Edmund Rice Today: What is Being Born?

Edmund at 250:  Faithful to the Future

As the 250th Anniversary of Blessed Edmund Rice’s Birth approaches on 1st June, 2012, a number of celebrations are in the planning stages, particularly around such privileged locations in the life of Edmund – Mount Sion, Waterford where Edmund’s vision was first realized, and Callan in Kilkenny, the site of his birth in 1762. 

On Friday, 1st of June, 2012, a day- long event is being planned at Mt. Sion.  Gathering with the leadership of both the Presentation Brothers and the Christian Brothers from around the world, will be Brothers from both communities, representatives from the various branches of the Edmund Rice Network, such as the Life Centres, the Lantern Centre, Edmund Rice Camps, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust,  Presentation Brothers’ Schools Trust, to name a few.

The festival day will include prayer, a keynote address by historian Daire Keogh, author of Edmund Rice and the First Christian Brothers, a presentation by the Mt. Sion primary school students, time to visit displays representing the various ministries and programs of the Edmund Rice Network throughout the European Province, a vision for the future of the Edmund Rice charism with Congregation Leaders Martin Kenneally and Philip Pinto. Lunch and time for socializing and visits to the museum will also be available.

In the evening, we conclude our day with prayer and reflection. We will gather in the Edmund Rice Chapel to celebrate Evening Prayer followed by a concert of sacred music with performances by local Waterford musicians.On Saturday, 2nd of June, the Brothers’ community at Callan, will be hosting a celebration of the Eucharist. Details are still to be determined, but will be made available in due time.  As part of the 250th celebrations, an “Edmund Rice Summer School” will take place at the Edmund Rice Heritage Centre, Mt. Sion on 31st of August and 1st of September, 2012. Focused on the Edmund Rice Network, the purpose of the summer school states, in part; “The Edmund Rice tradition is part of a wider tradition rooted in the Judeo-Christian story of creation and human purpose and existence. The Summer School provides the opportunity to reflect on the story which has been foundational to the development of the participating organizations. It is an invitation ‘to dare to be creative’ within that tradition and to carry forward those elements which are consistent with the Universe Story now emerging from religious, scientific and economic sources.

”“Edmund Rice Today: What is Being Born?”is the theme around the birthdaycelebrations.While we share a common memory in the person of Edmund Rice and celebrate that memory, we are also aware that this is an “active memory” - one that is alive and compelling as it sends us forth, faithful to the future!