Presentation Sisters Union
News Update December 2009
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End-of-Jubilee-Year Celebrations in Cork
The Congregational Leadership Team and the South West Province organised services in Cork to mark the
end of the Jubilee Year. Here we publish an account of the day. The two ceremonies took place in Cork on
21 December 2009. At 12 noon there was a pageant at the Cathedral of St. Mary & St. Anne (North
Cathedral) in Cork. Students from local Presentation Primary Schools in Farranree, North Presentation and
The Glen as well as transition year students in North Presentation Secondary School took part.
Entitled A Voice Within the Voices, it was coordinated by Catherine Mahon-Buckley. Hugh Moynihan
(tenor) also performed and the organist was Joe Higgins. Adi Roche, a former Presentation pupil and founder
and CEO of the Chernobyl Children's Project International was the guest speaker. She spoke beautifully
about the need for hope and perseverance, two of Nano's greatest gifts. Her talk may be downloaded by
clicking here.
The second service took place at 3pm at the Presentation Centre on Evergreen St., Cork which is on the site
of the first Presentation Convent. Nano and her early companions are buried here. The service included
singing by students from Presentation Primary School, Turner’s Cross, Cork. Prayers were said at Nano's
graveside before we all visited the new community initiative based at the South Presentation Convent.
There was a lovely service in the Community Hall of the refurbished premises. The original icon by Declan
Kilcoyne was handed over to the new centre and a book on the essence of homelessness ‘For you Are
Beauty-Full’ - by Sr. Catherine Fenton - was launched; proceeds go the the Simon community. Nano would
have enjoyed the final event, which was a display of belly-dancing from a group of international children
from the locality!
The services were a fitting tribute to the Jubilee Year during which Nano's lasting legacy of hope was
promoted and the fire that is the charism of Nano inspired by the Spirit was renewed. Our many and varied
ministries throughout the world continue, easing the burden of those made poor and helping to change the
systems, including our own mindsets and prejudices, that give rise to and perpetuate injustice and poverty.
Margaret Coleman (SW Province) has written a reflection on the day. It has been added to our reflections
pages online. A Photo Gallery of the event may also be viewed online.
Senan's Blog from Copenhagen
Senan Gardiner, who was recently appointed to the new role of Presentation Ireland’s Ecology and
Sustainable Living Officer, is attending the UN Climate Talks in Copenhagen. He is representing the
International Presentation Association (IPA). Senan created a blog in which he gave a daily account of
what is happening at the conference.
Connecting With Our Roots
Honour the wisdom of your ancestors. Bind it to your heart, tie it around your neck. When you walk it will
guide you, when you lie down it will watch over you. When you awake it will talk to you. [Proverbs 6:20
(adapted)]. As part of our Jubilee year celebrations in November we met with the Mercy and Ursuline
Leadership teams as a way of acknowledging and celebrating our shared story.
Meeting with Mercy Leadership Team: As we met to reconnect with one another, we recalled our long
history of connection between the two Congregations. In 1830 Catherine McCauley went to the
Presentation Convent, George’s Hill for her novitiate, training along with her companions Anna Maria
Doyle and Elizabeth Harley. Catherine was then 52 years of age. Fifteen months later, on December 12,
1831, the three novices professed their vows, thus giving birth to the Sisters of Mercy.
Meeting with Ursuline Leadership Team: Although it was the first time that we met as leadership teams,
our connection with the Ursulines goes back to Nano who was responsible for bringing the first Ursulines to
Cork in 1771. The letters written to Eleanor Fitzsimons (she later became Sr Angela) between 1769 and
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1770 reflect some of the struggle to bring this new foundation to birth. These letters of Nano are held in the
Archives of the Uruslines in Cork and we were delighted to be presented with a framed copy of a section of
one of these letters showing the handwriting of Nano and the words “ We must think the Almighty permits
everything for the best. You’ll see with His assistance everything promises well."
Our meetings with both the Mercy and Ursulines were experiences of connecting, sharing, supporting and
celebrating together. We had a great sense of being companions on a shared journey. Each of the teams was
presented with a picture of Nano and her companions by Mary Southard, specially commissioned for our
Jubilee year and an oak sapling from the oak tree in Monasterevin. [Submitted by Mary Deane]
Social Integration in Action: Stories from the Grassroots
As preparation for the 48th session of the Commission for Social Development, the NGO Committee for
Social Development, based in New York, with the collaboration of the United Nations Non-Governmental
Liaison Service, initiated an online survey of NGOs to find best practices of Social Integration/Inclusion. 190
responses were received from 62 countries. In addition to a description of best practices, the survey also
asked NGOs to identify barriers to social integration/inclusion and recommend policies that might
enhance social integration / inclusion
Some of the good practices that were selected for advocacy related works at the United Nations had some or
all of the following five characteristics. They
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Benefit the larger society in addition to the direct recipients.
