Il Regno Turns Eight

Fliers from previous events

Bearing in mind that I had no prior web experience or background in journalism, I never envisioned this enterprise would have lasted this long, and (for now) I can’t imagine not doing it. All things considered, I believe our first eight years have been productive and positive. For the most part we’ve been well received and the work has been quite enjoyable. I learned a lot, met many nice people and made new friends along the way. We appreciate your support and will continue our efforts to the best of our abilities.  

A Year in Review

We had a very productive year, to say the least. In addition to sponsoring Traditional Latin Masses for the Feasts of San Michele Arcangelo, Santa Lucia, Santi Simone and Giuda Taddeo, San Giovanni Apostolo and the Repose of the Soul of HM King Francesco II di Borbone, we organized a handful of small-scale celebrations for the Feasts of San Giacomo della Marca, San Martino di Tours, San Pio da Pietrelcina, the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the Madonna di Ripalta.

On top of all that, in May we held our Eighth Annual Battle of Bitonto Commemoration as part of our yearlong tricentennial celebration of the birth of HM King Carlo di Borbone. The intimate gathering continues to be a convivial fête of our rich Duosiciliani faith, culture and history.

Print version of Il Regno

Il Regno also went "old school" with the publication of a print version of our web journal. Although not very cost effective, the feedback was overwhelmingly favorable, so for at least one more year, we will continue circulating the pamphlets at select venues.

On a Personal Note

Personally, I had a very rewarding and gratifying year. First and foremost, I was invested into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George as a Cavaliere di Merito (Knight of Merit). The investiture was held on April 30th at Holy Innocents Church in New York City. Blown away by the whole experience, no words can describe how proud I feel about receiving this noble distinction. 

In July I was also invested with the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel during the 5th Annual Traditional Pilgrimage at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in East Harlem, New York. In what was an extraordinary day of fellowship and prayer, the spiritual retreat concluded with the solemn investiture, where I received my wool devotional and gained Our Lady’s promise of the Brown Scapular.

Private shrine with
first-class relic of St. Rocco

Most unexpectedly, I’ve been tasked with guardianship of the first-class relic of San Rocco, generously gifted to the St. Rocco Society of Potenza by the Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Ambrosio. Until a permanent home in a church has been secured, I’ve been carrying out this enviable responsibility most dutifully with daily prayer and plenty of votive candles.

Furthermore, I had the great honor of carrying the statues of the Madonna Addolorata, Angelo Custode, Santa Rita, San Gennaro, San Giuseppe and San Rocco during their respective feasts and processions. I was especially touched to have been chosen to carry the Order’s labarum during the Mass for HM King Francesco II di Borbone.

Some of the other more memorable moments include venerating the relics of the True Cross, Sant’Elena di Laurino, San Vincenzo Pallotti, San Francesco d’Assisi, Sant’Antonio di Padova, San Gennaro, San Giuda Taddeo, San Vincenzo Martire and Santa Trofimena. 

Still Under Renovation

In an effort to clean up and streamline Il Regno, we’ve been working hard fixing or removing broken links, deleting redundant and extraneous material and re-editing certain entries. Due to the volume of material (well over 3,000 posts), this mammoth undertaking has been taking a lot longer than we anticipated. We are aiming to have everything updated and in order before the year’s end. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

Upcoming Events

Clearly more than just an information and opinion blog, Il Regno has a lot of exciting things planned for the upcoming year. In conjunction with the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George we are sponsoring Traditional Latin Masses for the Madonna Addolorata (April 7th), San Francesco di Paola (April 29th) and San Michele Arcangelo (Sept. 29th). Plans for the 9th Annual Battle of Bitonto Commemoration, as well as a Classical Neapolitan guitar recital featuring the works of the great Mauro Giuliani, are in the works, so keep a lookout for these and other exciting events. Needless to say, we intend to continue our usual participation and support in as many southern Italian religious and cultural events as is humanly possible.

Pray Pal

Just a reminder, we are still accepting donations in the form of prayers. So if you like what we do and want us to continue doing it, please say a prayer for us. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated.

Forza e Onore! — Cav. J. Napoli

Photo of the Week: San Michele Arcangelo by Francesco Laurana, Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo

San Michele Arcangelo by Francesco Laurana, Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Napoli. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Feast of Beata Bárbara Maix

Beata Bárbara Maix, ora pro nobis

“Più di tutto valle la Volontà di Dio.”

