Saint Alexius, man of God, you are our support, our model and our patron as we carry out our ministry to the sick, the poor and the elderly. Ask our Lord to send sufficient vocations to our Congregation so that we may continue our legacy of service among those in need. Amen.

One year ago today, on Sunday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m., Pope Leo canonized Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), who died tragically young at the age of 15 from leukemia. Taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the internet and reaching out to young people, he created a very serious website that collects and catalogs Eucharistic miracles that have occurred around the world. It is no coincidence that he is revered today as the patron saint of youth and the internet. He also became the first saint of Generation Y.

Carlo Acutis' website: https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/Liste/list.html

As this special day approaches, we wish Brother Luke and Brother Sean a happy birthday, good health, and much continued joy in their ministry.

J.W. Baumgartner - Saint Alexius as the patron saint against earthquakes, colored engraving, mid-18th century.

An Alexian brother, a color woodcut based on an illustration by M. Jacques Charles Bar, from Tiron Abbot’s book "Histoire et Costumes des Ordres Religieux" (History and Costumes of Religious Orders), a volume of over 600 pages, published by Librairie Historique-Artistique, Brussels, 1845. The publication presents the official vestments of a total of 80 religious orders (both male and female).

Our Lady of Knock, as we begin this new month of September, we place the days ahead into your gentle care. With the arrival of fall, when the leaves begin to change and the earth quietly prepares for a new season, remind us that every season of life has its own beauty, purpose, and grace. Watch over the village of Knock in Ireland, this blessed place where you appeared in 1879, and especially over the four-member Alexian community who live and serve there today. Strengthen them in their vocation, bless their community with unity and peace, and give them courage to continue their mission of bringing Christ’s compassion to those who are sick, poor, or in need. Our Lady of Knock, accompany the Alexian Brothers in Ireland and throughout the world, protect our communities, our families, and all those entrusted to our prayers. May September be a month of renewed hope, quiet strength, and faithful service, and may we learn from you to carry God’s presence into the ordinary moments of each day. Our Lady of Knock, pray for us, lead us closer to your Son and help us to live with generous hearts, trusting that God is with us in every season. Amen.

Saint Alexius, the patron saint against earthquakes, 18th century, copperplate engraving, Austria

The kneeling saint holds a prayer card in his hand bearing the inscription “Libera nos” — Deliver us!. In the background is a landscape reminiscent of ancient Rome, destroyed by an earthquake. At the bottom of the image is the inscription “Der H. Alexius ein mächtiger Patron für Abwendung der Erdbeben” — Saint Alexius, the patron saint who protects against earthquakes.