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| Alexander Farnese Crowned by Victory by Simone Moschino, Hall of the Bodyguards, Reggia di Caserta Photo by Andrew Giordano |
May 18, 2021
Photo of the Week: Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, Crowned by Victory, Reggia di Caserta
May 17, 2021
Italia Addio: A Counter-History of the Risorgimento
By Nulle Terre Sans Seigneur
“Undoubtedly the most maligned of the pre-unification Italian states, however, is the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (Naples and Sicily), or “Southern Italy.” Once a kingdom, upon the destruction of its sovereignty it was reduced to a mere “question,” the Southern Question — the ineradicable development gap between North and South, the bane of Italy as a modern state. When the Neapolitans had their Bourbons, they had their pride as a nation; and when they were robbed of their dear monarch, from that point on they have only been a burden, a stereotype of unruly Moorish mafiosi. The destruction of this great and venerable state, the Two Sicilies, ought to be regarded as one of the greatest tragedies of modern history.”
The highest moral virtue in our day is to “amplify marginalized voices.” Consequently, I want to share the story of the Italian legitimists: Parmese and Sicilian neoborbonicos, Modenese filoestenses [loyal to the House of Habsburg-Este], Austro-Lombardian legitimists, Savoyard conservatives who renounced the bogus cause of “Italian unity” so as to retain their own statehood, and of course those brave intransigent Catholic defenders of the temporal power of the Pope.
The Italian Risorgimento is a fascinating period to study since it is the most unambiguous example of how, i) the cause of “national unification” was in fact the first color revolution; ii) said cause served to extinguish the last remnants of the old regime that would not only irrevocably reconfigure world politics, but effectively reduce the political right to a state of unending impotence and mediocrity, detached from the legacy it was robbed of; iii) that there was no such thing as a good and noble “classical liberalism” that was hijacked, but that from the beginning the ideology of liberalism was a centralizing and totalitarian one that employed brutal police repression of those loyal to their deposed sovereigns in the Apennine duchies, and in the Italian South most horrifically reached proportions amounting to an ethnic pogrom that included conditions akin to concentration camps in the Fenestrolle Fort and plans for penal colonies in Argentina and Tunisia, all predating the Anglo-Boer wars; iv) the cause of national unity was an essentially liberal and Masonic elite ideology that led to ruthless wars of aggression and dismemberment of centuries-old states and cultures, and wrought economic impoverishment that spurred massive emigration, all with long-lasting repercussions.
In the first chapter I will give a summary of the ideological origins and practical execution of the Risorgimento, in the second I will discuss the unsung heroes who tried to prevent it, and in the third I will talk about the backward, misgoverned and contentious state that it created, i.e. the Kingdom of Italy. Continue reading
May 14, 2021
Novena to the Holy Spirit
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| Holy Spirit rose window flanked by the attributes of the four Evangelists (St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John) on the facade of St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church (356 82nd St.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn |
FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension)
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!
The Holy Spirit
Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin? Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
SECOND DAY (Saturday of 6th Week of Easter)
Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!
The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter)
Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.
The Gift of Piety
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter)
Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.
The Gift of Fortitude
By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)
Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!
The Gift of Knowledge
The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)
If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.
The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)
Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.
The Gift of Counsel
The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)
Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!
The Gift of Wisdom
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)
Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)
Feast of San Bonosio
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| San Bonosio Vescovo, ora pro nobis |
Prayer to St. Bonosius
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Bonosius, first Bishop of Salerno, may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Look upon our Weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Bonosius protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
May 13, 2021
Feast of the Madonna di Fátima
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| Madonna di Fátima, ora pro nobis |
In celebration, I’m posting the Litany to Our Lady of Fátima. The accompanying photo was taken at the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Ave Maria!
Litany to Our Lady of Fátima
Our Lady of Fátima, pray for our dear country.
Our Lady of Fátima, sanctify our clergy.
Our Lady of Fátima, make our Catholics more fervent.
Our Lady of Fátima, guide and inspire those who govern us.
