The Story of Blessed Edmund Rice
On 6th October 1996, Pope John Paul II beatified Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. He was declared 'Blessed'.
Edmund was born in 1762 at Callan, Co. Kilkenny. After receiving his education in Kilkenny he went to work in Waterford. He married at the age of 24. However, a great trauma occurred in his life when his wife died three years later, leaving him with a handicapped daughter. By the age of 35 he was a very successful businessman and quite wealthy. However, as he approached the age of 40, the plan of God for his life became clear to him. He was being called to attend to the educational needs of the youth of Waterford.
He opened a school at Mount Sion in 1802. Here he educated the poor boys of the city, while also providing them with food and clothing. Other schools were opened in the south of Ireland. As well as educating young boys, Edmund also felt called to start a new Religious Congregation for men in Ireland. In 1820 the new Christian Brothers Congregation received the approval of the Pope. To date the Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers have served in 35 Countries across the globe.
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