A Prayer for Manchester

St. George pray for us
San Giorgio by Mattia Preti, Valletta, Malta

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the May 22nd terror attacks in Manchester, England and their families. May Saint George and Saint Mary watch over you.  

Prayer for Victims of Terrorism 

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

Also see: 
• A Prayer for the Church Bombing Victims in Egypt 
• A Prayer for Stockholm 
• A Prayer for St. Petersburg 
• A Prayer for Westminster 
• A Prayer for Berlin 
• Requiescat in Pace: Fr. Jacques Hamel 
• A Prayer for Nice 
• A Prayer for Brussels 
• Solidarité

Feast of Santa Rita da Cascia

Santa Rita da Cascia, ora pro nobis

May 22nd is the Feast of Santa Rita da Cascia, Augustinian nun, Ascetic, Mystic, Stigmatic and “Saint of the impossible.” Widely venerated across Southern Italy, she is one of the co-patrons of Naples. She is also invoked against smallpox, infertility, difficult marriages and lost or impossible causes. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Rita. The accompanying photo was taken at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 W 37th St.) in Manhattan. Evviva Santa Rita da Cascia!

St. Rita Prayer of the Roses

O Blessed Saint Rita, my powerful advocate, behold me prostrate before thy Divine Spouse, Jesus, thy Lord, thy God, and thy All. Behold me recalling His favors to thee, that thou mayst plead for me. May this blessed Rose, sweet with the memories of thy daily acts of love before the image of the Crucified Savior, and of the wonders wrought for thee in thy dying moments, give me confidence that thou in Heaven wilt plead that I, too, may share in the good things God has in store for thy clients. Saint Rita, mystical Rose of every virtue, pray for us.

Photo of the Week: Statue of Carolo Magno (Charlemagne) at Montecassino Abbey

Statue of Carolo Magno (Charlemagne), King of the Franks and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, at Montecassino Abbey (Photo by New York Scugnizzo)

The Daily Prayer of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George

Seeing as I try to recite this prayer every day since being invested into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, I’m not sure why I didn't think to post it sooner. But thanks to a friend who inquired about the prayer (after she read our post about the Malta Walk, which included the Daily Prayer of the Order of Malta), it finally dawned on me to post it now:

Almighty and Merciful Father, King of kings and Lord of lords, in Your immeasurable goodness You have called me into the ranks of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, Your Knight and Martyr. May I never cease to emulate our heavenly patron and with alacrity follow in the footsteps of Your Only-begotten Son, Who is our Alpha and Omega, our Beginning and End.

Impress, O Lord, upon my heart the Sign of Your Holy Cross, and grant that I may bear it honorably and dutifully, in total fealty to You and to the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church, and to the Vicar of your Son. Bless our Grand Master, His Family and Household, and all our Knights and Dames. Imbue me, moreover, with the particular grace of preserving in diligent charity toward my neighbor, and especially to the sick, the needy, and the abandoned.

All this, Heavenly Father, I beg by the power of the Most Holy Cross upon which throne He Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life did reign, and to Whom with You in the life-giving Holy Spirit be ascribed all honor, glory and power, sovereignty and blessing both now and forevermore. Amen.

Most Holy Mother, Virgin most compassionate, who did stand at the Foot of the Cross, pray for us that we may be made worthy of the fruits of Your Son’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Saint George, Knight and Martyr, may your sacred witness strengthen and inspire us to be generous in the service of the Most Holy Cross, in whose Sign alone can we conquer.

Supporting the "Malta Walks" Street Ministry

Christopher, Francesca, Rosanna, Marie, Charles and Vincent 
distribute food to the homeless inside Union Square Park 
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

By Cav. John Napoli

Tuesday evening my fellow Knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and I had the great privilege of joining members of the Order of Malta Auxiliary for their monthly “Malta Walk.” Led by Francesca Tempesta, DM, volunteers gather every third Tuesday of the month (@ 7:30pm) at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral parish house (263 Mulberry Street) in lower Manhattan to prepare and distribute food to the homeless.

Warmly welcomed by Francesca and the Auxiliary, we were quickly put to work and started making sandwiches. Forming an assembly line around the table, workers diligently put together about fifty bags of ready-to-eat food (sandwiches, fruit, etc.) and toiletries (toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc.). When completed, we cleaned up and were each given several bags to hand out.

