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WESTCOURT
Less than a mile from Callan town Blessed Edmund Rice was born in Westcourt
on 1st June, 1762. He was the fourth boy in a family of seven boys and
two girls. His parents, Robert Rice and Margaret Tierney were very charitable
and good to the poor. At a time when the majority of his fellow catholics
suffered the hardship of poverty Robert, his father, was a well-to-do
tenant farmer. He managed approximately two hundred acres of good land
for which he paid a yearly rent of £300 to the tolerant landlord, Lord
Desart. The Rice children were sent to a local Hedge school. The master
taught reading, arithmetic and dancing, for which he was paid by the parents.
Most children received no education because they were too poor. As a boy,
Blessed Edmund invited many of his poor young neighbours to his home to
teach them prayers and catechism. When the lesson ended Edmund's mother
gave them wholesome food.
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The family lived in a very comfortable six roomed
thatched house, containing four bedrooms, a spacious parlour and
a big kitchen. This house is preserved as a very genuine Heritage
Centre, dating back to 1680. No structural alterations have been
made to this attractive building during its lifetime. Due to its
age and the good condition in which it is maintained it is a source
of amazement and pride to the thousands who visit it yearly from
all over the world. It contains many items of |
authentic period furniture dating back to 1800.
The house was lived in by different families, who were descendants
of the Rices through marriage, up to 1965. The Christian Brothers
negotiated with the then occupants, the O'Neill family, for the
purchase of their revered and cherished dwelling. The O'Neills who
are splendid neighbours and great devotees of Blessed Edmund, were
happy that the brothers took possession of the house and four acres
of the farm.
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MEMORIAL CHAPEL
On the 8th September, 1968, the centenary of the brothers coming to
Callan, His Lordship, Most Rev.
Dr. Birch, in the presence of President de Valera, many priests and
sisters, the Superior Generals and Provincials of the Christian Brothers,
Presentation Brothers & Patrician Brothers and many brothers from
all over the country together with 3000 other people, blessed and
laid the foundation stone for the Memorial Chapel and |
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| Monastery in Westcourt. The cost of
these two buildings was raised by the Presentation and Christian
Brothers through out the world.
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GUIDED
TOURS
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While the house is a genuine Heritage Centre it is also a place of
prayer and pilgrimage. Children as young as seven, show a remarkable
interest in all aspects of the house. A guided tour of the house,
which takes approximately a half hour (longer if necessary), is available
to all groups. |
Special emphasis is placed on the privilege
of visiting and praying in the room where Blessed Edmund was born.
Combining a visit to the house with a visit to the Icon the tour
requires a full hour. The ideal number we recommend to parishes,
societies and schools is between 50 and 60 but a few extra will
be accommodated when necessary. Most organised groups like to have
time to rest awhile with refreshments. We have a beautiful Visitors'
Centre available with facilities for providing refreshments,
if required. School groups who wish to bring their own packed lunch
are welcome to use the facilities. By request, tea/coffee and sandwiches,
minerals, crisps and bars are available. In the preliminary booking
we would appreciate if the leader would notify us of their requirements.
This will give the caterers time to prepare the restaurant.
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| Phone: Blessed Edmund House |
(056) 7725141 or (056) 7725993 |
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