Director’s Foreword

I am writing this on the Feast of St Patrick, a day when the whole world seems to become Irish. We tend to forget the story of the life of St Patrick; he was kidnapped as a young man, became a refugee in another country and was a persecuted apostle. So, he has so much that connects him to those in our own country, who are pushed to the margins of society.

Perhaps his example of faith, love, and generosity, just like Edmund’s, should be our focus and our example. The world certainly needs that witness today.

Having the privilege of going to Geneva with the Edmund Rice Ambassadors, listening to the stories of the Junior school students engaging in the Edmund Rice Awards, being involved with student groups taking part in the appointment of their new Headteacher, all show me that our students can set us the example that society needs. They are able to see injustice and are willing to act on behalf of those who aren’t being heard. They understand advocacy in a way that adults often don’t. They understand that you can’t control everything (or even most things), but they know you can change some things and are willing to act.

All around us there are examples of where truth is distorted. I recently listened to a very interesting podcast on what truth is and was shocked that so many people could believe that their truth is what matters no matter how that affects others. We are all so connected; we all need each other; we don’t live in isolation; we are all sisters and brothers made in the image of a loving God.

The students in our schools are being educated in a way that shows them the need to be connected and the need to work together for a more just society, where all can enjoy the same rights and opportunities. We are blessed that our Edmund Rice schools here and across the world are building a better world.

In the words of St Patrick, “May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and forevermore.”