LEADER:  Today let us celebrate the feast of Blessed Edmund Rice and look to the future inspired by his example.

HYMN:     ‘Edmund Rice Anthem' (Colin Smith, cfc)

        Gifted by the Spirit and nourished by the Word,
        You listened humbly to learn what God desired.
        God, the source of light and love,
        Favored all your days.
        We name you Blessed Edmund Rice,
        We sing our song of praise.

        Faith gave you hope,
        A strength which never died.
        Hope gave you patient trust,
        The love of God revealed.
        Love guided ev'ry deed.
        Blessed Edmund Rice,
        You live a life of joyful sacrifice

READING 1 - CHAPTER 2002: Listening for God

Edmund Rice was a man who found his life radically altered by his relationship with the poor. He not only knew their poverty but he knew them as people and through knowing them he came to ever deepening realizations of his own mission in life. Thus, like Jesus, Edmund was to experience deeply the life of God that pulsated at the heart of his being.

This life of God was visible in the faces and lives of the poor. It is an image of unconditional love and acceptance, mercy, blessing and justice. We can give of this God-life only in the manner and to the measure that we have received. Movement to people at the margins of society is a movement of faith. It includes and goes far beyond actions of justice, peace, education, reconciliation and the re-distribution of resources.

RESPONSE        PSALM 111
Ant. Those who instruct many in virtue, will shine as stars for all eternity.

        Happy the woman or man who fears the Lord;
        who takes delight in all God's commands,
        The sons and daughters of God will be powerful on earth;
        the children of the upright are blessed.

        Riches and wealth are in the Lord's house;
        God's justice stands firm forever.
        As light in the darkness for the upright:
        Truly generous, merciful and just.

        Good persons take pity and lends,
        conducts their affairs with honor.
        The just one will never waver;
        will be remembered forever.

        Without fear at evil news:
        with a firm heart trusting in the Lord.
        With a steadfast heart never fearing;
        blessed to see the downfall of one's foes.

        Open-handed giving to the poor;
        their justice stands firm forever.
        With raised head lifted in glory.

Ant. Those who instruct many in virtue, will shine as stars for all eternity.

READING 2 -  CHAPTER 2002: Listening for God

It is heartening and encouraging to see how our Brothers have made radical moves to be with people at the margins of society. There has been great fidelity shown by leadership throughout the Congregation to move new ministries into conditions of marginalization and human fragility. It is equally encouraging to find among our new members a love and compassion for the poor particularly in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Papua New Guinea and South America. It is as inspiring as it is profound to be associated with the inspiration of Blessed Edmund in these men among their people.

At times, some of them, like their older Brothers before them, have moved beyond their own people and nation. In the Western World, many Brothers have sought to be with people, especially young people, who have marginalized. In all of these instances there is a sense among the Brothers of new energy, meaning and vitality. A small yet significant number of Bothers have devoted their energies to redressing the marginalization of our planet and the fruits of the earth. This, too, speaks of a new dimension and quality of relationship as all creation belongs in the same Creator God.
 

Reflection before the intercessions

Let us pray:
 

That like Blessed Edmund, we may welcome into our lives the poor and all in need, especially young people, that we may eliminate discrimination and injustice...

That faithful to the vision of Edmund Rice, we may respect the God-given dignity of all and their right to an upbringing and education that is life-giving and empowering, and work creatively to achieve this...

That all of us in the family of Blessed Edmund will follow his example of fervent prayer and daily reflection on the Word of God...

That as we seek new beginnings in the Church of today in the spirit of Blessed Edmund, God's Holy Spirit will lead many to join our family throughout the world...

That as all here give thanks for the gift of Blessed Edmund, so may we be blessed with that deep love of God, which guided his life...

That God may reward the families, friends and benefactors of our schools and ministries who have given generously of their time and services throughout the years...


ANT.     Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me.

        CANTICLE OF ZACHARIAH

        Blessed are you, God of Israel
        for you have visited and redeemed your people,
        and have raised up a horn of salvation for us
        in the house of your servant.

        As you spoke through the mouths
        of your holy prophets of old,
        that we should be saved from our enemies,
        and from the hand of all who oppress us;

        to perform the mercy promised to our ancestors,
        and to remember your holy covenant,
        the oath you swore to Abraham and Sarah,
        to grant us deliverance from evil;

        that we might serve you without fear,
        in holiness and righteousness
        all the days of our lives.

        And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High,
        for you will go before the Holy One to prepare God's ways,

        to give knowledge of salvation to God's people
        in the forgiveness of their sins,
        through the tender mercy of our God
        when the day shall dawn upon us from on high

        to give light to those who sit in darkness
        and in the shadow of death,
        to guide our feet into the way of peace.

ANT.     Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me.
 

Concluding Prayer:

                0 God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
                He opened his heart to Christ,
                present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
                May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
                Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund
                as we seek to live lives of love and service
                We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


CLOSING HYMN:     ‘ Edmund Rice Anthem' (Colin Smith, cfc)

        Sent to serve God's people,
        enriching lives of youth.
        You strove with vision for justice, mercy, truth.
        Teaching us compassion,
        living with the poor.
        We love you Blessed Edmund Rice,
        we praise you ever more.

        Faith, gave you hope, a strength which never died
        Hope gave you patient trust, the love of God revealed.
        Love guided ev'ry deed. Blessed Edmund Rice,
        You live a life of joyful sacrifice.

Br. Ollie Harkin (SA)