Who Are We?

The Edmund Rice Network is the global umbrella for all the followers of Edmund Rice. An Irish businessman, born in 1762, Edmund Rice, moved by Gospel compassion for the deprivation and suffering of his fellow countrymen, particularly for youth, gave up his fortune at the age of 40 to respond to the desperate needs of young people.

Two Religious Congregations of men in the Catholic Church, namely the Presentation Brothers and the Christian Brothers, honor Blessed Edmund Rice as their founder and many other groups and individuals around the world also see themselves as followers of the spirit of Edmund. The Network embraces all of these.

Edmund himself experienced many of the exigencies of life as a businessman, married man, father of a disabled daughter, widower at an early age, active layman, educator in faith, founder of Religious Congregations and long time leader of one Congregation. He attracted others to join in his outreach to marginalized people, and for over two hundred years, his followers have ministered to the marginalized primarily through education. History will judge that, whilst most of his followers have been committed people of integrity and generous service, some were unfaithful to the Ideals of the Founder and of the values of the Gospel. Over time the Congregations spread to all continents of the globe and many, both as Religious and lay people, have been motivated by his spirit of generous outreach, to follow him in the ministry of service to the underprivileged.

Just as Edmund himself was comprehensive in addressing the needs of struggling people, so too his followers are challenged to be faithful to the spirit of Edmund Rice and to offer their talents and service wherever the 'fullness of life' is lacking in our world today.