Before hitting the streets we recited the Daily Prayer of the Order of Malta:

Lord Jesus, thou hast seen fit to enlist me for thy service among the Knights and Dames of Saint John of Jerusalem. I humbly entreat thee through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin of Philermo, of Saint John the Baptist, Blessed Gerard and all the Saints and blessed of our Order, to keep me faithful to the traditions of our Order. Be it mine to practice and defend the Catholic, the Apostolic, the Roman faith against the enemies of religion; be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors, especially the poor and sick. Give me the strength I need to carry out this my resolve, forgetful of myself, learning ever from the holy Gospel a spirit of deep and generous Christian devotion, striving ever to promote God’s glory, the world’s peace, and all that may benefit the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Amen.

Most of us made our way through the Bowery to Union Square Park, distributing the care packages along the way. Sadly, there was no shortage of needy people intermixed with the park’s many soapboxers, skaters and tourists enjoying the mild evening air. As one would expect, the recipients were grateful for the kind words and food. The need was so great, not a single bag was left over.

Anyone interested in supporting this noble endeavor can contact the Order of Malta Auxiliary at nycaux@orderofmaltaamerica.org or call 917-566-3937. For additional information, the Order can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/maltaauxiliarynyc.

Many thanks to Francesca, the Order of Malta Auxiliary and all the volunteers for your hard work and generosity. It was great meeting all of you and I look forward to working with you again. Special thanks to Monsignor Donald Sakano, Pastor of the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral and the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood, for your continued support and blessings. 

Photo of the Week: Return of the Warrior, Lucanian Tomb Painting, Paestum

Return of the warrior, tomb painting from Lucanian period (ca. 375-360 BC),
National Archaeological Museum of Paestum, Salerno.
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Compra Sud — Margherita NYC

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

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

Margherita NYC: Pizzeria Napoletana
197 Grand Street
New York, NY 10013
212-226-8391

www.margheritanycmenu.com

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

The Search for our Ancestry (XXXVI)

Interpreting DNA Results

By Angelo Coniglio

Recently, a reader had questions about DNA testing.    

Q: My father, brother and I each had our DNA tested. My brother and I each were shown to match about 50% of our dad’s DNA.  But when my brother and I compared our results, there’s only about a 40% match. We both have the same parents. Shouldn’t 100% of my DNA match my brother’s? Also, my results were interpreted by the test to show my ancestry as 75% Irish/British, with the remaining significant portion as Southern European. My brother’s also shows large portions of Irish/British and Southern European, however a percentage of his ancestry is shown as Middle Eastern. Again, we have the same parents. How can my brother have ancestry that I do not? ~ K. McConti, Amherst  

A: Siblings’ DNA will match 100% (or nearly so) only for IDENTICAL TWINS, who formed from one sperm and one egg, and therefore each have exactly the same half of each parent’s DNA.  

Neither of you got ALL the DNA of both parents. You each inherited half your DNA from each parent, so you got some DNA from your father that your brother didn’t, and he got some that you didn’t. The same is true of your shares of your mother’s DNA. On average, non-identical siblings show about a 50% match, but the percentage in individual cases may be somewhat higher or lower.

Regarding the ancestry part of your question: again, you each receive a different ‘sample’ of DNA from your parents. Your brother’s sample may have simply included some DNA from a distant ancestor from the Middle East, while the DNA you inherited did not contain that particular ancestor’s DNA.

Check the DNA test results for your father. Do they show Middle Eastern ancestry?  If so, that’s where your brother’s Middle Eastern DNA came from. If not, if your mother is living, consider having her DNA tested. Her test could show a Middle Eastern connection, but if it doesn’t, remember, as technical as it may be, genealogic DNA analysis is still somewhat prone to error when estimating ancestral ethnicity.

Another common question: My DNA test results show a large number of individuals who are identified as “fifth to eighth cousins”, and even more as “distant cousins”. Other than identifying these folks as my “DNA relatives”, how does that help my research?

A: You may actually learn more about your ancestry from the more “distant” relatives.

