Recently we were privileged to have three members of the current Congregation Leadership Team visit us here in this part of the European Province – John Casey, Senan de Souza and David Ryan Silva. We found them very supportive and inspiring. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, they were unable to visit the schools at this time. We were privileged to have them walk with us for this short time.
We have a visitor staying with us at present Br Denis Gleeson. He hails from Dublin. Denis is a former member of the Province Leadership Team in Ireland. He is a former headmaster of one of our schools in Belfast, St Mary’s. He has a keen interest in Contemplation and has given lectures on this topic around the world. He is the co-editor of Beauty Through Broken Windows: Empowering Edmund Rice’s Vision Today, published to great acclaim last year. His other big interest is iconography. Among his recent paintings is that of Edmund Rice, the Founder of the Brothers. An icon that has quickly been adopted by many communities and schools.
Christy Turner, a member of our community, recently celebrated his 93rd birthday. Christy is from Cork and is in reasonably good health. He regaled us with one of his many songs at our little celebration. We wish him many more happy days as he moves closer to the hundred mark.
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.