Memories of the past: A visit to Glendalough 2.

Founded in the 6th century by the Irish monk St Kevin (died 618), Glendalough was one of Europe's most important religious centres. Set in a picturesque valley, it was a cultural centre and a popular destination for pilgrims. In its heyday, the monastery was surrounded by workshops, rooms for writing and copying manuscripts and codex books, guest rooms, a farm and other farm buildings and dwellings. One of the most beautiful ornaments of the site is a round tower which served a triple function. On the one hand, it marked the time for the inhabitants, and on the other, it served as a watchtower in times of war and as a signpost for pilgrims from far away lands. After the founder, St Kevin, St Patrick is perhaps the best known and most popular saint in Ireland. His legend of a little blackbird flying into his outstretched hand, laying eggs and not moving until the chicks hatched has inspired many artists, and depictions of this scene can be seen all over the country. The site in its present form has a visitor centre and hotel. A museum with a projection room (there's even a sensational LEGO miniature of the area) helps visitors learn about Glendalough's history and beautiful hiking trails with two lakes and a waterfall.

 

The statue of St Kevin by the Knock Basilica in the morning sunrise

Timeline with the most important moments in the history of the Alexian Order from the beginning to the end of the 18th century.

Bookmark with the Alexian coat of arms and a prayer found in the prayer book of St Teresa of Avila after the saint's death.

Memories of the past: A visit to Glendalough 1. - Dublin

Founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, Glendalough was one of Europe's most important religious centres. Brother Barry and Brother Alexius, a member of the Alexian community in Hungary, visited this beautiful place, which is still in ruins. It was quite a long drive, so we stopped halfway in Dublin and had time to visit "Saint Stephen's Green" park. It was named after Saint Stephen the Martyr. Opened to the public at the end of the 19th century, this beautiful park has been an important site for historical events in Ireland, such as the Easter Rising of 1916. It's a good idea to walk around the park, using signs and QR codes to read the full history of the place. The park is basically an open-air museum, with lots of sculptures commemorating important historical events (e.g. the Great Irish Famine has a monument) and Irish authors such as James Joyce have been given statues. We have selected some of the images taken here.

Saint Alexius (2001). Carbon copy, by Daniel Aleksej Djermanovic.

O Father, through the intercession of Saint Alexius and all of our Brothers in heaven, who have gone before us, we ask, that You call others to join us as members of our Congregation. Grant an increase of vocations to our way of life, so that our ministry, which began over 800 years ago may continue to bring healing to this broken world. Amen.

At the end of April this year, the General Chapter of the Alexian Brothers took place in Michaelsberg (Siegburg), Germany, where important decisions were taken on the future of the Order, such as the election of the new General and Council.

Brother Lawrence Krueger, CFA,
the Superior General of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers

Council members: Nikolaus Hahn, CFA,
Brothers Dermot O'Leary, CFA, and John Oblina, CFA

Depiction of a Cellite Brother, who were the ancestors of the Alexian Brothers, coloured etching, late 18th century.

Memories from the past

Brother Alexius, a member of the Hungarian Alexian community, during his stay in Ireland, spent a weekend in a Franciscan retreat house in the small village of Creeslough in County Donegal, Northern Ireland. The theme of the two-day retreat was Christmas and the preparation for it. We have selected some of the photos taken during this weekend.

 

Pietro Aquila - Virgin Mary appears to Saint Alexius, 17th century.

A simple but very tasty, easy to prepare dish, potatoes in their skins (baked in foil for about 60 minutes at 200 degrees with air circulation) sprinkled with a little black pepper and olive oil, sour cream, toasted bacon and cheese. The Alexians in Hungary prepare this delicious dish almost every winter.

The beautiful chapell of the Irish Alexian Brothers monastery in Knock during Christmastide.

 

The members of the Alexian Mission in Hungary, Brother Alexius and Brother Leo, wish all the members of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers all over the world, including in Ireland, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines and America, as well as the residents of our institutions and their loved ones, and all those who help the Brothers in their ministry and all their relatives, good health, a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year full of graces and mercies!

Fourth week of Advent

The final candle, softly gleams,
A golden light, fulfilling dreams.
Love's gentle flame, now brightly burns,
As Christmas dawn, divinely turns.
The waiting's done, the journey's near,
Love's tender presence, banishes fear.