For example, if you think about what your siblings or first cousins might know about your ancestry, they probably have no more insight than you do, or possibly less, if they’re not as “into” genealogy as you are. But say you have identified your ancestors back to and including every one of your great-great-great grandparents, both males and females (that is, your “3rd-great-grandparents”). You then have a detailed “family tree” or “pedigree” showing all their names, birth dates, etc. Any one of the couples forming that group would be five generations removed from you. A descendant of any set (e.g. a couple) of those 3rd-great-grandparents who is also five generations removed from them is your fourth cousin.

Now, if you find a “DNA relative” who is your fifth cousin, and he has compiled a family tree back to a common ancestral couple, who are his 4th-great-grandparents, they’re also yours. Those ancestors would be the parents, previously unknown to you, of one of your known ancestors, and so your “tree”  would be extended back in time. Note that DNA testing would simply connect you to this fifth cousin. It would be his research that revealed further ancestors. 

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

Photo of the Week: Bye-Altar with Painting of the Archangel Michael Smiting Lucifer, Ravello

Bye-altar with 16th century painting of The Archangel Michael Smiting Lucifer by Giovanni Angelo d'Amato da Maiori, Duomo di Ravello, Salerno 

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Celebrating the Feast of Sant’Atanasio il Grande in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

The relic of St. Athanasius in a glass case by the chancel

Unable to get out of work in time for Tuesday night's Mass for the Feast of Sant’Atanasio il Grande (Saint Athanasius the Great) at Saint Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, I did at least have the opportunity to venerate the Saint’s relic.

Images of St. Athanasius in the south transept (l.) and school vestibule (r.)

As an additional consolation, I also had the good fortune to participate in the 13 Tuesdays Novena to Sant’Antonio da Padova with the St. Anthony of Padua Prayer Group and Msgr. David Cassato.

Msgr. David Cassato leads us in prayer

Afterward, I stopped by Saint A’s gymnasium to say hello to our friends from the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata, who were busy celebrating the Feast with fellow parishioners. Sadly I couldn’t stay for the amazing buffet dinner and festivities, but I was glad to see everyone having a fantastic time. Evviva Sant’Atanasio!

Paying a visit to our dear friends from the 

Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata

Celebrating the Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The Knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George led the solemn procession down Graham Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

By Cav. John Napoli

Saturday evening I met up with my fellow Knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George at Saint Francis of Paola Church (219 Conselyea St.) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for the Traditional Solemn High Mass in honor of San Francesco di Paola, patron saint of Calabria and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Members of the St. Theresa Guild show their support

Starting from the Madonna della Neve clubhouse at 410 Graham Avenue, members of the Madonna della Neve Society, the San Cono Society, the San Rocco di Potenza Society, the Saint Theresa Guild, and the Don Bosco Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes joined the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and processed with society banners and a portrait of the saint to the packed Church. 

Members of the Don Bosco Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes

Beautifully decorated with a Constantinian blue portière and flags of the Order, the Vatican and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, it was great to see so many people show up and celebrate their faith and heritage.

(L.) Andrew had the honor of carrying the Our Lady of the Snow standard. (R.) Rocco Manzolillo (second from left) with members of the St. Cono Society 

Solemn High Mass was sung by celebrant and homilist the Very Rev. Msgr. Cav. Joseph Ambrosio (Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newark, New Jersey and Chaplain of the Order), Deacon Fr. Christopher Salvatori (SAC, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in East Harlem, New York) and Subdeacon Teddy Thongratnachat. They were dutifully assisted by MC Lorenzo Tinio, Anthony Scillia, James Pierre and Michael MacDonald.

Our pal Michael with his beautiful family

During his sermon, Monsignor Ambrosio spoke at length about the ascetic life of the great saint, the importance of charity and the pernicious influences of materialism and secularism. 

The church was decked out with flags and a Constantinian blue portière
(Photo courtesy of Cav. Vincent Gangone)  

The Ordinary of the Mass and motets chanted by Music Director Art Manabat, Tony Rambla, Alex Wentworth and organist Nicholas Krasno were absolutely glorious. To everyone’s great joy, Neapolitan multiplatinum recording artist Patrizio Buanne sang a moving rendition of Ave Maria during Communion.

