It was said of Edmund Rice that he opened his whole heart to God, present and appealing to him in the poor.
I often wondered what it meant to open one’s whole heart to another! How did one go about doing it? What would it look like?
I think it means that one has to take oneself out of the centre of the picture and put another there. One needs to be selfless enough to put another’s needs before one’s own.
I think of the Irish Brothers who left home and family and country to give themselves to others. We have all experienced their generosity and dedication and commitment. This gives us a sense of Edmund Rice’s life: given for others.
I also look at SJOBA: good young men with talent and ability who give so much of their time and efforts to caring for others. My experience of you is one of gratitude that you find the time to offer your skills and resources so that other young boys may experience what you experienced here in St. John’s.
I think this is opening your heart to God who is present in young people, particularly young people who would not otherwise have the opportunity they now receive. You will never know how many lives you touch by opening your heart beyond your own interests. Your selflessness is infectious and spurs us on to do the same.
The lives of great men all remind us
We may make our lives sublime
And departing leave behind us
Footprints in the sands of time. (Henry Longfellow)
Edmund Rice would be proud of you.
God be with you
Principal, St. Johns High School