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. 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

In 1979, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Knock apparition, Pope John Paul II visited the shrine. This is commemorated by this Celtic cross, which stands where the Pope said mass.

 Brother Leo from Hungary in front of the Papal Cross at Knock Shrine

Heavenly Father, we thank You with grateful hearts for all the gifts and blessings of the past week. We thank You for the opportunity to spend the weekend with our loved ones, to rest together and recharge our bodies and souls. Help us to find true refreshment during this time, and may an atmosphere of love and harmony surround us. Amen.

Almighty God, please hear our prayers for vocations to the Alexian Brothers. Please help young people who recognize God's call in their lives and long for the monastic life. Give them the courage and determination to follow Christ as you have done. We ask you to give the Alexian Brothers your wisdom and guidance to help and support those who commit themselves to enter the Order. Bless the formation process so that candidates may be strengthened in their faith and commitment. Please gift the Alexian Brothers with perseverance in the monastic life. Help them to always be committed to serving God and people and to be an example to the world through their humility and service. Amen.

Brothers from all over the world, from Ireland, America, Germany and the Philippines, have arrived for the meeting, which will be hosted by the Alexian Monastery of Győrújbarát, Hungary.

Bronze statue of Pope John Paul II, inaugurated in 2015
in front of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Győr, Hungary