Are community based.
Are participatory, actively involving the beneficiaries.
Are sustainable.
Are reproducible.
The three Presentation stories given below are among the ones that are selected and are published in the
booklet ‘Social Integration in Action: Stories from the Grassroots’.
Clann Credo, Ireland
Mission: Clann Credo designs and promotes innovative social finance products and services, contributing to
inclusive prosperity and developing social capital in a way that benefits the whole community.
Example of Best Practice to Enhance Social Integration/Inclusion: Clann Credo with its partners the
International Presentation Association and Speedpak are working to help the long term unemployed return to
work. Speedpak specialises in providing contract packaging services and storage solutions to industry.
Speedpak is a unique commercial company as it also provides training and work experience opportunities to
local long term unemployed people in Dublin's northside. Speedpak was established in Northside Dublin in
1995.
In its endeavors to help the long term unemployed the partnership noted common difficulties for workers when unemployed for long periods, workers lost skills, the discipline of work, the discipline of time and
most often their self-confidence. Now Speedpak acts as a transition phase in the work life of its people.
Speedpak utilises integrated training programmes to help to get long term unemployed people back into the
workforce, providing actual work experience in a fully fledged commercial and supported environment
Eva’s Village, New Jersey, USA
Mission: The mission of Eva's Village is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted and
provide medical care to the poor.
Example of Best Practice to Enhance Social Integration/Inclusion: Eva's Village began as a simple soup
kitchen feeding 30 people on the day that we opened. Twenty-seven years later we feed anywhere from 900
to a 1000 meals a day both in our soup kitchen and to the 250 residents in our programs. It was soon realized
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that feeding people was not enough, so we opened shelters for the homeless. Today we have a men's shelter
with 40 beds, a women's shelter with 36 beds and a residence for homeless and addicted mothers and their
children. Presently we have 30 famililies living in our Hope Residence.
We then expanded into transitional housing for all of the populations we serve. After the shelters were
opened we saw that many of our residents had addiction problems and today we have both in-patient and
out-patient programs that serve hundreds of people annually. We then realized that the lack of affordable
health care was a problem and we now have one of the 5 free clinics in the State of New Jersey that offers
free medical and dental care to the poor. This clinic is run totally on volunteer medical professionals. We still
felt our mission was not complete so we are presently building a 51 unit apartment house of affordable
housing. We feel that this will bring our mission to the poor full circle, from homelessness to providing safe,
clean and low-income housing to those we serve. All of these programs help our clients integrate into society
and live productive lives once again.
International Presentation Association, Zambia
Mission: The International Presentation Association (IPA) is a network of the various congregations of
Presentation women throughout the world. We are committed to bringing forth a sustainable society founded
on respect for the earth, universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace.The mission of IPA
is to speak and act in partnership with others for global justice especially in issues related to: Women and
Children, Indigenous People, Environment/Sustainable Living and Human Rights
Example of Best Practice to Enhance Social Integration/Inclusion: In the Cheshire Home we work with
disabled children regardless of color, race or faith and provide the environment necessary for each
individual’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being. We believe that each person, whatever her or his
disability, is a uniquely valuable individual and that disabled people should have personal freedom to pursue
their aspirations and take their own place in society. We use a holistic programme to enable children to live
as independent a life as possible, intervening as early as possible so the children have an excellent chance of
walking. We cater to the rehabilitation of physically challenged children through surgery, physiotherapy and
education.
The Home provides free service to those children undergoing the rehabilitation programme. Our target group
is children with physical disability from birth to 16yrs. We take care of a maximum of 60 children and 15
mothers and babies each term. Thrice a year orthopedic surgeons from Lusaka come to the Home and
children are reviewed and assessed and operations performed as necessary. After care takes place in Cheshire
Home and we provide whatever is necessary for the surgeries. As soon as the child is able to walk well
he/she is discharged but reviewed on a 6 monthly basis for 2 years. Cheshire Home also runs Outreach
Programmes. An Outreach Worker and Physiotherapist visit local Rural health Centers to provide advice and
help.
The following recommendations were elicited from the 190 survey responses and are used as tools to
inflence policies at the UN:
Respondents urged governments to take active steps to ensure equal rights for all. Surveys highlighted the
need for policies that link programmes of social protection, social and human development, and the creation
of jobs and income. Programmes need to be introduced and delivered in a decentralized and participatory
manner and ensure that people remain at the centre.
Governments need policies and legislation that promote gender equality and have zero tolerance for violence
and exploitation of women and girls. Strategies recommended to governments that will empower women and
promote social inclusion are:
o listening to women
o creating partnerships
o addressing cultural barriers
o ensuring access to education for women and girls
o addressing the feminisation of poverty.