Flags of the Constantinian Order and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

After the Concluding Rites, Nicholas Krasno played Inno al Re—the national anthem of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, composed by Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816)—during the recessional procession back to the sacristy. Monsignor Ambrosio, escorted by Cavalieri Patrick O’Boyle and Vincent Gangone, soon returned with the first-class relic of San Francesco di Paola for public veneration. Extremely rare (due to the iconoclastic attack on the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Riche in Tours, France and desecration of the Saint’s incorrupt body by Huguenots in 1562), hundreds of devotees lined up to venerate the saint.

We arrive at beautiful Saint Francis of Paola Church

Departing church, we were invited back to Cav. Gangone’s house for a brief respite. Breaking out a couple of bottles of his father’s delicious homemade wine, we toasted our gracious host, the memory of Good King Francis II and recently departed Don Massimo Caufano. Before leaving, Monsignor Ambrosio blessed the Gangone’s beautiful home and Patrizio serenaded Vincent’s mother with a couple of sentimental Neapolitan ditties.

(L.) A large statue of San Francesco di Paola stands by the entrance.
(R.) A statuette of the saint was set up by the altar 

Refreshed, our party sauntered over to Frost Restaurant (193 Frost St.) for our celebratory dinner. Partygoers enjoyed a bountiful meal replete with Neapolitan delicacies, including involtini di melanzane and spaghetti con scungilli. Sated and happy, Patrizio led our jovial party in song, inviting to entire dining room to sing along.

(R.) Cav. Gangone presents the relic to Monsignor. (R.) Our good friend Anthony Scillia helps distribute the blessed prayer cards to attendees

Thank you President Vinnie Raymond and members of the Madonna della Neve Society; President Rocco Manzolillo and members of the St. Cono Society; members of the San Rocco Society of Potenza; members of the Saint Theresa’s Guild; members of the Don Bosco Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes; and all the other participants for your much appreciated help and support.

After Mass, devotees venerate the first class relic of San Francesco

Thank you Art Manabat, Tony Rambla, Alex Wentworth and Nicholas Krasno for your precious gift of sacred music. As always, you were fantastic.

Thank you to Patrizio Buanne for your outstanding performance during Mass (and dinner). It truly was a blessing and joy to hear you sing.

Thank you to the reverent and attentive altar servers. Lorenzo Tinio, Anthony Scillia, James Pierre and Michael MacDonald did an excellent job.

Hundreds await their turn to venerate the relic

Thank you Pastor Fr. Thomas Vassalotti, Fr. Rafael Perez, the staff and congregation at St. Francis of Paola Church and Divine Mercy Parish for your warmth, kindness and tremendous hospitality. It’s always a blessing to celebrate Mass at this incredible Church.

Special thanks to Msgr. Cav. Joseph Ambrosio for being our Celebrant, Fr. Christopher Salvatore for being our Deacon, and Teddy Thongratnachat for being our Subdeacon. It was an incredible honor to celebrate Mass with you.

Msgr. Ambrosio blesses the Gangone home

Thank you to Vincent Jr. for leading the procession and carrying the portrait of San Francesco di Paola. You did a fantastic job.

Thank you to my fellow Knights, His Excellency U.S. Delegate Cav. John M. Viola, Vice Chancellor Cav. Patrick O’Boyle, Cav. Thomas Crane, Cav. Anthony O’Boyle, and Cav. Charles Sant’Elia for your hard work and dedication. I would especially like to thank Cav. Vincent Gangone for a job well done. Vincent selflessly took point and laid the groundwork for this magnificent celebration. I am proud to serve with you and call you my friend.

We toast our gracious hosts

I apologize if I forgot anyone.

It was an honor and a privilege to celebrate our faith and culture together. God willing, we shall do it again next year. Evviva San Francesco!

There was no shortage of food and revelry at Frost Restaurant. 
I love Patrizio Buanne's custom made Salvatore Argenio shirt

Feast of Santissimo Crocifisso di Ciminna

Domine, miserere nobis

In Ciminna (PA), Sicily, the first Sunday of May is the Festa del SS. Crocifisso Padre di Grazia, or Feast of the Crucified Father of Grace. In celebration, I'm posting the prayer Together We Call, reprinted from the Societá SS. Crocifisso San Giovanni Bosco di Cimminna of Chicago website. The accompanying photo was taken at the 2015 Festa del Santissimo Crocifisso di Ciminna at St. Athanasius Church in Brooklyn, New York. Evviva Gesù!

