From acorn to tree

By Sr Susan Richert:

Two years ago while walking in Sherwood Forest with my grand-niece she took to picking up acorns. Arriving home, she insisted that we plant them to grow big trees! A little, insignificant seed – with the potential to change a world. I have taken to contemplating the acorns that I have carefully nurtured since that day.

The humble beginnings of the Presentation Sisters has often been described as “from acorn to oak.”  Nano Nagle began the Congregation with three other women. At one point there were only two Sisters – but they kept faith and the Presentation Order spread across the globe – from Ireland to India and Pakistan, England, Australia, New Zealand the Americas, Africa, the Philippines, Thailand, Slovakia.

The acorn of Nano and her first three companions, Mary Angela Collins. Mary Augustine Bourke and Mary Joseph Fouhy – had even at Nano’s death grown into an Oak tree – becoming a place of shelter and shade for the people of Cork. That oak tree produced more acorns that were taken and dropped into many other places. The oak tree of the Presentation Sisters grew strong and firm; its twigs and leaves ever expanding further and further – becoming a source of inspiration and security.

Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is an Oak Forest. Many of the ships built by Henry VIII used wood from this forest. It is also inextricably linked with the legendary Robin Hood who “robbed the rich and gave to the poor.” In the heart of Sherwood Forest there still stands the Major Oak – yes, supported by stakes now but in my childhood days – we too, like Robin, could hide in its great trunk. The oak tree has also sometimes been regarded as a portal into another world. Nano lifted the children out of their poverty;  her Sisters in faithfulness to her charism have continued this ministry – lifting people from out of poverty and empowering them to take charge of their own lives and make a difference.

For almost 250 years, the Presentation Sisters have provided shelter and education to thousands upon thousands of people. They have taught them to be strong, to put roots deep down, to last many years by living a good life and reaching out to others - remembering that we only pass this way but once and therefore whatever good we can do, we must do ( Etienne de Grellet ) - to make the most of the opportunities that come our way, to spread Presentation Convent fame.

The Oak tree is also a home – to wildlife: hosting fungi, insects, birds and mammals. The Presentation Congregation has also been home to those to whom the Sisters have ministered. It is said that there wasn’t a “ hovel” in Cork that Nano didn’t know. She built an alms-house for women, hosted a Christmas dinner for 50 of the poorest in Cork. Today, Presentation Sisters maintain this spirit of hospitality.

The Oak doesn’t live for itself; as it grows older, it produces more and more acorns – and while we may never see the result of those acorns – many have fallen into the ground, many been picked up and replanted elsewhere, the oaks are still growing because the acorns are still being planted – even when as old as Major Oak, 800 – 1,000 years of age.

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.

As Nano began the Congregation, she wrote:

“Though [neither] you nor I should not live to see it prosper in our time, yet I hope it may [prosper] hereafter and be of universal service to the Kingdom.”

Planting an acorn in a pot is also a risky business - it has to be watered and nurtured & to ensure it doesn’t become pot bound it has to be replanted and still could easily wither and fade. The fact that the little acorn in the soil and the one Nano planted, has grown is testament -    ‘to show that it is God’s work and has not been effected by human means’. 

It is said of Nano Nagle that –

“In the face of fear, she chose to be daring,
In the face of anxiety, she chose to trust,
In the face of impossibility, she chose to begin.”

Woman of Hope – Sr Raphael Consedine (2001)

What will you choose to do?”