, dancing, and, of course, feasting. Impressively, trays of delicious homemade southern Italian fare, including Giovanna DiDonna’s merluzzo fritto, Lucrezia Nardulli’s polpo e piselli, and Vito Marinelli’s phenomenal scalcione spanned the length of the hall.

Festivities kicked off with the introduction of the society’s board of directors and the National Anthem. To everyones’s delight, young children performed a spirited traditional tarantella and guest appearances were made by the great Dante Alighieri and Cristoforo Colombo. Unable to hold back any longer, revelers delved into the amazing buffet, then worked off the meal with some dancing.

Happy and sated, the award ceremony got underway and the merits and strengths of the honorees were extolled. Congratulations to my fellow recipients, Maria and Vito Deserio, and Enzo Venuto. I’m honored to be counted among you.

During the award ceremony, our dear friend Lucrezia Nardulli was pleasantly surprised by members of the Figli di Santa Rosalia with a well-deserved award of her own. Bravo Lucrezia, you truly earned it!

The evening concluded with more dancing, coffee, dessert, and exciting raffle and 50/50 drawings.

Thank you to all the members of the Figli Maria SS. Addolorata for your customary warmth and hospitality. As always, you went above and beyond the call of duty. Special thanks to President Lucrezia Nardulli, Josephine DiDonna and JoAnn Marinelli for your unremitting dedication to our faith and culture. I’m eternally grateful for the friendship and love you have shown me over the years. 

I would also like to thank my friends from the St. Rocco Society of Potenza, the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, the Circolo delle Due Sicilie USA, and the Figli di Santa Rosalia for your continuous support. It meant the world to me to share my special moment with you all. You are true friends.

Members of the Board and Color Guard stand for the National Anthem

Children dance the tarantella

(Left) Festive decorations adorn the auditorium.
 (Right) Western titans, Dante Alighieri and Cristoforo Colombo

(Above & below) Guests enjoyed a smorgasbord of southern Italian delights 

(Above & below) Local celebrities partake in the festivities.
Rossella Rago, host of Cooking with Nonna, and Andrew Giordano,
frontman of the Black Cats NYC, show their Due Sicilie pride

Marcantonio Pezzano, Francesca Cavaliere and Diana Marie Paunetto

Raw baby squid

Panzerotti

Vito Marinelli's famous Scalcione

Rosa Gentile's amazing Crostata di Pere

Members of the Figli di Santa Rosalia surprise Lucrezia with a plaque

(Above & below) A good time was had by all 

Enzo Venuto (fourth from left) with our friends from the Figli di Santa Rosalia

Our pals Cav. Vincent Gangone and Rosanna Minervini

Members of the St. Rocco Society of Potenza, Circolo delle Due Sicilie USA, and the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George show their support

Revelers trip the light fantastic

A Prayer for New York City

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the October 31st terror attacks in New York City and their families. May Saint Nicholas, Saint George and Our Lady of Ghisallo watch over you.

Prayer for Victims of Terrorism

Loving God, welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism. Comfort their families and all who grieve for them. Help us in our fear and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love. Strengthen all those who work for peace, and may the peace the world cannot give reign in our hearts. Amen.

Also see:
• A Prayer for the Victims in Las Vegas, Marseille and Edmonton
• A Prayer for Barcelona
• A Prayer for London
• A Prayer for Manchester
• A Prayer for the Church Bombing Victims in Egypt
• A Prayer for Stockholm
• A Prayer for St. Petersburg
• A Prayer for Westminster
• A Prayer for Berlin
• Requiescat in Pace: Fr. Jacques Hamel
• A Prayer for Nice
• A Prayer for Brussels
• Solidarité

New Book: 'Abruzzo' by Michael Kenna

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

• Abruzzo by Michael Kenna

Publisher: Nazraeli Press, 1st edition
Publication Date: August 28, 2017
Hardcover: $75.00
Language: English
Pages: 80

Read description

Click here to see more books

Photo of the Week: Ruins of the Temple of Hera and Poseidon at Paestum

Heraion II (Temple of Hera and Poseidon) at Paestum, Salerno
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Around the Web: Blessed Angelo of Acri

The incorrupt body of St. Angelo is venerated in the Basilica in Acri, Calabria

Reprinted from Tradition in Action

By Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira

Angelo, who would be the great apostle of South Italy, was born in 1669 in Acri, Calabria. He was the son of a manual worker. He entered the Capuchins and was a missionary for 40 years until his death in 1739.

His sermons attracted thousands and the number of conversions he worked was impressive. He received a special grace to combat the evil of the errors of the philosophy of that century. His first sermon was supposed to be preached in Lent, and Angelo spent much time studying and preparing for it, planning its delivery in the florid oratorical style fashionable at the time. When he mounted the pulpit to give it, he forgot the text completely. It was a complete failure. Continue reading

A Look at the 116th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco in Little Italy, New York City

Viva San Vincenzo, Martire di Craco!

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Scenes from Sunday’s 116th Annual Feast of San Vincenzo Martire di Craco at Most Precious Blood Church in Little Italy, New York.

San Vincenzo Martire di Craco at Most Precious Blood Church 

The Craco Society's antique flag is stored in an
acid-free preservation box for posterity 

About sixty pilgrims attended the Feast Day Mass

(L) Donations are pinned onto the 1930s era statue of San Vincenzo.
(R) Our dear friends Fred Spero and Paul Tocci with the relic of San Vincenzo 

(L) The bone and blood reliquaries are kept at the saint's feet.
(R) A look at Most Precious Blood's High Altar 

(L) Teaching the traditions to the next generation.
(R) Our friends Andrew Taranto and Dolores Alfieri
with Bill Russo, project manager at Most Precious Blood Church

Making the rounds, I made my customary intercessory prayers
to the saints (including San Rocco and newly sainted Sant'Angelo di Acri)
for the happy repose of the souls of my ancestors

At Forlini's Restaurant, President Joe Rinaldi delivers his welcome address 

Msgr. Grieco says grace before lunch

Partygoers pack into Forlini's for the celebratory meal

Mr. Francavilla with a handful of his famous homegrown diavolicchio

A beautiful family heirloom.
The old Reginella crown from the Feast of San Rocco was on display 

The party room was decorated with images of Craco and San Vincenzo