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Robert Kearney

@Robkearney1981 • 14,656 subscribers

🇮🇹 🤌 🇵🇱 🇮🇪 I'm a freelance writer and truth-seeker, who covers politics, history, traditional cultures, and ancient mysteries. Proud Ellis🗽Island roots

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The kind of Catholicism practiced by Italians is the result of a profound inculturation that has been ongoing for many centuries. Italians are not a rigid or logical people. Their world is one of deep passions, emotions, and festive exuberance. It's only natural then that the religion they practice would be shaped and influenced by that temperament. That the Catholic Church has successfully managed to do this is a testimony to its enduring ability to be a truly universal faith, not a narrow and parochial one. It's a tragic shame that so many outsiders seem unable to perceive this and instead hurl insults and condemnations because they are either too close-minded or ignorant to understand (or even desire to) how such a unique expression of a religion could have been created and continue to exist, nourishing those who partake in it.

The kind of Catholicism practiced by Italians is the result of a profound inculturation that has been ongoing for many centuries. Italians are not a rigid or logical people. Their world is one of deep passions, emotions, and festive exuberance. It's only natural then that the religion they practice would be shaped and influenced by that temperament. That the Catholic Church has successfully managed to do this is a testimony to its enduring ability to be a truly universal faith, not a narrow and parochial one. It's a tragic shame that so many outsiders seem unable to perceive this and instead hurl insults and condemnations because they are either too close-minded or ignorant to understand (or even desire to) how such a unique expression of a religion could have been created and continue to exist, nourishing those who partake in it.

184,537 просмотров

🧵 Anyone who has visited Spain during Holy Week or watched videos of Spanish Holy Week processions often finds the mysterious hooded figures intriguing and confusing (this is especially true for Americans). Who are these masked individuals, and why do they hide their faces? Let's find out 👇

🧵 Anyone who has visited Spain during Holy Week or watched videos of Spanish Holy Week processions often finds the mysterious hooded figures intriguing and confusing (this is especially true for Americans). Who are these masked individuals, and why do they hide their faces? Let's find out 👇

78,371 просмотров

I've always wondered if the fixation by some American Catholics on the Latin mass and other types of "liturgy wars" isn't mainly due to the lack of any real devotional culture and popular piety among the faithful here (outside of certain ethnic communities). This doesn't mean that the mass shouldn't be celebrated with the reverence and solemnity that it rightfully deserves, but the obsession of some for the TLM due to feeling a lack of mystery and connection to the Divine seems to be filled for many other Catholics around the world (such as in Mediterranean, LatAm, and Slavic countries) by strong cults manifesting around the Virgin Mary, the Saints, and accompanying religious processions.

I've always wondered if the fixation by some American Catholics on the Latin mass and other types of "liturgy wars" isn't mainly due to the lack of any real devotional culture and popular piety among the faithful here (outside of certain ethnic communities). This doesn't mean that the mass shouldn't be celebrated with the reverence and solemnity that it rightfully deserves, but the obsession of some for the TLM due to feeling a lack of mystery and connection to the Divine seems to be filled for many other Catholics around the world (such as in Mediterranean, LatAm, and Slavic countries) by strong cults manifesting around the Virgin Mary, the Saints, and accompanying religious processions.

18,205 просмотров

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The kind of Catholicism practiced by Italians is the result of a profound inculturation that has been ongoing for many centuries. Italians are not a rigid or logical people. Their world is one of deep passions, emotions, and festive exuberance. It's only natural then that the religion they practice would be shaped and influenced by that temperament. That the Catholic Church has successfully managed to do this is a testimony to its enduring ability to be a truly universal faith, not a narrow and parochial one. It's a tragic shame that so many outsiders seem unable to perceive this and instead hurl insults and condemnations because they are either too close-minded or ignorant to understand (or even desire to) how such a unique expression of a religion could have been created and continue to exist, nourishing those who partake in it.