Our Lady of Fátima, cure the sick who confide in thee.
Our Lady of Fátima, console the sorrowful who trust in thee.
Our Lady of Fátima, help those who invoke your aid.
Our Lady of Fátima, deliver us from all dangers.
Our Lady of Fátima, help us to resist temptation.
Our Lady of Fátima, obtain for us all that we lovingly ask of thee.
Our Lady of Fátima, help those who are dear to us.
Our Lady of Fátima, bring back to the right road our erring brothers.
Our Lady of Fátima, give us back our ancient fervor.
Our Lady of Fátima, obtain for us pardon of our manifold sins and offenses.
Our Lady of Fátima, bring all men to the feet of thy Divine Child.
Our Lady of Fátima, obtain peace for the world.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Let Us Pray:
O God of infinite goodness and mercy, fill our hearts with a great confidence in Thy dear Mother, whom we invoke under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, and grant us by her powerful intercession all the graces, spiritual and temporal, which we need. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May 12, 2021
Feast of San Filippo d’Agira
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| San Filippo d'Agira, ora pro nobis |
Prayer to San Filippo d’Agira
O S. Filippo d’Agira, gemma dei sacerdoti, tu che fosti decorato da Dio con la gloria dei miracoli, tu salute degli energumeni, molto potente contro i demoni, grande terrore dell’inferno, tu, che discendendo nel sepolcro da te preparato ancor vivente, dicesti: È quivi il mio riposo per tutti i secoli, dal Cielo dove adesso abiti, guardaci benigno, tu ci difendi, ci proteggi da tutti i nostri nemici spirituali e temporali, affinché contro tanti nemici ci sia dato combattere e vincere sempre sino alla morte. Amen.
New Due Sicilie Themed T-Shirts Available at Teepublic
For those of us with hardcore pride in our Two Siclies heritage- here's a great new retro design to show you're SUD in style!
Two Sicilies Smoking Pipe Club T-Shirt
This group is a gathering place for the smokers, collectors and creators of tobacco pipes made in the territories of the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. While many of the most well known names in pipe making come from the famed centers of production in northern Italy, the incredible artists and artisans creating smoking pipes in the territories of southern Italy and Sicily - the lands that once constituted the ancient Kingdom of the Two Sicilies - are sometimes difficult to identify, and far-too-often completely overlooked. We’ve set out to catalogue, collect, and circulate the fine works being crafted in the Two Sicilies today.
May 11, 2021
Photo of the Week: The Madonna Incoronata in Pietrelcina, Benevento
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| Detail of the Madonna Incoronata, painted tiles, Pietrelcina, Benevento Photo by Andrew Giordano |
May 10, 2021
The Lesser Rogations
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| Photo by New York Scugnizzo |
April 25th is the Greater Rogations, or Litania Major (Major Litanies). Similarly, it is kept with fasting, processions and prayer. Dating back to pagan times, the ancient custom, like Ember Days, supplanted an old Roman festival (in this case the Robigalia) with a sanctified Christian observance. It was revitalized in the 6th century by St. Pope Gregory the Great to invoke God’s mercy and ask for a bountiful harvest.
In celebration, I’m posting the anthem and prayer for Rogation Days from Blessed Be God: A Complete Catholic Prayer Book by Very Rev. Charles J. Callan, OP., S.T.M. and Very Rev. John A. McHugh, OP., S.T.M (Preserving Christian Publications, 2010). The accompanying photo of painted ceramic tiles depicting a procession was taken in Vietri Sul Mare, Salerno.
Prayer for Rogation Days
Ant. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you; for every one that sketch receiveth and he he that seekers finders, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
V. He heard my voice from His holy temple.
R. And my cry before Him came into His ears.
Let us pray
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we, who in our affliction confide in Thy loving kindness, may be ever defended by Thy protection against all adversity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Congratulations U.S. Salernitana 1919! The Granata Returns to Serie A
May 8, 2021
Feast of Sant’Agazio Martire
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| Sant'Agazio Martire, ora pro nobis |
According to tradition, Sant’Agazio was a Cappadocian Greek soldier in the Roman imperial army. Rising to the rank of centurion, during a battle a voice from the heavens said to him, "Call on the God of the Christians!" Doing as he was told, after the fray he converted, was baptized and began evangelizing his cohorts.