The parish church of Knock, inside and outside during Advent- and Christmas time. A selection of images taken during this period.

 

As in Ireland, winters in Hungary have been very mild recently. But this year, in the village of the Alexian Mission in Hungary, we got some snow on the feast of St Nicholas in Győrújbarát on 6 December. We have selected some of the pictures taken on that day, showing the area around the Saint Alexius monastery and the Saint Elizabeth Home.

 

 

 

Ornamentation of the Langres breviary (liturgical book containing all the texts required for the chant) depicting Saint Alexius, 1481, France.

Prophet Daniel with the lion's den (left) and the statue of Saint Alexius with the staircase. Part of an exhibition of medieval and Renaissance religious-themed works of art in Mechelen, Belgium, in 1864.

Christmas atmosphere at the Alexian Monastery in Knock.

The wedding of Saint Alexius. Baroque sculptor Lluis Bonifas i Masso, gilded wood, 1769, Chapel of St. Alexius in the parish church of St. John the Baptist, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.

Statue of St Alexius, 17th century, Diocese of Pavia, Italy.

St. Alexius stained glass window, Griesheim-près-Molsheim, Church of St. Alexius, 18th century, France.

Rosie guards the lunch in the making:)

Our Heavenly Father,

At the beginning of the third week of Advent, we approach you with a grateful heart. Thank you for giving us a time of waiting to prepare for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. The light of the pink candle reminds us of the joy and hope of Christmas. Help us to look not only to the external lights but also to the inner peace of waiting. Give us the strength to reflect your love and mercy in our daily lives. Open our hearts to the poor and needy and give us the strength to help them. Throughout Advent, help us to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a worthy way and to fill our hearts with joy.

Amen.

The Knock Basilica in Christmas lights during the Christmas concert.

 

3rd week of Advent

The third Sunday of Advent is the Christian tradition of the quadruple of faith, hope, joy and love. This Sunday is the Sunday of Joy, the beginning of the second half of Advent, in which the liturgy (and the Advent wreath) is coloured pink instead of purple, to symbolise joy.

Rose-pink candle, shining bright,
Joy's sweet promise, fills the night.
Hope's flame burns, with warmth and cheer,
Christmas morning, drawing near.

Christmas decorations in the window of a gift shop in Knock.

Our Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this weekend that you are giving us during the season of Advent. Help us to prepare for the birth of Jesus also in this rest. Give us peace and tranquillity, so that we may remove our daily worries and burdens and make room in our hearts for the anticipation of Christmas. Strengthen our faith and open our eyes to the signs around us that point to the coming of Jesus. Empower us to reflect your love and mercy in our everyday lives. Bless our rest, and help us to return to our everyday lives recharged, so that we may prepare for the feast in a worthy way.

Amen.

May the peace and joy of Christmas fill your heart and home. May the birth of Christ bring you hope, comfort, and blessings this season. Merry Christmas!

Christmas postcard from Knock with the Parish Church.

Russian icon from the mid-19th century, showing the life of Saint Alexius in 12 pictures, from his birth and baptism (top left) to his death and the miracles at his relic (bottom right).

Brother Dominic and Brother Alexius, a member of the Hungarian Alexian community.

The second week, a candle bright,
Love's gentle peace, a warming light.
Hope's flame now burns, a steady guide,
Preparing hearts, for Christmastide.

Pictures from the past

Brother Barry visited the Alexian community in Hungary in July this year.The photo was taken at the Vienna airport when he arrived.

Saint Alexius, humble servant of God,

thank you for the restful weekend you have given us. We are away from the worries of everyday life, and we have peace of mind and strength of body. We thank you for the peace, the recharging, the time spent with our loved ones, the quiet moments in which we were able to grow closer to You and to each other. Help us to use the strength we gained this weekend in our daily lives, in service, in love, and in following Your example.

Amen.

The Alexian Monastery in Knock in Christmas lights.

Our Father, through the intercession of Saint Alexius and all our brothers in heaven who have gone before us, we ask you to call men to join our Congregation. Grant that we may multiply vocations who choose our way of life, that our ministry, which began more than 800 years ago, may continue to bring healing to this broken world. Amen.

The Knock Shrine in Christmas decorations.

 

A bookmark with pictures of Knock shrine and the short story of the Apparition.