150 Years of Edmund Rice Ministries in Queensland
Eucharist of Gratitude and Hope
The Cathedral of St Stephen in Brisbane was filled to capacity on Thursday, 31st July, as many expressions of the Edmund Rice charism gathered to remember and celebrate the profound impact of Edmund Rice Ministries over the past 150 years in Queensland.
This deeply moving Eucharist of Thanksgiving was a highlight of the year, touching the hearts of all who attended. The celebration gave recognition to the tireless contributions of countless Christian Brothers, lay partners, and associated workers who have served faithfully across generations.
A particularly proud moment came during the Entrance and Recessional Processions, which beautifully showcased the breadth and diversity of Edmund Rice Ministries throughout the state. It was a powerful visual testament to the legacy of service, education, and compassion that continues to shape communities today.
To watch, click here: Eucharist of Thanksgiving
The Breakfast Series
At Nudgee College, Dr Mary Murphy led a powerful breakfast reflection on the women who shaped the heart of Edmund Rice.
At St Patyrick’s College, Shorncliffe Dr Conor Finn offered an evocative presentation on the spirit of Ambrose Treacy, using his “campfire hearth” metaphor to leave a lasting impression.
At Ambrose Treacy College the final breakfast in the 150 Years Celebration of the Edmund Rice Ministries in Queensland saw Roby Curtis from Emmanuel City Mission delivere a powerful and inspiring keynote, exploring the question: “What would Edmund call us to do and be today?”
The Heart of Edmund
The first Edmund Rice Breakfast held on February 19th at Nudgee College, saw Dr Mary Murphy, a significant storyteller in the Edmund Rice movement for many years, lead a powerful breakfast reflection on the women who shaped the heart of Edmund Rice.
To watch the presentation, click here: The Heart of Edmund
The spirit of Ambrose Treacy.
The second event in the Breakfast Series celebrating 150 years was held on Tuesday, M
ay 15th, at St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe. Dr. Conor Finn delivered a compelling reflection on Br Ambrose Treacy, highlighting his commitment to "getting his hands dirty” in Colonial Queensland for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
In exploring Br Ambrose Treacy’s work—and the passion and energy with which he carried it out—listeners were invited to reflect personally: How am I living? What am I doing to help bring the Kingdom to fruition? Dr. Conor Finn’s in-depth research was both thorough and thoughtfully contextualized for the audience. He offered meaningful challenges to those who today walk in the footsteps of Ambrose. Thank you, Conor, for taking the time to bring Ambrose’s story to life and for making it resonate so powerfully with us today.
“What would Edmund call us to do and be today?”
A reflection led by Guest Speaker Roby Curtis, Emmanuel City Mission on what Edmund would see today if he looked out the window at the quays which are our lives. Edmund’s step- sister challenged him to look out the window to the poor on the quays of Waterford.
To watch the presentation, click here: “What would Edmund call us to do and be today?”
Presence, Compassion, and Liberation
On the evening of 16 June at St Laurence’s College, Denis McLaughlin offered fresh insights into the life and legacy of Edmund Rice, exploring his story through the lenses of Presence, Compassion, and Liberation.
The presentation, moderated by Mary Murphy, invited attendees to reflect deeply on the material, encouraging thoughtful discussion and the sharing of personal insights. The evening proved to be both inspirational and thought-provoking—challenging, for some, current practices in light of Edmund Rice’s enduring vision.
To listen to excerpts from the talk, click on the titles below
Leadership in Chaotic Times
On August 22, Br Philip Pinto, a globally respected voice in the Edmund Rice community and former principal, provincial, and Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers, delivered a keynote at Nudgee College on “Leadership in Chaotic Times.”
To watch the presentation, click here: “Leadership in Chaotic Times.”
For more on the early history of the Christian Brothers in Queensland, click on the image above.
Should you wish to comment or provide feedback on the 150 year anniversary celebration, please email: 150years@edmundrice.org