Blessed Edmund Rice
Edmund Rice & The Christian Brothers
Edmund Ignatious Rice was born in Callan, Co. Kilkenny in 1762. He was the fourth of seven sons born to Robert Rice and his wife, Margaret Tierney. Having received a sound education in his own home he went as an apprentice businessman to his uncle in Waterford city, Michael Rice. He had a flair for business and while still a young man amassed a considerable wealth. He married Mary Elliot at the age of 23. Within a few short years Edmund's wife died tragically leaving him with a disabled daughter, Mary. These events had a profound affect on him.
Following his wife's death Edmund made arrangements for the care and upbringing of his disabled daughter. He continued to develop his merchant business but more and more his thoughts turned to God and the care of the poor and destitute who were to be found all around him in the city of Waterford. He became during these years an avid reader of the Bible. Gradually he was led by grace to abandon his successful career. In 1802 he devoted his wealth to founding free schools for boys.
He was joined in his endeavour by other young men inspired by his example. In 1808 Edmund Rice and those who joined him were permitted by Bishop Power to pronounce vows. They became known as the Society of the Presentation and lived under the guidance of their bishop. In 1820 Pope Pius VII granted recognition to Edmund Rice and his followers as a pontifical Institute - the Congregation of the Christian Brothers.
After a full and active life of service and sacrifice, Edmund Rice died in 1844. He was declared Venerable in 1993. He was beatified on October 6 1996 by Pope John Paul II.
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Edmund Ignatious Rice was born in Callan, Co. Kilkenny in 1762. He was the fourth of seven sons born to Robert Rice and his wife, Margaret Tierney. Having received a sound education in his own home he went as an apprentice businessman to his uncle in Waterford city, Michael Rice. He had a flair for business and while still a young man amassed a considerable wealth. He married Mary Elliot at the age of 23. Within a few short years Edmund's wife died tragically leaving him with a disabled daughter, Mary. These events had a profound affect on him.
Following his wife's death Edmund made arrangements for the care and upbringing of his disabled daughter. He continued to develop his merchant business but more and more his thoughts turned to God and the care of the poor and destitute who were to be found all around him in the city of Waterford. He became during these years an avid reader of the Bible. Gradually he was led by grace to abandon his successful career. In 1802 he devoted his wealth to founding free schools for boys.
He was joined in his endeavour by other young men inspired by his example. In 1808 Edmund Rice and those who joined him were permitted by Bishop Power to pronounce vows. They became known as the Society of the Presentation and lived under the guidance of their bishop. In 1820 Pope Pius VII granted recognition to Edmund Rice and his followers as a pontifical Institute - the Congregation of the Christian Brothers.
After a full and active life of service and sacrifice, Edmund Rice died in 1844. He was declared Venerable in 1993. He was beatified on October 6 1996 by Pope John Paul II.
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