A Tradition of Keeping the Voice of God Alive

1775
Nano Nagle, a daughter of Ireland who lived under the oppressive Penal Laws of England, established a religious community in Cork, Ireland. This community later became known as the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

1784
Nano Nagle died at South Presentation Convent in Cork, Ireland.

1874
In response to an invitation from Bishop Hennessy of Dubuque, IA, Mother Vincent Hennessy, accompanied by three young women, left Mooncoin, Ireland to establish a Presentation congregation in Dubuque. Arriving early with no convent available, the sisters settled in Key West, IA.

1875
The convent parlors in Key West became the classrooms of the sisters’ first school. Twenty pupils answered roll on the first day of class. The following September the enrollment swelled to 80.

1876
Within a year the congregation had grown from four to seven sisters. On September 12, three sisters were assigned to their first mission at St. Malachi parish in Dubuque, later known as St. Anthony parish and school. Since 1876, Presentation sisters have served in 55 locations in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

1879
The sisters built a boarding school in Dubuque known as St. Vincent Academy where twelve sisters were assigned. Later this academy became part of St. Columbkille parish.

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