In the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice

The weekend of Sept 27/28 the student leadership team of St. Joseph’s College, Stoke-on-Trent, was given the opportunity to travel to Ireland, back to the birthplace of our Founder, Blessed Edmund Rice.

Reflecting upon his work, we walked in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund. Guided by Br. Pat Madigan, we travelled through Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford.  We visited his birthplace in Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.  We prayed at his tomb in Mount Sion, Co. Waterford.  We stopped at the site of his original classroom, the place he took his first courageous step in educating poor boys of Waterford’s dockland.

We had the opportunity to relax, reflect and grow together as a leadership team.  We joined the local parish community in Callan for the Sunday Eucharist.  We cheered as Kilkenny and Tipperary fought for the honour of being this year’s All-Ireland Hurling Champions. All of this will be an experience we will remember for a very long time and will influence us as we provide leadership in St. Joseph’s College.  Hopefully we can spread the good news among our fellow students not only in word but also in deed.

Lucy Hammond/Senior Student Prefect.