Connecting the Edmund Rice movement

Heritage Centres

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Mout Sion, Waterford
Westcourt, Callan

Mout Sion, Waterford

The Chapel

The Edmund Rice Chapel with its circular shape sits dramatically on the hill of Mount Sion. Inside the Edmund Rice Chapel is the tomb of Blessed Edmund Rice.

Made of sandstone and glass the tomb has Edmund Rice's name etched in the side and top in Ogham, the ancient Irish alphabet. Glimpses of Edmund's coffin - in which are his remains rest - are visible through the slits in the glass of the top of the tomb. Visitors are welcome to touch the stone of the tomb as they pause for prayer and reflection.

A popular story of Edmund Rice was that during his contemplation of his future, he wondered about going to Europe to study and seek ordination. His sister-in-law, Joan Power, drew his attention to some poor boys outside his window and told him that out in the streets of Waterford was his monastery.

Similarly, today visitors can look over Waterford from inside the Chapel, and allow the vista of Waterford, the World and the Cosmos to direct their reflections. In turn, Waterford, the World and the Cosmos can be affected by the activity of meditation, prayer and reflection in the Edmund Rice Chapel.

Visitors may also choose to avail of the Peace Garden between the Chapel and the monastery. It offers an oasis with its flowers and plants, bench seating, the stations of the cross and a cosmic walk.

Mount Sion 3

Edmund Rice Heritage Centre

An interactive Heritage Centre, opened in 2008, tells the story of Edmund Rice, the history of Ireland and the growth of the Congregations throughout the world.

The museum provides opportunities for visitors to:
• Live the Edmund Rice Story through an atmospheric and interactive experience
• Become immersed in 18th century Waterford through audio-visual and multi-media creations
• Visit the 19th Century school room
• See the Brothers' and their colleagues' work throughout the world
• See the reconstructed face of Edmund Rice

Special tours and curriculum materials for schools are available

Community and Ministries:
An international community of Christian Brothers lives at Mt Sion, offering hospitality to all who come to visit or stay.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Westcourt, Callan

Callan 2

Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers, was born to Robert and Margaret Rice, prosperous tenant farmers, at Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, on 1st of June 1762.

He was the fourth of seven brothers, and had two stepsisters, Joan and Jane Murphy, from his mother’s first marriage. The Penal Laws against Catholics were still in force in Ireland. County Kilkenny fared better than many places because of the tolerance of John Butler, the Protestant Duke of Ormonde who resided in Kilkenny Castle.

As a result, enterprising Catholics, such as Robert Rice, were enabled to rent farmland from tolerant Protestant landlords at reasonable rates. So Edmund was fortunate in a land where the majority of Catholics were “hewers of wood and drawers of water”.

The thatched house "Westcourt" in which Edmund was born on 1 June 1762, is almost 300 years old. The six roomed house consists of a kitchen, parlour, breakfast room and three bedrooms. Of particular interest is the bedroom in which Edmund Rice was born.

Also on the site is the Edmund Rice Memorial Chapel and a large visitors’ centre.

Opening Hours
1 April - 30 September
10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

1 October - 31 March
10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Closed
Good Friday and Christmas Day

Telephone: +353 (0) 562 5993 / +353 (0) 562 5141

Crest and Logo

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Before 1910 the crest of the De La Salle Brothers with the phrase “Signum Fidei” had been used as the official crest of our Congregation. The General Chapter of 1910 decided that a distinctive crest should be adopted for the Christian Brothers “Fratres Christiani de Hibernia”. As a result, various designs were developed and presented to the Chapter of 1920 which chose the design of Br. Angelus Hoban.

1922-crest The principal features of the crest were:

The star at the centre evoking Dan. 12:3, “those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the heavens; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
It is set upon a Celtic cross, supreme Christian symbol of redemption.
The cross sits on a circle, symbol of eternity.
The outer circle has Celtic tracery, denoting the birthplace of the Congregation.
The open book at the top signifies our educational aims as a Congregation.
The letters Α and Ω, Alpha and Omega, reflect Rev. 21:6 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”
The ribbon above bears the motto “Facere et docere”, evoking Mat. 5:19 “he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven”.

A variation incorporating the name “Fratres Scholarum Christiani de Hibernia” appeared in 1923 as the new title of the Congregation was to be incorporated in the new Constitutions of that year. This was to remain the official crest until the General Chapter of 1966.

1972-Crest

The change in title of the Congregation to “Congregatio Fratrum Christianorum” necessitated a change in the crest. The original Celtic script was changed in favour of more modern lettering. After 1972 a design by Br. Richard Kiely was accepted to coincide with the publication of the Constitutions that year. It returned to the original circular form, reintroduced Celtic lettering, and simplified some of the design of the Celtic interlacing for greater definition.

CB logo

The central symbol of Christianity, i.e. the cross, is also the central to our expression of our identity as Christian Brothers. The shape of the cross takes its origin from Celtic spirituality as does our Congregation. The significance and the insights of Edmund Rice are highlighted in the stylised E which is incorporated in the logo.