The kind of Catholicism practiced by Italians is the result of a profound inculturation that has been ongoing for many centuries. Italians are not a rigid or logical people. Their world is one of deep passions, emotions, and festive exuberance. It's only natural then that the religion they practice would be shaped and influenced by that temperament. That the Catholic Church has successfully managed to do this is a testimony to its enduring ability to be a truly universal faith, not a narrow and parochial one. It's a tragic shame that so many outsiders seem unable to perceive this and instead hurl insults and condemnations because they are either too close-minded or ignorant to understand (or even desire to) how such a unique expression of a religion could have been created and continue to exist, nourishing those who partake in it.

184,537 просмотров • 13 дней назад

Old Sicilian folksong, "Acidduzzi". Tells the story of two birds in love. Beautiful music.

Old Sicilian folksong, "Acidduzzi". Tells the story of two birds in love. Beautiful music.

6,194,813 просмотров • 1 год назад

🇮🇹 The great Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, performs Puccini's classic "Nessun Dorma" at the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Italy is back, with class and style, and while cherishing her past, she has a renewed hope for the future. #Olympics2026

🇮🇹 The great Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, performs Puccini's classic "Nessun Dorma" at the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Italy is back, with class and style, and while cherishing her past, she has a renewed hope for the future. #Olympics2026

761,927 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад

🧵 "Gabagool," "Galamad," and "Gravy": where do these typical but much maligned Italian American words come from, and why do they differ so much from the modern Italian language? Let's find out -How Capicola Became Gabagool: The Italian American Accent, Explained 🇮🇹🤌🇺🇸

🧵 "Gabagool," "Galamad," and "Gravy": where do these typical but much maligned Italian American words come from, and why do they differ so much from the modern Italian language? Let's find out -How Capicola Became Gabagool: The Italian American Accent, Explained 🇮🇹🤌🇺🇸

254,649 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад

No kidding. When Italy won the World Cup back in 2006, there were massive celebrations across the Tri-State area. Clockwise below: Little Italy in Manhattan Morris Park in The Bronx 18th Ave in Brooklyn Little Italy in Hartford, Connecticut

No kidding. When Italy won the World Cup back in 2006, there were massive celebrations across the Tri-State area. Clockwise below: Little Italy in Manhattan Morris Park in The Bronx 18th Ave in Brooklyn Little Italy in Hartford, Connecticut

