EDMUND RICE
The spirit of Edmund Rice pervades all aspects of the life of the Trinity College community.
 Edmund Rice was born at Westcourt, Callan on 1 June 1762. This was a time in Ireland when many of the Irish population lived in great destitution and poverty. Most of the general people were unschooled and illiterate.
Edmund was a very successful businessman who made a fortune in his uncle's commercial enterprise in Waterford.
Sadly his young wife died in an accident leaving him with a disabled daughter, Mary, whom he cared for.
At the age of 40 years, Edmund turned his attention to the uneducated and uncared for street kids' of Waterford. He devoted his energy, his business skills, his property and his considerable wealth to develop an education system for those who were discriminated against by the laws and social customs of time.
In 1802 he established his first school in a converted stable in New Street, Waterford. This enterprise soon collapsed.
Following this, he built a school, a residence, a bakery and tailor shop on the outskirts of Waterford, and set up a new school, Mount Sion with two companions.
To assist in his educational work he founded the Order of the Christian Brothers.
During his lifetime, helpers came and went. Edmund faced enormous difficulties and frustrations. However, he persevered with his vision. He stood by the young people of Waterford. He didn't just teach' them; he was brother' to them.
In 1838, at the age of 76 he resigned as Superior General of his Order. He died in 1844 and is buried at Mount Sion, Waterford, his first foundation.
The life of Edmund Rice was one of heroic endeavour. He gave up his possessions - in our terms he was probably a millionaire - and spent it all on educating the poverty- stricken street kids of Waterford and other Irish cities. In doing this his aim was to make a difference in their lives?.
Edmund Rice was declared Blessed at a ceremony in St Peter's Square, Rome on Sunday 6 October, 1996.
A new web site called "Edmund Rice Online" located at http://www.edmundrice.org/ may be of interest if you are seeking further information regarding Edmund Rice. |