Together We Call

Father, your arms are open to everyone. Give us your blessing and grace that we as sinners ask for. We all call out — Viva SS. Crocifisso! Father, you are the healer of the sick. You make the blind see, the deaf hear and the mute speak. We call you — Father of Grace. Forgive our sins and with all our hearts we say — Viva SS. Crocifisso!

Feast of the Madonna di Setteporte

Madonna di Setteporte, ora pro nobis

The first Sunday of May is the Feast of the Madonna di Setteporte, patroness of Rocca di Neto, a small town in the Province of Crotone in Calabria. In celebration, I'm posting Prayer to Mary, Refuge of Sinners by St. Alphonsus Liguori. The accompanying photo of the Madonna di Setteporte was taken at Saint Rocco’s Church in Glen Cove, New York. Evviva Maria!

Prayer to Mary, Refuge of Sinners

O most holy and pure virgin! O my mother! You who are the mother of my Lord, the queen of the world, the advocate and refuge of sinners! I, a most wretched sinner, now come to you. I honor you, great queen, and give you humble thanks for the many favors which have come to me in the past through your intercession. I love you, Lady most worthy of all love, and by the love which I bear you, I promise ever in the future to honor you, and to do what lies in me to win others to your love. Receive me as your servant, and cover me with the mantle of your protection, you who are the mother of mercy! And since you have so much power with God, implore him to deliver me from all temptations, and to give me the grace ever to overcome them. Pray for me that I may love Christ in this world as you love him, and intercede for me that I may have the grace of a good death. O my mother! by your love for God I beseech you to be at all times my helper, but above all at the last moment of my life. Cease not your supplications until you see me safe in heaven, there for countless ages to bless you and, your holy company, to worship and adore your son, for ever and ever. Amen.

Celebrating the Feast of the Madonna Incoronata in East Harlem, New York

Evviva Maria! 
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

By Cav. John Napoli

As part of my weekend long celebration of the anniversary of my investiture into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, I joined my brother Knight Cav. Charles Sant’Elia for Mass Saturday morning at the Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in East Harlem, New York. Sponsored by Jean Pignatelli, the Missa Cantata (or Sung Mass) was celebrated by Fr. Christopher Salvatori, who spoke glowingly of the 100 plus year tradition in East Harlem and fondly recalled his own pilgrimage to the Santuario della Madonna Incoronata in Foggia, Puglia. Following Mass, Cav. Sant’Elia and I had the great honor of presenting the large painting of the Madonna Incoronata to the congregation for veneration. We then carried the sacred image in procession back to her chapel at the front of the church. Evviva Maria!

Arriving early I was able to visit the saints and say my prayers before Mass

Cav. Charles Sant'Elia with the pontifical decree approving the Canonical coronation of the statue of the Madonna of East Harlem 

(L.) After Mass, we returned the painting to its display case inside the chapel.
(R.) Father Chris with Mass sponsor and devotee Jean Pignatelli 

(L.) The bust of San Giovanni Battista shares the chapel with the Madonna Incoronata. (R.) Standard of the old Sant'Elena di Laurino society in the rectory

Observing My First Year in the Order

Flanked by fellow celebrants Cav. Charles
Sant'Elia (l.) & Cav. Vincent Gangone (r.)

By Cav. John Napoli

Sunday, April 30th marked the one-year anniversary of my investiture into the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. An immense honor and privilege to be counted among the “Golden Militia’s” illustrious ranks and to be a part of its many religious and charitable endeavors, I celebrated all weekend long with prayer and fellowship with my beloved family, friends and confratelli. 

I wish to thank profusely HRH Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, and 59th Grand Master of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George for bestowing on me such a prestigious distinction. In memory of my ancestors and the long line of warriors, churchman and nobility who proudly wore the celestial blue, I shall make the most of this glorious opportunity and dutifully serve our august Royal Family and defend the Holy Roman Church. In hoc signo vinces!

