Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice (1762-1844)

Today marks the death of Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, better known as “Irish Christian Brothers.” Born in Kilkenny, e he joined his uncle’s business and became quite successful. A widower, he desired to join religious life. As was discussing the matter with a friend of his, a band of ragged boys passed by. His friend said, “What! would you bury yourself in a cell on the continent rather than devote your wealth and your life to the spiritual and material interest of these poor youths?” The words were an inspiration. Rice settled his worldly affairs and commenced began a school in Waterford in 1802. Other workers soon gathered round him, and by 1806 other schools were founded in Waterford, Carrick-on-Suir, and Dungarvan. The communities adopted a modified form of the Rule of the Presentation order of nuns, and, in 1808, pronounced their vows. Houses were established in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, and elsewhere. In 1820 Pius VII gave the congregation formal approval. Brother Rice was unanimously elected superior general. Rice retired as superior in 1838. Before his death he saw eleven communities established in Ireland, eleven in England, and one in Australia. In the United States the brothers run numerous high schools and Iona College in New Rochelle, New York.