Memories of the past: A visit to Glendalough 2.

Founded in the 6th century by the Irish monk St Kevin (died 618), Glendalough was one of Europe's most important religious centres. Set in a picturesque valley, it was a cultural centre and a popular destination for pilgrims. In its heyday, the monastery was surrounded by workshops, rooms for writing and copying manuscripts and codex books, guest rooms, a farm and other farm buildings and dwellings. One of the most beautiful ornaments of the site is a round tower which served a triple function. On the one hand, it marked the time for the inhabitants, and on the other, it served as a watchtower in times of war and as a signpost for pilgrims from far away lands. After the founder, St Kevin, St Patrick is perhaps the best known and most popular saint in Ireland. His legend of a little blackbird flying into his outstretched hand, laying eggs and not moving until the chicks hatched has inspired many artists, and depictions of this scene can be seen all over the country. The site in its present form has a visitor centre and hotel. A museum with a projection room (there's even a sensational LEGO miniature of the area) helps visitors learn about Glendalough's history and beautiful hiking trails with two lakes and a waterfall.

 

The statue of St Kevin by the Knock Basilica in the morning sunrise

Timeline with the most important moments in the history of the Alexian Order from the beginning to the end of the 18th century.

Bookmark with the Alexian coat of arms and a prayer found in the prayer book of St Teresa of Avila after the saint's death.

Memories of the past: A visit to Glendalough 1. - Dublin

Founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, Glendalough was one of Europe's most important religious centres. Brother Barry and Brother Alexius, a member of the Alexian community in Hungary, visited this beautiful place, which is still in ruins. It was quite a long drive, so we stopped halfway in Dublin and had time to visit "Saint Stephen's Green" park. It was named after Saint Stephen the Martyr. Opened to the public at the end of the 19th century, this beautiful park has been an important site for historical events in Ireland, such as the Easter Rising of 1916. It's a good idea to walk around the park, using signs and QR codes to read the full history of the place. The park is basically an open-air museum, with lots of sculptures commemorating important historical events (e.g. the Great Irish Famine has a monument) and Irish authors such as James Joyce have been given statues. We have selected some of the images taken here.

Saint Alexius (2001). Carbon copy, by Daniel Aleksej Djermanovic.

O Father, through the intercession of Saint Alexius and all of our Brothers in heaven, who have gone before us, we ask, that You call others to join us as members of our Congregation. Grant an increase of vocations to our way of life, so that our ministry, which began over 800 years ago may continue to bring healing to this broken world. Amen.

At the end of April this year, the General Chapter of the Alexian Brothers took place in Michaelsberg (Siegburg), Germany, where important decisions were taken on the future of the Order, such as the election of the new General and Council.

Brother Lawrence Krueger, CFA,
the Superior General of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers

Council members: Nikolaus Hahn, CFA,
Brothers Dermot O'Leary, CFA, and John Oblina, CFA