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How it all started -The Christian Brothers were founded in Ireland in the early 1800’s by a widower called Edmund Rice. He was a middle-aged man, called by the Holy Spirit to devote his life and wealth to remedying the very difficult political situation that had occurred in Ireland, especially in the field of education. The youth at the time were subjected to humiliation, demoralisation as well as being forced to adopt a foreign religion. In 1800 Edmund Rice, who had now handed over his wealthy business after deciding to follow Christ in religious life, opened his first school in a stable in New Street, Waterford, Ireland. The tree had been planted. His concern for the marginalised, especially the young people, did not stop at their education. He employed a baker and tailor to feed and clothe those who attended the school, visited the imprisoned and performed all the other corporal works of mercy. Others joined him and together they became the first Christian Brothers.

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