Feast of Sant’Atanasio il Grande

Sant'Atanasio il Grande, ora pro nobis

May 2nd is the Feast of Saint Athanasius the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, he is the principal protector of Santa Sofia D’Epiro (CS), Firmo (CS), Bellante (TE), and Cellino Attanasio (TE), among others. 

In celebration, we're posting a prayer to St. Athanasius. The accompanying photo of reliquary was taken at Saint Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Evviva Sant'Atanasio il Grande!

Prayer to St. Athanasius

Father, you raised up Saint Athanasius to be an outstanding defender of the truth of Christ’s divinity. By his teaching and protection may we grow in your knowledge and love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Susanna and the Elders by Domenico Gargiulo Detto Micco Spadaro

Susanna e i vecchioni by Domenico Gargiulo Detto Micco Spadaro, Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Napoli. Photo by New York Scugnizzo

New Music (May 2017)

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

• Napoli: Traditional Neapolitan Songs (Villanelles & Tarentells) performed by Neapolis Ensemble

Label: Calliope
Release Date: April 21, 2017
Audio CD: $11.68
Number of Discs: 1

Read description

• Old Neapolitan Love Songs: Delizie Napolitane performed by Ensemble Daedalus

Label: Accent
Release Date: April 21, 2017
Audio CD: $9.98
Number of Discs: 1

Read description

• Erotica Antiqua – Neapolitan Villanellas performed by Letizia Calandra, Francesco Cera and Ensemble Arte Musica

Label: BR.CL
Release Date: June 1, 2017
Audio CD: $12.78
Number of Discs: 1

Read description

New Books (May 2017)

Forthcoming titles that may be of interest to our readers.

• From Italy to the North End by Anthony V. Riccio

Available for pre-order at Suny Press

Publisher: Suny Press
Publication Date: July, 2017
Hardcover: $34.95
Language: English
Pages: 192

Read description

• The Archaeology of Lucanian Cult Places: Fourth Century BC to the Early Imperial Age by Ilaria Battiloro

Available for pre-order at Amazon.com

Publisher: Routledge
Publication Date: July 7, 2017
Hardcover: $149.95
Language: English
Pages: 344

Read description

Click here to see more books

Requiescat in Pace, Don Massimo Cuofano

Photo courtesy of the Fondazione Francesco II di Borbone

It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of Don Massimo Cuofano on April 28, 2017. A champion of faith and community, he now joins Good King Francis II in the house of the Lord. Forever grateful for your work, we will continue your mission and fight the good fight. You will be sorely missed confratello, requiescat in pace.

Pray for Don Massimo Cuofano

Don Massimo Cuofano with HRH Princess Beatrice of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

Dear friends, we urge you to please keep in your thoughts and prayers Don Massimo Cuofano, who is gravely ill. Don Massimo is one of the founders of the Fondazione Francesco II di Borbone, a prayer group devoted to the beatification of HM King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies, as well as the undertaking of cultural and charitable works to help benefit the people of southern Italy.

We hope and pray for your recovery, confratello. May San Rocco, San Giuseppe Moscati, Santi Cosma e Domiano, and Good King Francis watch over you.

A Prayer for Don Massimo

Almighty and Eternal God, You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You. Hear us for Your sick servant don Massimo Cuofano for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy, that being restored to bodily health, he may give thanks to You in Your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Chef Giuseppe Marrone Takes the Helm at ACQUA Restaurant and Wine Bar at Peck Slip, NYC

ACQUA's new Executive Chef Giuseppe Marrone
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

By Giovanni di Napoli

We wish our dear friend Chef Giuseppe Marrone much success on his new venture as Executive Chef and Managing Partner of ACQUA Restaurant and Wine Bar in Manhattan’s historic South Street Seaport.

Arancini di riso alla Napoletana

Stopping by after work with a few friends, we were treated to the same fine dining and Neapolitan hospitality we’ve grown accustomed to while he was in charge of Brooklyn’s Forno Rosso. Sadly, the “Red Oven” just isn’t the same without him, but now I know where my new go-to spot in Lower Manhattan is going to be.