March 17th is the feast of Beata Bárbara Maix (Vienna, June 27, 1818—Rio de Janeiro, March 17, 1873), foundress of the Congregation of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to blessed Bárbara Maix. Pictured is my makeshift shrine with reliquary prayer cards (ex indumentis) from Rome. Evviva Beata Bárbara Maix!

Prayer to Blessed Bárbara Maix

O loving and merciful God, who has chosen Bárbara Maix to always and in everything fulfill your holy will, especially together with those who are most needy; we ask you, who know all our hopes and sufferings, this grace which we need so much [mention here the graces you are asking for] We ask also, through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Beatification of your faithful servant. Amen!

Compra Sud — Argenio Napoli

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Friday Night Recap

V. We adore Thee, O Christ,
and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross,
Thou hast redeemed the world.

Last Friday was full of culturally rewarding and spiritually edifying activities, but since I've been bogged down with work, instead of posting multiple entries, I decided to share the highlights in just one post.

The Way of the Cross

I made my way to Most Precious Blood Church in Little Italy, New York, Friday evening to do the Stations of the Cross. Though the rite was part of the penance assigned to me by my confessor earlier in the week I admit it was no chore to perform, as the custom is already part of my Lenten rituals. 

Commemorating the Passion and death of our Lord, the practice originated after the Moslem conquest of Jerusalem made visiting the Holy Land and retracing the Via Dolorosa (Sorrowful Way) too dangerous for Christian pilgrims to make. 

Moving from station to station, I read the prayers composed by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, all the while reflecting on Christ’s most sorrowful Passion and His love for us. 

John T. La Barbera and Carlo Aonzo

Assunta Spina

After church, I met up with friends a few blocks away at the Italian American Museum (155 Mulberry St.) for the screening of Assunta Spina (1915) with live musical accompaniment by John T. La Barbera on guitar and Carlo Aonzo on mandolin.

An early example of cinematic realism, Assunta Spina is a silent movie based on Salvatore Di Giacomo’s novel, starring the great Francesca Bertini and shot on the streets of Naples. Since I don’t own a television set and watch everything on my computer, I was really looking forward to seeing it on the "big screen" again.

La Barbera’s newly composed score was masterly performed and superbly accentuated the story without ever overshadowing the film. Using ear pieces to keep tempo and following cue sheets, the transition from scene to scene and changes in dramatic sequences were virtually seamless. It was hard to believe that the musicians never performed together before.

Brigantesse show their true colors

Harking back to the days of storefront theaters, the experience brought back wonderful childhood memories of when my father use to show us old reel-to-reel movies projected onto sheets in our living room or backyard. Though, back then I was more interested in classic science fiction thrillers like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916) and The Lost World (1925) than Neapolitan dramas like Assunta Spina.

Following the performance, there was a short Q & A period where we learned that La Barbera is putting the finishing touches on another original score for Charlie Chaplin’s The Immigrant. Guests mingled, enjoyed some lite refreshments and had an opportunity to buy CDs and books.

Sporting Bourbon flair

E. Rossi & Co.

Departing the museum, we crossed Mulberry St. to E. Rossi & Co. (193 Grand St.) to say hi to our friend Ernie and pick up a few prayer cards, Napoli key chains, and some other nicknacks. 

Ernie belts out a few toons

Always a delight to talk to, Ernie reminded us about Patrizio Buanne’s upcoming concert “My Voice for San Padre Pio” in Atlantic City on March 17th and shared the recent New York Times “Character Study” written about him, Sustained by Saints and Song, This Little Italy Shopkeeper Hangs On.

As luck would have it, we were in for another musical treat. Before we left, Ernie grabbed his old guitar and regaled us with a couple of original tunes, including his sentimental ditty, Fa L’Amore Con Te.

A Late Night Repast

Fasting all day, my friends and I went to Margherita NYC, Pizzeria Napoletana (197 Grand St.) for a late night bite. Since we abstain from meat on Fridays our group shared a delicious pie with anchovies and capers. Paired with a bottle Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and some lighthearted conversation, the meal was a perfect ending to an all around enjoyable evening.

