55° Incontro Tradizionalista di Civitella del Tronto

New York City is for the Birds

The relentless urbanization of the Big Apple and its surrounding environs during my lifetime (and everything that entails: overpopulation, pollution, etc.) has made me ever more appreciative of the city’s extant green spaces, wildlife, and natural phenomena. Because of this, seemingly insignificant experiences—such as the recent blood moon, stargazing with my nephews, and relaxing with a good book in Elizabeth Street Garden—mean the world to me today. Raised by outdoorsy parents, I always had a healthy fascination with the great outdoors and a love for nature, but (like so many other things diminishing from my life) I sometimes took them for granted. Unfortunately, so many people I interact with still do.

Consider two recent incidents involving birds.

First, across the street from my office stood a condemned building where a magnificent Cooper’s Hawk had made its nest. Almost daily, I would watch him perched high on the roof ledge, keeping a lookout for prey. Then, one day, workers arrived and began demolishing the old dilapidated building, and I never saw my avian friend again. That is, until the other day when I took a lunch break with my coworkers and found him dead on the sidewalk. Upset by the loss, my colleagues were completely indifferent.

They were equally uninterested when I told them about a raven I spotted. One of the largest I had ever seen in the city, I watched the wind-borne spook carry a rat to the top of an old utility pole and rend its catch to pieces.

Again, the story elicited no response—they couldn’t care less.

This got me thinking (again) about how different my interests are from your garden variety “normie.” This must be the way they feel every time we gather around the water cooler and my eyes glaze over when they talk to me about celebrity gossip, American sportsball, or the “latest thing.”

Heaven knows what kind of architectural monstrosity the developers will erect on the vacant lot. It's safe to assume that prime real estate in Lower Manhattan won't be "wasted" on green spaces and improving the quality of life. I'm guessing it will be another street-level low-end boutique or trendy fast-food eatery with overpriced condominiums above. Whatever they build there, the one thing we know for certain is that New York City is for the birds.

Photo of the Week: Bronze Apollo with Lyre, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

In Memoriam Uff. Nob. Nicola D'Elia

It is with much sorrow that we ask you in your charity to pray for the repose of the soul of our Confratello, Uff. Nob. Nicola D'Elia, who passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the age of 91. Uff. Nob. D'Elia is the father of our Confratello, Cav. Nob. Paolo D'Elia.

We extend our deepest condolences to the entire D'Elia Family.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

IHSV

Roman Forum Lectures in March

Historian John Rao’s next two sessions of this year's Church History series on the Ecumenical Councils will take place at Holy Innocents Church Hall at 2:30 on March 23rd and March 30th. He will be dealing with the four medieval Lateran Councils at the first of these and then with Lyons I, II, and Vienne at the second.

All previous lectures are available for free via Soundcloud.

A Prayer for the Central and Southern United States

San Medardo, ora pro nobis

We offer prayers for the victims of the deadly storms and tornadoes raging across the central and southern United States. The loss of life, the suffering, and the destruction deeply sadden us. May San Medardo, Santa Rosalia, San Marciano, and the Madonna del Soccorso protect and watch over you.

Prayer to St. Medard

Saint Medard, patron saint for protection against bad storms, we ask you to intercede for us during the storms of our lives as well as the storms in nature. Protect our families and our homes. We pray for assistance for the victims of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Loving God, send in more helpers, and multiply resources and supplies for the aid of those in need. You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee; deliver us from the storms that are raging around us now. Amen

Family Tree of the Rulers of Sicily (Stammbaum der Regenten von Sizilien)

Just arrived from Plauen, Germany

A friend just acquired a beautiful mid-17th century copper engraving of a detailed genealogical list of the rulers of Sicily, beginning with Roger of Sicily (1031-1101) and ending with Philip III of Spain (1578-1621). There is a bird’s eye view of Palermo at the bottom. Matted and framed behind glass, the approximate dimensions of the somewhat waterstained work are 51 x 37.5 cm.

