A Review of Matteo Garrone’s “Tale of Tales,” based on the book by Giambattista Basile

Tale of Tales movie poster

By Lucian

Just about everyone is familiar with fairy tales and most of us know their origins are very old. Modern versions of these tales can be very different from the older ones, and few realize just how many variations these stories once had. The brothers Grimm compiled the stories in what is now Germany, and their versions became a literary standard, although even these versions have been further edited and modified to become the fairy tales we know and love today.

The tales recorded by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm are often darker in nature than the versions most people are familiar with, leading people to speculate that their name was the basis for the modern English word “grim,” which means uninviting, depressing or harsh. The connection is coincidental, but meaningful. The term “grim” did not derive from the surname “Grimm,” but both share a common etymology, and derive from the Old English or Old High German word for “fierce.” The older versions of fairy tales were often cautionary tales, and as such did not have happy endings.

Alternative artwork

Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children's and Household Tales), published in 1812 by the brothers Grimm is where the average person stops when looking into the history of a fairy tale, but their work was far from the beginning, and many other variants of those stories existed in their time and before it. Approximately 175 years before their first edition, in the 1630s, a Neapolitan poet and courtier named Giambattista Basile compiled and connected the stories of many fairy tales in his work Lo cunto de li cunti (called the Pentamerone in Italian). The brothers Grimm referenced it for material and, in the third edition of their own book, praised Basile and acknowledged his influence on their work.

In 2015, Matteo Garrone directed a film called Tale of Tales (Il racconto dei racconti) based on the work of Giambattista Basile. The film stars Vincent Cassel, Salma Hayek, Toby Jones, John C. Reilly, Hayley Carmichael, Shirley Henderson, Jessie Cave, Christian Lees and Jonah Lees. As with many movie adaptations, only a portion of the book was represented and there were inevitable changes made. To try to include it all simply wouldn’t be practical. The DVD was released in the fall of 2016.

Alternative artwork

The film was fascinating, but disturbing, and while I feel today’s children are sheltered too much from harsh realities, the imagery in Tale of Tales was certainly not for children. One could ask why, with modern horror films and gruesome special effects, I would find this movie disturbing. It was not because I expected a sanitized version of our ancient or traditional fairy tales, it is because the stories brought with them ethical dilemmas and moral conundrums that are not pleasant to think about. The movie is based on stories that occur in a fairy tale setting, but expresses the complexity and sometimes dire consequences of decision making in a way that a Walt Disney movie never could. For example: Is it right to help a stranger? It can be, but what if the action puts your own family in peril? Does obligation to your family supersede personal altruism? Is it right to help someone if it imperils another innocent? What appears to be a simple question, when honestly examined, is not simple at all. The more I think about the movie, the more questions like this arise, even from what at first seemed like insignificant details.

Alternative artwork

The fantastic castles and other scenery in the film were real places in Italy, and most were in the south. These included the Neapolitan Palazzo Reale di Napoli and the Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte, Apulia’s Castel del Monte, and Sicily’s Castello di Donnafugata. My personal favorites were Abruzzo’s Castello di Roccascalenga and its cliffs, and the Gole dell'Alcantara in Sicily where they filmed the scene of the King and the sea dragon.

Anyone interested in the older, less sanitized versions of fairy tales, or in the beautiful places that this movie was filmed, should definitely take the time to watch it.

Also see: Giambattista Basile and the Literary Fairy Tale

Knights Out On the Town

Sated partygoers outside Patrizia's Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant
 Photos by Cav. John Napoli

By Cav. John Napoli

After Mass Saturday evening, knights and postulants of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George met at Patrizia’s in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for a little fellowship and to celebrate the recent appointment of Nob. Dr. Robert LaRocca as our Vice-Delegate.

Packed to the gills, Patrizia’s was loud and exuberant. Serendipitously, almost every table that night was celebrating a birthday (or two!). Staff and diners would wildly twirl their cloth napkins in the air (“rally towel” style) while singing “Happy Birthday” or “Jolly Good Fellow.” So be warned, while ideal for a party, the uproarious atmosphere is not conducive to a quiet or relaxing evening. 

