1. The Presentation and Sponsors
An aspiring member could not simply ask to join; they had to be sponsored by existing members who vouched for their reliability. When a family "opened the books" to accept new members, the candidate was driven to a secluded, private room where the family administration (the Boss, Underboss, and Capos) awaited.
2. The Pricking of the Finger (La Punciuta)
The formal ceremony began with an explanation of the organization's absolute rules. The officiating leader would then use a needle or pin to prick the trigger finger of the initiate.
3. The Burning of the Saint
Blood from the initiate's finger was smeared onto a paper card depicting a Catholic saint, typically St. Francis of Assisi or the Virgin Mary. The card was then set on fire and placed into the candidate's cupped hands.
4. The Oath of OmertÃ
As the card burned, the novice juggled it between his hands to manage the heat while reciting the oath of omertà . Inductees swore absolute loyalty with traditional vows, such as pledging that their soul would burn like the saint and that they entered alive and would leave dead
Core Rules Imposed in the 1940sFollowing the ceremony, initiates accepted strict organizational laws
Total Secrecy: Maintaining absolute silence, using phrases like "a friend of ours" for Members Honor
Family: Forbidding any disrespect toward the female relatives of fellow members under penalty of death.
Ultimate Obedience: Placing the organization above personal life, religion, or country.