During World War II, a group of people would stop whatever they were doing at a certain time each day / night to pray for peace, safety and security of everyone. They did this every day and it was as if the city stood still, such was the power of prayer.
Now again some are organising a group of people globally to spend a minute praying for the security of all countries, for an end to the problems that oppress and suppress us, and for God to guide the decisions of our rulers.

Hot off the Press! In the June 2025 Friends of Nano Newsletter, you will find reflections and stories from five continents, from Friends of Nano, Associates and Cojourners in the Union, Society and Conference of the Presentation Sisters.

The English Province of Presentation Sisters recently gathered at the Presentation Convent Matlock to begin their Assembly – Journeying together in faith and hope. Having taken time to review their lives and mission since the last Assembly and looked at priorities for the next four years, they moved to the election of a new Province Leadership Team.

Mary Deane, was elected the new Province Leader for the next 4 years and Sr Janette Brown and Susan Richert were elected Team members.

I chose to think of this and my previous two opportunities as not 'meeting' Pope Francis - rather encounters with him, where he listened as I shared on Venerable Nano Nagle, and then spoke of his need for prayers.  

I met Pope Francis in 2016 in Rome at a Conference for the Vicars of Religious. It was a most memorable occurence - a true encounter - one that needed no words; everything was said to each other by smiling eyes and a firm handshake. I certainly got the feeling that during those few minutes, I was the only one in the conference hall.

We mourn the passing of Pope Francis but rejoice in his entrance to our Father’s house.

I am a pilgrim of Hope when I :

• Pray for the world in war-torn places

• Reach out to someone in pain

• Enter into someone’s story with compassion

I am a Pilgrim of Hope when :

•  I sit under a tree of blossom and hear it hum

• See the new growth sprouting up from the earth

• I hear the dawn chorus and know a new day is breaking

In this Jubilee Year of Hope may we, as Presentation People sharing the proud legacy of the work of Nano Nagle and countless Presentation People around the world, commit ourselves to being pilgrims of hope in our place and time. May we look for ways to make a difference, however small, to those who have lost hope for whatever reason. May we open ‘windows of hope’ this Jubilee year.  

On Saturday 29th March, the Convent at Matlock welcomed about sixty visiting Presentation Associates and friends from a variety of locations - for a day of Prayer and Reflection on Pope Francis’ letter “Dilexit Nos” - He Loved Us.

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?