Edmund Ignatius Rice was founder of the Christian Brothers a religious order which valued the importance of education. Edmund Rice grew up in Ireland (born 1762) at a time when most Irish Catholics were effectively cut off from education. In 1802 Edmund Rice took the first steps to commence a “brotherhood” specifically formulated to liberate poor young boys through education. Edmund Rice’s belief that God created all humans in God’s loving image was the foundation of this education, guiding these young boys to discover that image, through the promotion of self-dignity, empowerment, faith tradition and liberation. His first makeshift school, in a converted stable in New Street, Waterford, proved to have difficult beginnings with teachers resigning due to unruly children. However, Rice was so committed to the success of his school that he devoted his attention to training teachers who would also dedicate their lives to teaching and prayer. In 1808, seven of the staff including Edmund Rice, took religious vows and where soon known as Christian Brothers. In 1904 the Christian Brothers established a school for boys in Gympie known as “St Teresa’s of the Little Flower” catering for boys from Grade 5 – 12. In 1983 the Christian Brothers School and the Sisters of Mercy girl’s school amalgamated to form St Patrick’s College. Here the Edmund Rice charism lives on through the dedication of its teachers.
The Cross: The Celtic cross, symbolic of Edmund Rice’s Irish heritage, combines the Latin cross with a circle symbolising unity and eternity. Rice resolved to provide education for underprivileged boys and took night-time excursions with his lantern to seek them out. The lantern within the circle illustrates our wish to follow the example of Edmund Rice in allowing our won light to shine, thus illuminating the path for others.
