The theme of this year’s Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Congress, held in Dublin, Ireland was Educating with Hope in our Heart and Hands. However, educating with hope involves forming deeper connections with one another and solving problems together.

Br. Damien Price, CFC of Australia, who facilitated the Congress, frequently referenced this idea by holding his arms stretched forward with his palms together and then moving his arms wide open.

Throughout our meetings we were reminded to move beyond isolation within ourselves and our schools and embrace connection to our Edmund Rice brothers and sisters across the globe. Indeed, during the entire Congress delegates formed relationships which connected hearts and inspired hands to work together.

The bridge building began for several delegates from North America who elected to attend the Pre-Congress. During the Pre-Congress, schools in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland provided a three-day immersion experience. President Stephen Garland from St. Thomas More Collegiate, President, Mark Donohue from Brother Rice Chicago, and President, Dr. Joe Martinez from St. Laurence, Chicago spent several days in Belfast.

While there, they formed lasting friendships with colleagues and eagerly exchanged new ideas and potential opportunities for collaboration between Belfast Edmund Rice Schools and North American Schools. I had the privilege of spending the Pre-Congress in Tralee at CBS “the Green” which is located on the West Coast of Ireland. My fellow pilgrims from Australia and I were warmly welcomed by CBS administrators, faculty, staff, and students, who shared their culture, history, classrooms, tea, and legendary hurling team with us. We then traveled to Waterford to “Walk in the Footsteps of Blessed Edmund.”

Delegates visited Callan, walked the streets of Waterford where Edmund worked, married, suffered the loss of his wife, and established a community that continues to change the world for countless generations. The North and Latin American delegates were excited to see Br. Ray Vercruysse, CFC who served as our tour guide at beautiful Mount Sion. Liturgy was celebrated by the Bishop of Waterford, Alphonsus Cullinan, at the Edmund Rice Chapel. A combined choir from Waterpark College, Ardscoil na Mara, and Mount Sion CBS, added energy and enthusiasm to the celebration. Following our time in Waterford the delegates moved back to Dublin for the work of the Congress. Sessions involved sharing the reality of educating young people in our various locales

and cultures followed by reflection and dialogue. These conversations served the purpose of helping delegates consider future steps for the EREBB and for their schools. The results of those conversations will be shared in the coming weeks. For me, the most significant take away from our Congress is that we must commit to action through joining hands with our Edmund Rice global community. All of us grow and make a difference in our efforts to build God’s kingdom here and now when we listen deeply, when we give voice to the many challenges facing our world, when we seek to find solutions in partnership with one another, and when we are moved to advocate with and for those who have no voice. Live, Jesus in our Hearts! Forever!