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Her StoryNano Nagle

NANO NAGLE STORY 1718 ---- NOWA story celebrating the Foundress of the Presentation Sisters

In December 2002 Nano Nagle was publicly voted"The greatest Irish person of all time."The high esteem with which she is held by the Irish people prompted this honour.

Irish Times: June 18, 2005. "Nano Nagle wins title of Ireland's greatest womanAn 18th-century nun, Nano Nagle, has been voted as Ireland's greatest woman in a competition run by RTE radio's Marian Finucane…"

Nano Nagle'was a woman who in her simplicty,dared greatly.........................dared to let herself be guided bythe Spirit of God.'Raphael Consedine pbvm

Nano Nagle was born in Ballygriffin, Co Cork,Ireland in 1718. She was a spirited child and carried that gift throughout her life."There is a whole universe inside you."Anne Copeland

Nano's baptismal name was Honora.She became known as Nano, the name her father called her from childhood."I have called you by your name. You are my beloved."Isaiah 43

Nano's mother, Ann, despaired of Nano's spiritedness at times and wondered what would become of her. Her father reassured her by saying: "Our Nano will be a saint yet.""No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart."St. Francis de Sales

Ballygriffin, the birthplace of Nano Nagle,is very dear to the Presentation Sisters and friends all over the world.It is located amongst the breath-taking scenery of the Blackwater Valley. in North Cork, Ireland."All the earth cry out to the Lord with joy. Give thanks to God and bless God's name."Psalm 66.1

Nano was the eldest of the seven children of Garret and Ann (Mathew) Nagle, five girls and two boys."Living together is an art. It's a patient art, it's a beautiful art, it's fascinating."Pope Francis

Nano's siblings were David, Mary, Ann, JosephCatherine and Elizabeth."Every human being is worthwhile."Pope Francis

The harsh Penal Laws were in force in the Ireland of Nano's time.Catholics were deprived of many basic rights including education."Even the darkest nights will end and the sun will shine."Victor Hugo

The only education available was the limited teaching imparted by a wandering schoolmaster at the hedge schools. There is every likelihood that Nano's first education was received in the local hedge school."Have the courage to go against the tide --- be courageous."Pope Francis

Hedge schools were areas behind hedges of the fields where Catholic children periodically gathered to be secretly taught by wandering school masters."Young people are the windows throughwhich the future enters the world."Pope Francis

The Nagles were wealthy, so Nano and her sister Annwere 'smuggled' to France by their fatherto further their limited education.He had connections in France and often travelled there."Education is what remains after one has forgotten what onehas learned."Albert Einstein

When Nano finished her schooling she loved nothing better than to be part of the high society Parisian scene. She was often known as the 'belle of the ball' partying till the small hours of dawn. "When you dance, your purposeis not to get to a certain place on the floor. It is to enjoy each step along the way."Wayne Dyer

The length of Nano's stay at school in France is uncertain. The nature and extent of her education is unknown. She did not write English well and admits she was not proficient in writing French."We can only be said to be alive in this moment."Thornton Wilder

News of the death of her father in 1746, brought Nano and her sister Ann home to Ballygriffin. Sadness clouded the Nagle household."May songs of the angels welcome you......."Bob Dufford

Following her father's death, Nano, Ann and their mother relocated to Dublin. Ann became involved in helping the poor, while Nano continued mixing with the wealthy of society"I know the plans I have for you."Jeremiah 19:11

Nano's lifestyle changed dramatically when she discovered that Ann had sold some expensive silk which she had brought from France to make a new ballgown. Ann had used the proceeds to buy food for a poor starving family.This would mark a major directional change in Nano's life."To be doing good deeds is one's most glorious task."Sophocles

Nano, initially furious with Ann, had a change of heart, when upon reflection, she realised the futility of her own frivolous life. She began to wonder how to devote her life to the service of the poor and desolate of Irish society."We are called to draw near to the poor."Pope Francis

Two years later, sadness again touched Nano's heart, with the death of both her mother and beloved sister Ann.Truly life was changing for Nano."Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity"Terri Guillemets

