Blessed Edmund Rice was born on June 1, 1762, to Robert and Margaret Rice, prosperous Catholic tenant farmers in Callan, Ireland. He moved to Waterford to work in the shipping business for his uncle and became wealthy by his early twenties. At 23, he married Mary Elliot, and his future looked bright. Tragically, in 1789, his pregnant wife suffered an accident, dying shortly after giving birth to their disabled daughter, Mary. This loss prompted Edmund to deeply reflect on his life and vocation.
Contemplating a monastic life, he was inspired by a friend's remark as they witnessed a group of impoverished boys on the street. His friend urged him to use his wealth and life to support these boys rather than seclude himself in a cell. At 40, Edmund changed his mission and sold his business to start a school for poor boys. In 1802, he founded his first school in Waterford, aiming to help these boys become good Catholics and citizens.
To further his mission, he founded the Presentation Brothers, a religious congregation focused on educating the poor. By 1825, he and his 30 Christian Brothers were providing free education, clothing, and food to around 5,500 boys in 12 towns. Edmund drew strength from his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and encouraged the boys to pray daily at the Church. He died in 1844 and was beatified in 1996 by Pope John Paul II, who described him as "an outstanding model of a true lay apostle."
Blessed Edmund Rice, intercede for all students and teachers that they may be bestowed with the divine gift of wisdom.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Pelayan Atasan Tertinggi / Most High Servant,
Yesus, Maria, Yusuf Pelayanan Kasih / Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
My vocation is Blessed and Saints.
"I am the most humble of all the Saints in Heaven" Mary, Mother of God."
"I am the handmaid of the Lord, said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me."
Mother Mary is the most humble Saint in Heaven and she is also the Mother of God for us all
(Luke 1:38)
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