Whirlwind of fundraising by Nottinghamshire school to support a centre in Bethlehem which helps disabled children and youth:

“The children have been fantastic in their enthusiasm for raising money for the Centre and spreading Christmas cheer through their performances.”

Nano Nagle was an Advent person – someone who understood that God’s love had to be spread through our everyday actions.

As we light the Advent Candles in our homes and churches, let us give thanks for Nano’s example of selfless giving, for the legacy and presence of Presentation People everywhere, and for the light of Christ beckoning us to help light the world with love - one person, one act of kindness at a time.

Each year on the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Presentation Sisters all over the world celebrate their feast-day. Nano Nagle, their foundress said that the symbolism that appealed to her in Mary’s Presentation, was the ideal of Mary’s complete gift of herself to God – a gift freely given and then lived out in service.

How do we live up to Nano’s example of loving without counting the cost – in the situation and place where we find ourselves?

As we remember the needs of our world today, we respond:

                            Let love be our lantern flame

Because she knew God’s love for her, Nano was able to see God in the dark streets of Cork and in the injustice around her.

Nano Nagle stood at the periphery and from there she saw and reached out to those made poor.

As we remember the needs of our world today, we respond: Help us take one step beyond

Reflect on the past few days – what have you learnt about Nano Nagle. What do you feel called to change in your life?  

As we remember the needs of our world today, we respond:

Give us welcoming hearts

Nano admired those who lived with zeal. What does zeal mean to you? What most kindles zeal in you?

“Looking on the Sacred heart of Jesus, Nano learned the meaning of compassion as suffering with another, the weak, the sinful, the ignorant and oppressed.‘ (Fire on the Earth)

Presentation

In the morning of your life, Mary,

You danced before the Lord.

Later on, much later on,

You stood still in His presence

Through a long darkness.

Mary, steadfast one,

Grant that when we can no longer dance

We may stand beside you,

Still, in God’s presence,

Believing beyond the dark.

Raphael Consedine, 1978

During the month of November, the Church invites us to remember all the unsung, unknown Saints and to pray for those who have died.

As Presentation Sisters, we are very aware that we

 “stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.”

The school responded to the request of Pope Francis to pray for peace on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Having thought about the meaning of peace, some of the older  children led everyone else in prayer. We prayed some of the rosary in the hall and then they waved their doves while chanting peace. 

Reflecting on a life well lived. Sr Eileen Keating, RIP

“I’ve done everything I can to promote Nano’s cause,  blowing into a flame the embers that are already there - to make Nano known and loved.”  

An Enduring Heart speaks of an enduring love. God who has called us is our source – the heart of holy mystery. This calls us to have a heart of constant reflection and desire – to be partners and to journey together; a lifelong task of a journey of transformation to become the person God wants me to be - “God’s self in the world” (R. Rohr). Each of us is unique, irreplaceable and the delight of God’s heart.

The acorn symbolises new life, new potential, growth. The oak tree reminds us of the cyclic nature of life – it stands for the past, in the present and produces for the future. Planting the seed of tree is done in faith and hope because of the length of time it takes to grow to maturity.

Jubilee celebration: while at this stage of their lives, most would be retired, these Sisters continue to be a presence and minister in the places they now find themselves – continuing our mission of prayer for our communities as well as hospitality and welcome to the people among whom we find ourselves and who come to us.

O God, Who enkindled in the heart of your servant, Nano Nagle, the fire of your love, and a consuming desire to serve You in any part of the world, grant that we also may love You, and make you much loved. And if it be for the glory of God, and the salvation of souls, grant that soon she may be raised to the altars of your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen