Friends of Nano
A Spirit-led initiative of the International Congregation of Presentation Sisters (Union) which celebrates and promotes the charism of Nano Nagle in new and creative ways
Friends of Nano
The Friends of Nano is an International Lay Movement for Mission. A network of women and men, who are committed, as Nano was, to ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.’ Micah 6:8
The Friends of Nano include Associates, Co-workers and Partners in Mission. They share a common vison with the Presentation Congregation and seek opportunities to pray, act and celebrate together.
This movement was born out of an international gathering of Associates and Partners in Mission in 2011. At this Gathering the Friends of Nano identified three core values:
Partnership with the Divine - we attend to and nurture our relationship with God. This commitment informs our actions.
Passion for the poorest - we stand with those who are marginalised in our society
Covenant with Creation - aware of our interconnectedness with all of creation we try to live more sustainably.
Associates
The Associate movement began in England in 1989. We are men and women committed to continuing the mission of Christ in today’s world, inspired by the life and legacy of Nano Nagle. We live this calling in the context of family life or as single men and women. Together with the Presentation Sisters, we listen with compassionate hearts to the Spirit of God in the cry of Earth and of people made poor and find ways to be of service, especially to people on the margins of our society.
Associates and Friends of Nano meet monthly as local groups. We come together once a year for an Assembly and also for Justice Meetings and Retreat Days. More recently we have been meeting virtually through Zoom.
By meeting regularly as Associates/Friends of Nano at a local level and sharing our stories, questions and longings, we open ourselves to a greater awareness of the Divine and of our place in the cosmos. We learn how to live in communion with one another and all of creation on and how we can make a difference in the lives of others.
“As Friends of Nano we are helped greatly by the support we have from each other and the openness to sharing that exists in the monthly meetings. The example of Nano is always urging us to greater depth as the foundation for all we do and especially in dealing with our personal family difficulties.”
“By increasing our awareness of the Divine Presence in our lives we learn to live more in the ‘now’ and our partnership with the Divine becomes more a daily reality and strength.”
“We have become very aware of Human Trafficking and also discuss current issues both in our local community and the world at large.”
“We all hear about the issues that future generations will face as a result of our behaviour in caring for the planet but it is easy to ignore and think ‘not my problem’ but the recurring theme at the meetings and discussion of the little things we can all do to be more responsible has made me realise that we can all make a difference if we all buy into changing our habits.’
Over the years (2003-2020) our Associates have donated more than £100,000 to the Children’s Project in Kaoma, Zambia supporting the orphanage and in more recent years the education and training of the young people from the Orphanage. Since 2020, any money raised is used to sponsor children in Zambia and Zimbabwe to attend primary and secondary school.
Nano’s Echo
One of the ways of sharing stories from the various groups around the world is through Nano’s Echo. If you want to view the latest edition of Nano’s echo below.
Due to the covid restrictions, many groups have been unable to meet face to face since 2020. We have virtual meetings on Zoom including a monthly reflection on the Booklet: The Story of Nano Nagle - A Life Lived on the Razor's Edge by Sr Anne Lyons.
If you would like to receive Nano’s Echo or want any more information about the Associates and Friends of Nano movement contact us.