After the death of her mother and sister, Nano moved from Dublin back to Ballygriffin to live with her brother David at the ancestral home."The Kingdom of God is among you"Luke 17:20

Nano was haunted by the impoverishment of the Irish children....starving, ragged and uneducated. She knew she had to do something."The seed that falls on good soil will yield a fruitful harvest"Mathew 13:8

Nano entered a convent in France to pray for the plight of the poor and neglected Irish. She thought this was the way in which she could answer the cry of the poor echoing in her heart."The Lord hears the cry of the poor."Psalm 34:17

The call of the poor in Ireland led Nano to discern that her place was back in Ireland. She was given a home with her brother Joseph and his wife Frances in Cork, Ireland."As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world,none of us can truly rest."Nelson Mandela

Nano rented a mud cabin in Cove Lane, Cork City. She invited the local children to come and learn the basics of their faith and how to read and write. This was done in secret, unknown to her brother Joseph, who thought that Nano was spending her days in prayer."The Almighty is all sufficient."Nano Nagle

Joseph, her brother, was furious with Nano when he inadvertantly discovered that she had rented a mud cabin and was secretly teaching a group of children. This came to his attention from a man who approached him to enrol his child in 'Miss Nagle's school.'"Only those who recognise their vulnerability are capable of unifed action."Pope Francis

Joseph's initial fear for his sister and their family,was somewhat relieved by the persistance of Nano who pleaded her cause for the children. Both he and his wife Frances, promised their support."Give us light for the journey."Miriam Martin pbvm

Joseph's wife Frances, not only approved of Nano's work, but also helpedin the teaching of the poor children."We are companions on the journey."Carey Landry

Nano began teaching girls only. Frances, her sister-in-law, saw the similar plight of the boys and pleaded with Nano to open a school for the education of boys."A new dreaming........"Miriam Martin pbvm

In 1755, Nano opened a school for 40 boys, taught by a Master whom she paid with her own money."The welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all."Helen Keller

Nano's family were united in their support for her work. Within nine months 200 children were packed into two or more cabin schools in Cove Lane."Through hard work, perseverance, and a faith in God, you can live your dreams."Ben Carson

Children flocked to the little school in Cove Lane, Cork, Ireland. Due to the crying need all over the city, Nano soon had established seven schools....all in secret."There is a voice that does not use words. Listen"Rumi

Nano's Uncle Joseph, learning of her daring venture, promised to give financial support to this courageous undertaking."The struggle ends when gratitude begins." Neale Donald Walsch

"She out of her poverty put in all she had." Luke 21:4Nano Nagle began teaching the poor children of Ireland in the mid 1700's. Though her life was in danger due to the Penal Laws, she took the risk of giving everything, personally and financially to alleviate the deprivation of the horrendously miserable conditions of the poor.

Reports of the success of Nano's schools in St Finbarr's Parish, Cork, led to a plea for more schools in the northern part of the city. Before long 200 children were accommodated in a two-storied building in Philpot Lane, North Cork."Live in such a way that you give proof of God's Presence."St. Francis de Sales

Nano had to find a way of providing for the children and their education after she was gone. She had already invested a lot of her wealth for their needs"If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path."Buddhist Saying.

Between 1755 and 1771, Nano had established seven schools......all from her own funds. It was her dream that the Ursuline Sisters would bring her schools into the future."Not words, but deeds."Presentation Sisters motto.

Nano made provisions for the Ursuline Sisters to come from France to help with her work. She began the building of a Convent for the Sisters in Cork. This building is known today as South Presentation Convent, Cork, Ireland."It always seems impossible until its done."Nelson Mandela.

