05/05/2022 – Blessed Edmund Rice

Today is the Feastday of our own Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Irish Presentation and Christian Brothers, a religious order and an apostolate, that brought education to everyone, even the poorest, who up to then were usually excluded from education.

Apostles found apostolates and it is Our Lady who forms apostles.
Edmund Rice was no exception. Though he set out to be a businessman, the design of heaven for his life was to use his business acumen in the service of God. He came to his vocation in many ways including personal tragedy.

It was his fidelity to the rosary and daily Mass that enabled him to discern his path in every circumstance. In fact he came to rely so much on Our Lady’s rosary as his compass that when he died and memories were gathered from the many people who knew him, one after another talked about his practice of praying the rosary on every journey long or short: walking to Mass, travelling to other Irish towns, visiting a family, or just getting the soft Waterford air.

With this practice of praying the rosary on the way and on the way back, giving Our Lady control over all of his undertakings, it is no wonder that so many of them were successful!

P.S. There will be Mens’ Rosaries of Reparation happening around the country this coming Saturday. Also praying for peace in Ukraine and our troubled world.

Athlone – Fair Green Car Park at 1pm

Arklow – St Mary’s Park at 2pm

Cork – 2pm at the Grand Parade

Dublin – 2pm at North Earl St (by the Spire)

Kilkenny – 1pm at St James’ Green (next to the Cathedral)

Knock – 1pm at the Plaza

Letterkenny – Market Square (next to BOI) at 1pm

Limerick – Thomas Street at 2pm

Longford – Market Square at 1pm

Newcastle – Main St (Outside the Newcastle Centre) at 1pm

Sligo – Wine Street Car Park at 2pm

Thurles – Outside Scoil Angela, the Square at 3pm

Tralee – 1pm at the Square

Wexford – On the Quay at 1pm