The Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre in Waterford, Ireland, is the resting place of Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian and Presentation Brothers. It is also the site of an impressive visitor centre, thriving community centre and beautiful chapel. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
As well as being a visitor attraction and place of pilgrimage, the Edmund Rice Centre is also the heart and soul of the local community. One of the main ministries is the Information and Integration Unit which helps refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants to integrate into the local community. The centre is also used as a meeting point and recreational base by local businesses and community organisations.
Edmund Rice Museum
Officially opened in 2008, the Edmund Rice Heritage Centre tells the story of Edmund Rice, the Ireland in which he lived and the growth of his congregations throughout the world.
This modern museum has many captivating features including a multimedia tour of 18th century Waterford, complete with the sights, sounds and even smells of the city streets and dwellings.
One of the centrepieces of the museum is a facial reconstruction of Edmund Rice. Thanks to the miracle of modern science, visitors to the centre can travel back in time and come face to face with a laser-generated image of Blessed Edmund’s head, made of resin, paint and clay.
There’s also a life size replica of his bedroom and a typical classroom in which he taught.
Community centre
Of course, there’s more to the Edmund Rice Centre than the museum and chapel. As well as being a visitor attraction and place of pilgrimage, it’s also the heart and soul of the local community.
One of its main ministries is the Information and Integration Support Unit which helps refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants to integrate into the local community. Activities include English language classes, computer skills, a drop-in centre, cultural events and free legal aid.
Find out more about the visitor centre and the museum online at www.edmundrice.ie.
