Simple Pleasures: Vintage Devotional Print of Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo

Vintage devotional print depicting Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo, the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven, venerated as the Principal Patroness of Lucera, a city in Foggia, Puglia. The Virgin is enthroned upon clouds, dressed in dark robes, and holds the crowned Christ Child in her left arm. Both wear regal crowns, surrounded by radiating clouds that emphasize their heavenly majesty.

This image, reproduced in 1918, commemorates the local and ecclesiastical devotion to the Madonna of Lucera, whose statue was formally crowned in 1906. It stands as both a devotional icon and a testament to enduring Marian piety in the region.

Below the image is a dedication and brief historical note in Italian, which reads:

Vera Effigie dell’antica e located Statua di
MARIA SS.ma ASSUNTA IN CIELO
principal Patrona di Lucera.

Coll’ Pontif. Capitol. Vaticano al dì 15 di Agosto del
1906 decorata di Trifolio Corona dove venerata nel
Real Tempio Basilica Cattedrale da sua Città
con frequenza di gente, anche forestiera, ritratta
in buon disegno a spese della Cappella.
1918

[True image of the ancient and miraculous statue of Most Holy Mary Assumed into Heaven Principal Patroness of Lucera.

On August 15, 1906, it was adorned with a triple crown by the Pontifical Vatican Chapter, and is venerated in the Royal Temple Cathedral Basilica of her city with crowds of people, including outsiders, depicted here in a fine drawing at the expense of the Chapel. 1918]

New Music — Alessandro Scarlatti Cantatas, Motets, Oratorios, Concerti Grossi, and Sonatas

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Alessandro Scarlatti Cantatas, Motets, Oratorios, Concerti Grossi, and Sonatas

Label: Warner Classics
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Audio CD: $34.98
Number of Discs: 9

Available at Amazon.com

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Photo of the Week: Cristo Redentore di Maratea, Potenza, Basilicata

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of St. Stephen of Hungary at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Feast of St. María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament

St. María Micaela of the Blessed
Sacrament, ora pro nobis

August 25th is the feast of María Micaela Desmaisières y López de Dicastillo, better known as Saint María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament—a Spanish noblewoman, religious foundress, and mystic devoted to the Eucharist. Born on January 1, 1809, in Madrid to a prominent aristocratic family, she lost her parents early in life but grew up increasingly drawn to works of mercy, particularly the care of the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.

Her decisive spiritual turning point came in 1844, when she encountered young women suffering from exploitation and abandonment. Moved by their plight, she dedicated herself to their rehabilitation, opening a house to shelter and educate them. To continue this mission, she founded the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity in 1856, with a spirituality rooted in Eucharistic adoration and active charity.

Known for her mystical depth and courageous charity, she personally tended to the sick during a cholera epidemic. She contracted the illness herself and died in Valencia on August 24, 1865, offering her life in service to others.

María Micaela was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. She is remembered as a model of Eucharistic devotion, compassion, and sacrificial love.

In celebration of her feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament

Lord, renew in our congregation the spirit of adoration and charity that inspired Saint Maria Micaela, our Mother, so that, filled and revitalized by Him, we may strive to love what she loved and to put into practice what she taught us. Through Jesus our Lord, Amen

Saint Maria Micaela, pray for us and obtain for us from the Lord your spirit of adoration and charity.

Trilingual Prayer for the Feast of Santa Patrizia

Santa Patrizia, ora pro nobis

(Oratio Trilinguis in Festo Sanctæ Patriciæ)

Santa Patrizia, a noble virgin of Constantinople and patroness of Naples, is honored on August 25th. Venerated for her purity, humility, and miraculous intercession, she is invoked especially as a protectress of sailors and the city of Naples. This trilingual prayer — in Latin, English, and Italian — may be recited on her feast and at any time by the faithful who seek her aid. Evviva Santa Patrizia!

Oratio ad Sanctam Patriciam

O prodigiosa Virgo, Sancta Patricia, advocata et protectrix mea, quae in ultimis vitae tuae momentis a Iesu obtinuisti consilium et divinam protectionem omnibus ad te confugientibus auxilium petentibus: impetra mihi a Deo salutem animae ac corporis, victoriam de Diabolo et de passionibus. Repelle adversitates quae me circumstant; in praesenti tribulatione me consoláre. Impetra mihi remissionem peccatorum et ingressum in regnum caelorum. Esto portus salutis navigantibus et tutela civitati nostrae. Diffunde speciale tuum patrocinium super me et super omnes tuos devotos, ut sanctissimum Nomen Dei sit a cunctis benedictum, glorificatum, exaltatum atque laudatum in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Patrizia

O wondrous Virgin, Saint Patricia, mine advocate and protectress, who in the last moments of thy life didst obtain from Jesus counsel and divine protection for all who seek refuge in thee: obtain for me from Almighty God health of soul and body, victory over the Devil and over the passions. Drive away the adversities that surround me on all sides; in this present tribulation, console me. Obtain for me the pardon of sins and entrance into the heavenly kingdom. Be thou a haven of safety unto sailors and a safeguard unto our city. Spread forth thy special patronage over me and over all thy devoted children, that the most holy Name of God may be ever blessed, glorified, exalted, and praised by all unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Preghiera a Santa Patrizia

O prodigiosa Vergine Santa Patrizia, mia avvocata e protettrice, che negli ultimi momenti della vostra vita otteneste da Gesù consiglio e divina protezione a tutti coloro che a voi si rivolgessero per aiuto, ottenetemi da Dio la salute dell’anima e del corpo, la vittoria sul Demonio e sulle passioni; allontanate le avversità che mi circondano, consolatemi nelle presenti tribolazioni. Ottenetemi il perdono dei peccati e l’ingresso nel regno del Cielo. Siate porto di salvezza ai naviganti e tutela alla nostra città. Diffondete speciale patrocinio sopra di me e su tutti i vostri devoti, affinché il nome santo di Dio sia benedetto, glorificato, esaltato e lodato da tutti nei secoli dei secoli. Così sia.

Bensonhurst Honors Santa Rosalia with New Statue from Palermo

Santa Rosalia, ora pro nobis

This year’s Feast of Santa Rosalia on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst carried special meaning with the unveiling of a newly commissioned statue of la Santuzza, Palermo’s beloved patroness—crafted in her native city and brought to Brooklyn for the first time.

For the 51st year, the neighborhood filled with music, games, rides, and the aromas of Sicilian street food—arancini, stigghiola, sfincione, and cannoli—shared among families and friends.

More than a festival, the event remains a living tradition, where faith and community converge to honor Santa Rosalia while celebrating the cultural heritage of Sicilian-Americans in New York. Evviva Santa Rosalia!

Photos by Andrew Giordano

Feast of St. Augustine of Hippo at St. Augustine Church in Ossining, New York

New Book — The Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile

A new title that may be of interest to our readers. Available at Amazon.com

• The Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile translated by Richard Burton

Publisher: Independently Published
Publication date: April 17, 2025
Paperback: $40.00
Language: English
Pages: 802

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Simple Pleasures: A.S.D. Nocciano Calcio — Presente in Little Italy!

Just spotted an A.S.D. Nocciano Calcio sticker tucked away in Little Italy, New York City — Abruzzo pride crossing the Atlantic!

Black Moon Rising

Last night, beneath a cloudy sky where the moon refused to show its face, I found myself enjoying the cool night air. The stars hung distant and aloof, and in their silence I slipped into reverie. The darkness above felt like a blank page, and before long, I had written a sonnet for Alana, an old lover whose memory has stayed with me.

Alana’s life and death left an indelible mark on me; this poem is offered in her memory. The nicknames and slurs in the verses are not mine, but the cruel words she endured. They remain here only to bear witness. The events are rendered in the language of poetry, but the story is true: she lived, she was wronged, and she is remembered. My intent is not to sensationalize her tragedy, but to preserve, in some small way, the truth of her suffering and the dignity of her name.

In the silence of a moonless night, her memory rose like a dark tide—solemn, undeniable, and enduring.

Alana Puttana Baccalà

They called her “bagascia,” with sneering lies,
Cruel whispers tossed by boys in bitter pride;
Their hollow charms could never catch her eyes,
Though each had schemed to take her for a ride.

I burned for her—she knew, and drew me near;
In youthful heat I gave what love could give.
She took, then vanished—cool, remote, severe,
While I remained, still aching to re-live.

Tired of boys, she crossed forbidden lines,
No hint she’d ever stray another way.
Then horror struck—her body bore the crime;
She carried plague no prayer could keep away.

So silence claimed her with its final breath:
A wrist gone white—a red, unspoken death.

