Heavenly Father,

We turn to You with grateful hearts as this new week begins. We thank You for the weekend that has passed, for the gift of rest, for the opportunity to pause in quiet reflection, and for the joy of the beautiful weather, in which our souls could find peace and our bodies could be strengthened. We thank You that we were able to be filled with Your love and draw new strength from all the goodness with which You have surrounded us. We ask You to accompany us in the days ahead, so that we may carry out our tasks with renewed hearts, hope, and perseverance.

We ask you to bless the Alexian communities throughout the world, in Hungary, Ireland, Germany, the Philippines, the United States, and Belgium. Strengthen them in the service they faithfully perform for the elderly, the needy, and the most marginalized members of society. Pour out your grace upon them, so that your mercy may always be reflected in their work. Bless also all those who serve alongside them: the staff of their institutions, the helpers, the caregivers, and the supporters of the order, who contribute to this ministry of love in a quiet yet indispensable way. Grant that through their joint efforts, more and more people may experience the gift of care and respect for human dignity.

Merciful God, we pray especially for the future of the Alexian communities. Look kindly upon this ministry, which looks back on more than 800 years of history, and send new vocations, so that there may be those who hear your call and are ready to dedicate their lives to the service of others. Grant us courageous hearts and committed souls, so that communities may continue to be living witnesses of love and mercy in the world.

Accompany us this week, Lord, that we may recognize Your presence in every beginning and find the joy of service in every task, for the start of a new week is not merely the passing of time, but a quiet invitation: lay down yesterday’s burdens and step forward with confidence, for in every beginning lies God’s new gift.

Amen.