As disciples of Christ, Christian Brothers are continually called to let go and leave behind all that prevents us from living faithfully the values of the Gospel and from promoting the Kingdom of God. This call and response is shown symbolically by the movement of the circle away from its regular pattern. Our call to internationally, which flows from the time of our founder and continues on to this day, is not just in geography but also in moving, as flexible and mobile followers, to meet the needs of the times. The new leaves and shoots express new life in the Congregation and signs of hope for our Brothers and for our world. Yet even the new leaves continue to express our growth through fragility, by their links to the cross and in the risks of branching out.

An Artist looks at Edmund's life

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An Italian artist, Norberto Pasqualini, looks at the life of Edmund Rice

Beginnings

Edmund grew up on a prosperous farm in Callan, in Co Kilkenny, Ireland.. He knew horses and cows and pigs and was familiar with all the sights and sounds and smells that are part of a farmyard. Working on a farm helps a person to keep his feet on the ground. Edmund learnt this lesson early in his life and was later known for his balanced personality.

Edmund's future lay in commerce. His uncle invited him to join his business in Waterford. Edmund is shown as a young, energetic young man walking along the quay on the Suir River at Waterford. He eventually took over the business, which involved provisioning ships and exporting cattle. The future looked rosy for this young man who was fast becoming very successful.

In his mid twenties and at the top of his profession, Edmund married his wife, Mary. The artist depicts them on their wedding day as they face life together. Their cup was brimming over with happiness.

Tragedy struck when Edmund’s wife died giving birth to their first child after little more than a year of marriage. Edmund’s whole world collapsed. Grief-stricken, he hardly knew where to turn. This loss burnt deeply into his being, profoundly affecting his outlook.

Edmund’s newly-born daughter, named Mary after her mother, was a sickly child. Edmund devoted himself to caring for her, aided by his step-sister, Joan, who became his housekeeper

Searching

After the death of his wife, Edmund turned increasingly to God. He read the bible frequently, seeking insights about the direction his life would now take. As a businessman, he was particularly attentive to what the bible said about money. He began to think of ways in which he could use his wealth for the good of others, especially the poor.
	A second source of strength for Edmund was frequent attendance at Mass and the reception of the sacraments. Jesus became a reality in his life
Edmund began to give generously to the poor of Waterford, supporting mant needy families
	A significant moment in Edmund’s life was a comment made to him by a lady friend. She knew that he was thinking of becoming a monk in a monastery in Europe, but she said to him as they watched the poor, ignorant children playing in the street below the room where they were talking that it could be God’s will that he devote himself to the lifting up of the poor boys, so much in need of a Christian education
Edmund began to think of founding a religious congregation for the education of poor boys. He sought advice from friends he trusted.

Giving

In 1802 Edmund took the plunge and began teaching the poor boys of Waterford, first in a stable and then in the school rooms he built at Mt Sion. Many considered his scheme could not succeed but, trusting in Providence, he began his work. At first he had some paid helpers but when these gave up because of the difficulty of the work, he continued alone. Then some generous young men joined him, becoming the nucleus of his congregation of religious educators

The boys, unused to discipline, took a while to settle but eventually their good conduct and studious habits won the admiration of all in Waterford. Edmund counselled his brothers: “Have confidence. The good seed will grow up in the children’s hearts later on.”

Edmund built a bakery and tailor shop to meet the needs of the poor students who came to his school. He employed bakers to make bread each day for those who needed food and tailors to provide the poor with respectable clothes. Edmund’s bakery and tailor shop still stand in the grounds of Mt Sion.

Gradually the number of brothers grew so that Edmund was able to open schools in other parts of Ireland. The brothers absorbed his spirit during their training at Mt Sion, Edmund inspiring them and forming them in their vocation.

Edmund and the brothers were always aware of the need the poor had for the simple but essential things of life. He provided food for them in the towns where the brothers worked. One who knew him well said, "he was father and mother to the poor".

Alert to the needs of others, Edmund turned some of his schools into hospitals when the plague broke out in some parts of Ireland. The brothers served the sick, Edmund being sure that God would safeguard his brothers from the dangers they were facing in the work they were doing.

Edmund was a regular visitor to the gaols, comforting those who were imprisoned. Men about to be hanged would ask that Edmund stand beside them as they faced death, such was their trust in him.

Edmund opened his whole heart to Christ present and appealing to him in the poor. His trust in God was absolute. “Providence is our inheritance” was one of his mottos. Through his personal efforts and the work of his brothers, he reached out to the poor in Ireland, England and Gibraltar. Today Edmund’s brothers carry on his vision in 27 countries throughout the world, attempting to be true to the words of Jesus in the gospels: “I have come that they may have life.”

Edmund died in 1844. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1996. His feast day is 5 May, the anniversary of the day when the foundation stone of his first school, Mt Sion, was laid.

Timeline for Edmund's Life

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The following is a timeline of important events from the historical setting and in the life of Edmund Rice.

Edmund Rice Networking In Action

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Edmund Rice Network - SOUTH AFRICA

We have a number of ERN groups in SA. Some are comprised of older folk, some cater to the needs of university students while others are made up of Edmund Rice Society school-leavers. Some of the groups have a strong spiritual growth focus while others are more committed to works of social justice.

