I am greatly honoured to have been asked to perform the official opening of the new Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel and International Heritage Centre here at Mount Sion in Waterford. I would like to thank Brother John Burke very much for his kind invitation.
Edmund Rice is a key figure in the story of Ireland. He played a central part in the spread of mass education in our country; and in doing so, helped to lay the foundations of our freedom and prosperity. He also played a very important role in renewing the Church and in expanding its membership.
In his excellent biography, Dr. Daire Keogh cites the words of Fr. Richard Fitzgerald at the public thanksgiving for the life of Edmund Rice. They are as relevant today as they were then: "...as long as gratitude shall find a place in the Irish heart, as long as religion shall be prized, as long as sterling patriotism shall be accounted a virtue, the name of Edmund Ignatius Rice shall be held in benediction."
And, in a sense, it all started here at Mount Sion. Because this was in effect, the base for Brother Rice's mission to Waterford, to Ireland and to the wider world.
Of course, Blessed Edmund is important, not just for what he did - and he achieved so much. He is also important for what he was and remains to this day - a highly inspirational figure. This, after all, is someone who overcame personal tragedy to put his life in the service of the greater good; a man driven by ambition, not for himself but for others; a man with a real social conscience and a strong commitment to social justice; a social reformer - a quiet revolutionary - who changed the world about him, through the liberating power of education; a man on fire with faith and a vision of what might be; above all, a person who exemplified the Christian life and showed the power of faith in divine providence.
The Mount Sion Centre is dedicated to telling the story of Blessed Edmund and the Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers and their ministry around the world. I have been glad to state publicly on many occasions that we, as a country, owe a great deal to the Brothers, and the other religious congregations whose members devoted themselves to the education and care of those who could not provide for themselves, and long before the State accepted a responsibility to provide on an adequate basis for social needs.
They helped put education centre stage in Ireland, as the linchpin of our national development. They established the core values and high standards underpinning our system of education. They also brought the lamp of education to the five continents, working with the poor and disadvantaged. They promoted the values which are key to healthy, fully functioning democratic societies, such as mutual respect, equal opportunity and collective responsibility. Above all, they have provided a first class education, and a great start in life, to so many young people.
We must never forget the sickening, criminal abuse of the innocent by a small minority of religious. But equally, we cannot allow the wickedness of some to cloud the good faith and good actions of the many, who did so much to lift the lives of others. And we cannot let it detract from the continuing relevance of the Gospel, not least as it motivates individuals and groups to engage in action to the benefit of society. To do that would be to betray the memory of many good and gifted people.
As a former pupil of St. Aidan’s CBS, I personally have many happy memories of a wonderful education. The Brothers instilled in me a great love of reading, which led me to develop an interest in history. To this day, I have that same healthy appetite for reading. Just as well, in view of the endless columns of print that march across my desk every day! I can also recall that, as a young boy, one of my favourite magazines was the very popular “Our Boys”, which was founded by the Christian Brothers in 1924. So I am just one of many who have reason to be grateful to the Brothers.
I am delighted to see that such a great job has been done with the heritage centre and museum here at Mount Sion. This really is a state of the art facility. It will allow people to travel back in time and immerse themselves in the life and times of Edmund Rice.
It will help them appreciate the arduous, pioneering work carried out around the world by the Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers and to have a better understanding of their achievements. And it will provide the opportunity to look forward and to consider the possibilities for being part of the future of what Edmund Rice began - whether through the Edmund Rice Network or otherwise.
I understand that the centre was designed by Janvs, a world leader in heritage interpretation. It certainly does justice to the Company's reputation for creating imaginative and exciting exhibitions.
I am particularly pleased to see that the beautiful new chapel, dedicated to Blessed Edmund, has been completed. I have no doubt that countless visitors will ascend these heights over the years to pray at his tomb and to find inspiration in his life and works.
Mount Sion is a holy place dedicated to the memory of a holy man and the many people who were inspired by his life and ideals. It is a place of prayer and quiet. Blessed Edmund had a difficult life. As the report making the case for his beatification put it:"...For Edmund Rice it is not clear that the birds were ever singing in balmy sunshine; it seemed to be mostly gales and hail and rain..." All the same, I like to think that there were some sunny days, because he had many a triumph. And I like to think that the birds were indeed singing here at Mount Sion as Blessed Edmund passed his remaining years, surrounded by teachers and pupils, seeing his legacy in action - and knowing it would survive him.
And the work goes on, both in Ireland and further afield. This Centre will play a key role in ensuring that Blessed Edmund's vision and example will continue to inspire in the years ahead. And the Centre's work with newcomers to our country, as well as marginalised young adults, is a very practical expression of his vision.
I could not let the occasion pass without saying what a pleasure it is to be here in Waterford, in the "sunny South East". Even in Edmund Rice's day, Waterford was recognised as an enterprising city, with its harbour providing a centre of international trade. Today, the city is as vibrant as ever. Last year, the South East region recorded an 8% growth in overseas visitors and Fáilte Ireland South East recently launched a three year Strategy, aimed at delivering a 20% increase in holiday visitors and tourism revenue by 2010.
Plans for the future by Waterford City Council include the development of a Historic Viking Triangle and the building of an iconic pedestrian bridge linking the Clock Tower to the North Quays. And I understand the North Quay area is zoned for development and is to include a hotel, conference centre, retail outlets and residential apartments. These are all part of Project 2014, an ambitious development plan that will see over €2.4 billion invested in Waterford over the next seven years, aimed at developing the city as Ireland's lifestyle capital.
Project 2014 will no doubt greatly enhance a City which already boasts attractions such as the highly acclaimed Waterford Museum of Treasure - winner of Ireland’s Museum of the Year in 2000. And in 2011, the City will welcome back the International Tall Ships Race, following its huge success here in 2005.
All in all, Waterford and the South East can be described as a “happening place”. Just as important, it is a place with a strong sense of its past, not least in evidence in the streets, park, bridge and avenue which bear the name of one of Waterford's greatest sons. And very much in evidence here in the Edmund Rice Centre, which is set to become a beacon of spirituality and education in Ireland - and a major tourist attraction in its own right.
It is particularly appropriate that the Chapel and Heritage Centre have been completed in 2008, because this is the year which marks the bicentenary of Edmund and his companions taking their first vows. In closing, I would just like to congratulate everyone associated with this important refurbishment project here at Mount Sion, as well as all those involved in the programme of events leading up to this important day. My very best wishes to all connected with the Centre, both now and in the future.
Thank you very much for your attention.
ENDS