On May 9, 1771, the Ursuline Sisters came from France to Cork, Ireland. They lived with Nano in her little cottage in Cove Lane as their Convent was as yet unfinished."The greatest successes meet with the greatest crosses"Nano Nagle

The Ursuline Sisters took possession of their new Convent on September 18, 1771, and began operating their first school in January 1772."The steadfast love of our God never ceases."Lam. 3:22

Within the Ursuline Convent at South Parish, Cork, there is a room called 'Miss Nagle's Parlour.' This room was given to Nano by the Ursuline Sisters so that she could teach some of the local poor children."We do not exist for ourselves."Thomas Merton

Nano's dream for the continuation of her schools was shattered when she realised the Ursulines were bound by a strict rule ofenclosure. A suggestion to her to start her own Congregation of Sisters made her rethink the future."You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."C.J.Lewis

In her dream to start her own Congregation of Sisters, Nano gathered around her a small group of like-minded women who would dedicate their lives to the service of the poor."Spend yourselves for the poor."Nano Nagle

In the spring of 1775, Nano began the building of a second Convent in Cove Lane with the hope that it would accommodate her future Congregation of Sisters."My world is loving the world."Mary Oliver

On Christmas Eve 1775, Nano Nagle began her own Congregation. Three other women joined her:Mary Fouhy Elizabeth Burke Mary Ann Collins "The Spirit and the Bride say 'Come'."Rev:22

Nano gave to the Congregation thetitle: "Sisters of the Charitable Instructionof the Sacred Heart of Jesus."Nano saw the Sacred Heart as a symbol of the love she and her companions hadfor the poor and desolate."Fire of love, source of all life ........"Miriam Martin pbvm

It was Nano's love of the Sacred Heart which urged her to name her fledgling CongregationThe Sisters of the Charitable Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.Devotion to the Sacred Heart simply means a response to the love of God made manifest in all of creation. "Our hearts carry the light......."Raphael Consedine pbvm

The parish church of St Finbarr,Cork city, was the "community chapel" forthe newly establishedcongregation. Today in this Chapel can be seenan icon of Nano Nagle painted by Desmond Kyne. https://www.presentationsistersnz.com/nano-nagle.html"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom."Socrates

On June 24, 1776, one year after beginning the Congregation, Nano and her companions decided to wear asimple dress to identify more closely with thepeople they served. "We can only be said to be alive in those momentswhen our hearts are conscious of our treasures."Thornton Wilder

Having completed two years of training through prayer, study and good works --the four Sisters on June 24, 1977 vowed, in the presence of Bishop Butler of Cork, to dedicate their lives completely to God and to the work they had begun. Nano was appointed the religious leader of theCongregation."Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God."Micah 6:8

To celebrate the new Congregation, Nano and her companions invited 50 poor "beggars" to dinner on Christmas Day. This practice she continued for the rest of her life."Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this, some have entertained angels without knowing it."Hebrews 13:2

On July 15, 1780, Nano and her Sisters took possession of their first Convent in Cove Lane. They did this under cover of darknessbecause of the threat to their lives of the harsh Penal Laws."It always seems impossible until its done."Nelson Mandela

Nano and her companions continued to teach and help the poor in any way they could. Nano walked to each of her seven schools every day in all kinds of weather and taught the truths of our faith."Unless a life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile."Mother Teresa

Following on her long day in school, Nano continued to minister joyfully to thepoor and sick in their hovels. It seemed she could never do enough to help them. She carried a Lantern to light her waythrough the dark alleys of Cork."Who will light the lantern and keep it burning bright?"Liam Lawton

Nano became a well known figure as she spread light through the darkness ofpoverty and injustice. She became known as 'The Lady with the Lantern'."Your pilgrim heart shall urge you one pace beyond, and love shall be your lantern flame."Raphael Consedine pbvm

Nano would continue her work with the schools until her funds were spent. She then begged on the streets where she suffered abuse and misunderstanding."Never give way to discouragement"Pope Francis

Nano's work was not without difficulties and humiliations. "She was cursed in the streets, and her schools were derided as centres of vice."She endured these trials in silence."The greatest works meet with the greatest crosses."Nano Nagle

Nano spent only nine years of her life as a consecrated religious.For more that twenty years she lived and worked as a laywomantotally dedicated to the poor "Do something for someone who will never be able to repay you."John Wooden

