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.
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.
Lord God,
as we light the first candle of Advent, we turn our hearts and minds toward the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. We give thanks for the hope that he brings into the world. We remember the prophets who foretold his arrival, and the promises of a Messiah. Help us to be patient and expectant, to prepare our hearts for his coming, both at Christmas and in our lives each day.
We pray for the virtues of hope, faith, peace, and joy to fill our hearts during this Advent season. Light the way before us, Lord, and guide us on the path of preparation. Help us to remember those who are less fortunate, and to share your love with them. Open our hearts to the needs of others, and help us to be a source of hope and comfort.
We ask for your blessings on our families, our friends, and our communities during this special time. May we experience the joy and peace that come from knowing you.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
