On the feast day of Saint Pope John Paul II, let us remember him with his words: 

"Life is a talent entrusted to us to transform and multiply, and to give as a gift to others."

"A society should be judged by how it treats its weakest members, and among the most vulnerable are the unborn and the dying."

"It is better to limp along the right path than to stride confidently in the wrong direction."

"As love grows within you, so does your beauty, for love is the beauty of the soul."

"Just as selfishness is the root of all evil, so love is the root of all good. Without it, the rich are poor, and with it, the poor are rich."

"The most terrible prison is a closed heart."

The photos show the bronze statue of Saint Pope John Paul II, inaugurated in 2015, standing in front of the Holy Spirit Church in Győr, Hungary.

 

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

Night Prayer - Scripture Reading for today

"Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith."

Prayer for the beginning of the week

Lord, thank you for allowing me to experience this new week. Please fill me with strength so that I may perform all my tasks with a pure heart. Give me wisdom to make good decisions, patience to treat others with understanding, and inner peace to preserve the tranquility of my soul even in the midst of busyness. Bless the service entrusted to me and the work of my hands, the direction of my thoughts, and my words, that they may build up and not tear down. May Your light be present in all my encounters, and guide me on the path You have prepared for me.

Bless this week, that I may persevere in difficulties, be humble in successes, and live in gratitude at every moment.

Amen.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts to thank You for the sacrificial service of the Alexian Brothers, which has now lasted for 800 years. We ask You to bless them, their collaborators, and their work, which they do for the benefit of those in need throughout the world. We ask that the example and spirit of St. Alexius guide them every day, so that they may 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, that they may be proclaimers of Christ's love. We ask that your grace and wisdom always accompany them, so that even in the midst of the greatest difficulties, they may be able to bring hope and joy to those they serve. Fill their hearts with compassion and love, so that they may touch the lives of many. We thank you for uniting them for a common purpose, and we ask you to bless all Alexian Brothers wherever they are, in Ireland, Hungary, the Philippines, America, Germany, and Belgium, so that they may always serve your glory. 

Amen.

Prayer for vocations.

Winged Altarpiece from St. Catherine's Church Lübeck, Germany - Carvings on the wings attributed to Benedikt Dreyer

The panel in view here (bottom half of left-hand wing) depicts the death of St. Alexius. According to legend, Alexius lived a life of penance as a beggar for seventeen years, living unrecognized under the stairs at his parents' house in Rome. In view is a detail of townspeople witnessing his death. The central panel shows the fragment of a Crucifixion.

Dear Lord,

as we begin this new week, we come before you with grateful hearts. Thank you for the gift of another day, for the opportunity to live, to learn, and to serve. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we face the week ahead. Help us to make decisions that honor you, and to act with kindness and compassion towards all those we encounter. Bless our work and ministry, our studies, and our relationships. Grant us strength and perseverance in the face of challenges, and the ability to find joy in the everyday moments. We pray for those who are in need, for those who are struggling with illness, hardship, or loss. Surround them with your love and comfort, and provide for their needs. Fill our hearts with your peace and help us to be a light in the world. May our actions reflect your love and grace. We offer this prayer in your holy name.

Amen.

Brother Luke with Rosie

October 4: St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, patron saint of animals and nature, is commemorated on this day, which is also "World Animal Day". According to tradition, the saint understood the language of animals, and one of his most popular depictions in art is when he is preaching to animals.

The idea for Animal Day came from German writer Heinrich Zimmermann, who organized the first such event in Berlin on March 24, 1925. The date of the commemoration was changed to October 4 in 1929. Zimmermann's proposal to make the initiative an international world day was unanimously accepted in 1931, and it has been celebrated worldwide on this day ever since.

"Have you ever thought about how fantastic it is that animals can be our companions? Although we don't speak the same language, we are able to find a common voice. In fact, sometimes these bonds are even deeper than those we form with other people." Maybell Eequay

To mark the occasion, we have selected the best photos of Rosie, the Jack Russell terrier belonging to the Irish Alexian community.

 Rosie, Sheila and Brother Dermot

Dear Lord,

as the leaves turn to vibrant hues and the crisp autumn air fills our lungs, we give thanks for the beginning of October. We are grateful for the beauty of this season, for the harvest that is being gathered, and for the promise of cooler days.

We ask for your guidance and blessings as we enter this new month. Help us to appreciate the simple joys of life, the warmth of community, and the beauty that surrounds us. Grant us the wisdom to slow down, to reflect, and to find moments of peace amidst the busyness of life.

We pray for those who are facing challenges, for those who are struggling with illness, loss, or hardship. May they find strength in your love and the support of those around them.

We pray for our families, friends, and communities. May we be a source of comfort, encouragement, and love to each other. Help us to be mindful of your presence in our lives, and to seek your will in all that we do.

We offer this prayer with grateful hearts, trusting in your constant love and guidance.

Amen.