CatholicSaints.Info

Also known as

• Ignatius Rice
• Edmund Ignatius Rice

Memorial

• 29 August

Profile

The fourth of seven sons born to pious farm family during a time of oppression of Irish Catholics by the English. He became wealthy working with his uncle’s shipping business. He married Mary Elliott in 1787, was the father of one daughter, and became a widower in 1789. In his search for meaning after this loss he began working with poor, uneducated boys. Founder of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and the Congregation of Brothers of the Presentation (Irish Christian Brothers) in Waterford, Ireland in 1802. The Brothers continue their work today in England, Ireland and Australia, and are well-represented online.

Born

• 1 June 1762 in Westcourt, Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland

Died

• 29 August 1844 at Mount Sion, Waterford, Ireland of natural causes

Venerated

• 2 April 1993 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)

Beatified

• 6 October 1996 by Pope John Paul II

Readings

Trusting in God’s help, I hope to be able to educate these boys to be good Catholics and good citizens. – Blessed Edmund

Here we have an outstanding model of a true lay apostle. – Pope John Paul II

MLA Citation

• “Blessed Edmund Rice“. CatholicSaints.Info. 9 June 2020. Web. 28 January 2021. <>