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On this day, Christians reflect on the death and burial of Jesus and prepare for his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Easter Vigil, which is celebrated on Holy Saturday after sunset, and sometimes close to 10pm, is the most important liturgical event of the day and marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this day the Church abstains… Continue reading

Italy is a predominantly Christian country, and Good Friday is a solemn day in the Catholic Church with a special liturgy focused on the Lord’s Passion. Below are key aspects of this observance, especially as it takes place in Italy, and specifically with the Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica: Symbols of Mourning:    – In… Continue reading

At every Catholic Mass we attend we hear these solemn words “on the night He was betrayed” and rightfully so because this night is Holy Thursday. It is part of Holy Week and devoutly celebrated in Italy because for Catholics it is one of the most important nights in all of history for Jesus and… Continue reading

April 1st does double duty this year. As Catholics step into Holy Week—the most intense stretch of the Christian calendar—Jewish families also begin Passover (Pesach), the festival that remembers the Exodus: the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, as told in the Book of Exodus. Passover is named for the… Continue reading

If you ever happen to be in Italy for Easter, you won’t see the cagey bunny or enjoy an Easter egg hunt. However, Easter in Italy is a huge, festive holiday, second only to Christmas in its importance for Italians. While the days leading up to Easter include solemn processions and masses, Pasqua is a joyous celebration… Continue reading

A Sweet Treat PREHEAT OVEN – 400º 5 EGG YOLKS ½ CUP SUGAR 4 TBS POTATO STARCH – sifted 5 EGG WHITES 6-7 TBS JELLY Grease a jelly-roll pan that measures about 11X17-inches and line it with wax paper and then grease again. Beat the egg yolks. Add 5 tablespoons of the sugar, beating until… Continue reading

“Charlotte” desserts originated in England sometime in the latter part of the eighteenth century and were essentially just puddings in a cake  (usually lady fingers) filled cup and topped with a sugary frosting or cream as one story goes.  However some fame to claim also goes to a French chef Antonin Careme who in 1802… Continue reading

Insalata di Baccala e Peperoni 2 LBS SALT COD – cut into 3-inch pieces 4 LBS BELL PEPPERS – red, yellow and orange, cored, sliced 4 GARLIC CLOVES – peeled, crushed 4 TBS OLIVE OIL CHOPPED FRESH PARSLEY – for garnish Rinse cod of initial salt and place in a container with enough water to… Continue reading

An excellent dish when you want to impress! 1 ½ lb. Yukon Gold Potatoes2 Onions1 ¼ C. Heavy Cream2 Tbsp. Parsley – choppedSalt – to taste2 Sheets Puff Pastry2 Garlic Cloves1 Egg YolkSprinkling of Hot PaprikaFreshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste PREHEAT OVEN TO 400º. DEFROST PUFF PASTRY. LIGHTLY GREASE 8 OR 9-INCH SPRING… Continue reading

Lent fasting is a deeply rooted tradition in the Catholic Church, and it carries several important spiritual and community-oriented purposes. Here’s a summary of why Catholics, particularly in Italy where Catholicism remains influential, engage in fasting during Lent: Penance and Repentance: Lent is a time for Catholics to seek forgiveness for the sins and excesses… Continue reading