A Margherita NYC masterpiece

Feast of San Longino Martire

San Longino, ora pro nobis

March 15th is the Feast of San Longino (St. Longinus), the Holy Martyr. According to tradition, St. Longinus was a Roman centurion from Lanciano, Abruzzo, present at the Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Golgotha in Judea. In order to confirm Christ's death, Longinus pierced the side of Our Lord with his spear. Visually impaired from a wound he sustained in battle, Longinus miraculously had his eyesight restored when the blood and water of Christ spattered him in the face. Exclaiming "Truly, this was the son of God!" he converted and retired from the army. Taking instruction in the faith from the Apostles, Longinus became a monk and preached in Cappadocia. Arrested for profaning the gods, Longinus was brutally tortured and beheaded. Over the centuries, his lance, known as the Spear of Destiny, has been sought after by many conquerors as a weapon of great power. It is said, whoever possesses the sacred relic would be invincible in battle. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Longinus. The accompanying photo of Gian Lorenzo Bernini's magnificent marble sculpture of the Centurion was taken during my 2007 pilgrimage to the shrine of San Longino inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Evviva San Longino!

Prayer to St. Longinus

O St. Longinus, you crucified Our Lord out of unquestioning loyalty to a pagan empire. Yet, the blood of Christ opened your eyes to see the truth. You, who trembled in fear at the foot of the cross, and declared that “Truly, this was the Son of God,” pray with us now for that Sacred Heart you pierced. Pray with us now for the Body of Christ crucified today throughout the world. Implore Our Lord with us to touch the hearts of the persecutors, who act in perverse zeal and religious error to let the blood of these blessed martyrs open their eyes, just as Christ’s precious blood opened yours. May Our Lord lead them from these depraved acts toward a path of righteousness and deliver them from evil for the rest of their days. Amen.

Photo of the Week: The Farnese Bull

The largest sculpture found from Greco-Roman antiquity, The Farnese Bull depicts the Punishment of Dirce by the sons of Antiope. Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

The Search for our Ancestry (XXXIV)

Social Media and Genealogy

By Angelo Coniglio 

Genealogists of all stripes, especially ‘amateurs’ have long subscribed to the idea of ‘reciprocal acts of kindness’.  By ‘amateurs’ I am referring not necessarily to novice or inexperienced researchers, but simply to those who don’t accept payment for their services, many of whom are certainly experienced and ‘professional’ in all other respects.  The ‘acts of kindness’ might include, for example, taking a photo of a headstone for another researcher who is far away; visiting a records repository in a researcher’s ancestral town, and so on. 

In this internet age, another means of helping others (or receiving help) presents itself, in ‘social media’.  Two that I use are ‘Linked in’ and ‘facebook’.  Both  are free, unless “upgrades” are wanted.  I have used both for years, without needing to upgrade at an extra cost.

Like most sites, some users, and therefore some messages you receive, will involve suggestions for purchase of goods or services; however, I find that these offers are generally ‘low-key’ and no one is required to purchase anything they don’t want, or to join a ‘pushy’ group.  One can also ask other users to comment on the value or desirability of such services.  Members can post virtually any type of question or request, from translation of a single word to an entire document, to hints on how to start a family tree, to what software is best, to help in finding a specific ancestral record.  Both sites give only as much information about the user as he/she wants to release (in their “profiles”), and allow private messages between registered users without revealing names or e-addresses unless desired.

‘Linked in’ (www.linkedin.com) is essentially an on-line site that enables working professionals to interact, find employment (or potential employees), etc.  However, one need not be in any given profession to join, or be actively employed, nor necessarily be interested in the primary agenda of the site.  It has numerous “groups”, membership in which allows discussion on topics of interest.

Typical Linked in genealogy groups include: Books About Genealogy; Genealogy Research Group; Italian Genealogy; Sicily (Sicilia) Genealogy; International Society of Genetic Genealogy and many more.

‘facebook’ (www.facebook.com) is the seminal, iconic, ‘social medium’.  Certainly much of the traffic on it is ordinary, mundane discussion of day-to-day lives, activities, interests and gripes.  But it, too, has valuable genealogy-oriented groups: Sicilian and Aeolian Islands Genealogy; Italian Genealogy Records; Genealogy! Just ask!; DNA Detectives; Ancestry-GEDmatch-FTDNA-23andMe-Genealogy-DNA and more, including groups specific to individual towns of origin; Valledolmo; Serradifalco, etc.

I have seen novice researchers ask on-line questions such as: “My grandparents (so-and-so and his wife, so-and-so) came to America in 1910, and I know nothing else about them.”  And within a few hours (or even minutes) such queries can receive responses from one or several users, on how to proceed with the research; in many cases, with details from census records, passenger manifests and ancestral towns that identify the immigrants, give extensive facts, and even include images of the desired records and/or links to the websites that contain the information. As noted, some responses may direct you to services for pay, but even these may serve your needs at a reasonable price.

