Edmund Ignatius Rice (1762-1844) was born in Callan Ireland. He forged a successful career in business in Waterford but at age 28 a tragic event killed his young wife and left his daughter disabled and with learning difficulties. He did many good works and assisted the poor of Waterford, setting up his own school for poor boys. After a long period of discernment and in his mid-life he established a Catholic religious order which eventually became two religious orders the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. Edmund died in Waterford in 1844 and the Catholic Church recognised his beatification on October 6 1996 as Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice. His official feast day is May 5th each year.
Edmund Ignatius Rice (1762-1844) was born in Callan Ireland. He forged a successful career in business in Waterford but at age 28 a tragic event killed his young wife and left his daughter disabled and with learning difficulties. He did many good works and assisted the poor of Waterford, setting up his own school for poor boys. After a long period of discernment and in his mid-life he established a Catholic religious order which eventually became two religious orders the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. Edmund died in Waterford in 1844 and the Catholic Church recognised his beatification on October 6 1996 as Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice. His official feast day is May 5th each year.