One year before Nano's death, Elizabeth Burke,died in Cork. This had a profound impact on the small Congregation."Divine Providence does everything for the best."Nano Nagle

Though Nano's health was in decline,nothing could deter her from her work for the poor. She continued to pour out her life for them until her physical strength was no more."Spend yourselves for the poor."Nano Nagle

Nano Nagle died on 26 April, 1784. Her last words to the small group of sisters at her bedside were “Love one another as you have hitherto done. Spend yourselves for the poor.AndLook after the children”

The Hibernian Chronicle announced Nano’s death to the people of Cork:"Last Wednesday the indisposition of Miss Nagle was announced in the sorrowing faces of the Poor of this city to whom she was the best of benefactors and patronesses. She died about noon this day, and truly indescribable is the universal lamentation for the departure of this lady who for many years was the object of unexampled admiration and unlimited esteem of all ranks of people."

The beloved Foundress Nano was now dead. Her death left her small group shattered and saddened and very vulnerable."This is Trasna--- the crossing place. Choose."Raphael Consedine pbvm

Nano Nagle was a woman of courage and determination ---a goal in hand, a dream of education for the poor ---nothing stopped her."Desire is the key to motivation .......which will enable you to attain the success you seek."Mario Andretti

Nano Nagle was indeed a pioneer of Catholic education in Ireland's darkest days."Life is a great big canvas. Throw all the paint on it you can."Danny Kaye

"You are cradled in God's vast embrace."Marshall McLuhanMother Angela Collins became Nano's successor in the Congregation. It is to her faith and courage we owe the success of the continuation of Nano's work.

On April 25th 1784 Nano passed on to Mary Ann Collins the responsibility of the fragile plant which was the congregation at the time.‘’She (Nano) then gave up her charge of superioress into the hands of Sr Angela Collins recommending her to be vigilant, to be kind to those whom she committed to her care, and by her efforts, a continuation of the good work she had only begun, and the progress of which she was not worthy to see." South Presentation Annals. "Good things can happen to people who learn to remember." Emily Dickens.

Between 1778 and 1784 the Sisters worked towards the completion of their Rule so that the Congregation would be recognised and approved by Rome."The beginning is the most important part of the work."Plato

Bishop Moylan of Cork sought approval from Rome for Nano's new Congregation. Nano Nagle had died before this approval was finalised."This is Christian hope: that the future is in God's hands"Pope Francis

In 1785, The Congregation was comprised of three active members. The Sisters would endure trials of sickness and death leaving the fledgling group in a very vulnerable position."The Almighty makes use of the weakest means to bring about his works."Nano Nagle

Despite a drastic reduction in numbers the remaining Sisters continued to believe and trust that this great work already begun, would flourish into the future.“God works wonders in favour of the weak when they have a good heart.’’ From the letter of Mary Anne Collins to Teresa Mullally 31st March 1786

In 1791 the rule of Nano's Congregation was approved by Pope Pius VI. Laterthe name of the Congregation was changed to 'The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary'(Presentation Sisters) by Father Callahan, Nano's Spiritual Director during her lifetime."Touch the moments, the blessings of rebirth."Miriam Martin pbvm

In 1793 there were five professed Sisters and seven novices in the Congregation"Real courage makes the impossible possible with real faith."Bryant Gill

In 1799 Mrs. Barbara (Gould) O'Connell, the wife of the doctor who attended Nano Nagle in her last illness, sponsored the foundation of Presentation Sisters in the north parish of Cork."On the mountain the Lord provides......."Genesis 22:8

Mother Angela Collins, Nano's successor died suddenly on March 14, 1804. This was the source of great sadness and shock to the remaining Sisters."We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God."D. Bonhoffer

Throughout the nineteenth Century the Presentation Sisterscontinued to bring the spirit of Nano to new places. Between 1789-1850 Presentation convents and schools wereestablished every two to three years."What wonders the Lord has done for us"Psalm 126:3

