Trip to Spike Island

The two Hungarian Alexians, Brother Leo and Brother Alexius visited the Irish Alexian community from 21-27 May. With Brother Barry, they travelled to Spike Island, which is located in the harbour of Cobh, County Cork. From the 6th century, monks lived here in monasteries, it was a military fortress (the second largest natural harbour in the world after Sidney, it can accommodate up to 300 merchant ships at a time, so pirates have tried to enter) and finally, from 1847 until 2004, it was a prison. There were also political prisoners, people with mental illnesses who were deported here and during the Great Famine (1845-1852) there was a special section for children. During the potato blight famine, which claimed over 1 million lives, families often sent children to steal, for which they were sentenced to 5-10 years in prison. The prison, also known as the Irish Alcatraz, was home to more than 2,000 in its 'heyday', making it the largest prison of its time in the world. Prison guards lived on the island with their families and even had a school for their children. The place is very popular with visitors and was voted Europe's best tourist attraction in 2017. We have selected some of the pictures taken here.

 

At the Remembrance Garden, located near the Knock Basilica, pilgrims can commemorate their loved ones in the tranquillity of the beautiful flower garden.

Ring decorated with the coat of arms of the Alexian Brothers.

Almighty God, please bless this upcoming weekend so that we may find moments of rest and recharging. Grant us the strength and wisdom to spend this special time in love and joy. Thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us, and please guide us in the days ahead. Give us the opportunity to let the cares of everyday life fade away and the weekend bring renewal. Please watch over our loved ones and help us to live each moment with open hearts and minds. We thank you for all your good deeds and blessings. Amen.

The statue of Saint Brigid in front of the museum of the history of the village of Knock and the Apparition of 1879, near the shrine of Knock.

 

A pin with the Alexian coat of arms from the past, for volunteers who once worked in Alexian hospitals in the USA.

Our God, we welcome a new week, giving thanks for your life-giving power, for your love with which you surround us every day. Please guide us through the week so that we may walk in your ways. Grant that in our work and ministry we may choose wisely and be guided by Your Spirit. Fill our hearts with love, patience and goodwill towards others and help us to be an example to our fellow human beings. Please be with us in the difficulties and give us the courage to face the challenges. Amen.

The square in front of the Apparition Chapel has blossomed.

 

Good morning Rosie!

Emblem with the coat of arms of the Alexian Brothers.

Brother Luke and Rosie go for a walk.

Brother Dermot in front of the beautiful stained glass window of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Győr, Hungary. 

 

One of the rare moments in Ireland, the sun is shining beautifully. Brother Sean enjoying the sunshine.

18 holy water fonts await thirsty pilgrims in the square in front of the Knock Apparition Chapel.

Dear God,

As we embark on a new week, we come before You with grateful hearts. Thank You for the gift of a fresh start, for the opportunities that lie ahead, and for the chance to embrace each day with purpose and passion.

We ask for Your guidance in our endeavors. Help us to navigate challenges with wisdom and grace, to approach our tasks with diligence, and to foster kindness in our interactions with others. May we be a source of light and encouragement to those we encounter.

Grant us the strength to find balance in our lives, the courage to overcome obstacles, and the patience to pursue our goals with perseverance. May we remain open to Your will and sensitive to the needs of those around us.

As we move through this week, fill our hearts with hope and our minds with clarity. May we find joy in our ministry and work and celebrate the small victories along the way.

Thank You for Your endless love and support. We trust that You are with us every step of the journey.

Amen

Dear Lord,

bless this weekend with moments of joy, relaxation, and gratitude. Help us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and the love of those close to us. Guide us in making choices that align with your will and bring peace to our heart.

In your name,

Amen

Brother Barry and Rosie chase the ball

The library of the Irish Alexians in Knock.

 

An Alexian prayer book from 1918, 
with instructions on the calendar of saints and prayers

The chapel of the Irish Alexian community.

Our Almighty God, 

We turn to You with a grateful heart for the Alexian Brothers. Give them perseverance, strength and wisdom to continue their ministry. Please send new vocations to their order. Awaken in the hearts of young people the desire to follow Christ and to walk in the way of love and service. Give them the courage to hear your call and to be willing to offer their lives in service to You and to their fellow human beings. Grant that the Alexian Brothers may continue to be examples of faith, hope and acts of charity. Help them to reflect Your love in their actions and to make their service fruitful for Your glory. This we ask in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Amen.

Rosie, the Irish Alexian community's jack russell dog, is waking up.

The jewel of the Knock basilica is the mosaic of the miraculous apparition of 21 August 1879, made by Irish and Italian artists and consisting of one and a half million pieces.