The Story of Nano Nagle, foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A BLESSED BEGINNING
Nano Nagle was born in 1718, in an Ireland suffering under oppressive British rule. Strict penal laws even barred Irish children from attending school or learning about God.
Fortunately, Nano was blessed with parents who could afford to send her to France to be educated. While in France, Nano was also able to learn about God and the message Jesus brought to the world.

CALLED TO SISTERHOOD
Nano remained in France for quite some time after completing school. She enjoyed a carefree lifestyle that included dances and parties, and she didn't go back to Ireland until her father's death in 1746. Not long after returning home, her mother also died, and Nano began to realize that her carefree social life was not satisfying her true desires. Prayer and reflection led her back to France to become a Sister.

NANO'S SECRET SCHOOLS
Even as she began her new life as a Sister, Nano's thoughts often returned to the children of the poor families back in Ireland. Following prayer, reflection and advice from those close to her, Nano came to a decision. At age 32, she left the convent in France and returned to Ireland, where she secretly gathered the children of the poor and taught them catechism, reading, writing and mathematics. As word spread, Nano's schools increased in number, and more teachers were needed. Like Nano, the women who offered their help showed great courage, knowing they could be arrested if government officials discovered they were teaching Irish children.

THE LADY OF THE LANTERN
As Nano spent her days with the children, they would tell her of their sick friends or family members. Nano began to visit the sick and the elderly after school, bringing them food, medicine and comfort. She often made visits late into the night, carrying her lamp among the alleyways. Before long, Nano became known as the Lady of the Lantern.

FOUNDING AN ORDER
After many years of urging by the Bishop, Nano decided to open a convent where women could share the mission of Jesus through prayer, teaching and care for the sick and needy. Nano and three companions opened the first Presentation convent in Cork, Ireland, on Christmas Day in 1775. Before long, women began coming from other parts of Ireland and beyond the country's borders to join her.
In 1784, at age 65, Nano died. She left her compelling vision of service to a growing community of Presentation Sisters. Her final words are emblematic of her timeless legacy,
and they remain a guiding principle for the Sisters: "Love one another as you have hitherto done."

CHALLENGES IN A NEW LAND
In 1880, a small group of Presentation Sisters arrived in Dakota Territory from Dublin, Ireland. They were invited to teach the children of the Lakota people and French settlers. In 1886, the Sisters accepted another invitation to start a school in Aberdeen, Dakota Territory. There were challenges, but with the support and good will of the settlers, the Sisters soon staffed many rural Catholic parish schools in the new state.
In the early 1900's, the people of Aberdeen and the surrounding area suffered a severe diphtheria epidemic. The settlers asked the Sisters to help care for families overcome with fever, and again, the Sisters responded. Following the epidemic, the Sisters were asked and agreed to expand their ministry to include healthcare, opening the region's first hospital.

TODAY'S PRESENTATION SISTERS
The Presentation Sisters are empowered by a life of prayer and community. For more than one hundred years, they have prayed for the needs of the Sioux Falls Diocese through adoration of the Eucharist. And while education and healthcare are still important ministries, the sisters are also responding to the changing needs of the Church through pastoral ministry; foreign missions; Rural Outreach Ministry; Caminando Juntos (ministry with Hispanics in Sioux Falls); advocacy ministries with women and children, rural families, and Hispanic and Native American communities; as well as spiritual direction and retreats.
Today, the Presentation Sisters in Aberdeen are a joyful part of Nano's legacy—a worldwide association of more than 3000 Presentation Sisters bringing the Light of Christ's love to people on seven continents.

"If I could be of service in saving souls in any part of the globe, I would gladly do all in my power."
—Nano Nagle