Year 7 Formation Program

Each autumn term we run our formation program with Year 7 students in all of our senior schools.

Here, Joseph M (7F) from St Edward’s college wrote this thoughtful reflection on our visit:

“We had a presentation from Edmund Rice England in the College Hall, where we learned about the life of Edmund Rice and why he is so important to St Edward’s College. He was a kind and generous man who devoted his life to educating those with fewer opportunities and to helping the poor.

We learned that Edmund Rice was born in 1762 in Ireland. He was educated at home and spent two years at school before going to work with his uncle Michael, who owned a merchant business in Waterford. Edmund inherited the business in 1785 and became active in a society that supported people in need. Around this time, he married Mary Elliott, but tragically, in 1789, she was involved in an accident while pregnant. Her baby was born as Mary lay on her deathbed.

After his wife’s death, Edmund dedicated himself to prayer and charitable work. He helped the local poor by welcoming them into his home, providing food, clothing and support. In 1802, he opened a school in a converted stable. The Christian Brothers were formed to teach, feed and care for the pupils. Edmund Rice died in 1844. We learned that, like Edmund, we should all try to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves.”