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.

Bronze statues of Irish Saint (Saint Brendan, Saint Patrick and Saint Kevin) by Timothy Schmalz are located next to the Knock basilica.

 

Prayer for Vocations

Saint Alexius, we ask you to hear our prayers and intercede for us for vocations in the Alexian communities throughout the world. 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.

Today is the day of Bishop Saint Augustine, Doctor of the Church, the creator of our rules of order (the set of rules approved by the Church and used by monastic orders). Let us pray to him for vocations.

Saint Augustine, our holy patron and author of our Rule, guide us in our continued ministry for the sick, the poor and the elderly. May your holy Rule, which has guided the Alexian Brothers for so many centuries, inspire men to respond to the call to monastic life, especially in our Congregation. Amen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_Saint_Augustine

From the left: The monastery of the Alexian Mission in Hungary
and the Saint Elizabeth Home 

 

Morning prayer in the inner courtyard of the Alexian Monastery in Hungary, in the company of Saint Alexius, whose statue is the only outdoor statue of our order’s patron saint in Hungary.

Brother Leo leads the morning prayer

 

 

Our Lady of Knock, as we begin this new week, walk with us and fill our hearts with peace, hope, and courage. Help us to face each day with kindness, patience, and trust, and guide our steps toward what is good. Watch over our families, our communities, and all who need your comfort. May this new week bring renewed strength, unexpected blessings, and quiet moments of joy. Amen.

Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary, offered his crown
to the Virgin Mary in 1038 to place his country under her protection. 
This act created the Regnum Marianum (Kingdom of Mary) tradition
and inspired famous works of art

20 August - Saint Stephen, the founding king of Hungary, and the celebration of the end of the harvest and the new bread. He was the first king of Hungary from 1000 until his death in 1038. Stephen established at least one archbishopric, six bishoprics and three Benedictine monasteries, leading the Church in Hungary to develop independently from the archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire. He encouraged the spread of Christianity by meting out severe punishments for ignoring Christian customs. King Stephen I of Hungary was canonised on 20 August 1083 with the permission of Pope Gregory VII, following an initiative by the Church during the reign of Saint Ladislaus, in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. According to tradition, the first loaf of bread made from new wheat was baked on St. Stephen's Day after the harvest. Since the first baking of new wheat was in August, this month is also known as the month of new bread.

 

The priest blesses the new bread in the chapel of the St. Elizabeth Home
of the Alexian Mission in Hungary

 

 

Brother Leo offers the new bread blessed during the mass
to the residents of the nursing home

 

 

Brother Barry in front of the Holy Right (the mummified hand of our founding

King Saint Stephen) in St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest

Our God, we give thanks for the weekend just past, for the opportunity to rest and recharge, for the quiet moments and the joy of the fine weather. We thank you for all the good things we have received, and for the renewed strength with which we can now set out on the week ahead. We ask that you accompany and help us in the days ahead, so that we may carry out our duties with patience, hope and perseverance. Bless the Alexian communities throughout the world. Grant them strength and joy in the service they provide for the elderly, the sick, those in need, and all those who require assistance. Bless also those who work alongside them: the carers, all our staff, the helpers and supporters, so that through their joint efforts as many people as possible may experience care, love and respect for human dignity. We pray in particular for the future of the Alexian communities. This ministry, spanning more than 800 years, can only continue if new people recognise within themselves the call to live for others. Send us courageous and committed young people who joyfully embrace the path of service and who will carry forward the love and care that has helped so many people over the past centuries. Be with us this week; help us not to carry yesterday’s difficulties with us, but to look ahead with confidence and to see in every day the opportunity for goodness, for helping others and for love. Amen.

Our God, we give thanks for the 800 years of service by the Alexian Brothers, during which they have helped the sick, the poor and those in need with love and care. We ask that you preserve the physical and spiritual health of each Brother. Grant them strength for their daily service, restful tranquillity in times of weariness, peace in the face of difficulties, and joy in their vocation. Watch over all of them, whether they serve in Ireland, Hungary, Germany, the Philippines, Belgium or America. Saint Alexius, patron of our Order and patron saint of the homeless and pilgrims, accompany them on their journey and help them to be renewed in both body and soul. Grant that the joy of service may be stronger than weariness, and hope stronger than difficulties. Grant that they may have hope in their hearts, find support in one another, and, alongside their service, have time for rest, silence and renewal. Keep them in good health, peace and love, so that they may continue to bring hope and humanity into the lives of those who need them most. Amen.

This beautiful Celtic cross stands in the garden behind the Basilica of Knock, adorned with intricate details and depictions of saints. At the base of the cross, the most famous Irish saints can be recognised (from the left): Saint Brigid, Saint Patrick and Saint Drendan; behind them is Saint Kevin, holding a small bird in his palm.