Almighty God, we praise you for all the gifts of life and thank you for every moment of the week behind us. Pour out your blessings on us this weekend, that our souls may be opened to you and our physical and spiritual strength may be renewed. Help us to let love and peace reign in our lives, and to spend this precious time with our family and friends. Amen.

Night Prayer - Scripture Reading for today

"Do not let resentment lead you into sin; the sunset must not find you still angry. Do not give the devil his opportunity." (Eph 4:26-27)

Knock Basilica

Saint Alexius, hear our prayers at the beginning of this new week and help the Alexian Brothers throughout the world, in Ireland, Hungary, Germany, the Philippines, America, and Belgium, to faithfully carry out their ministry. Bless them with your strength and wisdom so that they may help those in need in the most appropriate way. Help them to work for the needy in a spirit of love and dedication, and to see your presence in everyone. Give them strength and perseverance so that they may serve faithfully even in the midst of difficulties. We ask that through their work, more and more people may discover your love and presence in the world around them. Bless the work of the Alexian Brothers and be with them in every step they take. Amen.

Dear God, thank you for this relaxing weekend. I am grateful for everything I have received: peace, rejuvenation, and the opportunity to be with my loved ones. Help me carry this strength into the coming week and give thanks every day for your gifts. Amen.

Photos: Knock shrine at dawn.

Prayer to Christ the Healer, from the Alexian Brothers' prayer book. The stylized figure of Christ is the work of Valentino Bianco CFA (1923-2013), an American Alexian Brother.

Prayer for the Alexian Brothers around the world

Heavenly Father, 

we turn to you with grateful hearts for the Congregation of the Alexian Brothers, who have been serving those in need for 800 years. We ask you to bless them so that they may respond to the challenges of our time and continue their faithful work in the spirit of love and solidarity. Give them strength and wisdom to recognize the needs that arise in today's world. Fill them with your grace so that they may bring mercy and hope to the lives of all those they encounter. We ask you to unite the hearts and souls of all Alexian Brothers in service and help them to work together in unity and love. May their activities truly serve Your glory and provide support and hope to those in need. We ask that Your mercy and blessing accompany them in all their steps and that many lives may be renewed through their ministry. 

Amen.

Saint Alexius,

saint of humble service, patron saint of the homeless, pilgrims, and the Alexian Brothers, we pray to you at the beginning of this new week. Help us to live according to your example every day of the week. Give us strength to overcome difficulties, patience to endure trials, and wisdom to make the right decisions. Lead us on the path of love and mercy, so that we may help those in need and live according to your example. Bless our work and ministry, our families, and all our loved ones. Be with us every moment and guide us in your light.

Amen.

Almighty God,

we are grateful for the week behind us, with all its joys and challenges. Thank you for being with us. We ask you to bless this weekend and give us physical and spiritual refreshment. We are grateful for the beauty of nature, especially now, in the magical colors of autumn. We thank you for the golden leaves, the fresh air, and everything that brings renewal to our daily lives. Help us to notice these small gifts and receive them with grateful hearts. Help us to spend time with our loved ones and recharge our batteries for the tasks of the coming week. Grant us peaceful and joyful days.

Amen.

Dear God,

as we begin this new week, we come before you with open hearts and a spirit of gratitude. Thank you for the blessings of this life, for the gift of each new day, and for the opportunities that lie before us. We ask for your guidance and wisdom to navigate the challenges and joys that await. Help us to approach our work and ministry with diligence, our relationships with kindness, and our decisions with integrity. Grant us the strength to face difficulties with courage, the patience to endure trials, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. We pray for those who are struggling, for those who are suffering, and for those who are in need. May your love surround them, and may we be instruments of your peace and compassion in their lives. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be a light in the world, reflecting your love and grace in all that we do.

We offer this prayer in your name.

Amen.

 

Morning prayer in the light of the rising sun
with Brother Sean in the chapel of the Irish Alexian monastery 

Eternal God,

on All Souls' Day, we remember with love and sorrow those who have died and await the promise of resurrection. We pray for the souls of all the faithful departed, especially, whose earthly lives are ended but whose memory lives on in our hearts. We commend them to your merciful care, knowing that death does not end our relationship with them, but rather transforms it. Grant them, O Lord, the light of your countenance and the peace of your kingdom. Forgive their sins and failings, and welcome them into the joy of your eternal embrace. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. We pray also for those who mourn their loss, that they may find comfort in your love and strength in their grief. Grant them patience, hope, and the assurance of your abiding presence.

Through Christ our Lord, 

Amen.

Let us remember Bro. Dominic Patrick Walsh CFA, the Irish Alexian Brother on All Souls' Day, who passed away last December.

Brother Dominic in front of a beehive cell

In the library of the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, Hungary
with Brother Luke and Brother Dermot

The Brothers on the Chapter Hill, with the Cathedral
of Győr, Hungary in the background, founded in the 11th century,
where the famous Irish Weeping Madonna is kept

In February 2013, three members of the Irish Alexian community,
Brother Dermot O'Leary, Brother Dominic Walsh and Brother Luke Polding,
visited Hungary and they visited the image of the Weeping Madonna

The Brothers in front of the current building of the 400-year-old
Győr, Hungary Theological College and Seminary, located on the Chapter Hill
 

Brother Dominic and Brother Alexius, 
a member of the Hungarian Alexian community.

 

Sightseeing in Kleve, Germany

In 2016, the General Chapter of the Alexian Brothers
took place in Kleve, Germany. 
The meeting was attended by three Irish Alexian Brothers,
Brother Dermot, Brother Barry and Brother Dominic.

Almighty God,

On All Saints' Day, we celebrate the community of saints who have gone before us in faith and now rejoice in the glory of the saints. We give thanks for their exemplary lives and witness, and we remember with gratitude those who died in the hope of resurrection. Let us also remember all the known and unknown saints, all the blessed souls whose names are written in the book of life. Although their destinies were different, they were united by their love for those in need. May their example inspire us to live a consecrated life. Grant us, O Lord, the grace to follow in their footsteps, to live a life pleasing to You, and one day to join them in Your eternal glory.

Through Christ our Lord, 

Amen.