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Governments need a breadth of educational policies and programmes to ensure social inclusion:
o universal primary education
o access to secondary education
o special education training for staff working with people with disabilities
o education of staff of statutory bodies dealing with marginalized populations
o citizenship education
Governments are urged to recognize that a foremost requirement of an inclusive society is that everybody –
both individuals and groups - has sufficient income to live in dignity and be able to fully participate in
society. Policies and programmes are needed to ensure:
o the right to decent work and full or adequate employment
o the provision of social income with social protection
o the protection of trade union rights
o access to housing, healthcare, social services and education
o maintenance of public services and the delivery of these in an integrated manner
o prioritising of social finance in national budgets
Governments are urged to implement just and humane immigration laws as this is a significant means of
promoting social integration. Policies are needed to:
o address the discrimination and xenophobia in the migrants experience
o ensure the provision of language services
o uphold the human rights of migrants
o ensure that each person has legal identity
Governments are asked to ensure social integration by implementing legislation and education programs that
address the discrimination and stigma that are obstacles to social inclusion. Policies and programmes need to
address:
o gender discrimination
o discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnic and cultural background
o stigma because of disability or HIV/AIDS status
o discrimination resulting from customary practices
Governments are recommended to implement strategies that increase local participation as strategic priorities
for social inclusion:
o by using participatory democratic processes
o by training grass-roots leaders
o by involving citizens in the decisions that affect their lives
o by building partnership with all stakeholders including NGOs.
Governments are called to recognize civil society organizations as key partners in providing services and in
building social integration:
o by seeking their grassroots knowledge in developing policies and programs for social inclusion
o by strengthening their work through financial support.
Governments are called to evaluate national and macroeconomic policies on the basis of their impact upon
marginalised populations as it was acknowledged by some respondents that economic policies can increase
social exclusion and exacerbate social disintegration. A global economy that provides for the well-being of
all, not just benefit and profit for a few, is needed. Respondents indicated that social integration will happen
when economic progress is combined with social progress.
Governments are called upon to uphold and protect human rights for all citizens by ensuring good
governance and the elimination of corruption. Respondents urged that governments be representative,
accountable and responsive to people's needs. Governments need to be proactive in ensuring access to
justice, public safety, fairness by the judiciary and police and adherence to international rights and
responsibilities. They emphasized these principles and processes as key to fostering the common good and
laying the foundations for peace, security and social integration.
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Update from Thailand
Thailand have sent us their latest Newsletter which has been added to the Members Area. Here we give a
sample of their news: Our annual Spiritual Retreat for our thirty-five catechists took place over five days in
November. Our catechists are responsible for the spiritual life of our parishioners and so they need both
training and encouragement. This year we had our Spiritual Retreat at the Retreat House run by the St.
Gabriel Brothers on the top of Doi Suthep Mountain: a beautiful spot looking all over the city of Chiang Mai.
Father Armando Te Nuzzo, a Camillian missionary in Thailand for more than 40 years, preached
enthusiastically about the call of being a catechist. He also stressed the precious contribution that each
catechist gives to the local community. Mons. Francis Xavier Wira Aphonrat, new Bishop of Chiang Mai,
paid a visit and celebrated the Eucharist.
National Youth Convention: In the month of October, during our “winter break” (in Thailand October is
vacation time, allowing a short break in the scholastic year which starts at the beginning of May), some of
our young girls participated at a national convention of young people in the North East of Thailand, an area
bordering Cambodia and Laos. The Thai Church, even though small “in size” (only 300,000 Catholics
among a population of 65 millions inhabitants), is very young and enthusiastic. This national convention
attended by hundreds of young people is a sign that this local church is very much alive and growing
1950’s Group
The November meeting of the 1950’s Group (Sisters born since 1950) was held in Mount St Anne’s,
Killenard. We spent time together journeying with, reflecting and sharing on the topic of shadow –
individual and collective. Our weekend was facilitated by Renee Stevens who has journeyed with us these
past three years. Our journey together as a group has been one of getting to know each other at a deeper
level and of building trust.
During the weekend we also spent time clarifying our purpose as a group which is to provide a safe space
for the work of on-going formation with a view to living an authentic and meaningful Presentation way of
life. The group understands itself to be a learning community, holding as important a contemplative stance
toward life. The exploration of ritual forms part of its gatherings.
When we come together there is a great sense of life, energy, commitment as well as lots of fun and
laughter. On this occasion there was also a tinge of sadness since it was to be the last meeting for Regina
Daly before her move to New Zealand in January. In our final ritual we sent her forth with love and blessings
for the journey. [Submitted by Mary Deane]
Be One in a Million
The Lisbon Treaty allows for a Citizens' Initiative. We need one million signatures to help ensure that
European Governments meet their aid pledges in full. Be one in a million. Sign this petition today.