Il 1° Reggimento Re Onorerà i Nostri Soldati che Difesero Eroicamente la Fortezza di Civitella del Tronto

Stargazing with My Nephew

My new bronze pocket sextant

As much as I wish he wouldn’t spend his money on me, my teenage nephew surprised me this week with a bronze pocket sextant, a thoughtful gift that means the world to me. It seems he was paying attention the other night when I was prattling on about the moon and stars. I'm not sure what changed, but whenever I tried to share my hobbies with him before—be it philately, entomology, or anything else—he showed little to no interest. Yet, for some reason, watching me jot notes in my leather-bound observation log and attempting to chart the heavens with a makeshift cardboard astrolabe captured his imagination.

Perhaps it was my joke about the impending meteor collision with Earth, talk of space aliens, or simply the unusually clear night, but he appeared genuinely interested and put down his phone long enough to admire the celestial night sky. His questions reminded me of my childhood when my paternal grandmother sparked my initial curiosity in astronomy and astrology (among other things) and taught me about the constellations. I hope this will help expand his mind, deepen his knowledge about the universe, and draw him away from some of the fatuous distractions afflicting so many young people today. Additionally, it would be nice to share common interests beyond simply rooting for the same local sports teams.

A Messina, per Salvare la Fortezza dell'Eroica Difesa delle Due Sicilie

Photo of the Week: Entrance to the Farnese Collection, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Presentazione del Libro L'Invasione Francese del Regno di Napoli

Tutti A Gaeta

TUTTI A GAETA per respirare (finalmente) l'aria buona della storia e dell'orgoglio (ultime prenotazioni) 21, 22 e 23 MARZO.

IL GRANDE PROGRAMMA DI GAETA 2025

con il Patrocinio della Real Casa di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, della Città di Gaeta e dell'Ancci, a cura di Movimento Neoborbonico e Fondazione Il Giglio con Comitati Due Sicilie, Passato e Futuro Onlus, Terra Aurunca, Fondazione Francesco II delle Due Sicilie, Associazione I Lazzari, Osservatorio Due Sicilie, Daunia Due Sicilie, Terra di Capitanata

VENERDÌ 21 MARZO

SEZIONE I

Gli incontri e la Patria ritrovata

Ore 07.00 Gaeta - Si alza la Bandiera sulla Torre Carlo V (evento non pubblico)

Apertura ufficiale della Gaeta 2025.

- Ore 17.00 - Hotel Serapo.

Allestimento degli stand espositivi che resteranno aperti fino al sabato sera.

Chi fosse interessato ad uno spazio espositivo per il venerdì e/o sabato, può inviare una mail a: onlus.passatoefuturo@libero.it , all’attenzione di Riccardi Giuseppe.

- ORE 17.00 "LIBRI DALLE DUE SICILIE"

Hotel Serapo – Sala Conferenze

La rassegna di libri dal Sud e per il Sud. Saranno illustrati i libri degli autori presenti. A cura di Gennaro De Crescenzo.

- Pino Aprile e Luca Antonio Pepe, Meglio Soli.

- Marco Ascione, Siamo Meridionali.

- Antonio Vito Boccia e Gennaro De Crescenzo, Il Ducato e Napoli Medioevale.

- Davide Brandi, Pinocchio a llengua napulitana.

- Angelo Calemme, La questione meridionale dall’unità d’Italia alla disintegrazione europea.

- AA.VV., a cura di Cesare Corretti e Italo Iozzolino, Piagnoni.

AA.VV. , Francesco II l'uomo della carità, a cura di Fondazione Francesco II delle Due Sicilie

- Antonio Luiso, Paraustielle. 50 favole di Fedro tradotte in napoletano.

- Gigi Di Fiore, Le Borboniche.

- Nadia Verdile, Portami a Napoli. Maria Amalia di Sassonia.

- Gennaro Zona, Una storia economica del Mezzogiorno dal 1860 ad oggi.

