In addition to Edmund Rice’s desire that poor boys be educated, he took it upon himself the responsibility to ensure his pupils were fed, shod and clothed.
Hungry pupils simply could not learn:
“Not only did Brother Rice educate the poor but he fed them too”
– James O’Rourke
At Mount Sion he constructed a bake-house towards the Barrack Street end of the property which stands there today. Over the bake-house he constructed a tailor’s workshop where he kept up to seven tailors employed in making suits for the boys. Edmund ensured that the suits were made in such a way that did not distinguish them from other students, thus protecting their dignity.
This bakehouse is still in use today and can be visited as part of the Exhibition to the Heritage Centre and Chapel.
Please enquire at booking for details. For more details, please contact
Reception