An Alexian prayer book from 1918, with instructions on the calendar of saints and prayers in the library of the Irish Alexians in Knock.

In the chapel of the Irish Alexian Brothers, Brother Sean plays the music during the Holy Mass after morning prayer.

Saint Alexius, patron saint of pilgrims,

As we celebrate the beginning of autumn, we ask you to accompany us through the new season. Help us to experience the beauty of the autumn season, the renewal of nature and the changes in our hearts. May the falling leaves teach us to let go, to let go of all that no longer serves our spiritual growth. Help us to find inner peace and gratitude for all that life gives us during these months. Please protect the pilgrims who seek the way and guide us in the light of love and wisdom. May our hearts be open to experience and help us to be guided in every step by faith and hope. Thank you for being with us and for strengthening our souls with your intercession. 

Amen.

Prayer for vocations from the prayer book of the Irish Alexian Brothers. Photo: the Alexian monastery in the village of Knock.

Brother Luke with a newborn dwarf goat.

The Irish Alexian community in Knock also takes advantage of local resources to raise livestock (goats, chickens, ducks) and vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, onions, rhubarb, etc.). We have selected a selection of photos that capture these activities.

 

Brother Barry and Brother Dermot feed the animals

 

Russian family icon with St Alexius

The names of the saints in the painting are (from left): St Francis of Assisi, the Virgin and Child, St Alexius, second row: St Joan of Arc, St John the Baptist, the patron saint of Ireland St Patrick in a green robe holding the three-leaf clover, and in the back row the archangels St Michael and St Gabriel.