After saying grace and toasting our kings of yore, our party was treated to a bevy of delicious courses served by Patrizia’s crack wait staff. Naturally, our meal began with a few outstanding antipasti dishes, bountiful plates of burrata all’amalfitana, mulignan a fungitiell and parmigiana di melanzane. This was soon followed by a veritable seafood bonanza, which included polpo alla fuorigrotta, al forno vongole, cozze alla posillipo and insalata di pesce misto, among others. 

After a much-needed break, our sumptuous (and admittedly somewhat decadent) repast continued with classic pizza napoletana, vongole alla positano and Patrizia’s signature pasta dish, fioretti alla boscaiola, ricotta-stuffed “little purses” smothered in a creamy mushroom and prosciutto sauce. 

Incredibly, there was still more to come! The servers brought out platters of perfectly cooked skirt steak and lamb chops with salad. Luckily for me, I was warned beforehand not to fill-up too soon because there would be several courses served and each one could have been a meal in and of itself. Capped off with dessert and espresso, we definitely experienced the full gamut of their menu.

Each of us received a custom patch
courtesy of Cav. Vincent Gangone

I was more than a little relieved when the extra food was packed up to take home (or offer to a homeless person) and not waisted.

Although the food was exceptional (I highly recommend Patrizia's), without a doubt the highlight of the evening was Baron LaRocca. His Excellency regaled us with the history and lore of our illustrious Order, the Royal Family and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. 

Reputed to have a one of a kind collection of Bourbon–Two Sicilies memorabilia, the Baron was thoughtful enough to bring out one of his prized pieces to share with us. Complete with their original gilded presentation case and red watered silk ribbon, he passed around a breast star and neck badge of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius (Isigne Reale Ordine di San Gennaro). 

Founded on July 3, 1738 by HM King Carlo di Borbone in celebration of his marriage to Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony, the Order was created to honor San Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples, and to foster true chivalry and Christian brotherhood. Membership, never numbering more than twenty worthy gentleman at any given time, was drawn exclusively from the Royal Families of Europe and high aristocracy of the Kingdom. They were expected to “increase, at all costs, the Holy Religion” and to be “a heroic example of piety towards God and loyalty towards their Prince.”*

The beautiful insignia is made up of a cross with four bifurcated arms separated by fleur-de-lis. The Order’s motto In Sanguine fœdus, or “a covenant by blood,” is inscribed beneath the half-length image of San Gennaro with pastoral staff and ampoules of blood resting on the Book of the Gospels.

What a thrill it was to see them in person. Next to the relics of the saints and, of course, my own medals, these were perhaps the most awe-inspiring objects I ever held in my hands. 

Thank you Delegate John M. Viola, Vice-Delegate Baron LaRocca, Vice-Chancellor Patrick O’Boyle; my confratelli Cav. Thomas Crane, Cav. Anthony O’Boyle, Cav. Thomas Portelli, Cav. Charles Sant’Elia; and postulants Rosanna Minervini, Michael Auricchio and Andrew Portelli for a fantastic evening. I look forward to getting together again soon. Special thanks to Cav. Vincent Gangone for organizing the affair. Your hard work and dedication to our community is an inspiration to us all. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of this high-spirited celebration. Viva ‘o Rre! 

* For more about the Royal Order of Saint Januarius visit www.realcasadiborbone.it

The Baron discussing the history of the Order
while Rossana admires the medals 

(L-R) Breast star and neck badge of the Royal Order of Saint Januarius 

(Isigne Reale Ordine di San Gennaro)

(L-R) Ornate presentation box with Royal Coat of Arms and wax seal ring with Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George insignia

Photo of the Week: San Pietro by Ignazio Marabitti

San Pietro by Ignazio Marabitti, Duomo di Siracusa, Sicily
Photo by Niccolò Graffio

Feast of San Leone di Catania

San Leone di Catania, ora pro nobis

February 20th is the Feast of San Leone di Catania, Bishop and Wonderworker (thaumaturge). Patron saint of Rometta (ME), Longi (ME), Sinagra (ME) and Saracena (CS), he was revered for his compassion, charity and many healing miracles.