98,719 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад

🧵Since there's so much that goes around about the topic, I've decided to present to the uninitiated, the differences (and similarities) between Irish and Italian Catholicism 🇮🇪✝️🇮🇹 Irish and Italian Catholicism represent two vibrant but culturally distinct expressions of the same Roman Catholic faith. Both adhere to core doctrines, sacraments, and papal authority, but historical, social, and national contexts have shaped markedly different styles of piety, attitudes toward sin/guilt, expressions of devotion, and approaches to modesty/morality. These differences were especially evident in 19th–20th-century immigrant communities (e.g., in the U.S.), where Irish-dominated hierarchies often clashed with Italian practices, viewing them as overly exuberant or "pagan-like." Similarities. Both are deeply Catholic, with strong emphasis on sacraments (especially Mass and confession), Marian devotion, family-centered faith, and moral teachings on life, marriage, and sexuality. Historical persecution or marginalization (British rule for Ireland; regional/unification struggles for Italy) reinforced Catholicism as a core part of national/ethnic identity. Post-Vatican II, both have faced secularization, declining practice rates, and cultural shifts, though Italy retains higher nominal affiliation and public visibility (due to the Vatican). Key Differences (Compare & Contrast)Attitude Toward Sin, Guilt, and Scrupulosity 🇮🇪Irish: Often characterized by intense, internalized "Catholic guilt" (frequently called "Irish Catholic guilt")—a pervasive sense of personal unworthiness, self-reproach, and scrupulosity (excessive worry over sin, especially sexual or private). This stems from historical rigorism, hellfire preaching, and a somber view of human nature, leading to prolonged brooding even after confession. Faith can feel like a "weight on the spirit" with emphasis on avoiding occasions of sin and earning grace through strict observance. 🇮🇹Italian (especially southern): More transactional and resolved—sin happens, one confesses sincerely, receives absolution, and moves on without lingering shame or self-loathing. There's less chronic guilt; repentance restores joy and enjoyment of life. As one common saying puts it: "We sin, we enjoy ourselves, we repent and confess." This reflects a pragmatic, less pessimistic anthropology. Style of Piety and Worship 🇮🇪Irish: More interior, penitential, and clerical—quiet devotion, private prayer, high obedience to clergy, subdued public expressions. Faith is often solemn, focused on personal morality and discipline. In immigrant settings, Irish clergy emphasized doctrinal purity and restraint. 🇮🇹Italian: Exuberant, communal, and festive—vibrant public processions, street festivals honoring patron saints (e.g., carrying statues, fireworks, food), blending faith with cultural celebration. Devotion is outward and sensory (statues, scapulars, feasts), sometimes seen by outsiders as "raucous" or overly focused on externals. Italians prioritized family loyalty and community rituals over strict clerical control. Modesty Teachings and Sexual Morality 🇮🇪Irish: Historically rigorous and scrupulous—detailed rules around dress, purity, and avoiding temptation (even in private), tied to fear of sin and a cautionary approach. This could manifest in extreme anecdotes (e.g., extreme modesty norms in schools/parishes). 🇮🇹Italian: Modesty exists as a virtue, but enforcement is more tied to family honor, regional customs, and communal norms than individual scrupulosity. Less obsessive focus on private details; greater cultural tolerance for human frailty within Church bounds, with less pervasive shame around sexuality. 1/3

🧵Since there's so much that goes around about the topic, I've decided to present to the uninitiated, the differences (and similarities) between Irish and Italian Catholicism 🇮🇪✝️🇮🇹 Irish and Italian Catholicism represent two vibrant but culturally distinct expressions of the same Roman Catholic faith. Both adhere to core doctrines, sacraments, and papal authority, but historical, social, and national contexts have shaped markedly different styles of piety, attitudes toward sin/guilt, expressions of devotion, and approaches to modesty/morality. These differences were especially evident in 19th–20th-century immigrant communities (e.g., in the U.S.), where Irish-dominated hierarchies often clashed with Italian practices, viewing them as overly exuberant or "pagan-like." Similarities. Both are deeply Catholic, with strong emphasis on sacraments (especially Mass and confession), Marian devotion, family-centered faith, and moral teachings on life, marriage, and sexuality. Historical persecution or marginalization (British rule for Ireland; regional/unification struggles for Italy) reinforced Catholicism as a core part of national/ethnic identity. Post-Vatican II, both have faced secularization, declining practice rates, and cultural shifts, though Italy retains higher nominal affiliation and public visibility (due to the Vatican). Key Differences (Compare & Contrast)Attitude Toward Sin, Guilt, and Scrupulosity 🇮🇪Irish: Often characterized by intense, internalized "Catholic guilt" (frequently called "Irish Catholic guilt")—a pervasive sense of personal unworthiness, self-reproach, and scrupulosity (excessive worry over sin, especially sexual or private). This stems from historical rigorism, hellfire preaching, and a somber view of human nature, leading to prolonged brooding even after confession. Faith can feel like a "weight on the spirit" with emphasis on avoiding occasions of sin and earning grace through strict observance. 🇮🇹Italian (especially southern): More transactional and resolved—sin happens, one confesses sincerely, receives absolution, and moves on without lingering shame or self-loathing. There's less chronic guilt; repentance restores joy and enjoyment of life. As one common saying puts it: "We sin, we enjoy ourselves, we repent and confess." This reflects a pragmatic, less pessimistic anthropology. Style of Piety and Worship 🇮🇪Irish: More interior, penitential, and clerical—quiet devotion, private prayer, high obedience to clergy, subdued public expressions. Faith is often solemn, focused on personal morality and discipline. In immigrant settings, Irish clergy emphasized doctrinal purity and restraint. 🇮🇹Italian: Exuberant, communal, and festive—vibrant public processions, street festivals honoring patron saints (e.g., carrying statues, fireworks, food), blending faith with cultural celebration. Devotion is outward and sensory (statues, scapulars, feasts), sometimes seen by outsiders as "raucous" or overly focused on externals. Italians prioritized family loyalty and community rituals over strict clerical control. Modesty Teachings and Sexual Morality 🇮🇪Irish: Historically rigorous and scrupulous—detailed rules around dress, purity, and avoiding temptation (even in private), tied to fear of sin and a cautionary approach. This could manifest in extreme anecdotes (e.g., extreme modesty norms in schools/parishes). 🇮🇹Italian: Modesty exists as a virtue, but enforcement is more tied to family honor, regional customs, and communal norms than individual scrupulosity. Less obsessive focus on private details; greater cultural tolerance for human frailty within Church bounds, with less pervasive shame around sexuality. 1/3

