Our Lady of Knock, 

as Holy Week dawns, we turn to you with hearts full of devotion and hope. We remember your appearance at Knock, a beacon of faith and a sign of God's presence amidst the struggles of your people. In this sacred week, as we recall the Passion and death of your Son, Jesus Christ, we ask for your intercession. Help us to walk with Jesus through these solemn days. Grant us the grace to understand the depth of His sacrifice, the immense love He showed for humanity. Give us the strength to carry our own crosses, no matter how heavy they may seem, with faith and with hope.

May we, like you, stand firm in our faith, even in times of sorrow and uncertainty. Inspire us to be people of prayer, compassion, and unwavering love. Help us to reflect the peace and serenity that emanates from your image at Knock. As we approach the commemoration of Christ's Resurrection, fill us with the joy and the promise of new life. May our Holy Week be a time of deep spiritual renewal, leading us closer to your Son and to a deeper understanding of His divine love.

We entrust ourselves, our families and communities, our country, and all those who are suffering to your maternal care.

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us. 

Amen.

Prayer to Christ the Healer

In the comfort of your love,
I pour to you, my Saviour,
the memories that haunt me,
the anxieties that perplex me,
the fears that stifle me,
the sickness that prevails upon me,
and the frustration of all the pain that weaves
about within me.

Lord, help me to see
your peace in my turmoil,
your compassion in my sorrow,
your forgiveness in my weakness,
and your love in my need.
Touch me, O Lord, with your
healing power and strength.

The original of the stylized depiction of Jesus the Healer
shown in the picture is the work of Valentino Bianco, an American Alexian brother

Today is the Feast of Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary. The photos were taken in the Chapel of St. Bernadette at the Alexian Mission in Győrújbarát, Hungary.

On the same day, March 17, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Tears in Hungary, which is the most beautiful treasure of the Cathedral of Győr. The famous painting was placed in Győr with the help of Irish Bishop Walter Lynch, who fled from Cromwell's campaign against Ireland and Scotland, is very popular among the Irish. Bishop János Püsky of Győr invited him to Győr, where he lived for the rest of his life and bequeathed the image known as the Weeping Madonna to the city in 1663.

 

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

In 2024 the Irish Alexian Brothers hosted the Lynch descendant Kathleen Lynch

 Brother Barry in front of the Irish Weeping Madonna
in the Győr Cathedral, Hungary (September, 2024)

Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, we celebrate your feast day with joyful hearts. We thank you for your unwavering faith, your courageous witness, and your tireless efforts to bring the light of Christ to Ireland. We ask for your intercession as we strive to live lives of faith and service, mirroring your dedication to God and your love for your people. Guide us on our path, protect us from harm, and intercede for us before the throne of God. Amen.

Our Heavenly Father,

As we begin this new week and enter the quieter, more contemplative time of the fourth week of Lent, we turn to You in gratitude. We thank You for the awakening beauty of spring, the warmth of the sun, and the rebirth of nature, all of which bear witness to Your providential love. We thank You that the renewal of the created world reminds us that, through Your grace, our hearts too can always be renewed.

We ask You, Lord, to strengthen our faith, so that it may not live only in our words, but may also be made visible in our daily actions. Grant that our love may not remain an unspoken promise, but may be a helping hand, a comforting word, and a patient heart toward those we meet along our journey. Teach us during this season of Lent to practice sincere repentance, humility, and mercy. Help us to be more attentive to one another and to notice those who need encouragement, help, or a kind word.

Bless this week ahead of us, Lord. Grant that these new days may bring us new opportunities: opportunities for goodness, for growth, for practicing love, and for drawing closer to you. Guide our steps so that we may seek Your will in all things, and may our lives be a testimony to Your goodness. Stay with us this week as well; watch over our families, comminities, our work, ministry and our thoughts, so that every day may serve Your glory.

Amen.

Vintage postcard from Knock.