Though kind and generous, the beloved Bishop was not one to be trifled with. According to popular legend, a wicked and troublesome magician named Heliodorus (Eliodoro) would regularly harass San Leone and cause disturbances during Mass. Sowing confusion and doubt among the laity with black magic, the fiend repeatedly refused San Leone’s requests to cease and repent.

Fed up with sorcerer’s impudence, and fearful for the wellbeing of his parishioners, San Leone ordered a bonfire built in the piazza. Dragging Heliodorus by his collar, together they leaped onto the burning pyre. Consumed by the flames the charlatan was immolated, leaving behind a pile of smoldering ash. Dusting off his omophorion (shoulder vestment), San Leone returned to the church unscathed and triumphant.

In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to San Leone di Catania. The accompanying image of San Leone defeating Heliodorus is in the Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso Santa Maria di Licodia in Catania. Evviva San Leone di Catania!

Prayer to San Leone di Catania

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of San Leone di Catania may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of San Leone protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

US Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George Announces New Vice-Delegate

Nob. Dr. Robert LaRocca

We are pleased to announce that HE Delegate, Cav. John M. Viola has appointed our confratello, Nob. Dr. Robert LaRocca as Vice-Delegate of the US Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. A long-serving member, Baron LaRocca’s dedication to our sacred Order and our Royal Family is unquestioned. Decorated as Commander in 1981 and Knight Commander in the grade of Justice in December 2016, he also served as a member of the National Council of the Order as the representative of HRH Prince Carlo di Borbone. His experience and knowledge is an invaluable asset to our efforts. 

Congratulations Baron LaRocca, we wish you the very best!

Photo of the Week: A Sphinx from Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele in Capri

A Sphinx from Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele, Capri
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

The Search for our Ancestry (XXXIII)

Family Trees VS. DNA Testing  

By Angelo Coniglio

I usually encourage genealogy researchers to share their family trees on-line, in order to make connections with others who may be researching similar information. Some are hestitant to do so, often because of privacy issues, but even more often because it strikes a sour note for them to have worked hard and long to develop and verify all the records, collect images of documents, photos, family stories, etc, and then to post all that on-line, for others to simply copy and use.   

I argue that most folks develop a family tree not only to find ancestors, but where possible to identify living relatives who have some of the same ancestors; to broaden their own and others’ knowledge of blood relations.  Posting a tree on-line can attract others who are researching the same surnames and towns, and correspondence between you and them may benefit both parties.  

To those who complain that others may take ‘your tree’ and incorrectly use it to show spurious or unsourced information, I say “You can keep your tree accurate and documented. If someone else uses your information and mistakenly adds something to their tree, that’s their problem, and does not reflect on you.” Such concerns, I believe, are minor when compared to the great gains that can be made when you find a distant cousin who has dozens of well-documented folks in his tree, who are your previously unknown relatives, and you have ‘connected’ because he or she saw your family tree on-line.

That being said, why, then, did I hestiate to upload my tree to a DNA testing site? Simple skepticism. I already had a family tree on-line, at www.rootsweb.com, not connected to any DNA testing site. And after contacting someone identified as a relative by 23andMe, GEDmatch, or AncestryDNA I had no problem exchanging my off-line genealogical database or my on-line rootsweb information with that person. That let us compare names and sometimes identify relatives or common ancestors we didn’t already know about. 

But I resisted allowing the information that I found to be merged on a DNA site, concerned that it would go into some ‘world tree’ that could contain errors, or unsourced and uncorroborated information. Added to that was my concern that the software which analyzed my genome could, by ‘circular reasoning’, access my ‘tree’ and then report results ‘confirming’ the information in the tree, when really, it was information that I myself entered. I may have been too much of a ‘doubter’, who wanted to separate the DNA analyses from the ‘paper genealogy’, and infer connections only after I had considered each separately. I have since set aside my concerns and find that having my tree available through a DNA venue, and viewing others’ trees there can help establish ‘paper’ connections with my ‘DNA relatives’.