So if you have a question about genealogy, or specifically about your Sicilian or Italian ancestors, be social!  Join Linked in or facebook and make some new friends who may be able to help you in your quest. Such interaction may also put you in touch with previously unknown family members researching the same lines in which you are interested.

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 genealogical research. If you have genealogy questions, or would like him to lecture to your club or group, e-mail him at genealogytips@aol.com

When a Church Died and “la Madonna” Lost Her Home

Statue of the Madonna dei Miracoli of Mussomeli in her former home, the recently closed Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church in Garfield, NJ
Photos courtesy of Anthony Scillia

A Friend

“O VOS OMNES QUI TRANSITIS PER VIAM, ATTENDETE ET VIDETE. SI EST DOLOR SOCUT DOLOR MEUS.” "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see. Is any sorrow like my sorrow that was inflicted on me, (that the LORD brought on me in the day of his fierce anger?). Lamentations 1:12

On July 1, 2016 the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Garfield, New Jersey, was merged with Our Lady of Mount Virgin and ceased to exist. Established in 1917 as a mission of Mount Virgin, in many ways one can say that “the mission came home” as a result of this merger. Unfortunately, due to declining attendance (300 families, of whom about 150 or so attended services), a shortage of priests (such as the resident curate who served since 1973 and passed away in December of 2015) and the rising costs of maintaining a building, it was placed in the care of the Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Virgin. 

Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, Garfield, NJ

The initial Italian community that built Mount Virgin was Neapolitan, originating from the area of Avellino, for whom the original parish “Madonna di Montevergine” was named. Sicilian immigrants working in silk and other textile and metal factories in nearby Passaic and Paterson quickly began to frequent these parishes and brought their devotions from Sicily. 

According to parish sources, the parish was financially solvent and even maintains the original chapel around the block from the new church. Prior to its official closure, it was used by the Syro-Malabar community before moving to Paterson. The Parish would have celebrated its 100th Anniversary this year, and still has a daily mass in the “old” chapel around the corner from the closed site. 

Stained glass windows of the Madonna dei Miracoli and Our Lady of Constantinopoli inside the Our Lady of Sorrows chapel

In the vestibule in the back of the Our Lady of Sorrows were two statues, the Madonna of Costantinopoli and the Madonna dei Miracoli. Initially it looked as though they were going to go to Mount Virgin, however, for one reason or another, no one seemed to want them in the church. It seems there were no more paesani interested in their history, and lest they be damaged or consigned to a dump, a kind priest offered them a new home. 

Monsignor Ambrosio and Michael
admire the craftsmanship and beauty
of the Madonna dei Miracoli

Monsignor Joseph Ambrosio was asked if he would take them, and of course he obliged the request. For a small sum, the statues now belong to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (259 Oliver St.) in Newark, New Jersey. They sit in each of the side chapels, surrounded by many other statues that needed a home at one point or another. They continue to stand as a living testament to the memory of so many of our ancestors from southern Italy, who came here with nothing, but made sure that they never forgot God, the Blessed Mother and the faith it took to get them through life.

The Madonna dei Miracoli is a massive statue, about a hundred years old, and is from the town of Mussomeli in the Province of Caltanissetta in Sicily. In the 1530’s a poor paralytic was crawling in search of alms. Tired, hungry and exploited by the feudal lords that had a powerful dominion in that area, he threw himself on the rocks out of exhaustion and fell asleep. When he awoke, the man found himself able to walk and move about. Shouting “Misericordia, miracolo!” (Mercy, miracle!) as he rushed to tell people of his grace, he found as evidence of Our Lady’s divine assistance her image painted on a rock, nearby where he slept. Here, it is said that Our Lady with her divine favor wanted to be honored, here in the town of Mussomeli.

Arriving at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newark, NJ. Eric, Angelo and Pat begin unloading the statues and bring them into their new home

Feasts for the Madonna dei Miracoli are celebrated in Buffalo, New York and London, England, where many Mussomelese and their descendants are today. Monsignor Ambrosio and a devotee are making plans to have a mass this coming September with the cooperation of the Mussomelese Society of Buffalo. 

The Madonna of Costantinopoli has her origins from about the time of the Assumption, when an apparition of the Blessed Mother appeared in Constantinople. There are several variations of the story in southern Italy.