You can check out their website by clicking on the following image

Edmund Rice Network - ENGLAND

Their website is a hub for a dynamic community of schools, youth ministries, spiritual conversation groups, and outreach activities inspired by the founding vision of Blessed Edmund Rice and the mission, in England and the wider world, of his Christian Brother successors.

You can check out their website by clicking on the following image

Edmund Rice Network Advocacy - EUROPE

Edmund Rice Advocacy is a website featuring ideas, initiatives and information concerning social justice issues, Catholic Social Teaching and human rights. It is sponsored by the European Province of the Christian Brothers and is maintained by Brother Donal Leader, Advocacy Officer with the Christian Brothers.

You can check out their website by clicking on the following image

Edmund Rice Network - URUGUAY

A network of groups and individuals carry on an extensive range of outreach activities, connected with parents, students and staff from Colegio Stella Maris. There are three specific organisations that have grown out of this network:

Edmund Rice Network - NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Edmund Rice Network Commission

Te Whanau a Edmund Rice Aotearoa – Edmund Rice Network New Zealand coordinates a wide range of activities.

See the website edmundrice.org.nz

Edmund Rice Network - OCEANIA

Click on the image and you can find out about all that is happening across the diverse network on their website.

And keep up to date on their Facebook page HERE

ER College and University Campus Initiatives - North America

As students inspired by the Charism of Edmund Rice, perhaps through earlier education in an Edmund Rice Network School, participation in the ACTION program, or an ERCB Mission Emersion Experience, we come together on college and university campuses to share our commitment to prayer, community and service. Formally or informally, in large or small groups, we encourage each other in promoting presence, compassion and liberation in the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice.

Contact: Br. G. Timothy Smyth, CFC - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Associates of Edmund Rice - North America

Women and men with various roles in family, professional, church and community life, we seek to deepen our engagement in the charism, the spirit, and the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice. We participate in a formation experience leading to a commitment to live the Gospel message through our present calling in life. We make time for prayer, seek opportunities to work for justice, and engage in charitable and educational efforts on behalf of the poor and marginalized. We renew this commitment annually, usually in the context of a retreat.

Contact: Br. Gennaro Sullo - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Edmundian Society - North America

The Edmundian Society includes men who devoted some portion of our lives as members of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. Whether we left as postulants, novices, temporary or finally professed, a bond endures. While each individual’s journey is unique, the time spent in the Brotherhood remains a major influence in one’s life. The Edmundian Society is a fellowship whose principal expressions are spiritual vitality, mutual support, and social sharing. Our primary purpose is to better develop our spirituality in the vocation we are now pursuing. The common bond that was once our life has reunited us in collegiality, support and service.

CONTACT Mr. Robert M. Kman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Timirí Éamainn Rís - Europe

The Messengers of Edmund Rice, Timirí Éamainn Rís, are a community of men and women scattered throughout Ireland who support each other in living out the compassion and courage of Blessed Edmund in their daily lives. The group was founded in Dublin in 1989 by a small group of Christian Brothers and former members of the Congregation.

How can a person get involved?
You could simply go to a group near you or even form a group yourself. Dick Fields, one of the founders of Timirí and current secretary, is more than willing to pass on details of venues and times of meetings and to give a helping hand in starting a group. Forming a group is as easy as inviting a few people to meet, reflect and pray together.

Many of these men and women look forward to the annual gathering which takes place usually at Emmaus in Dublin around the end of October. A newsletter is sent out at regular intervals to those on the Timirí mailing list.

To place your name on this list please contact Dick Fields (telephone 01 839 1396 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can follow the following link to view the TIMIRI website:

Volunteering

Christian Brothers Volunteer Program - Oceania

Oceania Province and Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) staff are invited to engage in solidarity with people from the majority world by partnering with the Province's ministries and programs and working alongside them as an Edmund Rice Volunteer.

The volunteer experience supports the work of the ministry and also provides a great opportunity for volunteers to experience practical work in the justice field and achieve personal spiritual growth and enhanced professional development.

Volunteer opportunities are presently available in:
· East Timor;
· Cook Islands;
· Murgon, Queensland;
· Mt Archer, Queensland;
· Philippines;
· Tanzania; and
· Kenya

Contact Information

General Enquiries & Papua New Guinea
Martin Kelly
Phone: +61 73621 9673
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Br. Damien Price 021 02321011
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Br Gerard Brady
Phone: +61298103922
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Heritage Centres

Mout Sion, Waterford

Westcourt, Callan

Crest and Logo

An Artist looks at Edmund's life

Beginnings

Searching

Giving

Timeline for Edmund's Life

Edmund Rice Networking In Action

Edmund Rice Network - SOUTH AFRICA

Edmund Rice Network - ENGLAND

Edmund Rice Network Advocacy - EUROPE

Edmund Rice Network - URUGUAY

Edmund Rice Network - NEW ZEALAND

Edmund Rice Network - OCEANIA

ER College and University Campus Initiatives - North America

Associates of Edmund Rice - North America

The Edmundian Society - North America

Timirí Éamainn Rís - Europe

Volunteering

Christian Brothers Volunteer Program - Oceania

Contact Information

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