To summarize my opinion of DNA testing, I feel that the $100 I paid to have my genetic material (saliva) tested by 23andMe (and later by AncestryDNA) was money well spent, even though it has not yet allowed me to identify a relative who has more information about my ancestry than I’ve already accumulated. It has introduced me to several ‘2nd to 6th cousins’ who share with me ‘significant’ portions of their genome (biological ‘blueprint’), as well as a newly-identified grandniece and a grand-nephew whose many DNA matches with mine confirm our relationship. We all are making strides to connect our ‘paper genealogies’, a feat that will hopefully identify common ancestors and enlarge that group of souls, living and deceased, that make up our combined families. 

I recommend genealogical DNA testing for anyone who has more than a passing interest in genealogy and ‘personal ancestry’. With the proper approach to it (recognizing its capabilities and limitations) you can expand both broad and detailed knowledge of your roots. Combined with conventional research, it can even put leaves on the branches of your ‘tree’, introducing you to previously unknown living relatives. 

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

Celebrating Candlemas at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pontifical Shrine in East Harlem

The crowned statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Thursday evening I joined 120 other pilgrims at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pontifical Shrine in East Harlem, New York (448 East 116th St.) for the Feast of Candlemas. Marking the end of Christmastide (the 40 days of Christmas), the dual feast commemorates the Purification of Our Lady and the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. 

Arriving early, the stress and aggravation of the day quickly dissipated as I sat to say my prayers. Admittedly this doesn’t happen to me at every church, but clearly there is something extraordinary about this serene house of worship. To paraphrase a friend of mine, a person would have to be spiritually dead not to feel the presence of God in this magnificent church.

Making my rounds, I visited the various shrines to the saints and made my usual intercessory prayers for the happy repose of the souls of my ancestors and loved ones. I also thanked San Vito for graces received through his intercession, as well as petition Santa Lucia and San Michele Arcangelo for a couple of personal requests.

In accordance with the Canticle of Simeon, which proclaims Jesus to be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles,” candles were blessed and distributed among the faithful. Led by the Pallottine Fathers, devotees participated in the solemn fiaccolata, or torchlight procession, around the church before the Liturgy. 

Solemn High Mass was sung by celebrant and homilist Fr. Marian Wierzchowski SAC, Pastor; Deacon Fr. Christopher Salvatori SAC, Parochial Vica; and Subdeacon Teddy Thongratnachat. They were ably assisted by Lorenzo, Roberto, Brian, Michael, Ricardo, Andres, Mark and Jacob. Sacred hymns and traditional liturgical music were performed by organist and Director of Music Eva Grabo and Cantor, Schola and Choir Director William Xucla. 

After Mass, we were graciously invited by the Polish congregants, who celebrate Mass every first Thursday at the church, to join them in the rectory for some tea and dessert. Taking them up on their generous offer, I enjoyed a traditional pączek, or Polish doughnut, with powdered sugar and strawberry jam filling. Sweet and delicious, the famed pastry certainly lived up to its reputation.

Many thanks to Fr. Marian, Fr. Chris, parish staff and congregation for their continued warmth and hospitality, once again it was an honor and a privilege to celebrate our faith and culture together. I look forward to my return. 

Blessing of the candles

The Pallottine Fathers led the candlelight procession

Devotees carrying candles process through the nave

(Above and below) Solemn High Mass

Fr. Marian Wierzchowski

Altar servers light the blessed candles

Mural of Christ in Majesty flanked by Angels and Saints
on the apse above the sanctuary

Photo of the Week: Castello Normanno-Svevo

Bari's Castello Normanno-Svevo, or Norman-Swabian Castle
Photo courtesy of Patrick O'Boyle

New Books (February 2017)

New and forthcoming titles that may be of interest to our readers. All are available at Amazon.com

• Back to the Roots: A View of Magna Graecia by Gino Gullace

Publisher: Magna Graecia Association USA
Publication Date: January 10, 2017
Kindle eBook: $9.99
Language: English
Print Length: 51 pages
File Size: 743 KB

Read description

• Ettore Majorana: Unveiled Genius and Endless Mysteries by Salvatore Esposito and Laura Gentile de Fraia

