The beautiful chapell of the Irish Alexian Brothers monastery in Knock during Christmastide.

The members of the Alexian Mission in Hungary, Brother Alexius and Brother Leo, wish all members of our order around the world, in Ireland, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, and America, as well as to the residents of our institutions, their loved ones, those who assist the Brothers in their service, and all their relatives, good health and a blessed and peaceful Christmas!

Christmas cards from Knock.

 

The parish church of Knock, inside and outside during Advent- and Christmas time. A selection of images taken during this period.

 

Christmas decorations in the window of a gift shop in Knock.

Almighty God, we ask you to hear our prayers and help the Alexian Brothers around 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. Send vocations to their communities and give them 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 service of the Alexian Brothers and be with them in every step they take. Amen.

The tradition of the Advent wreath originated in the 19th century, on the initiative of Johann Hinrich Wichern, a German Lutheran pastor (in 1839, he placed twenty-four candles on the wooden frame of an old carriage decorated with large evergreen branches: the four thick white candles symbolized the Sundays of Advent, while the twenty smaller red candles represented the passing of the weekdays), and it has remained the most beautiful symbol of Advent ever since. Its circular shape and evergreen branches refer to eternal life, while the candles placed on it symbolize the light of Christ and the guiding power of faith. The four candles express faith, hope, joy, and love. When we light the fourth candle of Advent, we recall the pure light of the star of Bethlehem that led the Magi from the East to Jesus, and we also remember St. John the Baptist, the messenger of the Lord, who proclaimed the imminent coming of the Messiah. Just as his words once did, so today the flame of the fourth candle draws our attention to the coming of Christ.

Fourth week of Advent

The final candle, softly gleams,
A golden light, fulfilling dreams.
Love's gentle flame, now brightly burns,
As Christmas dawn, divinely turns.
The waiting's done, the journey's near,
Love's tender presence, banishes fear.

 

 

Pictures from the past

On February 8, 2024, we experienced heavy snowfall in Knock. We selected pictures taken at that time, which were taken around the monastery and at the national shrine. The pictures show the old parish church, the basilica and papal cross, the statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Teresa, the Garden of Remembrance, and the old and new cemeteries.

 

Pictures from the past

On the morning of the first snowy day of 2024, images were taken that capture the Knock shrine and its surroundings, including the Basilica, the old parish church where the Apparition happened, the Papal Cross, the outdoor statues of the three Irish saints St. Kevin, St. Patrick, and St. Brendan, and the old cemetery, where the graves of the witnesses to the apparition of Mary can be found.

Pictures from the past

In the winter of 2024, the first snow fell in Knock on Thursday, January 18. We selected photos taken at that time, which capture the Alexian monastery and its surroundings.

The second week, a candle bright,
Love's gentle peace, a warming light.
Hope's flame now burns, a steady guide,
Preparing hearts, for Christmastide.

Saint Alexius, faithful servant of the Heavenly Father, today we remember you with respect and gratitude, for you who faithfully served God and helped people. We ask you to protect the communities of the Alexian Brothers throughout the world, including Ireland, Hungary, the Philippines, America, Germany, and Belgium, and to send them new vocations. Bless them with your wisdom and merciful love, that they may walk faithfully in the ways of the Lord and be an example to others in selfless service and love. Bless them with your grace and love, that they may faithfully serve God and their fellow human beings. We ask for your intercession for all those who support our order, for those who live and work in our institutions, for their relatives and loved ones, and bless them with health, wisdom, and a life rich in joy. We thank you for always being with us through your intercession. Amen.

Lord, on this first day of December, we turn to you with grateful hearts. We thank you for all the gifts of the past months, for the difficulties from which we have learned, and for the joys that have filled our hearts. We ask you to bless December, which is a month of anticipation and hope. Help us, as we prepare for Christmas, to focus not on outward appearances, but on what is essential: love and peace. Grant us open hearts to welcome those in need and to share in the joy of others. Fill our hearts with the gifts of faith, hope, love, and joy. Bless our families, communities, our friends, and all the people we meet. Lead us on your path so that we may touch the world with your love. We ask that your peace descend upon us and fill our hearts during this festive season. Amen.