A SEGUIRE: un anno di libri, a cura di Edizioni IL CERCHIO e Fondazione IL GIGLIO

- ORE 20.30 Cena Conviviale presso l’ Hotel Serapo.

- ORE 21.30 Evento teatrale. Angeloantonio Aversana in “’O Surdato ‘e Gaeta”, liberamente tratto da Ferdinando Russo.

SABATO 22 MARZO

SEZIONE II

Parole, suoni e immagini

- Ore 09.30 VISITE SUI LUOGHI DELLA NOSTRA STORIA. Visita guidata alle Batterie Superiori di Monte Orlando.

Accesso attraverso il Parco Regionale con bus autorizzato. Numero limitato.

Partenza alle 09.30 piazzale Hotel Serapo.

Ritorno alle 13.00.

N.B. Considerata l’esclusività dei luoghi da visitare è indispensabile la prenotazione al 330556988 (costo 10 euro).

- Ore 13.30 Pranzo conviviale presso Hotel Serapo.

- Ore 15.00 INCONTRO IDENTITARIO –

CONCERTO/CONVEGNO

Hotel Serapo - Sala Conferenze.

"Pause" storico-musicali a cura di Napulitanata.

Inno delle Due Sicilie.

Consegna della Bandiera Pellegrina

Saluti del sindaco di Gaeta Cristian Leccese

ATTIVITÀ e PROGETTI.

La voce ai Delegati ed ai Rappresentanti delle Associazioni.

Terraurunca.

Comitati Due Sicilie.

Fondazione Francesco II.

Osservatorio Due Sicilie.

Comitato Luigi Giura.

Terra di Capitanata.

Daunia Due Sicilie.

STORIA ed IDENTITÀ. Interventi:

- Dott. Alessandro Romano – L’ Assedio e gli Eroi; prof. Gennaro De Crescenzo – A 100 anni dalla morte di Maria Sofia; prof.ssa Carmela Maria Spadaro, Univ. Federico II. A 200 anni dalla morte di Ferdinando I – Un grande Re.

- Ore 20.30 Cena Conviviale presso l’Hotel Serapo.

- Ore 22.00 Ricordando i nostri Soldati. Sotto gli spalti di Gaeta con fiaccole, soldati, musiche e storie (SPIAGGIA DI SERAPO).

DOMENICA 23 MARZO

SEZIONE III

La Memoria, la Tradizione, la Fede

- Ore 11.00 Santa Messa presso la Cattedrale di Gaeta

- Ore 12.30 BATTERIA LA FAVORITA – “Gaeta resiste ancora” (Lungomare Caboto).

- ALZABANDIERA. Militari: Imago Historiae; Real Marina.

Come tradizione sarà issata la “Bandiera Pellegrina” donata dalla Fondazione Francesco II.

- Deposizione di una corona di fiori per i Caduti dell’Assedio.

- Ore 13.30 - Pranzo sociale presso l’Hotel Serapo.

LOGISTICA ED ORGANIZZAZIONE

L’EVENTO E’ CONVENZIONATO CON L’HOTEL SERAPO: 0771 450037

Sono state stipulate convenzioni anche con altri esercizi di ristorazione e di accoglienza.

QUANDO SI TELEFONA per la prenotazione è necessario specificare che è per l’evento borbonico.

PRENOTAZIONI GIÀ AVVIATE (CONSIGLIATO ANTICIPARSI VISTO L'ALTO NUMERO DI PRENOTAZIONI)

Opening Night of the De•compositions Group Exhibit at St. Joseph’s Church Parish Hall in New York City

Noetic Apparition, charcoal on paper by David DiPasuale

Art Deco WWII memorial on the
sixth Ave. facade of the church

Friday evening, I attended the opening night of De•compositions, a group exhibition at St. Joseph’s Church Parish Hall (371 6th Avenue) in Greenwich Village, New York. The ongoing exhibit, curated by Lucy Rahner and Erin K. McAtee and presented by Arthouse2B, features works on paper by 24 Catholic artists, including two friends from my congregation. 

