Saint Alexius, as this new week begins, we turn to you with love and ask you to accompany the communities of the Alexian Brothers, to assist them in their daily ministry, and to pray that they may be enriched with new vocations. Help all those who feel God’s call to courageously recognize the path on which they wish to serve God and their fellow human beings, and to find their place within the communities of the Alexian Order. At the beginning of autumn, we give thanks for all that God has given us in recent times, and we ask that the new week ahead may also bring peace, strength, and hope into all our lives. We ask for your blessing on all the communities and missions of the Alexian Brothers in Ireland, Hungary, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, and the United States. Grant them the strength and patience to continue to stand by the sick, the elderly, the homeless, the lonely, the poor, and those on the margins of society with love and care. We especially pray for those who help the Brothers in their work day after day: their coworkers, volunteers, supporters, donors, and all those who stand by them through their prayers or in any other way. We thank everyone who helps ensure that the Brothers can offer support, care, and hope to as many people as possible. Saint Alexius, help us, too, to be more open, patient, and attentive to one another in the coming week, and wherever we can, to help those who need us. We pray that the community of the Alexian Brothers will continue to grow stronger, and that their service will bring help, love, and hope to the lives of many people. Amen.

Prayer for Vocations to the Alexian Communities Around the World 

Saint Alexius, we ask you to hear our prayers and intercede for us for vocations. Help those who are seeking God’s call to find their place in religious life and to follow Jesus Christ in a worthy manner. Help them find the strength and dedication to serve the Church and their fellow human beings faithfully. Amen.

Our Lady of Knock,

stay close to us this weekend. Bring peace to our hearts, strength to those who are tired, and hope to those who are facing difficulties. Bless our families, our communities, our homes and all those who need comfort and care. May these days bring us rest, renewed strength and quiet moments of joy. Our Lady of Knock, pray for us and guide us always. 

Amen.

 Brother Barry in the garden of the Alexian Monastery in Knock

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the start of this new week, for the peace and rest of the weekend that has passed, and for the refreshment that has given us new strength. We thank you for the beauty of autumn, the colorful leaves, the fresh air, and the nourishing rains that refresh nature and bring new life. Please be with us in the days ahead; grant us strength, patience, and perseverance in our tasks, so that we may turn to one another with open hearts, hope, and love. May this week be peaceful, meaningful, and blessed for all of us. Amen.

In 2022 a stunning new mural of The Last Supper has been unveiled in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Knock Basilica, a peaceful space where pilgrims can pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Created by artist Naomi McBride in consultation with Fr Richard Gibbons, the mural was specially designed to fit above the tabernacle and complement its Celtic artwork, originally created by Patrick McElroy. Inspired by the Book of Kells, Celtic knotwork and the work of Celtic design expert George Bain, the mural combines traditional Irish symbolism with a contemporary artistic style. At its centre, Christ holds the Eucharistic chalice, with Saints Peter and John beside him, while the Lamb of God appears above, symbolising Christ’s sacrifice. The apostles are shown around Jesus with meaningful symbols: Peter carries the crossed keys, John holds a quill and manuscript, and Judas Iscariot clutches the bag containing the thirty pieces of silver. A gilded gold-leaf background gives the entire scene a warm, luminous appearance in the soft light of the chapel.

 

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)

Saint Alexius, man of God, you are our support, our model and our patron as we carry out our ministry to the sick, the poor and the elderly. Ask our Lord to send sufficient vocations to our Congregation so that we may continue our legacy of service among those in need. Amen.

One year ago today, on Sunday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m., Pope Leo canonized Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), who died tragically young at the age of 15 from leukemia. Taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the internet and reaching out to young people, he created a very serious website that collects and catalogs Eucharistic miracles that have occurred around the world. It is no coincidence that he is revered today as the patron saint of youth and the internet. He also became the first saint of Generation Y.

Carlo Acutis' website: https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/Liste/list.html

As this special day approaches, we wish Brother Luke and Brother Sean a happy birthday, good health, and much continued joy in their ministry.

J.W. Baumgartner - Saint Alexius as the patron saint against earthquakes, colored engraving, mid-18th century.

An Alexian brother, a color woodcut based on an illustration by M. Jacques Charles Bar, from Tiron Abbot’s book "Histoire et Costumes des Ordres Religieux" (History and Costumes of Religious Orders), a volume of over 600 pages, published by Librairie Historique-Artistique, Brussels, 1845. The publication presents the official vestments of a total of 80 religious orders (both male and female).

Our Lady of Knock, as we begin this new month of September, we place the days ahead into your gentle care. With the arrival of fall, when the leaves begin to change and the earth quietly prepares for a new season, remind us that every season of life has its own beauty, purpose, and grace. Watch over the village of Knock in Ireland, this blessed place where you appeared in 1879, and especially over the four-member Alexian community who live and serve there today. Strengthen them in their vocation, bless their community with unity and peace, and give them courage to continue their mission of bringing Christ’s compassion to those who are sick, poor, or in need. Our Lady of Knock, accompany the Alexian Brothers in Ireland and throughout the world, protect our communities, our families, and all those entrusted to our prayers. May September be a month of renewed hope, quiet strength, and faithful service, and may we learn from you to carry God’s presence into the ordinary moments of each day. Our Lady of Knock, pray for us, lead us closer to your Son and help us to live with generous hearts, trusting that God is with us in every season. Amen.

Saint Alexius, the patron saint against earthquakes, 18th century, copperplate engraving, Austria

The kneeling saint holds a prayer card in his hand bearing the inscription “Libera nos” — Deliver us!. In the background is a landscape reminiscent of ancient Rome, destroyed by an earthquake. At the bottom of the image is the inscription “Der H. Alexius ein mächtiger Patron für Abwendung der Erdbeben” — Saint Alexius, the patron saint who protects against earthquakes.