Our Lady of Knock, on this All Souls’ Day, we turn to you with love and hope as we remember all those who have died and await the promise of eternal life. We ask you to hold close to your loving heart the souls of all the faithful departed, especially those whose earthly journey has ended but whose memory remains forever in our hearts. Present them to your Son, Jesus Christ, and ask Him to welcome them into the light of His presence, forgive their sins and shortcomings, and grant them the peace and joy of His eternal kingdom. May they rest in peace and one day rise in glory. We also pray for all those who mourn the loss of loved ones. Comfort them in their sorrow, ease the pain of their separation, and help them find strength, patience, and hope in the loving presence of God. Our Lady of Knock, Mother of Hope, walk beside us in times of grief and remind us that love never ends and that, through Christ, death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us remember Bro. Dominic Patrick Walsh CFA, the Irish Alexian Brother on All Souls' Day, who passed away two years ago.

Brother Dominic in front of a beehive cell

In the library of the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, Hungary
with Brother Luke and Brother Dermot

The Brothers on the Chapter Hill, with the Cathedral
of Győr, Hungary in the background, founded in the 11th century,
where the famous Irish Weeping Madonna is kept

In February 2013, three members of the Irish Alexian community,
Brother Dermot O'Leary, Brother Dominic Walsh and Brother Luke Polding,
visited Hungary and they visited the image of the Weeping Madonna

The Brothers in front of the current building of the 400-year-old
Győr, Hungary Theological College and Seminary, located on the Chapter Hill
 

Brother Dominic and Brother Alexius, 
a member of the Hungarian Alexian community.

 

Sightseeing in Kleve, Germany

In 2016, the General Chapter of the Alexian Brothers
took place in Kleve, Germany. 
The meeting was attended by three Irish Alexian Brothers,
Brother Dermot, Brother Barry and Brother Dominic.

 

The Remembrance Garden at Knock Shrine is a peaceful and sacred place dedicated to remembering and honouring loved ones who have passed away. Created as a sanctuary of prayer, reflection, comfort, and healing, the garden offers visitors a quiet space to pause, find peace, express their grief, and cherish the memories of those who remain forever in their hearts. Surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere, it invites individuals and families to reflect on the meaning of life, love, loss, and the hope of eternal life. The garden also includes a special section dedicated to the memory of children who have died, providing a particularly meaningful place for parents, families, and loved ones to remember them with tenderness and affection. Through its peaceful setting and spiritual significance, the Remembrance Garden offers a place of consolation, acceptance, and hope, reminding all who visit that love and cherished memories live on beyond death.

A memorial in the courtyard of the Alexian monastery in Knock that honors the Brothers who have passed away over the centuries, as well as the order’s helpers and supporters. The date 1334 marks the order’s official ecclesiastical recognition and its founding.

 

Works of art depicting the death of Saint Alexius.