Deputy Principal

Founder’s Day

Founder’s Day holds a special place in the College calendar as we come together to celebrate Blessed Edmund Rice and his contribution to the education of so many over such a long period of time. At St Patrick’s our celebration happens through Mass and a concert hosted by the students. These are important events where we come together as a community. 

When I reflect on Founder’s Day, I must reflect on the past and give thanks to Edmund Rice for without him and his work, we would not exist as an institution today. Born in Kilkenny, Ireland, he soon moved to Waterford to work in his uncle’s business. He worked hard to ensure that he could comfortably look after his family. He married and he and his wife had a disabled daughter. His wife died after three short years of marriage. It was then as a 40-year-old man that Edmund found his calling and dedicated his life to the dignity of the poor.

Edmund sold off business interests and started a school for poor boys. It was at this point the foundation of the Christian Brothers movement was started. Today, in Australia, Edmund Rice Education Australia is one of the biggest providers of education. We must be thankful not only to Edmund but to the Christian Brothers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that those on the margins have been educated and not left behind. In essence they have provided millions of people around the world with a ‘liberating education.’ While Founder’s Day is a time to celebrate, it is important to reflect on our past to ensure that all of those that come after us here at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield will be able to ‘let their light shine’ well into the future.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal