Blessed Edmund Rice
Waterford merchant who left business to found the Christian Brothers and teach poor boys
- Rank
- Blessed
- Kind
- Founder, Layperson
- Life
- 1762 – 1844
- Era
- 19th century
- Feast
- 5 May
- Countries
- Ireland
Life story
Edmund Rice was born on 1 June 1762 at Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland. He moved to Waterford and inherited his uncle's business in 1785, becoming prosperous. His wife died in 1789 after an accident; their daughter was born with a disability.
He then gave more time to prayer and to helping the poor. In 1802 he gave up business to teach poor boys in Waterford, first in a makeshift school and then at the Mount Sion building. In his day, penal laws made it hard for Irish Catholics to get an education.
In 1808 he and seven associates took religious vows. The Holy See formally approved the congregation in 1820. The group later divided into the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. The order opened more schools in many Irish cities and later in England.
He died on 29 August 1844 in Waterford. John Paul II beatified him on 6 October 1996. His feast day is 5 May. Schools founded by his brotherhoods still operate in many countries.
Works and witness
- Prosperous merchant in Waterford, inheriting the business in 1785
- Left business in 1802 to teach poor boys
- Took vows with seven associates in 1808
- Congregation approved by the Holy See in 1820
- Beatified in 1996
Saints from the same country
References
- Martyrologium Romanum
- Vatican account of the beatification, 6 October 1996
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.