57,256 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад

Who will the next Pope be? On Halloween, 2023, I suddenly awoke with a strong premonition that it would be Cardinal Pizzaballa of Jerusalem. Now this was odd because I had never even heard of him before until about a week earlier when he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis. I felt so strongly about this that I was compelled to post it on X as a record of what I had felt (I was even given the thought that I should do it at that moment so that the algorithm could pick it up and the news could get out there). It sounds crazy, but considering that some members of my family were known to have an intuitive, almost psychic natures to them, perhaps these same cosmic forces were then prompting me with their portents. Only time will tell if I was right or just deluded. We'll see. On the left, my original tweet about Pizzaballa becoming Pope, from October 31, 2023. On the right, Cardinal Pizzaballa celebrating Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre a few days ago.

Who will the next Pope be? On Halloween, 2023, I suddenly awoke with a strong premonition that it would be Cardinal Pizzaballa of Jerusalem. Now this was odd because I had never even heard of him before until about a week earlier when he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis. I felt so strongly about this that I was compelled to post it on X as a record of what I had felt (I was even given the thought that I should do it at that moment so that the algorithm could pick it up and the news could get out there). It sounds crazy, but considering that some members of my family were known to have an intuitive, almost psychic natures to them, perhaps these same cosmic forces were then prompting me with their portents. Only time will tell if I was right or just deluded. We'll see. On the left, my original tweet about Pizzaballa becoming Pope, from October 31, 2023. On the right, Cardinal Pizzaballa celebrating Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre a few days ago.

184,299 просмотров • 1 год назад

Holy Week procession Enna, Sicily

Holy Week procession Enna, Sicily

33,359 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад

COULD CARDINAL PIZZABALLA BE THE NEXT POPE? 🇻🇦 He's noted for having a pastoral style similar to Pope Francis but is also seen as friendly towards the Latin mass and other traditional liturgical practices. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem is considered one of the most unique figures in the modern Catholic Church. Born in 1965, Pizzaballa has been the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020. A Franciscan priest since 1990, he served as Custos of the Holy Land from 2004 to 2016. Elevated to cardinal in 2023, he's known for his leadership in interfaith dialogue and humanitarian efforts, notably during the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict where he advocated for peace and offered himself to Hamas in exchange for child hostages. His work focuses on supporting the Christian community and promoting peace in the region. In the next conclave, Pizzaballa is considered as Papabile.

