As my blog title says, one man’s concern and compassion can change the world in unimaginable ways.
One such man was Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of two religious congregations: the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. Many of us are familiar with these congregations, or have been students of their institutions. The Christian Brothers’ schools in India include St.Columba’s (Delhi), St.John’s (Chandigarh), St.Joseph’s (Naini Tal and Kolkata), Regina Mundi (Goa) and St.Edmund’s (Shillong). The brothers have also started missions in remote areas like Chattisgarh and Jharkhand. (The first photograph is of a statue of Blessed Edmund Rice in front of St.Columba's).
Edmund Rice (1762—1844) was a wealthy Irish businessman. He lost his wife early, and was left to care for a disabled daughter. However, he did not let personal tragedies blind him to the conditions in Ireland, particularly of the Catholics.
Disturbed at seeing the lack of education and moved by compassion for the poor boys in Waterford, he began the work of educating them. In 1802, he laid the foundation of a congregation-—the Irish Christian Brothers, which today has evolved into a network that provides succor all over the world. Their missions include spreading of quality education (not just through formal schools, but also through non-formal institutions called “Life centers”) a commitment to justice and human rights, and more recently, eco-justice. The primary concern of the brothers is service to the poor, marginalized and needy.
Again, like the Founder, one man has made the difference, with his vision, compassion, courage and spirituality. The efforts made by the congregation in recent years to make the world a better place have been largely due to its charismatic leader/Superior General: Br.Philip Pinto (second photo). It is no wonder that he was re-elected last year for another term to head the congregation.
Click on http://www.edmundrice.org/
to get an idea of his vision, efforts and leadership qualities from a video clip titled: “Br.Philip Pinto—The Vision” and a recent podcast: "Have we walked on? -the full potential for growth – trust."
An address given by him in New York in 2002 can be read at http://www.erc.org.au/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=3
I hope the pages give you a glimpse of an extraordinary individual and his congregation. (In my first post, I had written about a Christian Brother, who has changed the fates of countless children in Belarus, the scene of the chemical tragedy.) I quoted Br.Pinto in my last post with reference to the Missionaries of Charity, but his words are equally applicable to him and the brothers:
"Isn't it wonderful that there are human beings who allow us a glimpse of the goodness of God"!
