History

Nano Nagle (1718-1784) was born in Ireland, which suffered under oppressive British rule. Strict penal laws even barred Irish children from attending school or learning about God. At age 32, Nano began to secretly gather the children of the poor and teach them catechism, reading, writing and mathematics. As word spread, Nano’s schools increased in number, and more teachers were needed. Eventually, Nano established seven schools in Cork, Ireland.

Nano spent her days with the children, and her nights with the sick and the elderly 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.”

On Christmas Eve, 1775, with a group of like-minded women, Nano established a religious community that would later become known as the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

While Nano’s example inspired several other founders of religious orders in Ireland, her own sisters began to move out to areas to which they felt called. They spread their wings, not only in Ireland, but also in countless countries around the world.

One hundred years later, in 1875, Mother Vincent Hennessy ventured out from the Presentation convent in Mooncoin, Ireland, with three young women, to teach the immigrant children in Dubuque, IA. Although little is known about Mother Vincent, she inspired others to live out the Presentation motto, Caritas (charity). Though beginnings were difficult, faith was strong and the Dubuque Presentation community flourished.

In 1988, Presentation sisters from around the world united to form the International Presentation Association. They truly became a global organization in the spirit of their foundress, whose vision had always had a missionary dimension. In a letter to a friend in 1769, Nano wrote: “If I could be of any service in saving souls in any part of the globe, I would willingly do all in my power.” The legacy of the Lady of the Lantern has become a compelling call to follow the flame of God’s love and justice.

A total of 141 sisters are involved in educational and pastoral ministries, community prayer and service and formation of new members. We are located in urban and rural USA, and in Entre Rios and Timboy, Bolivia.

Worldwide, 2979 Presentation Sisters and 700 PBVM associates work in twenty-three countries and network globally through the International Presentation Association.

If you would like more information on the history of the Presentation Sisters, please contact our archivist, Sister Marian Sweeney. She can be reached at 563.588.2008 or smarians@hotmail.com.

Click here to view the timeline
of the Sisters of the Presentation





		History of the Sisters of the Presentation: Nano Nagle (1718-1784) was born in Ireland, which suffered under oppressive British rule. Strict penal laws even barred Irish children from attending school or learning about God. At age 32, Nano began to secretly gather the children of the poor and teach them catechism, reading, writing and mathematics. As word spread, Nano’s schools increased in number, and more teachers were needed. Eventually, Nano established seven schools in Cork, Ireland. Nano spent her days with the children, and her nights with the sick and the elderly 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.” On Christmas Eve, 1775, with a group of like-minded women, Nano established a religious community that would later become known as the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. While Nano’s example inspired several other founders of religious orders in Ireland, her own sisters began to move out to areas to which they felt called. They spread their wings, not only in Ireland, but also in countless countries around the world. One hundred years later, in 1875, Mother Vincent Hennessy ventured out from the Presentation convent in Mooncoin, Ireland, with three young women, to teach the immigrant children in Dubuque, IA. Although little is known about Mother Vincent, she inspired others to live out the Presentation motto, Caritas (charity). Though beginnings were difficult, faith was strong and the Dubuque Presentation community flourished. In 1988, Presentation sisters from around the world united to form the International Presentation Association. They truly became a global organization in the spirit of their foundress, whose vision had always had a missionary dimension. In a letter to a friend in 1769, Nano wrote: “If I could be of any service in saving souls in any part of the globe, I would willingly do all in my power.” The legacy of the Lady of the Lantern has become a compelling call to follow the flame of God’s love and justice. Today: A total of 141 sisters are involved in educational and pastoral ministries, community prayer and service and formation of new members. We are located in urban and rural USA, and in Entre Rios and Timboy, Bolivia. Worldwide, 2979 Presentation Sisters and 700 PBVM associates work in twenty-three countries and network globally through the International Presentation Association. If you would like more information on the history of the Presentation Sisters, please contact our archivist, Sister Marian Sweeney. She can be reached at 563.588.2008 or smarians@hotmail.com. Click here to view the timeline of the Sisters of the Presentation







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