About

Edmund Rice

Icon of Blessed Edmund Rice

Early Life

Edmund Rice was born in Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland in 1762 and died in Waterford, Ireland in 1844. As a young man, Edmund went to Waterford to work with his uncle, Michael Rice, a merchant and ship-chandler who was at that time servicing the North Atlantic shipping route. Edmund had the necessary personality, talents and dedication to be a very successful businessman and, soon, his uncle entrusted him with the management of the entire business. Eventually, he took over the ownership of the Company and was on his way to becoming very wealthy.

A Generous Man

When Edmund's wife died after an accident in 1789, he began to devote himself more and more to prayer and charitable work, especially with the poor and marginalised groups such as prisoners, homeless people and orphans. He was especially drawn to the situation of poor children whose parents could not afford to send them to the paying schools of the time.

Compassion and Vocation

When his daughter reached adulthood, Edmund Rice made provision for her and resolved to go to Rome to enter a monastic congregation and serve God in prayer and silence. However, his great compassion and concern were also drawn to the human, spiritual and educational plight of the children of Ireland who had no opportunity.

Founder of Schools and Religious Orders

He built and opened his first school in 1802 and over the next twenty years a considerable number of men from all walks of life began to join him. (Presentation Brothers). Eventually, they resolved to form a new Religious Congregation (Christian Brothers) which was formally approved by Pope Pius VII in 1820. Edmund saw his congregation grow in Ireland, England and Australia. He died, 29th August 1844. His reputation for holiness spread rapidly and he was Beatified by Pope John Paul II in October, 1996.

His Legacy Today

Edmund's life and visions continues to inspire thousands of people around the world. Many recognise in him a person of extraordinary compassion and energy who gave generously of his wealth and of himself to promoting social justice and ensuring that young people had access to education. His vision motivates the members of Edmund Rice International in their work.

What is Edmund Rice International?

Edmund Rice International (ERI( is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to working for children and young people who are marginalised because of poverty, lack of access to education, legal status environmental degradation digression or involvement in armed conflict. This work involves engagement with the change-makers at the international level in order to bring issues and situations to the attention of the international community at the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

How did Edmund Rice International come into existence?

ERI was founded jointly by two Roman Catholic religious congregations: the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. It was registered as a legal entity in 2007.

How can a small NGO effect change at the international level?

ERI believes in partnership and working with coalitions. It is already a partner organisation of Franciscans International, a highly respected Catholic NGO working at the global level. At the present time ERI function within the framework of Franciscans International in Geneva. Through partnerships and coalitions ERI seeks to amplify the voice of the poor at the international level.

What is the vision of ERI?

We seek to make real the original vision of Edmund Rice to answer the gospel call to establish God's dream for the world through the promotion of justice and the liberation of people oppressed by poverty, marginalisation and social exclusion.

Why is the NGO called Edmund Rice International?

Blessed Edmund Rice was the founder of the two religious congregations that established Edmund Rice International. Thousands of people throughout the world revere him and are active in promoting his vision of liberation through education. It is for this reason that the NGO has been named Edmund Rice International. ERI is a gathering place for the members of the worldwide Edmund Rice community who are active in social justice and human rights.

What is the focus of ERI at the international level?

Our main focus is the promotion of the Right to Education and the Rights of the Child. We are active in the eradication of poverty and in working with people suffering from HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the world Edmund Rice people are working with and on behalf indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

How do I contact Edmund Rice International?

You can contact ERI by sending an email to info@edmundriceinternational.org.

You can also write to:

The Executive Director
Edmund Rice International
PO Box 104
37-39 rue de Vermont
1211 Geneva 20
SWITZERLAND

T +41 22 919 4010