They came from towns and cities near and far: from Paradise, Newfoundland and Neath, Wales; from Halifax, Nova Scotia and Mellin, England; they came from Dubuque, Iowa and Charlestown, New Hampshire and from Chicago, Illinois and The Bronx, New York.  They came too, of course, from Ireland - including Waterford, where Blessed Edmund Rice first ministered - and elsewhere. Fondly referred to as the “West Park Rosary Walk Community” they are the 164 Brothers buried at West Park, NY.

 

Close to 200 members of the wider Edmund Rice Network gathered on a surprisingly warm and sunny September 27, 2008, for the West Park Mass of Remembrance.  Brothers, Edmundians and Associates who have gone to their eternal reward are especially remembered at the annual event.  There they are celebrated for reflecting in their personal and professional lives the spirit and charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.

 

The joy of the Mass and of memories recalled were mixed with sadness as the roll call was recited. Father John O’Brien, former Brother and Celebrant of the Mass captured the day’s sentiment: “We celebrate their willingness to let God lead them. We praise them and thank them for what they have done and for their example.”

 

Vincent Russo, Chairman of The Edmundians’ Society, spoke for all when he stated: “Edmund mirrored God’s love for all…when not in the classroom they served God’s people whenever they saw the need.”

 

After the Mass, the celebration continued with a picnic.  As people rekindled friendships, they told stories of those who had gone before: those who, through the example of lives properly lived, teach us to carry forward the charism and ministry of Blessed Edmund Rice.