Remembering S.A.R. Maria Immacolata Luisa di Borbone, Princess of Bourbon Two Sicilies and Countess of Bardi

21 January 1855 – 23 August 1874

In memory of S.A.R. Maria Immacolata Luisa di Borbone, Princess of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Countess of Bardi, daughter of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Supplica to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii at the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette in Brooklyn, New York

Feast of St. Émilien of Nantes

St. Émilien of Nantes, ora pro nobis

August 22nd is the feast day of St. Émilien of Nantes (d. 725), a noble-born Breton bishop, warrior, and martyr known for his defense of the Christian faith against Muslim incursions in the early 8th century. Born into a distinguished family in Armorica (Brittany), Gaul, Émilien became Bishop of Nantes, celebrated for his courage, intelligence, and deep pastoral zeal.

In 725, during the Muslim invasion into southern France following their conquest of most of Spain, Émilien learned that Autun—rich in abbeys and monasteries—was under severe threat. Refusing to let the Church and his homeland fall into destruction, he summoned the faithful to arms, urging them to fight not just as soldiers but as defenders of Christendom.

After celebrating Mass and giving Holy Communion to the men who would join him, Émilien led them into battle, achieving several victories before falling near Autun on August 22, 725. According to tradition, he struck down the enemy commander before being surrounded and slain. His relics were venerated by the faithful, and his cult was later confirmed by Pope Pius IX.

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. Émilien of Nantes

All-powerful, ever-living God, You gave St. Émilien of Nantes the courage to witness to the Gospel of Christ, even to the point of giving his life for it. By his prayers, help us to endure all suffering for love of you and to seek you with all our hearts, for you alone are the source of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Free PDF Download of "Un Sogno da Condividere e la Nuova Nazione Meridionale" Available at Alta Terra di Lavoro

We are pleased to announce that a free PDF copy of Vittorio Miri’s important work Un Sogno da condividere e la Nuova Nazione Meridionale is now available for download at Alta Terra di Lavoro.

This book is not a commercial publication, but a practical handbook intended to shed light on the true history of the peoples of the Two Sicilies and Sardinia. It presents, in simple and accessible language, the founding principles of a future independent state, and a concise retelling of our past—uncovering truths long silenced by foreign domination.

With clarity and passion, Miri lays out a vision of dignity, freedom, and sovereignty, rooted in history and law, and offers hope for a brighter Southern nation.

Download your free copy today at www.altaterradilavoro.com

Feast of St. Augustine of Hippo at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, New Jersey

Feast of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont

Blessed Gobert of Aspremont, ora pro nobis

August 20th is the feast of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont (c. 1200 – 1263), a Cistercian monk and nobleman from the region of Lorraine in northeastern France. Born into the noble House of Aspremont, Gobert was a knight in his early life and, in the service of the King of France, took part in the Crusade against the Albigensians. He later accompanied Emperor Frederick II in his expedition to the Holy Land. Despite his military background, Gobert was deeply drawn to a life of piety and contemplation.

Around 1230, moved by a profound spiritual awakening, he entered the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville in present-day Belgium, a renowned center of ascetic life and reform. There, he embraced a life of humility, prayer, and penance, renouncing the honors and privileges of his noble birth.

Gobert is remembered for his austere lifestyle, deep devotion to the Eucharist, and charitable works. He was especially known for his humility and obedience, embodying the Cistercian ideals of simplicity and devotion. His sanctity was widely recognized during his lifetime, and miracles were reported at his tomb following his death on August 20, 1263.

Though never formally canonized, Blessed Gobert of Aspremont has been venerated as beatus (blessed) within the Cistercian Order and in parts of the region of Lorraine and Wallonia.

Pictured is a 1659 engraving of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont, depicted as he was regarded by his fellow monks: a saintly man of prayer and devotion. In his honor, we offer the following prayer:

Prayer to Blessed Gobert of Aspremont

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, 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 Blessed Gobert protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Evviva San Rocco! A Look at the 136th Annual Feast of San Rocco di Potenza in Little Italy, New York

This past Sunday, I was delighted to participate in the 136th Annual Feast of San Rocco di Potenza in Little Italy, New York. After Mass at Most Precious Blood Church, where nearly 200 of us gathered in devotion, the procession carried San Rocco’s statue through the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little Italy. The air was thick with heat, but even more so with joy—joy in being together again, seeing familiar faces and old friends, walking side by side in faith. For me, it was deeply touching to carry the statue once more after two years away due to illness. The weight was real, the sun was blazing, but in that moment, all I felt was deep gratitude—gratitude for health, for community, and for the chance to honor San Rocco among my brothers and sisters. San Rocco, ora pro nobis.