Our God,

Teach us to be selfless, so that we may realize that true happiness and peace do not come from the accumulation of our own possessions, but from the service of others. Give us the wisdom and strength to sacrifice our time, talents and material possessions for those who need us.

Amen.

The pelican feeding its chicks with its own blood is also shown
in the Alexian coat of arms as a self-sacrificing symbol of Christian love.
The original of this beautiful carving adorns the dining room
of the Irish Alexian Brothers.

Reading for today's night prayer: "If you are angry, let it be without sin. The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you."  (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Our Almighty God,

We humbly ask for your blessing as we begin a new week. Give us strength and perseverance to carry out our ministry, wisdom in our decisions, and patience in the face of difficulties. Help us to treat all with love and understanding and to seek Your will in all we do.

In particular, we ask Your intercession for the weather. Send us abundant and refreshing rain, so that the land may be fertile and the harvest abundant. Protect us from extreme weather so that crops may be preserved and sufficient food provided for all.

Protect us from harm and guide us in your light. Thank You for Your love and mercy.

Amen.

Saint Patrick, patron of Ireland, we celebrate your feast day with joyful hearts. We thank you for your unwavering faith, your courageous witness, and your tireless efforts to bring the light of Christ to Ireland. We ask for your intercession as we strive to live lives of faith and service, mirroring your dedication to God and your love for your people. Guide us on our path, protect us from harm, and intercede for us before the throne of God. Amen.

Brother Dermot in front of the statue of Virgin Mary in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Hungary, which captures the moment of the Angelical salutation.  The sculpture is the work of Tibor Rieger, a Kossuth Prize-winning (the highest Hungarian state award for the cultivation of Hungarian culture) sculptor, who is 85 years old this year and whose sculptures can be found all over the country, such as Gergely Czuczor and Ányos Jedlik (2. picture), former teachers, monks and inventors at the Benedictine secondary school in Győr. Jedlik is credited with the patent for the industrial production of soda water. The statue of St. George the Dragon Slayer in the main street of Győr, or the statue of St. Alexius (in Hungarian "Elek") in the monastery of the Alexian Mission in Hungary, the only outdoor statue of the saint in Hungary. 

 

The statue of Saint Alexius and
Brother Barry in front of the St George's Well in the main street of Győr

Our Heavenly Father,

as the weekend approaches, please bless this time and give us peace and tranquillity to recharge after the hardships of the week. Please grant us beautiful weather so that we can enjoy the sunshine and time outdoors. Help us to spend this rest in love and peace with our loved ones.

Amen.