By 1850 Presentation convents spread throughout Ireland. The spirit of Nano was now moving throughout the country as her Sisters tried to bring hope to those who despaired of the miserable conditions in which they existed."God is forever breathing something new in us."Carol Louise Smith csj

Nano's vision was global. Earlier in her lifetime she had sent catechists to the West Indies (1770) to share the Word of God with people there."Go out! For need calls loudly......"Raphael Consedine pbvm

The missionary spirit that moved Nano in her global vision, also moved those who followed her,to establish convents outside of Ireland. Newfoundland (1833) would be the first foundation, followed by Manchester, England (1836) and Madras, India (1842)."Take down your lantern from its niche and go out....."Raphael Consedine pbvm

More religious orders sprang up during the nineteenth century. Many of the women and men who founded them were influenced by the life of Nano Nagle."Amidst gathering darkness, light becomes more evident."Bonny Bostrom

Edmund Ignatius Rice adaptedthe Rule of the Presentation Sisters for his Society of the Presentation andChristian Brothers. He and his six companions took theirfirst vows as religious in the Chapel of the Presentation Sisters inWaterford in 1808."Don't ever underestimate the impact you may have on someone else's life."Edmund Rice.

Mary Aikenhead had many friendsamong the Presentation Sisters when she lived in Cork as a young girl. She founded the Irish Sisters of Charity in 1815, having been influenced by the spirit of Nano."The love of Christ urges us on."Mary Aitkenhead

Catherine McAuley,founder of the Sisters of Mercy, undertook her training as a Religious in the Presentation Convent at George's Hill in Dublin. She founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831."No matter how small the gift, God gives the increase."Catherine McAuley

Margaret Aylward was another Irish ladywho founded the Sisters of the Holy Faith (1857).Born in Waterford in 1810, she and herfamily had strong connections with Brother Edmund Rice and taught in the Waterford Presentation School."Under God it began, and under God it has grown."Margaret Aylward

Genevieve Beale, founder of the Irish Branch of the Sisters of St Louis(1859), was instructed in the Catholic Faith by the Sisters of South Presentation Convent,Cork, before being received into the CatholicChurch in 1845. Their Motherhouse is in the town ofMonaghan, Ireland."Who looks inside awakens"Carl Jung

Mother Angela Collins, Nano's successor, writing to Teresa Mullally in George's Hill,Dublin, quoted the opinion of the clergy of Cork that:'never was so much good done since St. Patrick's time as has been promoted by our holy foundressNano's establishment..........'"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."Eleanor Roosevelt

After Nano's death and fearing the Congregation would notcontinue, the Presentation Sisters chose enclosure in 1802. On April 9, 1805 Pope Pius VII finally approved the Rule with the addition of solemn vows and enclosure. This meant that the Sisters were not free to go out to the poor as before."There are no wrong turns, only unexpected paths."Mark Nepo

The groundwork was laidfor the continuation of the Congregation. Despite restrictions of enclosure the Sisters still ministered to the needs of the poor and those seeking hope through education."What you plant now you will harvest later."St Francis de Sales

Nano's achievements also paved the way for a spectacular expansion of female religious congregations in Ireland.In 1800 there were 120 nuns in the countryin 1901 there were 8,031In 1951 their number had risen to 13,360. "Nothing is impossible with God."Luke 1:37

Nano once said: "If I could be of any service in any part of the world, I would willingly do all in my power."Her sisters were inspired by this missionary spirit and so brought the light of Nano's lantern to many places beyond the shores of Ireland.

It seems that every foundation faced difficulties in the beginningin housing, inadequate space and resources in schools. Nevertheless Nano's work flourished and grew."I can do all things in Him who strengthens me."Phil: 4:13

The Presentation Sisters first came to New Zealand in January 1951 at the invitation of Archbishop McKeefry. Five Sisters from Tuam, Galway, Ireland volunteered to travel across the world and open a school in the new suburb ofTaita, Wellington. "God is all we need. His divine hand will support us"Nano Nagle

In 1954 fourteen more Sisters arrived; seven from Kerry at the invitation of Bishop John Kavanagh bound for Green Island; and seven from Thurles who were to establish a community in Paraparaumu."When your star rises deep withintrust yourself to its leading.you will have light for your first steps"Raphael Consedine pbvm

The New Zealand these pilgrims arrived into was recovering from World War Two. It was a time of growth with the beginning of the baby boom and a significant rise in immigration. Urban areas were struggling to accommodate this growth in population. Nano's last words: "Look after the children."