Publisher: Springer Biographies
Publication Date: July 12, 2017
Hardcover: $79.99
Language: English
Pages: 214

Read description

Click here to see more books

Feast of Beata Maria Cristina di Savoia, Queen of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Beata Maria Cristina, ora pro nobis

January 31st is the Feast of Blessed Maria Cristina di Savoia, Queen of the Two Sicilies. Daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele I and Maria Theresa of Austria-Este, she married King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies in 1832. Immensely pious, “la Reginella Santa di Napoli” as she was popularly called, performed numerous acts of charity and important social works for the poor people of Naples. On January 31, 1836, at the age of 23, she died shortly after giving birth to her son SG Francesco II, the last King of the Two Sicilies. Queen Maria Cristina was Beatified on January 25, 2014 at the Basilica Santa Chiara in Naples, where she is interred. In celebration, we're posting a prayer to Blessed Maria Cristina di Savoia. Viva 'a Reggina!

Prayer to Blessed Maria Cristina di Savoia, Queen of the Two Sicilies

O God, who has placed a great light in Your saints and a provident support for Your people along the path, listen with goodness to our prayer, and glorify Your Servant Blessed Maria Cristina di Savoia, in whose life as a wife and queen You have offered us a shining model of wise and courageous charity, and grant us, through her intercession, the grace [mention here the graces you are asking for] which from You, with trust, we invoke. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Photo of the Week: The Madonna Immaculate with God the Father, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Jerome

The Madonna Immaculate with God the Father, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Jerome by Severo Gerace (d. 1541), Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo, Napoli
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of the Conversion of San Paolo Apostolo

San Paolo Apostolo, ora pro nobis

January 25th is the Feast of the Conversion of San Paolo (Saint Paul), Apostle and Martyr. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, he is the principal patron of Aversa (CE), Solarino (SR), Palazzolo Acreide (SR), Seclì (LE), and Casale di Carinola (CE), among others. In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Paul. The accompanying photo was taken outside Saint Paul RCC in Philadelphia, PA. Evviva San Paolo Apostolo!

Prayer to St. Paul

O Glorious St. Paul, after persecuting the Church you became by God's grace its most zealous Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus, our divine Savior, to the uttermost parts of the earth you joyfully endured prison, scourging, stoning, and shipwreck, as well as all manner of persecutions culminating in the shedding of the last drop of your blood for our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us the grace to labor strenuously to bring the faith to others and to accept any trials and tribulations that may come our way. Help us to be inspired by your Epistles and to partake of your indomitable love for Jesus, so that after we have finished our course we may join you in praising him in heaven for all eternity. Amen

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Agnes in Midtown Manhattan

San Michele Arcangelo smiting Satan

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

“What is needed is not a revolution in the opposite direction, but the opposite of a revolution.” — Joseph de Maistre

As thousands of demonstrators streamed past St. Agnes Church (143 East 43rd St.) to attend what they were calling a Women’s March in Midtown Manhattan Saturday morning, I joined my friends and 200 other pilgrims inside the beautiful house of worship for the patronal Feast of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. Solemn High Mass in the extraordinary form was celebrated by the Reverend William J. Elder, the Reverend Christopher M. Cullen and Mr. Daniel Maldonado. His Excellency, the Most Reverend John J. O’Hara was the homilist. Sacred music and hymns were masterly performed by Music Director Mr. Heitor Caballero and the Schola Cantorum of Saint Agnes.

HE, the Most Reverend John J. O’Hara

During Mass we prayed for our new president, the success for the upcoming March for Life Rally in D.C., and the misguided souls who would choose to silence it.

Afterward, I visited the various shrines to the saints and made my petitions and intercessory prayers for the sake of my ancestors and loved ones. I also asked San Michele Arcangelo, San Francesco d’Assisi, Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, et al. to aid us in our struggle against the forces of chaos and for the re-establishment of order.

Energized by the recent turn of events, my friends and I marched against the tide of humanity spilling out from Grand Central Terminal and found a relatively quiet spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and discuss upcoming events and future courses of action. Observing the tantrum taking place around us, we knew that we still have a long way to go before our civilization is put on the right path again. Let us rise to the challenge. 