Located at 21 Peck Slip, ACQUA’s relaxed ambience is perfect for a casual meal or a romantic interlude. Gerardo and the wait staff were attentive, friendly and provided excellent service. The food, of course, was delicious.

For starters, we enjoyed some savory arancini di riso alla Napoletana, a paper cone filled with small Neapolitan rice balls served hot from the fryer. They came with a side of dipping sauce, which was good, but I prefer mine plain.

Next, Giuseppe served his outstanding polpo alla griglia. Charred just right, the tender and chewy grilled octopus nestled in a bed of arugula, cherry tomatoes and lemon was very tasty and quite enjoyable.

Polpo alla griglia

After the polpo, the maestro presented his classic pizza Margherita. A Neapolitan masterpiece, the tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil pie was crispy and aromatic. He brings the love and devotion demanded from Naples’ national dish.

Pizza Margherita

Tempted to try the day’s special—ravioli con ‘nduja (ravioli with spicy Calabrese pork sausage)—I opted instead for the chef’s daily homemade gnocchi del giorno. Perfectly cooked, the delectable dumplings and calamari were glazed in a mouthwatering saffron sauce. I do not regret my choice.

Gnocchi with calamari and saffron

Naturally we capped off our meal with coffee and dessert, but first we toasted chef Marrone’s genius and boundless hospitality with a healthy glass of amaro, my preferred after-dinner digestif. This was followed with some piping hot espresso, panna cotta ai frutti di bosco, tiramisu and a bowl of nutty biscotti.

Panna cotta ai frutti di bosco, tiramisu and nutty biscotti

Chef Marrone’s ambitious vision for ACQUA has me salivating. Plans of adding a clam bar, offering some live entertainment and starting a Napoli fan club are in the works. OK, maybe I imagined the latter idea, but I’m convinced his energy and professionalism will take this delightful eatery to an even higher level.

ACQUA Restaurant & Wine Bar ★★★★★
21 Peck Slip @ Water Street
New York, New York 10038
Tel 212.349.4433

www.acquarestaurantnyc.com/

Feast of the Madonna Incoronata

Madonna Incoronata, ora pro nobis

The last Saturday of April is the Feast of the Madonna Incoronata (Our Lady Crowned), an ancient tradition dating back to the beginning of the 11th Century A.D. In celebration, I'm posting Praise to the Queen of Heaven (Salvi Rigina), a traditional Marian prayer from Prayers and Devotional Songs of Sicily, edited and translated by Peppino Ruggeri.(1) The accompanying photo was taken at St. Rocco's Church in Glen Cove, New York.

According to tradition, the Count of Ariano got lost while hunting in the forest near the River Cervaro in Foggia, Puglia. He took refuge in a nearby cottage when the woods turned unusually dark. At dawn the Count noticed a bright light shining through the trees. Drawn to the mysterious radiance, the Madonna appeared before him wearing a magnificent crown and levitating above a large oak tree. She revealed a statue of the Black Madonna perched in the branches. Awestricken, the Count promised to build a chapel to house her miraculous image.

Soon after, a shepherd named Strazzacappa, who was grazing his oxen close by, was also drawn to the light. Immediately recognizing the vision as the Blessed Mother, the humble herdsman set up a makeshift votive lamp with his caldarella in her honor beneath the tree. It is said that the oil was not consumed by the flame.

The Count fulfilled his vow and news of the miracle spread far and wide. The shrine quickly became a popular destination for devotees and those making the pilgrimage to the nearby Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael at Monte Sant'Angelo in the Gargano peninsula. Today, after several renovations, the Basilica Santuario Madre di Dio Incoronata is a major religious center visited by thousands annually. The Black Madonna and a branch from the oak are still on display. Ave Maria.

Praise to the Queen of Heaven

Hail to you Mary, Mother of Mercy
Life, sweetness, and spring of joy
In you we trust when in trouble or pain
To you we come when we are in tears
In affliction your comfort we obtain.

Hear our pleas, our sweet defender
Virgin Mother with all sorrow laden
To our God you prayers direct
Because our actions have no effect
The door of paradise open to all
When death for comes to call. Amen. 

(1) Prayers and Devotional Songs of Sicily, edited and translated into English by Peppino Ruggeri, Legas 2009, p.139