Mount Sion, Waterford
Edmund Rice's First School
Edmund Rice opened his first school at Mount Sion on the 1st of May 1804. Prior to that he and his companions had been teaching the youth at a temporary buiding at New Street in the city. To this modest foundation at Mount Sion in the heart of Waterford city, two congregations, the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers, owe their origin.
In Mount Sion today visitors will see the large and imposing 1864 monastery, the new Edmund Rice Chapel, containing Edmund's tomb, the new International Heritage Centre plus some of the original and early buildings.
All of these are open to the public and vistors are welcome.
Mount Sion Monastery built in 1864, 20 years afer the death of Edmund Rice.
Some original buildings are still intact.
Visitors can visit a classroom, which was part of the original school built by Edmund Rice in 1804.
Photograph shows the new Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel, opened during February 2008.
A place of prominence within the Chapel is given to the tomb of Blessed Edmund.
Front of monastery with the new chapel to the left.
International Heritage Centre
The grey coloured building above, was built by the citizens of Waterford in 1845 as their spontaneous gesture of thanks to Edmund who died the previous year. The upper half was the Christian Brothers Community Chapel for year, while the lower part were classrooms. This entire building is now the International Heritage Centre.
Caring for the needs of young people
Man of compassion - caring for the poor and the needy.
Food and Clothes for the Pupils
The bakehouse and tailor’s workshop, built in 1812, still stand, as seen in the photograph. The bakehouse is down stairs with the tailor's workshop is upstairs. Visitors are welcome. Here the poor were fed and clothed. Many pupils came to school hungry; while others did not even have proper clothes to wear and were therefore reluctant to attend.
Edmund employed a baker and a tailor to provide food and clothes for the needy pupils attending his school.
This was Edmund's bedroom during his final years. It was here he died in August 1844.
Official Opening Day - The Irish Prime Minister, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, (second on left) with Br Michael Godfrey, Chairman of the Board of Direcetor, Mr Andy Kuppe, CEO Heritage Centre and Mr Barry O'Brien, outgoing Executive Office.
Today in Waterford, both Mount Sion Primary (left) and Secondary Schools (on right) are involved in the education of students. The monastery is shown in the centre. The white coloured building is the original 1804 dwelling house and school, built by Edmund Rice.
Edmund Rice Brothers Today
Today Mount Sion, Waterford is home to an international community of Brothers - Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers. They are involved in ministries which respond to unmet needs.
Mount Sion is open throughout the year.
April to September
10.00am to 6.00pm
02.00pm to 6.00pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays
October to March
10.00am to 5.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays
Large groups should contact the Centre in advance.
Telephone: +353 (0) 51 874 390
Email: reception@edmundrice.ie
Website: www.edmundrice.ie
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