On 11 November, we commemorate Saint Martin of Tours, one of the best-known figures amongst Christian saints, who lived in the 4th century and, through his life, set an example of selflessness, mercy and compassionate love for future generations.

Martin was born around 316 or 317 in Savaria, in what is now the town of Szombathely in Hungary, as the son of a Roman military officer. As a young man, he himself entered military service. According to the best-known account of his life, on a cold winter’s day he came across a shivering beggar at the gates of the city of Amiens. As he had nothing else with him, he cut his military cloak in two and gave one half to the poor man. According to tradition, Christ subsequently appeared to him in a dream within the piece of cloak he had given to the beggar. This experience played a decisive role in his conversion and his commitment to Christianity.

He was later baptised, left military service, founded a monastic community, and was elected Bishop of Tours in 371. Even as a bishop, he led a simple, humble life and did much for the poor, the sick and those in need. According to legend, he had no desire for the office of bishop, so when they came to elect him, he hid amongst the geese in a barn. However, the loudly cackling birds gave away his hiding place. Martin died in 397 and soon became one of Europe’s most popular saints.

 

The most important message of Saint Martin’s legacy remains relevant today: true humanity is not demonstrated by rank, wealth or power, but by recognising another person’s suffering and helping them to the best of our ability. Martin’s example reminds us that sometimes a single good deed, a shared cloak or a selfless gesture is enough to bring hope and warmth into someone’s life.

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.