One day in Lercara Friddi, Palermo a young girl, while playing in a thicket of weeds, discovered the image of the Virgin surrounded by four cherubim on a stone slab. The image is reminiscent of the Byzantine style Hodigitría or Odigitria, better known as “She who shows the way” (colei che ci insegna la via). Sicily, not only as an island but also as a devoted people, always had a special connection to their Greek ancestors. This devotion is celebrated on August 20th.

(L-R) The Madonna dei Miracoli of Mussomeli and
Maria Santissima di Costantinopoli in their new home

In the Province of Salerno there is also a Madonna of Costantinopoli, particularly in the towns of Agropoli and Felitto. In 1535 when the dreaded Ottoman Corsair Barbarossa was pillaging and destroying everything in his way, the Agropolesi hid the statue of the Madonna in a cave beneath a promontory. Years later, a gale cast the lost image out to sea, where it was discovered by fisherman praying for help during the storm. Returned to the mainland, it was immediately given a place of honor. 

There have been other documented miracles in Agropoli. For example, in the year 1913 when French troops were displaced by a storm and wanted to take refuge in the church of Our Lady of Costantinopoli the faithful protested that the church would be profaned by the usage of the soldiers. Miraculously, water began to seep and rise through the floor, forcing the French troops to leave in a hurry. It is said their commander apologized to the Madonna for the inconvenience before leaving.  

A close up of the Madonna dei Miracoli

Thus, on a brisk February day, these two statues quietly made their way from Garfield to Newark. The pastor, Monsignor Ambrosio, who is also the Vicar of the Italian Apostolate since 1989, made room for these two treasures where they could be venerated and honored once more. “It was a truly emotional experience to be part of helping to save both a Roman Catholic and Italian American treasure,” said Anthony Scillia. “Statues that may have been lost have been resurrected. Now is the time to give thanks for the translation of these beautiful statues. I know the Blessed Mother and Christ Child are smiling down lovingly.”

The statues are in need of some repair and can be visited in the church, which is open daily from 7:30am to 9:30am. On the weekend, church is open from 4:30pm to 8:30pm on Saturday and 7:30am to 1:30pm on Sunday. 

The lame man at the foot of the Madonna dei Miracoli

Sources:

http://archive.northjersey.com/community-news/local-church-holds-its-last-sunday-mass-will-find-new-home-1.1623769

http://www.siciliainfesta.com/feste/festa_madonna_ss_dei_miracoli_mussomeli.htm

http://versocilento.altervista.org/agropoli-madonna-di-costantinopoli-tra-storia-e-miracoli/

Observing the First Sunday of Lent in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

The Cross, with purple drape for Lent
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

I left my traditional Sunday dinner with extended family a little early this weekend to attend the evening Missa Cantata (Sung Mass) for the First Sunday of Lent at Holy Name of Jesus Church (245 Prospect Park West) in Windsor Terrace, Bklyn. Arriving with little time to spare, I was fortunate enough to give confession before Mass. It was good to see, with relatively little advertisement, that the Mass had a good turnout. 

Mass was sung by Celebrant and Homilist Fr. Tomasz Szczepanczyk, who spoke at length during his sermon about the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness by the Devil, described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and how we must resist the temptations of sin. Pointing out society's proclivity for immediate gratification and materialism he quoted our Lord's retort to the infernal Tempter, "Man shall not live on bread alone." 

Servers Eddy Toribio (MC), Brian Hilley and Thurifer Lorenzo Tinio dutifully assisted Fr. Tomasz. The Ordinary of the Mass and motets performed by Director and organist David Adam Smith and choir—Catherine Hedberg, Judith Malafronte, Ryland Angel, James Kennerley, Phillip Cheah and Peter Walker—gloriously filled the nave.

Thank you Rev. Lawrence D. Ryan, Pastor and all the Parish staff and congregation for your warmth and welcoming hospitality. Special thanks to Cindy Brolsma and organizers for your hard work and dedication. Once again, it was a privilege to celebrate our faith together.  

