The Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, in Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Designed by architects Daithí Hanly, Louis J. Brennan, and Brian Brennan, it was completed in 1976 under the direction of Monsignor James Horan. Pope John Paul II designated it a Minor Basilica on 17 July 1979. Accommodating approximately 10,000 people, it forms part of Ireland’s National Marian Shrine, commemorating the reported apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Evangelist on 21 August 1879. The shrine complex also includes four other churches, a museum, a religious book centre, accommodation, and camping facilities.

Our Lady of Knock, 

at the beginning of this October, we come before you with grateful and trusting hearts. We remember with wonder the evening of 21 August 1879, when you appeared at Knock, standing in silence with Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist, while the Lamb of God was seen upon the altar before the Cross.

Mother of God, your silent presence at Knock has drawn generations of pilgrims to this holy place. Teach us, as you taught those first witnesses, to listen with open hearts, to remain faithful in times of difficulty, and to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ.

As we begin this new month, bless all who journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, those who come in thanksgiving, those seeking healing, those carrying sorrow, and all who long for peace and renewed faith.

We entrust especially to you the Alexian community serving at Knock. Bless them generously as they minister to the pilgrims who come here. Give them strength and compassion as they attend to the physical needs of those they serve, and give them wisdom, patience, and a spirit of prayer as they care for their spiritual needs. May their presence be a living expression of Christ's mercy and hospitality.

Our Lady of Knock, you who appeared in silence yet spoke so deeply to the hearts of your people, accompany us throughout this October. Lead us ever closer to your Son, Jesus Christ, and help us to carry his peace, hope, and love wherever we go.

Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Saint John the Evangelist, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Amen.

Pictures from the past - Brother Dermot O'Leary and Brother Bernhard-Maria from the German Alexian community at the General Chapter in May 2016 in Kleve, Germany.

Almighty God,

We give thanks for the community of the Alexian Brothers, which has been serving the sick, the elderly, the poor, and all those in need for more than 800 years. We think especially of the communities living in Hungary, Ireland, Germany, the Philippines, Belgium, and the United States. Grant them good health, strength, peace, and joy in their daily lives, so that they may carry out their service with love and patience. Help them not to lose hope even in difficult situations, and grant new vocations to their communities, so that there may be those who will carry on this centuries-old service. Accompany all those who stand by them through their work, support, or prayers. Grant that the sick, the elderly, the poor, and the lonely may receive love, care, and hope through their help.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Amen.

Memories from the Past

Today is the feast day of Saint Gellért (980–1046), a Benedictine monk, bishop, and martyr of Venetian origin, who was one of the most important figures in Hungarian Christianity. Upon arriving in Hungary, he lived for a time at the Benedictine monastery in Bakonybél, where he prepared for his future mission through deep prayer and study. It was here that he formed a close bond with Prince Saint Imre, the son of our first Hungarian king, Saint Stephen: Gellért became Imre’s tutor and spiritual mentor, thus playing a significant role in the young prince’s Christian spiritual and moral upbringing. Later, he became the first bishop of the Diocese of Csanád and played a major role in consolidating Christianity in Hungary. In 1046, he was martyred during a pagan uprising.

The photos were taken during our visits to Bakonybél, where Brother Barry also visited with the Hungarian Alexians. In addition to the Benedictine-related attractions (the Monostor complex: church, visitor center, guesthouse, and medicinal herb garden), it is also worth visiting the picturesque Borostyán Well with its statue of St. Gellért.

 

 

 

Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, a stigmatized Italian Roman Catholic priest and Capuchin friar who was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Let us remember him for his famous thoughts:

• Don't worry about tomorrow, just do good today!
• Always strive to do your best: better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today!
• Be spiritual bees that bring nothing but honey and wax to their hive! Let your home be filled with sweet gentleness, peace, harmony, humility, and piety, and speak to others in the same way! 

 

 Relic of St. Pio at the Alexian Mission in Hungary