COULD CARDINAL PIZZABALLA BE THE NEXT POPE? 🇻🇦 He's noted for having a pastoral style similar to Pope Francis but is also seen as friendly towards the Latin mass and other traditional liturgical practices. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem is considered one of the most unique figures in the modern Catholic Church. Born in 1965, Pizzaballa has been the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020. A Franciscan priest since 1990, he served as Custos of the Holy Land from 2004 to 2016. Elevated to cardinal in 2023, he's known for his leadership in interfaith dialogue and humanitarian efforts, notably during the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict where he advocated for peace and offered himself to Hamas in exchange for child hostages. His work focuses on supporting the Christian community and promoting peace in the region. In the next conclave, Pizzaballa is considered as Papabile.

125,534 просмотров • 1 год назад

Spanish women of Seville 🇪🇸 wearing traditional mantillas in preparation for Holy Week. It's part of an initiative called "Yes, Mantilla" that seeks to promote the use of the mantilla, a lace or silk veil worn over the head and shoulders, during Holy Week (Semana Santa), especially among younger women.

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Spanish women of Seville 🇪🇸 wearing traditional mantillas in preparation for Holy Week. It's part of an initiative called "Yes, Mantilla" that seeks to promote the use of the mantilla, a lace or silk veil worn over the head and shoulders, during Holy Week (Semana Santa), especially among younger women.

106,843 просмотров • 1 год назад

BOES: ANCIENT FURRIES OF SARDINIA 🇮🇹 Bells of the mysteries Boes ring in the hilltops as the sun sets over Ottana, Sardinia. "Sos Boes" wear the oxen mask decorated and embellished with a chisel; the figure of a 🐂, the ancient Punic-Nuragic deity. Boes represent the animal rebelling against its master (Can't you see that he doesn't want his hooves cleaned?). This ancient custom, dating back to Neolithic times, is an annual fixture of the carnival season in the Sardinian town of Ottana. Each year, between the feast of St. Anthony Abate and Ash Wednesday, one can see these mysterious man-beasts roaming the streets and surrounding hills of Ottana. A wonderful and ancient tradition.

BOES: ANCIENT FURRIES OF SARDINIA 🇮🇹 Bells of the mysteries Boes ring in the hilltops as the sun sets over Ottana, Sardinia. "Sos Boes" wear the oxen mask decorated and embellished with a chisel; the figure of a 🐂, the ancient Punic-Nuragic deity. Boes represent the animal rebelling against its master (Can't you see that he doesn't want his hooves cleaned?). This ancient custom, dating back to Neolithic times, is an annual fixture of the carnival season in the Sardinian town of Ottana. Each year, between the feast of St. Anthony Abate and Ash Wednesday, one can see these mysterious man-beasts roaming the streets and surrounding hills of Ottana. A wonderful and ancient tradition.

79,276 просмотров • 1 год назад

Every Easter Sunday during solemn mass in the Duomo of Florence 🇮🇹, a rocket in the shape of a dove (called the Colombina) set off on a wire and then proceeds across the cathedral and out the doors to ignite a large cart full of fireworks in the square outside. Afterward, the dove returns to the sanctuary. This tradition has gone on for a thousand years, dating back to the time of the Crusades. - video from Corriere Fiorentino on Instagram

Every Easter Sunday during solemn mass in the Duomo of Florence 🇮🇹, a rocket in the shape of a dove (called the Colombina) set off on a wire and then proceeds across the cathedral and out the doors to ignite a large cart full of fireworks in the square outside. Afterward, the dove returns to the sanctuary. This tradition has gone on for a thousand years, dating back to the time of the Crusades. - video from Corriere Fiorentino on Instagram

