The Matthew Online

When is St. Patrick's Day? When the Church says it is

 

By Melissa Colabraro

ROME, March 15 - Take out your green-colored outfits. Today is Saint Patrick’s Day. 

The Catholic Church pushed the holiday ahead two days to March 15 this year rather than have it clash with Holy Week.

The patron saint of Ireland will be commemorated today with religious ceremonies. Revelers see little problem with the change of plans for "a St. Patrick's three-day weekend".

“Heck, now we have a whole weekend of celebrations,” said John Cabot University student, Alyse Lorenzo.  “I agree with the date change, but I don’t believe people will obey it. There will be people out celebrating on Monday night. It’s just what we are used to.”

 

From the high school dance to the Rome's big clubs, a DJ spins his secrets

By Marzia Ferraris

ROME, March 6 - To succeed as a DJ you must be willing to stick with the long hours, push through the difficult times and avoid getting sucked into "the clubs' dirty environment", says Mathew Felix Di Nunzio, a well-known Rome DJ.

Oh, and practice as much as you can, and welcome any opportunity to play for an audience, he says. The secret to success is to climb your way up the scale, taking baby steps. 

After graduating from Marymount High School in Rome, Di Nunzio used his father’s equipment to enrich his passion -- music. He played at house parties for his friends, and he was called by his school to perform at a dance.

 

Un-romantic in Rome? Yes, there's a table for you

 

By Marzia Ferraris

ROME, Feb. 15 - Valentine's Day is a day for couples to display their love publicly, going out for dinner, showering each other with gifts and, maybe, feel more in love than ever.

What about people without a special someone?

Meet Massimigliano Pellegrini,  co-owner of Forte e Chiaro, a Trastevere restaurant that created an occasion for singles and protesters alike. The idea?  'Anti San.Valentino' , for single men and women who desire to enjoy their evening. Alone.

Pellegrini, a 28-year-old Roman, has been running Forte e Chiaro for four months. The menu has few dishes, but the quality is guaranteed gourmet.

For ‘Anti Valentines day’ dinner there two menus, designated as "menu 1" and "menu 3". Basta "2" for this evening, Pellegrini explained.  Forte e Chiaro is known to do things differently from the other usual restaurants in the ancient part of Rome. They like to be unique, and noticed for their originality.

Where is trash considered treasure? The streets of Trastevere

By Mara Martinez

ROME, Nov 26 - Trastevere has been a hot spot for Roman locals and study-abroad students for many years. Not surprisingly, this Roman historical center has experienced some serious wear and tear over the years.

Every morning, the local garbage service cleans up the empty wine bottles, dirty napkins, and cigarette butts left behind on the streets and piazzas.

Who leaves all this trash behind?

Not everyone agrees who is to blame.