Key events and milestones in Christian Brothers history

  • Founder is born

    Founder is born
    Founder, Edmund Ignatius Rice, is born
  • First School

    First School
    Their first school, Mount Sion school, was opened in Waterford, Ireland
  • Founding

    Founding
    In 1802, Edmund Ignatius Rice founded the Christian Brothers in Waterford, Ireland
  • Arrival in Sydney

    The Christian Brothers arrived in Sydney at the invitation of Archbishop Polding
  • Founder dies

    Founder dies
    Edmund Rice dies
  • St Francis’ School opens

    St Francis’ School opens
    First Australian Christian Brothers school, St Francis’ School, is opened
  • Expansion to New Zealand

    Expansion to New Zealand
    Expansion to New Zealand and first school is built in Dunedin
  • Control of SMCC

    Control of SMCC
    Christian Brothers take control of SMCC
  • Founder is declared blessed

    Founder is declared blessed
    Edmund Ignatius Rice is declared blessed
  • EREA Management

    EREA Management
    Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) oversees approximately 55 schools across Australia.