The congregation’s coat of arms has changed significantly over the centuries. Its current design can be divided into three fields, which symbolize the spirituality and activities of our order. In the upper field, a pelican is depicted feeding its chicks with the blood of its own heart—a symbol of self-sacrificing Christian love. The two shovels in the lower left field evoke the memory of the Alexian Brothers’ former work: burying the dead in times of adversity. The flying raven, meanwhile, symbolizes feeding those suffering from hardship—a virtue the Congregation has practiced for centuries. The cross rises from the background of the coat of arms, signifying that our salvation lies in the cross, in Christ. Around the shield, on the ribbon, are the words of St. Paul: “Caritas Christi Urget Nos” – “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor 5:14).

We have selected from these coat of arms variations.

On the occasion of the upcoming feast day of our Order’s patron saint (July 17), a musical adaptation of the 1914 poem by Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918), an American writer and poet, about Saint Alexius, the patron saint of beggars.

Our Almighty God,

We ask that you hear our prayers as this new week begins. Accompany us on our journey and guide our steps throughout the days ahead. Please give us strength and courage to treat everyone we meet with responsibility and love. Help us to let love and truth guide all our decisions and actions. Teach us how to find peace amid our daily challenges and how to understand one another’s needs. We ask that you bless those with whom we work and live, and help us all to grow in our faith and love. We ask that Your example guide us and illuminate our path, so that every day may be a pilgrimage toward happiness and hope. Bless this new week, that it may be filled with opportunities, discoveries, and blessings.
 
Amen.

Evening Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to live through this day, and I remember with gratitude all the blessings I have received from you. Now that the day is drawing to a close, please calm my heart and my soul. Forgive me for the mistakes I made today, and help me to continue on my path tomorrow with renewed strength and determination. Please watch over my loved ones throughout the night and grant them peace and rest. Fill my dreams with your love and light, so that in the morning I may wake up refreshed and happy once again. Please guide me in my dreams, and grant that your wisdom may guide me in every area of my life. Thank you for always standing by my side and for being the protector of my heart. Bless my night, and grant that I may wake up tomorrow with renewed hope and faith.

Amen.

 

In front of the Apparition Chapell, built against the facade of the old parish church in Knock, stand the holy water fountains, which await thirsty pilgrims visiting this site. What makes them interesting is that each one is decorated with a Biblical scene related to water.