Following the Mass for Artists, nearly 100 attendees adjourned to the gallery space for refreshments and light fare. In addition to the art on display, guests were treated to some original choral music, spoken word, and interpretive dance performances.

De•compositions will run until April 9, 2025.

Attendees mingle and enjoy the art

Eidolon, charcoal on paper by David DiPasuale

Remorse, charcoal on paper by David DiPasuale

Mary at the Empty Tomb, tissue paper mosaic by Sophia Hildegard Wong

(L) They Look to Him, graphite on paper by Denise Gracias.
(R) A Hidden Path, pastel, Sumi ink, graphite on claybord by Jennifer Ahn

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Santa Messa in onore dei Martiri della Tradizione

Domenica 9 marzo alle ore 10, presso la chiesa di Gesù e Maria, detta del Gesù (strada del Gesù 62) a Castellammare di Stabia, sarà celebrata una Santa Messa in onore dei Martiri della Tradizione.

Celebrating Martedì Grasso at Elizabeth Street Garden

"I do not yearn for an untouched nature, a nature without the mark of the peasant that ennobles it or the palace that crowns the hill. But for a nature safe from plebian industrialism and irreverent exploitation." ~ The Authentic Reactionary: Selected Scholia of Nicolás Gómez Dávila

Taking advantage of a break in the weather, I invited an old friend, who was in town on business, to Elizabeth Street Garden after lunch to catch up and reflect on the aphorisms of Nicolás Gómez Dávila. She introduced me to her countryman about twelve years ago with a copy of his Scholia to an Implicit Text (2013). Now, I am returning the favor by giving her a copy of The Authentic Reactionary: Selected Scholia of Nicolás Gómez Dávila (2023). Whenever possible, I enjoy visiting the verdant little garden and reading beneath the stony array of nymphs, sphinxes, gorgons, and griffins. I thought she would appreciate seeing the nearly 200-year-old oasis threatened to be bulldozed by developers and politicians before it is too late [For more about the garden, visit Help Save the Garden].

Giving up all cheese, eggs, and meat for Lent, we enjoyed a little imported Manchego (aged 12 months), hand-sliced Jamón Bellota Ibérico (Iberian Acorn-fed Ham), and tortilla tradicional (traditional omelet) for Martedì Grasso

I believe this stump was once home to the dreaded wood beast of Arboria

Uncovering a Few More San Gennaro Statues

A friend who shared his old collection of San Gennaro statuettes with us in early February [See A Private Viewing] recently unearthed a few more. While they are not in as good shape as the previous batch, they still hold historical interest. San Gennaro, ora pro nobis

De•compositions Group Exhibit at St. Joseph's Church in Greenwich Village, New York City

Announcing Coulombe's Company on Substack

Author Charles Coulombe launched his highly anticipated Coulombe's Company on Substack on Friday, February 28. Subscribers will receive a new weekly piece and gain access to an ever-expanding database of useful websites, books, and more in the fields of religion, monarchy, history, culture, folklore, travel, and related topics.

You'll be able to interact with Mr. Coulombe (and others) and explore the ongoing reality we are all experiencing together, as Mr. Coulombe says, "with more joy, I hope, than sorrow."

You can visit Coulombe's Company at www.coulombescompany.com

Photo of the Week: Grand Stairway Leading to Statue of HM King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies by Antonio Canova, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Wargame Featuring a Miniature Bourbon Army

After seeing our post yesterday about building a Siege of Gaeta diorama with SG King Francesco II of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies miniature, a reader informed us about the Shakò64 wargaming system that features a 28mm Bourbon Army. This looks like a fun hobby where players can recreate the Garibaldini invasion of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, hopefully resulting in a better outcome (i.e., a Bourbon victory).

For more information visit: www.shako64.com