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Birth
Edmund Rice was welcomed into the world during 1762 in Ireland while it was under the British and anti-Catholic rule. -
Early Working Life
The education of Edmund Rice was in hedge school, which was an illegal school, ran by travelling teachers. His parents religiously educated him with the help of a local Augustinian Friar, Patrick Grace.After turning 17 he began an apprenticeship with Michael Rice (his uncle) in the city of Waterford. It was the second busiest shipping port in the country back then. He was a very determined and hard-worker which lead to him becoming the manager later on in life. -
Marriage
After turning 24 he now had his uncle’s business signed to him and had invested in land and property. The following year he married a local businessman’s daughter named Mary Elliot in Waterford. -
Death of Wife
Only two years into their marriage Mary passed away after being involved in a riding accident. There was a horse and carriage in which they were riding on. The horse panicked and Mary was thrown from the carriage, which lead to instant death. At that time she was pregnant with their daughter. The baby was born with a handicap. -
Nano Nagle
Nano Nagle was a founder of the Presentation Sisters. She aimed and worked to educate young, deprived girls. In 1798 Edmund helped the sisters open a convent and school in Waterford.After this he was inspired to do the same but for young boys. -
First School
In 1800 with the inspiration from Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters, Edmund started educating young boys at his business premises with the help of volunteers. It was very hard to do and teachers who came were not dedicated to helping full time.In June 1802 his first school was in a stable in Waterford. Teachers were dedicated and taught voluntarily. -
Monastry
Edmund and his followers moved into their newly built monastery in 1803. Their lives were simple, they woke early, prayed together, attended daily mass and educated. Each Brother was to teach up to 150 pupils who they also had to feed and clothe with food from the bakehouse beside the school and tailor made clothing. -
Work in Ireland
The Christian Brothers continuously grow and work together throughout the whole country to provide education the unfortunate boys. -
Vows as member of the Diocesan Society of the Presentation
Edmund Rice as well as eight of his companions took vows as member of the Diocesan Society of the Presentation. They were called the Brothers of the Presentation as the rules they followed were based off of the Presentation Sisters rules. -
Formation of the Presentation Brothers
The Presentation Brothers not only impacted one but many countries. They gained more members and were a fast growing group that taught and helped people of all ages. -
First School in England
The Brothers’ first school in England was in Preston, Lancashire. -
Australia
There was the establishment of Christian Brothers educating in Australia. The brothers first arrived in Australia during 1842 in Melbourne. This has now led to being involved in 120 schools in Australia. They now work in 20 countries worldwide.