The next Latin Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church will be celebrated on Friday, June 23rd at 7:00pm for the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pictured below are the Church’s statue and stained glass window depicting the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The stained glass window and statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
inside Holy Name of Jesus Church

Photo of the Week: The Fountain of Venus in the House of the Wounded Bear, Pompeii

The Fountain of Venus in the House of the Wounded Bear, Pompeii.
Brightly decorated pediment and arched niche with reclining Venus,
cherubim and shoal of fish. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

New Books (March 2017)

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

• Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast by Curt DiCamillo and Alexandra Campbell

Publisher: Flammarion
Publication Date: May 16, 2017
Hardcover: $65.00
Language: English
Pages: 280

Read description

• The Royal Society and the Discovery of the Two Sicilies: Southern Routes in the Grand Tour by Manuela D’Amore

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Publication Date: August 14, 2017
Hardcover: $99.00
Language: English
Pages: NA

Read description

Click here to see more books

Days of Remembrance in Gaeta, City of Memory

Participants carry the flag blessed in Polignano to the Carlo V Battery

Photos courtesy of the Comitati delle Due Sicilie and Don Massimo Cuofano

By Cav. Charles Sant’Elia

This year the annual events commemorating the siege of Gaeta (February 10-13, 2017), which marked the fall of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, took on added meaning as it also marked the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Comitati delle Due Sicilie, and included the abundant participation of many groups and associations from the Two Sicilies community. Among the many dedicated Neobourbonists were local Gaeta author Antonio Ciano, Neobourbon movement founding fathers and leaders Gennaro De Crescenzo and Fiore Marro, and the founders of The Francesco II di Borbone Foundation, Don Luciano Rotolo and Don Massimo Cuofano.

The siege of Gaeta began in September 1860 and found the brave people of Gaeta, HM King Francesco II and HM Queen Maria Sofia, the Royal Army, and many brave students of the Nunziatella military academy, united with volunteers, heroically defending the Kingdom in the final battles before its fall. Thus Gaeta forever became the “city of memory,” significant for our people’s identity. Echoing the cry of the Nunziatella students and the volunteers who shouted “We’ll see each other in Gaeta!,” as they departed from around the Kingdom, every year men and women from around the historic territories of the Kingdom gather to honor the fallen and to celebrate the national identity.

The Tiragliatori Borbonici (Bourbon Sharpshooters) led by Captain Alessandro Romano executing the lowering of the flag in honor of the Fallen

This year hundreds of individuals and organized groups decided to bring bricks and stones, as well as soil and flowers from every corner of the former Kingdom and united them to visually and tangibly commemorate the fallen and give back a voice to all those who suffered and died as a consequence of the invasion of the Kingdom, while uniting to build a better future for the descendants of the survivors of that turbulent time.

Don Massimo Cuofano of the Francesco II di Borbone Foundation
presents a brick for Montefalcione

This sizable commemoration was the fruit of much hard work and represented a major step forward in restoring national identity and pride, with so many groups from the various regions united in one common effort. A special flag previously blessed by HRH don Alessandro di Borbone Due Sicilie during the flag blessing celebration held in Polignano, Puglia on December 11, 2016, and which covered the altar during mass, was flown over Gaeta. In agreement with all of the Two Sicilies groups and movements, under the aegis of the Francesco II di Borbone Foundation and its clergy members, the National Flag was blessed at a mass commemorating all of the deceased members of the Royal House of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies as a sign of unity with the Royal House of the Bourbon of the Two Sicilies and its head, HRH Prince Carlo di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, Duca di Castro, the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, and all friends and supporters.

Fiore Marro of the Movimento Neoborbonico
presents a brick for Fagnano Castello

On February 10, 2017 by the late morning the city of Gaeta’s streets were filled with Two Sicilies flags as hundreds went to attend the Convention, with local historical writer Antonio Ciano in the forefront and on the walls of the city. Stands and booths with informational flyers and books, prints and pictures were set out for visitors. At 5:00 pm all of the various groups gathered together to present their initiatives and undertakings, coordinated by Prof. Gennaro de Crescenzo.

Chiara Foti presents a brick for Palermo

February 11, 2017, Our Lady of Lourdes feast day, also holds special significance for the people of the Two Sicilies who show devotion to the Immaculate Conception, including King Francesco II, who felt himself drawn to Lourdes, where he went twice on pilgrimage. Many participants also enjoyed guided tours that morning, such as the Angevin Castle and sites in the heart of the Fortress of Gaeta, where the two beloved Monarchs lead the defense of the city and of the Kingdom. A second guided tour included the local churches and neighborhoods. There was also a presentation of the book “Il Reggimento Real Marina” by Salvatore Carreca.