Exposed as a Christian by his superiors, the steadfast warrior for Christ was arrested. Refusing to apostatize, Sant’Agazio was brutally tortured and marched back to Byzantium in chains, converting his fellow prisoners along the way. Beaten and scourged, he was condemned and beheaded in 311.
After vanquishing Emperor Maxininus at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance throughout the Empire. Converting to the faith, the Emperor built a number of churches, including one in honor of Sant’Agazio at the location of his martyrdom.
Dating back to the seventh century (c. 630), ever-devoted Squillace also celebrates the translation of the Saint’s holy relics to their town on January 16th. From Squillace the Saint’s relics and patronage spread to nearby Guardavalle in 1584 and then to Ávila and Cuenca in Spain.
In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Achatius. The photo comes courtesy of the Parrocchia Sant'Agazio Martire – Guardavalle Facebook page. Evviva Sant’Agazio!
Prayer to St. Achatius
Valiant Martyr of Christ, St. Achatius, who preached Christ faithfully before kings and judges, and didst gain the victory over the enemies of God; help me through thy powerful intercession to resist and gain the victory over all the enemies of my salvation, over the world and its allurements, over the concupiscence of the flesh, and over the temptations of Satan. I implore thee particularly to assist me in my agony, when the powers of Hell rise against me to rob my soul. Then do thou come to my aid and repel the assaults of the enemy, so that I surrender my soul into the hands of my Redeemer in faith, hope, and charity, and confiding in His infinite merits. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
May 7, 2021
New Music: Early Neapolitan Cello Music
• Early Neapolitan Cello Music performed by Matteo Malagoli, Irene De Ruvo, Schola Gregoriana Scivias Ensemble and Milli Fullin
Label: Brilliant Classics
Release Date: May 1, 2021
Audio CD: $N/A
Number of Discs: 1
Available at Amazon.com
May 6, 2021
New Book — A Palace in Sicily: A Masterpiece Restored
• A Palace in Sicily: A Masterpiece Restored by Jean-Louis Remilleux
Publisher: Acc Art Books
Publication Date: September 29, 2021
Hardcover: $55.00
Language: English
Pages: 232
Click here to see more books
Listing does not imply endorsement
May 5, 2021
Sanfedisti Begin New Acts of Reparation for Insults and Blasphemies Against Our Lord Jesus Christ
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| San Gennaro, ora pro nobis |
Prayer to San Gennaro
O San Gennaro, Valiant athlete of Jesus Christ and patron saint of Naples, we have recourse to your powerful intercession, especially during times of disaster! With grateful hearts we acknowledge your constant readiness to help your fellow citizens and those devoted to you in times of need. With the assurance of being heard, we implore you to obtain God’s mercy to us. Protect us from the scourge of spreading disbelief. Free us from evils and dangers that threaten us from every side. May the faith for which you sacrificed your life produce in our midst, through your prayers, the good works which the Lord our God can rightfully expect from His servants. Amen.
May 3, 2021
Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross
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| God the Son, Redeemer of the World, Have mercy on us |
Fili Redemptor mundi, Deus, miserere nobis
May 3rd is the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Sant’Elena (St. Helen of the Cross), Empress dowager and mother of Constantine the Great.
In celebration, I’m posting the Church’s Salutation to the Holy Cross. The accompanying photo of reliquary with relic of the True Cross was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey.
Salutation to the Holy Cross
O glorious and venerable Cross! O most precious wood! O wonderful sign by which sin, the devil and hell were conquered, and the world redeemed by Jesus Christ! Great art thou above all trees of the cedars of the forest, for on thee hung the Life of the world! On thee Christ triumphed and by His death conquered death forever. Alleluia.
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