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Cholera Plague 1832.

In Europe, there was a great cholera plague, which reached Dublin in March 1832. The schools remained closed after Easter until the middle of May. The Brothers turned over the schools to the Health Authorities to be used as temporary hospitals.

In Limerick from May 25th., there was a virulent outbreak. Of the 525 patients treated and cared for by the Brothers in Sexton Street School, 225 deaths resulted in six months - about 15 a day. Fortunately, no Brothers died from the plague during this period, despite their close contact with the victims of this disease.

In that year also requests came to the Brothers to open a foundation in Australia. It was refused.

Chapter of Affairs 1836.

In December 1836, another Chapter was called at North Richmond Street. This was a Chapter of Affairs, because of problems with the Board of National Education, who were creating havoc with religious education. They were also a source of revenue. Even so, the Congregation broke away from the Board in all schools, except for Dungarvan, Ennis and Ennistymon, which all needed the money !

Around this time, Br. Edmund was aware of there being little prospect of the Congregation in Ireland expanding, because of the conditions.

In 1835, two Brothers went to open a mission in Gibraltar. There were teething troubles in founding missions, and with the distances involved, communication problems. The Brothers had to withdraw themselves from that mission in 1837.

Also in 1835, the Brothers returned to England in Sunderland at first, then Liverpool. Edmund visualised expansion in England, but over time, due to the political climate that developed, all the foundations had to be closed by 1880.

General Chapter 1838 - Resignation of Br. Rice.

By 1836, the lack of financial support was a great problem in Ireland as the expansion continued. The Education was still free and a great burden.

Br. Edmund had great confidence in Providence, but he felt that Providence needed human co-operation. He wished to have pay-schools. He had the support of Dr. Murray in this.

Br. Edmund wrote to all the Brothers to get their opinions.

At this time, he wrote his Will leaving all of his assets to the Congregation. His daughter, Mary, while not mentioned specifically, was maintained in comfort by the Congregation to her death in 1859.

In 1838, Br. Edmund called a General Chapter before the time it was due to be held, as his health was delicate. There were now 17 monasteries, 43 schools, 7510 pupils, 62 Brothers and 6 lay brothers.

He resigned as Superior General and Br. Riordan of the North Monastery was elected the second Superior General.

The Chapter directed that Dungarvan, Ennis and Ennistymon schools were to break finally with the Board of National Education.

The school financial issues were very serious and the Chapter agreed in principle to founding pay-schools, but felt approval from Rome was needed.