The growing young population was putting a strain on existing schools, health and housing. Most New Zealanders were enjoying increased prosperity and unemployment was largely unknown"Our todays and yesterdays are the blocks with which we build."Henry Wadesworth Longfellow

The Sisters who came to each group were mostly teachers. Some taught music, speech and singing and this supplemented the little income from the schools. The local people who saw the Sisters’ efforts,enthusiasm and courage supported them generously."Learning is a treasure that will follow the owner everywhere."Chinese Proverb

When the first group arrived in Taita, there was noconvent, no school and a primitive church constructedfrom an old army hut (it also served as a hall and school)."It is a good sign of our future success that we should meet with crosses in the beginning."Nano Nagle

The Mercy and Mission Sisters offered the sisters hospitality and they lived with the Mission Sistersfor eighteen months until 1953 when the convent,school, parish church and presbytery were built. Until the school was built the younger children weretaught in the church while the older pupils weretaken by train each day to St Bernard's College inLower Hutt where space was available. "Light tomorrow with today!"Elizabeth Barrett Browning

When the Sisters arrived at Paraparaumu in January 1954, conditions were not much different.They too arrived at what was then little more than a seaside resort,only to find no school or convent ready for them.

Undaunted they took over the "Bluemoon Ballroom"which was to serve as a classroom for the first year.The school started with a role of 84 when it firstopened in February 1954 - by the end of the year it was around 170. The Sisters lived at the Presbytery until theirconvent was completed in late 1954. " Hope is the deep orientation of the human soul that can be held at the darkest time."Vaclav Havel

When the Sisters arrived in GreenIsland in January 1954 they toowere faced with neither school nor convent." God will not fail you,God does not forsake God's own."Roy Lessin

They accepted the hospitality of the Dominican Sisters who gave them a home in Park Street Dunedin where they stayed for a year. During this time they familiarised themselves with teaching methods in New Zealand and were ready for the opening of St Peter Chanel school in February 1955 beginning with 147 pupils.It is looking at things for a long time that ripens you and gives you a deeper understanding...... Vincent Van Gogh

Presentation Schools continue the charism today in New Zealand where Nano Nagle is a guiding light.Our Lady of Kapiti in ParaparaumuSt Bernadette's in Naenae (founded by Mercy Sisters)St Michael's in Taitaand St Peter Chanel in Green Island." Never forget that the most powerful force on Earth is love."Nelson Rockefeller

Our evolving story saw our Sistersmove out of the schools and intonew forms of ministry. Faithful to their vision of responding to the needs of the day, they became involved in manydiverse forms of ministry over the years,"Sometimes holding on makes you stronger, sometimes it's letting go."

These new ministies include Prison Ministry Hospital Chaplaincy, Pastoral Work, Talitha KumCare of the earth, Spiritual Direction Supporting our schoolsand care of sick and elderly............... the list goes on and is ever changing as new needs are responded to."Let your life lightly dance on the edge of time like the dew on the tip of a leaf."Tagore

Sisters have also ministered In Eastbourne in Wellington, South Invercargill Brockville, Dunedin Manaia in South Taranaki Nagle House in Upper Hutt Marfell, New Plymouth Napier, Stratford, Levin Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt Milton, OtagoMosgiel, Otago

In 1981 four sisters responded to a request from the local Bishop in Chile to minister in Lo Valdivia, Chile "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"Anais Nin

In 1986 two more Sisters responded to a call from theSisters in Papua New Guinea where they served forabout 8 years before returning to New Zealand.

