Two women, united in a phrase

By Sr Susan Richert:

You may well ask what has Norah Balls 1883 - 1980, a famous suffragette and known as a “dangerous woman” got to do with Nano Nagle?  I only learnt the answer when I stood in front of a display about Norah and in big bold letters saw her motto –

Immediately what came to mind was the Nagle motto –

Here two women separated by years yet linked by a motto

Which both of them lived out to the full….

Here, two dangerous women, both of whom stood up and fought for what they believed was right – the education and recognition of girls and women. They gave their all to putting into action the words they heard in their hearts . As if the motto link was not sufficient, one of the traditional symbols of Presentation is

 – the Oak Leaf.

The Oak Leaf medal, was also presented to Norah – for her outstanding contribution to Guiding. 

Norah established the Girl Guides in Northumberland – again reminiscent of Nano’s founding schools for girls initially and teaching not only the 3 Rs but also a practical trade.  

Today, the Presentation Sisters minister in the five continents – they are committed to responding to the cry of our earth and to people made poor by embracing the Sustainable Development Goals – especially addressing the issues of women and children.