A stirring moment of the afternoon occurred when the various groups gathered in the piazza in front of the Serapo Hotel to begin the pilgrimage to the upper part of the Carlo V Battery, with hundreds of raised flags joining the flag blessed in Polignano, which was carried by two delegates of the Francesco II Foundation, a girl from the Neobourbon Movement, a woman from the Movimento Duosiciliano and a young man from the Comitati Due Sicilie. This pilgrimage was led by Pino Aprile, who was the promoter of this initiative whereby the first bricks of the “Monument for the Memory of the Peoples of the Two Sicilies” were lovingly brought to Gaeta. Upon these bricks were inscribed the names of the many cities destroyed during the occupation and sacking of the invading Piedmontese army. During the placing of the bricks the anthem of the Two Sicilies by Paisiello was performed by the Real Cappella Napolitana. Verses dedicated to the homeland written by Roman Delegate Carlangelo Schillimà Chiarandà were added to the anthem.

Flowers and earth from across the south
were placed on the future site of the monument

Before the placing of the bricks, the actor Angelantonio Aversana read excerpts about all of the destroyed cities from Pino Aprile’s last book Carnefici. All of the delegates and friends of the South from all of the associations and movements then placed their bricks and flowers on the future site of the monument. The ceremony concluded with Father Massimo Cuofano and Father Luciano Rotolo of the Francis II Foundation blessing the bricks, and the Tiragliatori Borbonici (Bourbon Sharpshooters) led by Captain Alessandro Romano executing the lowering of the flag in honor of the Fallen.

At 5:30 in the evening in the banquet hall of the Hotel Serapo, the convention dedicated to the topic of “From Memory to Identity” began. Gennaro De Crescenzo coordinated the work on this meeting. Nobile attorney Franco Ciufo of the Associazione Italiana Cavalieri Costantiniani greeted the participants and authorities present before the presentations.

Honoring the memory of the fallen with song

Pino Aprile presented reflections upon the meaning of the “Un Mattone e un Fiore” (A Brick and a Flower) event; Marina Carrese of the publishing house “Il Giglio” presented the special re-edition of the work on the history of the Two Sicilies by Giacinto De’ Sivo, reporting on the theme: “De’ Sivo and the memory of the South;” Fiore Marro president of the Comitati Due Sicilie addressed the “places of remembrance;” Pino Marino of Daunia Due Sicilie, presented “Briganti, memories and film”. This interesting convention was enriched by the presence of Eddy Napoli, who sang several of his songs, including the well-known “Malaunità.” The evening concluded with a performance by compatriot Povia, with his moving “A Sud.”

The evening concluded with the Comitati Due Sicilie (Two Sicilies Committees) celebrating their first 10 years with a banquet and the personal greetings of President Fiore Marro, who also presented awards of recognition. The Real Cappella Napolitana also performed the National Anthem and several Neapolitan villanelles.

Bricks from towns throughout the south

The third and final day, Sunday February 12th, was celebrated as a moment of faith and commemoration. At 9:30 in the morning participants gathered at the Santuario della Montagna Spaccata, where Holy Mass was celebrated by Don Natalino Di Rienzo, who in his homily discussed the Gospel roots of our need for truth also in the remembrance of those who gave their lives to defend the Fatherland and the Faith. Don Luciano Rotolo and Don Masssimo Cuofano concelebrated. After Mass Avv. Franco Ciufo, recalled the defenders of Gaeta in 1860-61 and thanked the numerous participants. Don Massimo Cuofano, after a brief introduction, led the prayer for the beatification of HM Francesco II of Bourbon Two Sicilies.

Before leaving the Church Don Luciano Rotolo delivered to the Bourbon squadron the flag blessed in Polignano by Don Alessandro di Borbone, and the participants returned to the “Batteria Carlo V,” for the raising of the flag, in honor of the heroes of Gaeta, to remind all that the Homeland of the Two Sicilies is ever present and alive. With this the commemoration events concluded and the participants bid each other farewell, agreeing to reconvene next year.

The participants and Il Regno extend heartfelt thanks to HRH Prince Carlo di Borbone Due Sicilie, who himself sent thanks to the organizers and participants (see addendum below), the Associazione Nazionale dei Cavalieri Costantiniani d’Italia, author Pino Aprile, Gennaro De Crescenzo and the Movimento Neoborbonico, the Fondazione il Giglio, Fiore Marro and the members of the Comitati Due Sicilie, Michele Ladisa and the Movimento Duosiciliano, the Zavaglia brothers and the Gioiosa Jonica group, Captain Alessandro Romano and the Rete Due Sicilie, Davide Brandi and the Lazzari e Briganti group, the Daunia Due Sicilie group, the “Le Ali di Checco” association, Carlo Capezzuto, Matteo Vaia of the Bottega delle Due Sicilie, Two Sicilies fashion stylist Salvatore Argenio and his wife Annamaria Pisapia, the choral group Real Cappella Napolitana, Angelantonio Aversana, Eddy Napoli and Giuseppe Povia, and the numerous members of the participating organizations, friends and supporters of the Two Sicilies community.