In 2013 the Sisters re-opened a house in Taita,Wellingtonafter being absent for 18years: "we have come full circle."

A small group, recognising the value of"doing things" the Presentation way and wanting to retain these values - asked the Sisters if there was some way a bond could be formed and so thePresentation Associates in New Zealandcame into being. This movement is now known as the"Friends of Nano."

This movement began in 1989 in Nagle House Upper Hutt, where the Sisters had been working on a Pastoral team for 10 years and were now moving on to an area in greater need.

In 2021, in the midst of the Covid Pandemic, the celebration of 70 years since the sisters arrived in Taita was celebratedby many,A documentary movie was produced to mark the occasion:"The Furthest Lantern."https://vimeo.com/513642838

"If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it."Mother Teresa

The International PresentationAssociation (IPA) was formed in 1991 to foster unity andenable collaborationamong the variousCongregations of PresentationSisters around the world for the sake of mission."Women of listening hearts -----"Raphael Consedine pbvm

IPA MissionOur mission is to speak and act in partnership with others for global justice from a contemplative stance in a spirit of oneness with the whole of creation2017 IPA Assembly

"As Presentation people propelled bythe radical Gospel of Jesus and on fire with the spirit of Nano, we consciously choose to be drawnmore deeply into the mystery of God, the mystery of Oneness and the reality of people and Earthmade poor."IPA Directional Statement 2021

The spiralling effect of Nano Nagle'sinfluence and her spirit is now shared with the Presentation Lay Movement known as Friends of Nano."Let love alone be the measure."Raphael Consedine pbvm

PresentationSymbols

Symbols often take the form of words, visual images or gestures that are used to convey ideas and beliefs. Each culture has its own symbols.

The Acorn, the seed of the oak tree, isa symbol used by Presentation Sisters worldwide. It reminds us that great things cangrow from small beginnings."In the beginning was the Wordand the Word was God."Jn1:1

The Oak tree is a symbol of how the Congregation of the Presentation Sistershas grownto minister all over the world. As new trees spring from acorns, so havenew foundations of Presentations Sisterssprung up in numerous countries aroundthe world ministering where there are poorand disadvantaged people."We seek to participate in the unforlding mystery."Presentations Constitutions

Mary Southard, an American artist, has created a picturerepresenting Nano Nagle and her three companions, who from the beginning and under the most difficult situations, set out to bring the light of Christ to the most deprived in society."Society today is in search of wisdom."Jim Conlon

The Presentation Badge has the shape of a cross which reminds us that Christ died for the love of all.The letters PBVM are the initials of the Congregation.Each corner forms the letter 'M' reminding us that Mother Mary is our Patroness and Protector."Our eyes search to see as you saw."Raphael Consedine

The Lantern is a prominent symbol for all Presentation Sisters.Nano Nagle, our foundress, carried a lantern to light her way through the dark alleyways of Cork. She was known as 'the Lady of the Lantern'."Take down your lantern."Raphael Consedine pbvm

The Heart symbolises the love withwhich Nano began her work.It also reminds us of the greatdevotion Nano had for the Sacred Heart of Jesus after whom she named her little community of Sisters.Her last instruction to her Sistersbefore she died was:"Love one another as you have hitherto done."

The Ring on which is engraved a Cross and effulgence (rays) reminds us that the Cross leads to resurrection. In 1855 Pope Pius IX granted permissionto the Sisters to wear the ring."The Spirit of the Lord is upon me."

In fidelity to the Gospel, we, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, participate in the universal mission of Jesus. As an International Congregation, our vision, like Nano's, reaches beyond our local situations and has a global consciousness and outreach.

The view of our world, ourselves and others, has expanded with the development of technology. We see God as the One 'in whom we live and have our very being' (Acts 17:28)with this new understanding, we see the importance of our connection as caring for all of creation ----animals, plants and people.

