Brother Stephen Russell facts for kids

Brother Stephen Russell, born Jim Russell on December 25, 1911, was a special person. He was a poet, a comedian, and an Alexian Brother. He spent his life helping people who were struggling. He was known for being a "Good Samaritan." Brother Russell House in Limerick is named after him. It honors his amazing work helping homeless people in the 1970s. He passed away on May 11, 1975.

Early Life and School

Jim Russell grew up in Thomastown, Kilmallock, County Limerick, Ireland. He went to the Christian Brothers School in Charleville. Each day, he would travel about three and a half miles to school. Sometimes he walked, and sometimes he rode in a donkey buggy with other kids.

Time in the Army

In 1939, Jim joined the Irish army. This was at the start of World War 2. He was part of the First Cycle Squadron. He was stationed in different places like Cork and Limerick. Jim became very popular in the army. He was known as a comedian in the entertainment group. He left the army in 1943.

Becoming a Brother

In 1945, Jim decided to join the Alexian Brothers. This is a religious group that helps people. He joined them in Warrenpoint, County Down. In 1948, he officially became a Brother and was called Brother Stephen.

He helped set up a new training house for the Brothers in Cobh, County Cork. Later, he moved to a monastery in Manchester, United Kingdom. For three years, he helped with burials there. In 1954, he moved to Belgium. He worked as a nurse at the Alexian Monastery in Henri Chappelle. While in Belgium, he started writing poetry. He sent his poems to newspapers in Limerick.

In 1961, Brother Stephen came back to Ireland. He spent four years traveling around the country. His job was to visit schools and find new people to join the Alexian Brothers.

Helping the Homeless

In 1965, Brother Stephen returned to Manchester. He worked as a nurse at a home for older men. In 1968, he started working at the Morning Star hostel. This hostel helped homeless men in Manchester. He worked hard to support people who had nowhere to go.

In 1973, the Bishop of Limerick asked for help. He needed someone to manage the Simon Community Hostel in Limerick. This hostel also helped homeless people. Brother Stephen volunteered to go. He returned to Ireland with another Brother, Anthony Ferrie. They took over running the hostel in Limerick.

Brother Stephen worked tirelessly for others. Sadly, his health had been getting worse for some years. He passed away on May 11, 1975. He is buried with his fellow Brothers in Warrenpoint, County Down.

His Poetry

Brother Stephen was a talented poet. His first book of poems was called There but for the Grace of God. It was published in 1972. He gave all the money from selling this book to the Simon Community. This money helped them build a new center. In 1974, his second book, Poems and Parodies of Brother Stephen, was published.

Brother Russell House

Brother Stephen had a big dream. He wanted a proper center for the Simon Community in Limerick City. He worked very hard for this dream. Sadly, he did not live to see it finished.

However, his friends and supporters made his dream come true. A new center was built and named after him. It is called The Brother Stephen Russell Home in Limerick. This building is a tribute to his kindness and dedication. He often said, "There but for the grace of God go I." This showed his understanding and care for others.

On November 29, 2013, work began to rebuild Brother Russell House. The old building was not good enough anymore. It did not offer enough privacy or comfort. In less than a year, the new building opened. It now has 33 beds, up from 26. Each man living there has his own room with a bathroom. This new center gives them a home for life. The project was made possible by funding from the government and the JP McManus Benevolent Fund.