Rice was as truly himself when he founded the Presentation Brothers as he was when he headed the Christian Brothers. We may say that Bro. Rice's corporate bodies developed in parallel, though 'accidentally' different, ways, a matter of form rather than substance. Augustine's followers inherited through him the very spirit and outlook - even religious practices of Bro. In any case, both Institutes today solidly agree that Bro.
Rice is their common Founder.
In 1940 when steps were taken to build a fitting memorial chapel in the city of Waterford to honor the memory of Bro. Rice, both Congregations cooperated in financing the undertaking. And both groups were actively involved in the process that eventually led to the beatification of Bro. Rice in Rome on October 6 1996. From 1827 until 1889 the Presentation Brothers continued to teach the children of the poorer classes primarily, though not exclusively.