Our Lady’s 15 Promises for Praying the Rosary
The Holy Rosary is an enormous source of grace and spiritual protection, and one of the most powerful sacramentals of the Catholic Church. After the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,…
tradition
Novena
The word, “novena” comes from the Latin word novem, meaning nine. Novenas are a cherished and powerful tradition within the Catholic Church, offering the faithful a structured and focused way to…
Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We tend to think of Mary as the Sorrowful Mother during Lent. We know from Scripture that she was there, standing at the foot of the Cross with the Apostle…
Our Lady of Sorrows
Mary was bestowed the title of ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’ to fully recognize the challenges and pain that she felt throughout her life. Her challenges were prophesied by Simeon, who…
Pope Saint Leo the Great
It is regrettable that so little is known about the early life of this man, who proved to be such an extraordinary shepherd of the Catholic Church. What we do…
St. Ambrose of Milan
St. Ambrose of Milan (Sant Ambroggio di Milano in Italian) has a particularly fascinating story. He was born around AD 339 in what is now Trier, Germany, the son of…
The Month of Mary
The month of May is the “month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady,” and it is the occasion for a “moving tribute of…
Mary’s Way of the Cross
The photo above is the exquisite work of art by Michelangelo Buonarroti. I have had the great fortune of viewing this magnificent sculpture of Carrara marble many times at St.…
The Receiving of Ashes
Ash Wednesday begins the holy season of Lent, which is structured to spiritually prepare us to walk with the Lord through his passion and celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.…
Palline all’Arancia
In Sicily, even before the making of pastries and confections became a source of income for the convents, the tasty treats as gifts were an acceptable currency by which…
Eucharistic Adoration
According to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand…
Parmigiano Reggiano
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Parmigiano Reggiano, is one of Italy’s gifts to the world of food and is an essential staple in many kitchens around the globe, including mine. It’s unmistakable aroma, milky taste…
Sicilian Cannoli
I remember the cannoli my grandmother used to make and I am so very grateful that I have her “handwritten recipe” for this iconic Sicilian sweet treat. I use…
Palline al Cioccolato (Chocolate Balls)
These little chocolate balls, a thoughtful gift for your favorite Valentine, are a variation of Palline all’ Arancia. This is one of the very few confections in which the…
New Orleans Beignets
The Crescent City is known for many “sweet” things, such as, King Cakes, a brioche-type pastry, which is a huge part of Mardi-Gras traditions, Sfinci, creamy ricotta-filled puffs of…
Mincemeat Christmas Cake
My paternal grandmother made this cake every Christmas. The recipe was given to her by a very dear friend on December 2, 1953. We didn’t know what was in…
Ossi di Morti Biscotti
In the Roman Catholic Church, All Soul’s Day, which was established by Pope Boniface IV, specifically commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and have reached…
Meatballs and Sauce
My maternal grandmother did not cook from recipes. I never saw her open a cookbook. To my knowledge, she didn’t have any. The meals she prepared were committed to memory.…
Cuccidati Kisses
So, you’ve made dozens and dozens of Sicilian Christmas cookies and have just a bit of fig filling left. What do you do? As I see it, you have…
Sicilian Pizza
When visiting Palermo, Sicily, a “must do” on everyone’s list should be to explore the bustling outdoor markets. Last year, while exploring all that Sicily had to offer, that’s…