Consultative Status
at The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
VENERABLE
NANO NAGLE .
Find out more about our Foundress!
Venerable Nano Nagle, who founded the Presentation Sisters, is described as ‘the kind of person to win a Nobel Prize’ if she was alive today. During her lifetime, she ‘opened 7 schools for poor children across Cork City, founded an almshouse for poor women and most notably, founded the Presentation Order, who continue her education and social inclusion work today.’
Nano’s spiritual work was recognised by Pope Francis in 2013, when he declared her to be ‘Venerable’ Nano Nagle, which means ‘heroic in virtue’. This is because Nano had lived her life through the three virtues of faith, hope and charity to ‘heroic degree’, as well as demonstrating the virtues of justice, prudence, temperance and fortitude. Being declared Venerable is the second step towards sainthood.
VENERABLE.
UPBRINGING.
“The birth of a baby girl, Honora Nagle, better known as Nano Nagle, in County Cork in 1718 changed the course of Irish history and subsequently the history of many parts of the world. The wilful young girl from Ballygriffin was educated as a child in a local hedge school, and later in Paris and Ypres (French territory, now Belgium).
“Nano was a wilful and spirited young girl. Her parents sometimes despaired of her free-spirited nature. Yet over time, she gave up a life of comfort and privilege to minister to those on the margins of society.”
– from NanoNagle.org
After she began her ministry, Nano became known as ‘The Lady with the Lantern’ because she walked the dark back streets of Cork at night, her path lit only by her small, hand-held lantern. There, she ministered to the poor and the sick, bringing help and respite to those who needed it most.
Anne Lyons PBVM is working on the cause for the beatification of Nano Nagle within the Catholic Church. You can learn lots more more about Nano’s life, times and work at the Nano Nagle Birthplace website.
LADY WITH THE LANTERN.
"How often have we seen her, after a well-spent day, returning through the darkness of the night, dripping with rain, mingled in the busy crowd, move thoughtfully along by the faint glimmering of a wretched lantern."
- Dr Coppinger (Biographer of Nano Nagle)
SISTERS.
Inspired by the visionary work, profound spirituality, and transformative mission of Venerable Nano Nagle, women from across the globe have united to carry forward her legacy. This dedicated community includes Sisters from the Presentation Sisters Union, the Conference of Presentation Sisters of North America, and the Presentation Society of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Together, they form a vibrant and interconnected network, committed to advancing Nano’s mission of education, justice, and compassion. These women work tirelessly to empower marginalized communities, uphold human dignity, and respond to the pressing social and ecological challenges of our time, embodying Nano’s enduring vision of hope and service.
PRESENTATION PEOPLE.
Presentation People are a diverse and dynamic group of lay individuals from around the world who are deeply inspired by the mission and vision of Venerable Nano Nagle. United by a shared commitment to justice, education, and compassion, they have embraced Nano’s legacy in their own unique ways. Some lead schools that empower young minds through holistic education, while others establish and run NGOs that address critical social and ecological challenges. Many dedicate themselves to serving their local communities, advocating for the marginalized, and fostering sustainable development. Presentation People embody Nano’s spirit of courage and service, working tirelessly to create a more just and compassionate world, guided by her enduring call to “go one step beyond.”
LIFE LIVED ON THE RAZOR'S EDGE
“Abandoning a life of privilege, position and wealth, Nano Nagle chose to live and work in her beloved city of Cork, working in solidarity with those made destitute. Driven by a burning passion to help Christ’s marginalised, she dared not only to dream a better life for them but to make this seemingly impossible dream a lived reality. This was the great miracle of her life. At a time when the role of women in shaping society was severely restricted, she lived on the razor’s edge, a woman fearless before a tyrannical world.”
Click the cover to buy this fascinating and engaging biography of Venerable Nano Nagle, written by Anne Lyons, PBVM.
O Loving, Creator God,
You filled the heart of Nano Nagle
With a tenderness rooted
in the compassionate Heart of Christ
for the poor and the vulnerable of this world.
Nano, through your prayer of intercession,
assist us in our present need (Pause and mention)
We pray that like you, we may live
in communion with God,
with all of our sisters and brothers
and the whole community of life.