Madonna and Child and a copy of Jusepe de Ribera's Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine of Alexandria (sans Santa Anna and San Giuseppe)

Sant'Agnese and San Francesco d’Assisi bearing stigmata

Photo of the WeeK: San Paolo by Ignazio Marabitti

San Paolo by Ignazio Marabitti, Duomo di Siracusa, Sicily
Photo by Niccolò Graffio

Feast of Sant'Agnese di Roma

Sant'Agnese di Roma, ora pro nobis

January 21st is the Feast of Sant'Agnese (St. Agnes of Rome), Virgin and Martyr. Patron saint of young girls, virgins, gardeners, and rape victims, she is the principal protectress of Pineto (TE), Corropoli (TE), and Sava di Baronissi (SA). In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Agnes. The accompanying photo was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Dating from the third quarter of the 17th century, the bronze statuette was modeled after a work by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Evviva Sant'Agnese di Roma!

Prayer to St. Agnes

O Little St. Agnes, so young and yet made so strong and wise by the power of God, protect by your prayers all the young people of every place whose goodness and purity are threatened by the evils and impurities of this world. Give them strength in temptation and a true repentance when they fail.  Help them to find true Christian friends to accompany them in following the Lamb of God and finding safe pastures in His Church and in her holy sacraments. May you lead us to the wedding banquet of heaven to rejoice with you and all the holy martyrs in Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer for the Avalanche Victims in Farindola, Abruzzo

Sant'Emidio, prega per noi 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Avalanche victims and their families in Farindola, Abruzzo. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life, the suffering and the destruction. May Sant'Emidio protect and watch over you.

Prayer to Saint Emygdius in Times of Earthquake and Calamities

Saint Emygdius, Bishop and Martyr of the faith, accept kindly the prayer that we confidently address to you. Intercede for us before the Lord so that, by imitating you, our faith, vivified by works, be a testimony of filial love for God and fraternal love for one’s neighbor. Encouraged by your example we promise to live with a heart detached from earthly goods and the willingness to sacrifice everything in order to remain faithful to God and the Church. Extend upon us, on our families and on our cities your protection, from the earthquake and from every other calamities or pestilence, so that preserved from them, we may lead a quiet and peaceful life dedicated at giving glory to God hoping to secure the salvation of our souls. Amen.

Photo of the Week: HM Ferdinando IV di Napoli, King of the Two Sicilies, at Montecassino

Ferdinando IV di Napoli, King of the Two Sicilies, Montecassino Abbey

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Compra Sud — Peppino's Liquors & Wines

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

Peppino's Liquors & Wines
7723 3rd Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
347-517-4706

www.peppinos.wine

Facebook

Also see: Compra Sud — Peppino's Pizzeria Restaurant

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

Celebrating the External Solemnity of the Epiphany at Our Lady of Peace Church in Gowanus, Brooklyn

The Nativity outside Our Lady of Peace Church
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

I made a long overdue pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Peace Church (522 Carroll St.) in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Sunday morning for the external solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Missa Cantata) was sung by celebrant and homilist Fr. Christopher Cullen, who was assisted by several attentive altar servers. 

Arriving early, the comforting smell of incense and reverent silence greeted me as I entered the serene house of worship from the cold and noisy streets. Settling in beneath the statue of Santa Lucia, I quietly recited the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel and the prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas before Mass. 

With aspergillum in hand, Fr. Cullen began the Eucharistic Celebration by blessing the congregation with Epiphany water. The sacred hymns and traditional liturgical music performed by Schola Director and organist David Adam Smith and choir were uplifting and beautiful. 

After the recessional, I met several members of the congregation. They kindly introduced me to Fr. Cullen, who was warm and welcoming. 

The Our Lady of Peace Church is a magnificent place to celebrate our faith and, to the best of my knowledge, it is the only church in Brooklyn that offers weekly Tridentine Mass (every Sunday at 9:30), which is a vital part of our Catholic heritage and culture.

