Congregation of Christian Brothers

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For a different Roman Catholic order commonly known as "Christian Brothers", see Lasallian Brothers.

The Congregation of Christian Brothers (officially, in Latin: Congregatio Fratrum Christianorum) is a world-wide community of religious brothers of the Catholic church, founded by Blessed Edmund Rice. The first school was opened in Waterford, Ireland, in 1802. The Christian Brothers, as they are commonly known, chiefly work for the evangelization and education of youth, but work in many ministries, especially ministries with the poor.

The order has received sustained criticism in recent years after many claims of the abuse of children in its institutions. Apologies were issued on behalf of the order in several parts of the world, including Canada, the UK and Ireland, towards the end of the 20th Century.

Contents

[edit] Formation

Rice considered joining a religious order on the Continent, but instead, with the support of the Catholic bishop of Waterford, Dr. Hussey, decided to open a school for the poor.

In 1803 the citizens of Waterford built a monastery for the young men who had been drawn to assist Rice. The reputation of the school spread and many young men sought to become “brothers”. Houses were soon opened in Carrick-on-Suir, Dungarvan, and in 1811, in Cork. In 1812 the Archbishop of Dublin established a community in Dublin. By 1907 there were ten communities in Dublin with in excess of 6,000 pupils. The schools included primary, secondary and technical schools, along with orphanages and a school for the deaf. A community was founded in Limerick in 1816, followed by establishments in many of Ireland's principal towns.

The Holy See formally established the order in 1820. The Christian Brothers was the first Irish order of men approved by a charter from Rome.

[edit] Expansion

The order spread to Liverpool and other parts of England. Brother Ambrose Treacy established a very successful presence in Melbourne, Australia in 1868. In 1875 a school was opened in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 1878 the Brothers were introduced to Gibraltar. Communities were established in New Zealand and, in 1886 the Pope made it clear that he wanted the Brothers in India. A province of the order was established there. In 1900 the order was invited to establish houses in Rome. In 1906 the order established schools in New York City.

The Brothers' schools continue to be of many types, including primary, secondary and technical schools, orphanages and schools for the deaf.

(There needs to be more here: the work of the Brothers producing citizens, sportsmen, politicians over the years.)

[edit] Redirection

Towards the end of the Twentieth Century, with the overall numbers of Christian Brothers in decline worldwide, it has become impossible for Brothers to take personal charge for the many schools and instituations that continue to flourish. While the extinction of the Congregation is far from immiment, this situation is only likely to become more acute as time passes, particularly throughout the Western world. As such, the Congregation has had to look forward to a time when parts of the Christian Brothers mission will have to pass beyond the hands of avowed Christian Brothers.

At Congregational Chapters, most significantly in South Africa in 1996, Brothers have made significant statements and steps that redefine what it means to be a Christian Brother. In particular, Brothers have felt more compelled to reach out to 'the people on the margins', those persons who are not given the full benefits of the society they live in. Therefore, fewer Brothers are engaged in direct teaching positions in the present day, but engage in work that tends to the needs of the poor, the sick and the displaced.

The virtual handover of schools, institutions and charitable legacies of the Christian Brothers nevertheless requires members of the Catholic laity that continue to draw inspiration from the works and legacy of the Congregation's Founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. The creation of associated youth ministries such as the Edmund Rice Camps and the Edmund Rice Volunteers is partly attributable to this perceived need.

[edit] Sexual molestation charges

[edit] Canada

Allegations of sexual abuse at Mount Cashel orphanage in Newfoundland led to a royal commission (The Hughes Inquiry). Further investigations followed into allegations at other institutes across Canada.

The Hughes Inquiry concluded that officials had transferred offenders and covered up the sexual abuse at Mount Cashel, and recommended that the victims be compensated. There was insufficient evidence to charge church and government officials with obstructing justice. Nine Christian Brothers were eventually convicted and sentenced to between one and 13 years in prison.

The orphanage was closed in 1990, and on April 5, 1992, the Christian Brothers formally apologized to the victims of abuse at Mount Cashel.

The fight to compensate the victims of Mount Cashel lasted for many years. In 1996 the Newfoundland government paid $11.5 million in compensation. The courts ordered the assets of the Christian Brothers sold to compensate the victims, who were to receive between $20,000 and $600,000 in compensation.

In 2002 St. Thomas More Collegiate in Burnaby and Vancouver College in Shaughnessy paid victims $19 million in an out-of-court settlement.

[edit] United Kingdom and Ireland

In March 1998, the Congregation of the Christian Brothers published full-page advertisements in newspapers in the UK and Ireland, apologising to former pupils who had been ill-treated whilst in their care. The unprecedented advertising campaign expressed "deep regret" on behalf of the Christian Brothers and listed telephone lines which former pupils could ring if they needed help [1].

[edit] Today

The order currently boasts about 1,900 brothers across twenty-nine countries. The brothers have provinces in Europe, North America, Oceania, Africa, Latin America, and India. The order is governed by a superior general, who resides in Rome.

[edit] Christian Brothers headquarters

[edit] United Kingdom

Edmund Rice Office, Woodeaves, Wicker Lane, Hale Barns, Altrincham, WA15 0HF

0161-980 0599

[edit] Christian Brothers schools (incomplete)

The following is a comprehensive list of the schools, colleges, and other educational institutions founded or run (in any capacity) by the Christian Brothers since 1802. Christian Brothers schools that are no longer in operation are duly noted.

[edit] Republic of Ireland

County Clare

County Cork

County Dublin

County Galway

County Kerry

County Limerick

County Louth

County Tipperary

County Waterford

County Wexford

[edit] Northern Ireland

County Antrim

County Down

County Tyrone

[edit] Scotland

[edit] England

[edit] Canada

[edit] USA

[edit] South America

[edit] Australia

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

Special Schools

[edit] New Zealand

[edit] India

[edit] South Africa

[edit] Tanzania

[edit] Zimbabwe

  • Christian Brothers' College, Bulawayo

[edit] External links

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