107,929 просмотров • 2 лет назад

Procession of La Legión Española (Spanish Foreign Legion) carrying a large crucifix while singing its hymn, "El Novio de la Muerte" ("The Bridegroom of Death"). This annual tradition takes place during Holy Week in the city of Malaga 🇪🇸 Legionnaires are known as "Novios de la Muerte" (Bridegrooms of Death) and have observed this solemn ritual since the early 20th century in honor of both their and Spain's Catholic heritage and identity. Below are the lyrics in English: THE BRIDEGROOM OF DEATH No one in the Regiment knew who that Legionary was, so bold and reckless, who enlisted in the Legion. No mother bore him, nor love dwelt in his heart, only the fervor he felt for the homeland and valor. I am a man whom fortune struck with a beast’s paw; I am a bridegroom of death, who will join in a strong bond with such a faithful sweetheart. When the fire was fiercest and the fight most savage, defending his Banner, the Legionary advanced. And without fearing the thrust of the exalted enemy, he knew how to die bravely and rescued the ensign. And as he soaked the burning ground with his blood, the Legionary murmured with a mournful voice: I am a man whom fortune struck with a beast’s paw; I am a bridegroom of death, who will join in a strong bond with such a faithful sweetheart. When they finally recovered him, they found on his chest a letter and a picture of a beautiful woman. And that letter read: “…if one day God calls you, save a place for me, for I will soon find you.” And in the last kiss that she sent him, she bid him a final goodbye: Just to be by your side, my most faithful sweetheart, I became death’s bridegroom, I embraced her with a strong bond, and her love was my Banner.

Procession of La Legión Española (Spanish Foreign Legion) carrying a large crucifix while singing its hymn, "El Novio de la Muerte" ("The Bridegroom of Death"). This annual tradition takes place during Holy Week in the city of Malaga 🇪🇸 Legionnaires are known as "Novios de la Muerte" (Bridegrooms of Death) and have observed this solemn ritual since the early 20th century in honor of both their and Spain's Catholic heritage and identity. Below are the lyrics in English: THE BRIDEGROOM OF DEATH No one in the Regiment knew who that Legionary was, so bold and reckless, who enlisted in the Legion. No mother bore him, nor love dwelt in his heart, only the fervor he felt for the homeland and valor. I am a man whom fortune struck with a beast’s paw; I am a bridegroom of death, who will join in a strong bond with such a faithful sweetheart. When the fire was fiercest and the fight most savage, defending his Banner, the Legionary advanced. And without fearing the thrust of the exalted enemy, he knew how to die bravely and rescued the ensign. And as he soaked the burning ground with his blood, the Legionary murmured with a mournful voice: I am a man whom fortune struck with a beast’s paw; I am a bridegroom of death, who will join in a strong bond with such a faithful sweetheart. When they finally recovered him, they found on his chest a letter and a picture of a beautiful woman. And that letter read: “…if one day God calls you, save a place for me, for I will soon find you.” And in the last kiss that she sent him, she bid him a final goodbye: Just to be by your side, my most faithful sweetheart, I became death’s bridegroom, I embraced her with a strong bond, and her love was my Banner.

62,682 просмотров • 1 год назад

I've always wondered if the fixation by some American Catholics on the Latin mass and other types of "liturgy wars" isn't mainly due to the lack of any real devotional culture and popular piety among the faithful here (outside of certain ethnic communities). This doesn't mean that the mass shouldn't be celebrated with the reverence and solemnity that it rightfully deserves, but the obsession of some for the TLM due to feeling a lack of mystery and connection to the Divine seems to be filled for many other Catholics around the world (such as in Mediterranean, LatAm, and Slavic countries) by strong cults manifesting around the Virgin Mary, the Saints, and accompanying religious processions.

I've always wondered if the fixation by some American Catholics on the Latin mass and other types of "liturgy wars" isn't mainly due to the lack of any real devotional culture and popular piety among the faithful here (outside of certain ethnic communities). This doesn't mean that the mass shouldn't be celebrated with the reverence and solemnity that it rightfully deserves, but the obsession of some for the TLM due to feeling a lack of mystery and connection to the Divine seems to be filled for many other Catholics around the world (such as in Mediterranean, LatAm, and Slavic countries) by strong cults manifesting around the Virgin Mary, the Saints, and accompanying religious processions.

18,205 просмотров • 1 год назад

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