20 August - Saint Stephen, the founding king of Hungary, and the celebration of the end of the harvest and the new bread. He was the first king of Hungary from 1000 until his death in 1038. Stephen established at least one archbishopric, six bishoprics and three Benedictine monasteries, leading the Church in Hungary to develop independently from the archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire. He encouraged the spread of Christianity by meting out severe punishments for ignoring Christian customs. According to tradition, the first loaf of bread made from new wheat was baked on St. Stephen's Day after the harvest. Since the first baking of new wheat was in August, this month is also known as the month of new bread.

 

The priest blesses the new bread in the chapel of the St. Elizabeth Home
of the Alexian Mission in Hungary

 

 

Brother Leo offers the new bread blessed during the mass
to the residents of the nursing home

 

 

Brother Barry in front of the Holy Right (the mummified hand of our founding

King Saint Stephen) in St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest

In 1979, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Knock apparition, Pope John Paul II visited the shrine. This is commemorated by this Celtic cross, which stands where the Pope said mass.

 Brother Leo from Hungary in front of the Papal Cross at Knock Shrine

Heavenly Father, we thank You with grateful hearts for all the gifts and blessings of the past week. We thank You for the opportunity to spend the weekend with our loved ones, to rest together and recharge our bodies and souls. Help us to find true refreshment during this time, and may an atmosphere of love and harmony surround us. Amen.

Almighty God, please hear our prayers for vocations to the Alexian Brothers. Please help young people who recognize God's call in their lives and long for the monastic life. Give them the courage and determination to follow Christ as you have done. We ask you to give the Alexian Brothers your wisdom and guidance to help and support those who commit themselves to enter the Order. Bless the formation process so that candidates may be strengthened in their faith and commitment. Please gift the Alexian Brothers with perseverance in the monastic life. Help them to always be committed to serving God and people and to be an example to the world through their humility and service. Amen.

Brothers from all over the world, from Ireland, America, Germany and the Philippines, have arrived for the meeting, which will be hosted by the Alexian Monastery of Győrújbarát, Hungary.

Bronze statue of Pope John Paul II, inaugurated in 2015
in front of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Győr, Hungary

Almighty God, 

Thank you for the weekend and we are grateful for all the blessings we have received this week. Please bless this weekend so that we may find moments of rest and recharging. Give us 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 the week drift away and the weekend bring us 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.

Titanic Experience Cobh & Cobh Heritage Centre

Everyone knows the tragic story of the Titanic, but perhaps not that the famous and infamous ocean liner was built in Belfast and set sail from the port of Cobh (formerly Queenstown). The two Hungarian Alexian Brothers, Brother Leo and Brother Alexius, visited the site with Irish community member Brother Barry to see this fascinating exhibition, which not only commemorates the Titanic but also the tragic Lusitania, showing the emigration processes that played a major role in Ireland's history. We have selected some of the images from the exhibition.

 

O Saint Alexius, patron of the Alexian Brothers!

We ask you to bless the Brothers of our Order and those who help them in their ministry, throughout the world, in Ireland, Hungary, Germany, America, Belgium and the Philippines, who are dedicated to serving the needy, the homeless and the suffering every day. Fill them with courage and strength to faithfully continue their mission. Give them the wisdom to shine the light of love and goodness in every encounter. Help them to approach those they meet with patience and understanding, and to follow in your holy example.

Strengthen their community and make them warriors of love and hope in the world. Saint Alexius, teach us also how to live fraternity and service, and help us to be present in the world in your spirit.

Bless this week so that all members of our Order may be strengthened in faith and love.

Amen.

Visit to Ballymore, Cuskinny, Cobh, Cork with Brother Barry, the site of the former Alexian novitiate.

 

Dear Lord, as we welcome the beginning of August,

We give thanks for the warmth of summer, the long days, and the beauty that surrounds us. We are grateful for the blessings of the past weeks and the opportunities that lie ahead. We ask for your guidance and strength as we navigate this new month. Help us to be mindful of your presence in our lives, and to seek your will in all that we do. Grant us wisdom, patience, and compassion in our interactions with others. Bless our families, friends, and communities. May we be a source of comfort and support to those around us, and may we work together to build a better world. We pray for those who are struggling, for those who are in need, and for those who are facing difficult times. May they find strength and hope in your love.

We offer this prayer with grateful hearts. Amen.

Prayer for vocations.

Employee badge from American Alexian institutions.