Edmund Rice was born in 1762 in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Following his early education, he moved to Waterford where he was apprenticed to his uncle. Edmund eventually succeeded his uncle and became a prosperous business man. By his mid-twenties he enjoyed a successful career and a happy marriage, but his life was to be touched by personal tragedy. After less than two years of marriage, his pregnant wife fell from a horse and died and her baby, born prematurely had a disability and was cared for by Edmund with the support of his step-sister, Joan.

Edmund devoted his life and fortune to educating the poor and the marginalised, ensuring that those he helped developed the necessary life skills of confidence and compassion, with an understanding of how to effect changes in their own lives and those of others.

Edmund started on his own. Later, two young men came to help him. Over the years, these men and many others became dedicated to Edmund’s ideas and gave their lives to working with people in need. Eventually, Edmund’s great work of compassion for the poor and marginalised spread across the globe.

Edmund led the Christian Brothers for many years before dying in Waterford on 29 August 1844 at the age of 82 years. In 1996, he was declared “Blessed” by the Church, the first step in the Catholic Church towards sainthood.

Over almost 200 years, since Edmund Rice began his work, a strong tradition of generosity, of hard work, of dedication to youth, of care for the disadvantaged and marginalised, has developed and spread all over the world, and has been maintained by the Christian Brothers and many other like-minded men and women who have been inspired by Edmund’s spirit.

Edmund Rice and St Joseph's College

Edmund Rice founded the congregation of Christian Brothers in 1802 for the Christian education of poor boys. His example was an inspiration to others and for more than two centuries many have been attracted by his vision and generosity.

The Mission continues today on all five continents through the ministry of the Christian Brothers and laity called to serve in this vocation of Catholic Education. St Joseph’s College Geelong was founded in 1935 by the Christian Brothers, providing a comprehensive education for boys within the Geelong Region.

St Joseph's College is a part of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). The formation of EREA by the Christian Brothers in 2007 continues the work of education that began in 1874.