This Christmas, the CBS Secondary School in Mitchelstown will pay a fitting and moving tribute to the Brothers who made the school what it is today by illuminating Brother O'Brien's tree with 171 Christmas lights, in memory of the 171 Brothers who have taught in the school.

Since 1857, the CBS has provided a long tradition of excellence in the education of the boys in the town and Brother O'Brien will always be remembered in the school's history.

"It is fitting at this most holy time of year that we pay tribute to Brother O'Brien and all the Brothers who dedicated their lives to Christ and to serving others," principal John Desmond told The Avondhu.

"Brother O'Brien is fondly remembered as a man of strong Christian values and good works.  It is hoped that this symbol and the beautiful crib in the school will remind all of the true meaning of Christmas and its message of love and generosity towards others," the principal said.

The tree and crib inside the school were blessed by Canon Michael Fitzgerald and the school choir sang as the tree was blessed and they will be singing carols outside Reidy's Supervalu on Friday between 11am and 1pm, as they do a bucket collection in aid of St Vincent de Paul

When the Christian Brother schools first started under Edmund Rice in Waterford, they were known for their gentleness, kindness and respect, but about 50 years after Edmund's death, there was shift, in that funding for schools was based on exam results.

"In my opinion, this 'payment by results' was the scourge of the Irish education system. It changed the approach to education in all schools, who desperately needed to produce good exam results to obtain grants, which ensured their institutional survival.

"From this period, the Brothers got a reputation for their harshness and discipline. I would hope we have now gone full circle and that we can return to our roots and educate using kindness, love and respect. They are the priniciples for which Edmund Rice was renowned and they embrace the true spirit of the Christmas message," Mr Desmond said.

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