Pope Francis calls us to our responsibilities in caring for our Earth our Home. Through our efforts towards Sustainable Living we journey with others in promoting awareness and action in making this possible. "The earth is what we all have in common."Wendell Berry

The dignity of each person is the responsibility of each and everyone of us. In an age of violence when the dignity of persons has taken second place, we work to be advocates for those who have fallenvictim to abuse, human trafficking, slavery andexploitation. Through work with groups that help people through difficult times, we hope to add our voice in being the 'voice for those who have no voice.'

Presentation Sisters now serve on six continents and in seventeen countries. Nano's dream "to be of any service in any part of the globe" has become a reality."We must travel lightly who follow the star."Raphael Consedine pbvm

Nano's universal dream:"If I could be of any service in any part of the world I would willingly do all in my power."is still being realised in the many places in which Presentation Sisters are found.

Nano Nagle's spirit lives on throughout the world today where her Sisters and Friends of Nano live and work among the poor."The Lord hears the cry of the poor."PS 34:17

Nano Nagle was declared Venerable by Pope Francis on 1 November 2013. She was presented as:"a woman of great courage, faith and heroic virtue."This is another step towards declaring Nano's sainthood.

Elizabeth Poyntz, known as Lady Thurles, was the great grandmother of Nano Nagle. Through her maternal ancestral line, Nano is a relative to the late Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales."We are standing on the shoulders of the ones gone before us."Earth Mama

The author of 'Lantern Beams' writes of Nano's intent that her members be devoted solely to works of charity among the poor. It is summed up when she writes:"To Patrick, God gave the task of planting the Faith in Ireland;to Nano Nagle God gave the work of rekindling the dying flame."

The Presentation Way of Life expresses our yearning for union with the Living God,present in mystery in the unfolding of creation, in its magnificence, beauty and wonder, in its darkness, pain and woundedness.Presentation Constitutions"Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of God's glory."Isaiah 6:3

The life story of Nano Nagle continues to resonate powerfully today in a world very different from that of her time. Inspired by her example her Sisters and Friends become a prophetic presence and voice in the service of people made poor.Presentation Constitutions

A General Gathering of the Presentation Sisters is held every six years. It is a renewing event for the Congregation. It is a time to celebrate what God has been doing among us and a time to embrace the calls of the present and the future.Move, move beyond the possibleCongregational Gathering .

Our Congregational Gathering is a journey of faith. It offers specific directions for the whole Congregation as it proposes a path to help us to live more authentically. At this gathering the delegates elect Leadership for a period of six years.

Venerable Nano Nagle is the inspiration for all Presentation Sisters and Friends of Nano.Her spirit permeates all that we do, no matter where we minister in the world. "Christ will be the way and guide you."

Nano Nagle is buried in her beloved South Presentation Convent Cork.Her tomb, now moved to a new location within the grounds is a holy place, visited by many, and is a source of peace and prayer."I (my mission) will flourish after my death."Nano Nagle

"In the face of fear she chose to be daringin the face of anxiety she chose to trustin the face of impossibility she chose to begin.This is Nano Nagle"Raphael Consedine pbvm

The Friends of Nano movement continues to grow with three newmembers making their commitment in 2022.

In 2009 the Nano Nagle Charitable Trustwas formed by the Presentation Sistersand Friends of Nano to support children unable to attend a Catholic School because of financial hardship.The Trust continues to grow through thegenerosity of donors enabling morechildren to receive a Catholic education.www.nanonagletrust.comNano's last words:"Look after the children"

Nano’s Song See the light shine from the lantern See the flame glow through the years In her heart there blazed a fire May we burn with like desire There’s a light for those in darkness And a call to lift the load She believed and like a pilgrim Chose to walk tomorrow’s road There’s a dream our God is dreaming Will we dare to dream the same? Come, go out, take up our lanterns And let love ignite the flame She invites us in the silence To ponder and to trust Will we listen as she listened? And lift the lowly from the dust Nano Nagle we are grateful For the light you chose to shine May our lives be like bread broken And our offerings poured like wine Chris Skinner inspired by ‘Songs of the Journey by Raphael Consedine P.B.V.M- 2009-01-16