The Chapel of Saint Alexius in the picturesque little town of Kaysersberg in France, with a relief on the high altar depicting the death of Saint Alexius.

Giovan Battista Caccini, Statue of Saint Alexius in a niche on the façade of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Florence, 1594. The first image shows a sketch of the original, still intact statue.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the weekend and for the many blessings in our lives. As autumn surrounds us with its beautiful colours, golden leaves, and peaceful atmosphere, help us to recognise the beauty of your creation and find moments of peace, joy, and gratitude in each day. Bless our community, our families with good health, strength, and love. May this weekend bring rest to our hearts, warmth to our homes, and hope to our spirits. Amen.

Saint Emeric (c. 1007 – 1031), whose feast day is today, was the son of King Saint Stephen and Queen Blessed Gisela, and was one of the most prominent figures in Hungarian history and the Catholic Church. He received a thorough Christian upbringing, in which Bishop Saint Gellért (picture 1) played an important role; as his tutor and spiritual guide, he helped him to deepen his faith, knowledge and moral values. Even as a young man, Prince Imre stood out for his piety, modesty, purity and love for others. His father intended him to be the heir to the throne and therefore carefully prepared him for rulership; however, in 1031, he lost his life in a tragic accident whilst out hunting. His death was a great loss to the young Hungarian Christian state. In recognition of his exemplary life and virtues, he was canonised in 1083, alongside Saint Stephen and Saint Gellért. Saint Imre is the patron saint of Hungarian youth and remains to this day a role model of purity of life, fidelity to the faith and Christian values.

The photographs were taken in the summer of 2024, when members of the Hungarian Alexian community visited Bakonybél with Brother Barry, where Saint Gellért, Prince Imre’s tutor, lived as a hermit.

 

The copper wall decoration, made on the occasion of the General Chapter held in Kleve, Germany, in May 2016, features the pelican feeding its young with its own blood (symbol of self-sacrificing love), which also appears in the Alexian coat of arms, and on the reverse the inscription "Caritas Christi Urget Nos" - Christ's love urges us (2 Cor 5:14).

In 2016, the General Chapter of the Alexian Brothers took place from 6 to 14 May in Kleve, Germany. The meeting was attended by three Irish Alexian Brothers, Brother Dermot, Brother Barry and Brother Dominic.

An old postcard from the 1970s showing the shrine at Knock.

Prayer for Vocations

Lord, may your Spirit guide all those who are called to the monastic life, and strengthen those who have committed themselves to the priesthood or the monastic life. Inspire men and women to serve your Church, and keep us all in your grace. Amen.