Tag: altar
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An Altar For Santa Rosalia
Normally on September 4, devotees of Santa Rosalia, Palermo’s patroness, recognize their protectress with a solemn pilgrimage to her sanctuary at the top of Mount Pellegrino. They pay homage to the maiden who died on this day in 1166, with prayers, solitude, and a trek up the mountain barefoot or on their knees. This year…
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An Act Of Prayer For Saint Joseph
Probably the most distinct ritual of Saint Joseph’s Day, which is celebrated annually on March 19, revolves around the celebration of bread, which in Sicily and southern Italy is sacred because wheat, its principle ingredient, is the most important crop of the region. The preparation of altars, or tables, known as le tavolate di San…
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San Sebastiano Patron Of Palazzolo Acreide
His story is a bit extreme, however, it’s a good reminder to me to keep the faith and get up again over and over. Although San Sebastiano lived and died in Rome, in Sicily on January 20, the early Christian martyr is celebrated with fervor in the towns of Acireale (Catania), Tortorici (Messina), and Barcellona…
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Breadmaking As A Ritual
Ritual bread making in honor of Saint Joseph (San Giuseppe) in Salemi.
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Home Altars in Sant’Elia
Live from Sicily! This morning on my walk near where I’m staying, I took note of the home altars dedicated to the veneration of Our Lady of the Sorrows (La Vergine di S.S. Addolorata). Home altars such as these, built into the facades of homes and dedicated to various saints, are common all over Sicily.
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Make Bread For Saint Joseph March 10 In New York City
Make bread with Experience Sicily on Sunday, March 10 at Cacio e Vino in NYC! It’s not bread you eat, however, but decorative bread, in honor of Saint Joseph. Like what women do all over southern Italy and Sicily to honor the patron saint of fathers, carpenters, and those who toil for their work, you…
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Celebrate Santa Lucia in New York City
The days are short, with evening coming early–too early for my liking. This is why I have an affinity for Santa Lucia, the patroness of light: I seek her support during these cold, dark months. Please join me for the annual luncheon celebrating the Feast of Santa Lucia on Sunday, Dec. 9 in New York…
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Another Black Madonna in Sicily
Tucked away near the castle that gives Castellamare del Golfo its name is the Chiesa di Maria SS del Rosario, which is believed to have been built in such a secluded corner during the Norman era, circa 1100, to hide it from invading pirates. Inside is this alter devoted to the Madonna dell’Agnuni, or Madonna…
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Joy From Saint Joseph
Thank you to everyone who came to our St. Joseph’s Day celebration this afternoon! And thank you to Cacio e Vino restaurant for being such fabulous hosts. It was pure joy. A glimpse of our altar… Viva San Giuseppe!