History of the Congregation of Christian Brothers:

We are officially Congregatio Fratrum Christianorum (Congregation of Christian Brothers). Our birthplace was Ireland and our founder was Blessed Edmund Rice. His band of associates was officially recognized by the Church in 1802. Probably the richest business man in Ireland at the time, Edmund was a widower and had a daughter who was handicapped. Always a deeply spiritual man, he turned to God more directly when his wife died in an accident very early in their marriage. He eventually dedicated himself to the care of the poor, spending his fortune on their needs, initially in his hometown of Waterford, and eventually in all of Ireland. Many men were attracted by his works and wanted to find God present in their lives as Edmund had. The community devoted itself primarily to the education of poor boys, because it was the greatest need of the day since the Presentation Sisters were already taking care of the education of poor girls. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the congregation spread to England, Newfoundland, Australia, New York, Gibraltar, South Africa, and India -- most of the English speaking countries in the world.

Below is a window of Blessed Edmund Rice with his exhortation to the early Brothers to "Be intent on prayer!"

Meet the Christian Brothers of Bonita Springs:

Brothers Michael Connolly and Benedict McDonough were sent to this mission in the summer of 2006. The work of the Brothers and Associates here has changed a bit but the need is still great. What were once the fields of tomatoes have now become the gated communities of retirees or “snowbirds.”  Migrant work is not so much a part of Bonita today. Tomatoes are harvested in the winter and migrants arrive but, the main work is with those who live here year round and try to get day work by waiting in front of the 7-11 each morning.  Until last fall, construction was a thriving industry. The bottom fell out in November and jobs are scarce. Most of the Mexicans here are involved with construction, but the Guatemalan’s are more involved with lawn services. Both groups of immigrants are struggling to stay and work to send money home. What they make here to send to their families far outweighs the disadvantages they suffer.

Above, Brother Mike Connolly teaches a baptism preparation class. Below Bro. Ben McDonough gets ready to take the bus out on a mission.