Our Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the restful weekend you have given us. We were able to recharge ourselves physically and spiritually so that we can face the challenges of the week ahead with strength and peace. Please bless each day of the coming week. Give us strength for our ministry and work, patience for the difficulties, and wisdom to make the right decisions. Help us to turn to our fellow human beings with love and mercy, and to seek your will in all we do. Protect us from evil and guide us in Your light. Be with us in every moment and help us to thank You again at the end of the week with a grateful heart for Your grace.

Amen.

The evolution of the Alexian habit from the15th century.

Statue of Saint Alexius, Sant'Alessio in Aspromonte, Italy.

Saint Alexius meets his family as a beggar, who do not recognise him. - Part of a series of frescoes depicting episodes in the life of Saint Alexius, C. Procaccini (1609-1612), Bobbio, Italy. 

Our Heavenly Father,

We come to You with a grateful heart to thank You for the sacrificial service of the Alexian Brothers, which has been going on for 800 years. We ask that you bless them, those who work with them and the work they do for the needy around the world. We ask that the example and spirit of Saint Alexius may guide them every day to serve with humility and love among the suffering, the hungry and the lonely. Strengthen them in their challenges and grant that they may always remain faithful to their vocation to be proclaimers of Christ's love. We ask that your grace and wisdom may always accompany them, so that in the midst of the greatest difficulties they may be able to bring hope and joy to those they help. Fill their hearts with compassion and love so that they may touch the lives of many. Thank You for uniting them for a common purpose, and please bless all the Alexian Brothers and wherever they are, in Ireland, Hungary, the Philippines, America, Germany and Belgium, so that they may always serve Your glory. 

Amen.

Photo: the crocheted Saint Alexius figures are by Hungarian artist Sylvee's Crochet.

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.

 

Pictures from the past: Brother Barry at the General Chapter in Kleve, Germany, in May 2016.

Brother Barry with the German-, American- and Philippine Alexian Brothers

Miracles in the presence of the deceased Saint Alexius - Part of a series of frescoes depicting episodes in the life of Saint Alexius, C. Procaccini (1609-1612), Bobbio, Italy.

Giuseppe Bertini (1825-1898) - St Alexius, stained glass window, Bibbio, Italy.

Bookmark with a prayer to St Alexius.

This beautiful painting can be found inside the parish church of St John the Baptist in Knock, which has been in operation since 1828. Interestingly, in the background of the scene of "John baptising Jesus" you can see the parish church (left) and the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland (right) that was completed in 1976.

 

 

The parish church at Christmas time

Paulin Didion and Gangel Charles Victor - Saint Alexius, coloured lithograph, 2nd half of the 19th century, France.

Saint Alexius, please hear our prayers this evening and pray to the Lord for us. We ask you to send new vocations to the Alexian Brothers, so that they may continue their 800-year mission of service to those in need. Bless all current and future members with your wisdom and love, that their work may be a blessing to others. And help those who hear and heed this call to be worthy of holy service. Grant that the Alexian Brothers may always find strength and spiritual support in your eternal love and grace. Amen.

A vintage depiction of the Knock apparition.

Statue of Saint Alexius, Venticano, Italy.

A bookmark commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Alexian Mission in the Philippines from 2006. The other side shows the values of the Alexian Order.

Our Heavenly Father,

At the beginning of the New Year, we humbly ask You to bless the Order of the Alexian Brothers. For eight centuries they have served those in need, spreading love and hope throughout the world. Please grant them the strength and wisdom to continue to carry out their mission faithfully and effectively. Bless the Brothers with health and spiritual strength to serve tirelessly the elderly, the sick, the poor and all those in need. Give them perseverance in the face of adversity and guide them on the right path. Help the Order to grow and develop, so that the message of love and healing may reach more people. Give them new vocations and strengthen existing communities. We ask that you bless their ministry and guide them in your light, so that they may continue to carry on the legacy of St. Alexius in a worthy way.

Amen.