The snow covered statues of Sant'Antonio di Padova and the Madonna della Pace

A look at the pulpit and the beautifully decorated High Altar

After Mass, I petitioned Saints Cosma and Damiano
to intercede on behalf of an ailing loved one

The Search for our Ancestry (XXXII)

The DNA Testing Community 

Angelo Coniglio

As more people participate in genealogical DNA testing, more potential relationships can be found. The fact that there are several venues may work at cross purposes to that goal, because you may have your DNA tested by one, while a long-lost cousin may have hers tested at another. In my case, one venue initially failed to extract enough ‘genetic material’ from a sample, while another had no problem doing so. One venue may offer comparison of health and medical-oriented genome characteristics, another might not. AncestryDNA doesn’t offer ‘chromosome mapping’ graphics, others do. One venue may be more understandable than another, or less expensive.

There are ways for users of diverse DNA testing venues to compare their results to those of subscribers to other venues. For example, in many cases, ‘raw genealogical data’ may be downloaded by a subscriber of 23andMe or AncestryDNA, and uploaded to FTdna for a cost that is less than FTdna’s basic testing cost. The genomes from the other venues can then be compared to those of FTdna subscribers, Ftdna’s ‘Surname Projects’ can be joined, etc.  

Another similar venue is the free site www.gedmatch.com (GEDmatch) which accepts raw data from other venues. Users provide their contact information, and give permission for their e-mail addresses to be posted. This is an advantage over 23andMe, for example, since correspondence can be made directly via e-mail, rather than by anonymous correspondence through the vendor. However, some participants who freely give their e-mail address still don’t respond to e-mails!

GEDmatch has more-detailed graphics (chromosome mapping) of DNA segment matches than does 23andMe. Like 23andMe, it allows you to set the ‘significant’ length of segments to be considered (7 centiMorgans (cM) is generally considered as significant), but through color-coding, it also shows shorter shared segments. GEDmatch allows ‘one-to-one’ and ‘one-to-many’ comparisons. The former are similar to comparisons on 23andMe, but with more detail in the graphs. The ‘one-to-many’ comparisons list all users who have a match of at least 7 cM, and include the length and number of matching segments, an e-mail address, the % of matching DNA, and the estimated number of generations to a common ancestor. 

Interestingly, some ‘relatives’ whose DNA I compared to mine on both 23andMe and GEDmatch show minor differences in results: a matching segment being 22 cM in one and 25 cM in the other; or a segment match in three chromosomes rather than in just two. Since the ‘raw data’ in both cases is identical, this seems to reflect differences in the software algorithms used by each venue. So some of the error in the analyses is not just ‘lab error’ in extracting genetic material from my saliva, but ‘computer error’ in the sense that two programs analyzed the same data and produced slightly different results.

One aspect of DNA testing the subscriber-provided ‘family tree’. Most venues allow participants to enter their own family trees into the system: 23andMe has a routine wherein you start with your own name and add ancestors on-line, until the tree is as complete as you want it; GEDmatch allows uploading of a family tree data file created by an off-line program; AncestryDNA links to your tree on Ancestry.com.

I had hestitated to upload my tree to a DNA testing site, for fear of ‘circular logic’ that would use my own research to ‘prove’ a DNA relationship.  I have found, though, that having DNA results ‘attached’ to a family tree helps ‘DNA relatives’ to determine which ones, of possibly hundreds of others, they should attempt to contact to expand their knowledge of family. This is not a recommendation, as users must decide for themselves which venue is best for them. In my case, AncestryDNA serves me best.  I am able to ‘attach’ my DNA results to my on-line family trree and also view the trees of my ‘DNA matches’.  AncestryDNA does not provide ‘chromosome mapping’, but that is easily achieved by uploading my data to the free GEDmatch, which allows many other valuable comparisons.

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 helpful 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: Equestrian Statue of HM King Ferdinando I di Borbone, Piazza del Plebiscito

Equestrian statue of HM Ferdinando I di Borbone, King of the Two Sicilies, by Antonio Canova (completed by Antonio Calì), Piazza del Plebiscito (Largo di Palazzo), Napoli. Photo by New York Scugnizzo