The coat of arms of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers has changed a lot over the centuries. Its present form is divided into three fields, representing the spirit and activity of our Order. Above is a pelican feeding its chicks with the blood of its own heart - a self-sacrificing symbol of Christian love. The two spades in the lower left field are a reminder of the earlier activity of the Alexian Brothers: burying the dead in times of adversity. The flying raven represents the feeding of the destitute, a virtue that the Congregation has practised for centuries. The cross rises from the background of the coat of arms, signifying that in the cross, in Christ, is our salvation. In a circle on the ribbon are the words of St Paul: "Caritas Christi Urget Nos" - "The love of Christ compels us." (2 Cor 5:14)

This selection of images shows different variants of the Alexian Brothers' coat of arms.

 

Almighty God, we ask you to bless the Order of the Alexian Brothers. Send us new vocations who will selflessly serve the sick and the needy. Give them strength, wisdom and perseverance in their mission and help us to support them by our prayers and actions. Amen.

 Beautiful stained glass in the chapel of the Alexian Mission in Ireland

Our God,

Teach us to be selfless, so that we may realize that true happiness and peace do not come from the accumulation of our own possessions, but from the service of others. Give us the wisdom and strength to sacrifice our time, talents and material possessions for those who need us.

Amen.

The pelican feeding its chicks with its own blood is also shown
in the Alexian coat of arms as a self-sacrificing symbol of Christian love.
The original of this beautiful carving adorns the dining room
of the Irish Alexian Brothers.