Addendum: Translated thank-you letter from HRH Prince Carlo di Borbone Due Sicilie

To the Movimento Neobornico
To the Mayor of the Comune di Gaeta and to the Authorities and mayors present
To the Fondazione Il Giglio
To the Comitati Due Sicilie
To Dr. Pino Aprile
To the Associations that have participated in the Days of Remembrance:

Fondazione Francesco II di Borbone, Daunia Due Sicilie, Tesori dell’Arte, Osservatorio delle Due Sicilie, Meridem, Milites Luci, Imago Historiae, Terraurunca, Passato e Futuro Onlus, Ilnuovsud.it, Rete delle Due Sicilie, Comitato Studi Storici Meridionali, Associazione Due Siclie Gioiosa Jonica, Terroni di Pino Aprile, Siamo Tutti Briganti, Rivista Il Brigante, Briganti della Magna Grecia, Parlamentoduesicilie.it, Lazzari e Briganti, Le Ali di Checco, Bottega delle Due Sicilie, MBL Musicisti Basso Lazio, Agorà di Volcei Buccino. 

Memory is a fundamental part of entire communities and of entire populations. In not just Italian history memory has been and is the basis of the success of those communities and those populations.

For this reason the manifestation underway in Gaeta, the Day of Remembrance of the 13 February with the celebrations of these days and the monument to history’s vanquished and for the Two Sicilies are important and not just from the cultural aspect.

My family, in the memory of the heroes of Gaeta the day that you are all celebrating, greets with affection the organizers and participants. In the hope of continuing, also together, this precious rebuilding of memories and of pride as a symbol of historical truth, of mutual respect, and of the sharing of values and of traditions ever so current.

In the certainty that memory, thanks to all of you and to work carried out in these years, is finally “finding again its pages, its dates and its places” and from there future generations could set out towards a future ever more worthy of our great past.

Carlo
Duke of Castro

Feast of San Gabriele dell’Addolorata

San Gabriele, ora pro nobis

February 27th is the Feast of San Gabriele dell’Addolorata (Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows), seminarian, mystic and Passionist brother of the Holy Cross. Protector of the Abruzzo Region of Southern Italy, he is also the Patron Saint of students, clerics and young people.

In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Saint Gabriel. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Francis of Paola Church (219 Conselyea Street) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Evviva San Gabriele!

Prayer to Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

O Good Saint Gabriel, God inspired you to see the Passion of Jesus as it was reflected in the heart of Mary His Mother. By her side you stood beneth the cross of Jesus, gazing on Him as she did and learning the meaning of love. O Saint Gabriel, we wish, like you, to grow in love for God and all God’s people. Remember us in our trials, remember especially those who are young. Support us by your prayers all our days. And when this life is done may we join you in heaven in the company of Jesus and Mary. Amen.

Music and Voices Concert Series at Most Precious Blood Church in NYC’s Historic Little Italy

John T. La Barbera and Nando Citarella with San Gennaro

Since the closing of the Extraordinary Year of Mercy and the shortening of church hours (doors now close at 6pm), my visits to the Shrine Church of Most Precious Blood in NYC’s historic Little Italy has been considerably reduced. So when I had the opportunity to attend the church’s monthly “Music & Voices” concert series featuring Nando Citarella, John T. La Barbera and Jennifer Stigliani-Bowen, I jumped at the opportunity. The trio performed traditional folk songs from southern Italy, including my favorite, “A San Michè.” 

 Master of ceremonies Bill Russo 

Musician-singer-actor-folklorist-teacher Nando Citarella

Internationally renowned guitar virtuoso John T. La Barbera

Vocalist Jennifer Stigliani-Bowen also played the zither and castanets

Nando and John

Singer-songwriter Allison Scola joins friends Nando, Bill, John and Jennifer

Photo of the Week: San Michele Arcangelo, Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Napoli

San Michele Arcangelo, Scultore Napoletano, early 16th Century, Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Napoli. Photo by New York Scugnizzo