Dóchas is the association of Irish Non-Governmental Development Organisations. The vision of Dóchas is
to contribute, through the cooperative efforts of our Members, to sustainable human development in a world
where people are able to enjoy their rights and are empowered to fulfil their needs. Dóchas’ Danish
counterpart, the Danish EU-NGO Platform, has launched the first Citizen’s Initiative under the Lisbon
Treaty: Keep Your Promises to the Poor!
The aim is to collect one million signatures, raising awareness about the fact that European leaders do not
deliver on the aid promises they have given. The initiative will be used to make a breakthrough in the global
fight against poverty. If you click on this link, you and other citizens from the EU’s 27 member states can
give the world’s poor a voice. The campaign also has a facebook profile.
This petition, which originated with the Irish Dóchas office via CORI, is a call to action; a call to make a
difference to the lives of people in poorer countries. The Lisbon Treaty, which has been ratified just recently,
allows for a Citizens' Initiative, giving a stronger voice to people in the EU. One million signatures are
needed as part of the 'Citizens' Initiative' so please sign the petition now and let your voice be heard!
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Be one in a million! When you have signed up, you may be asked for a voluntary subscription - regretably
the page is deliberately designed not to give you the choice to leave without beginning that process....but
don't worry, just close down the page when you have signed the petition.
Christmas: A Time of Hope in Slovakia
In this article, Sr. Eileen Nash looks back to this time last year and reflects on the progress made over the
past 12 months:
Christmas 2008 was a time of hope for homeless women and their children in Košice, despite bitter cold, a
lot of work, dust, losing, finding, tears and laughter!
Can you remember what you were doing on Thursday, December 18th 2008? I can, and for a very good
reason, that was the day the Crisis Accommodation Centre for Women run by Caritas moved to a safer,
bigger and 'eventually' better building on the other side of the City. We had known for a while that a new
premises had been located, that some new windows and other repairs were taking place (as much as money
was available to do at that stage) and that for some days, groups of our residents were travelling out there to
clear and clean what was an old communist era Primary School and later a Children‘s Home. However the
decorations were up in our old building on Alejová, the baking was being done and we were safe in the
expectation that it would all happen AFTER Christmas….What a shock we got when we got a phone call
from Head office to let us know that the residents were to be in the new Centre for the night of 19th and the
old Centre emptied as far as humanly possible. We were talking of about 80 people, clothes, furniture,
preschool, kitchen, offices, workshop etc!
All we could do was grumble, grump and get on with it FAST. So then the fun began, each family looked
after their own belongings, clothes etc, there were no fancy suitcases just black bags and often bundles tied
up in blankets, labeled with stickers to indi-cate the owner. For my colleague and me we had responsibility
for looking after the pack-ing and movement of all the škôlka (preschool) furniture and everything else. So
after a trip (by yours truly) to locate and ask for boxes from our neighbor - a furniture and builders supply
store - we set to and started with the schoolroom (toys, books, puzzles etc); we then progressed to the
sleeping rooms (bed linen, quilts, art materials, more toys etc), then to the school kitchen (pots, pans,
microwave, crockery, cutlery, grocery supplies etc) and then to labeling all the furniture and carpets.
Finally, we were ready to go home, tired and perplexed at what lay ahead for us the next day, and feeling for
our children and mothers etc for whom this was not looking like an ideal start to Christmas!
On Friday, we were first to pack up and transport in old vans provided by Caritas with the help of and driven
by clients of the men‘s shelter. Both of us had to travel with the loads to insure no detours were taken due to
'thirst' and that the goods arrived. I still remember my shock at seeing the state of unreadiness of the 'new'
Crisis Centre. Dust and builders rubble everywhere, walls still being plastered (a few were painted) no
heating or very little and it was freezing outside and starting to snow! Then the unloading and carrying
every-thing upstairs to what would eventually become our new Škôlka but for the next few weeks was
simply a store for our stuff. Nothing got lost or broken on the way which was a major miracle! When we
finished with our loads I spent the rest of the day helping unload furni-ture, clothes, and personal belongings
for the clients and to carry them to the rooms the various families would be occupying as these were
eventually decided. Some of the women helped but the greatest practical workers were the clients of the
night shelter and the male workers from Caritas! I really admired their hard work and also the way they
worked together (o.k. there were a few incidents and a few 'slackers'! I went home and fell into bed!
On Saturday, the moving continued as did the unloading and sorting of what belonged to whom etc, and the
delivery up and down to final destinations. But already some families had settled into rooms and unpacked
and were declaring wonder at how big the rooms were, how much corridor space there was, how there was
playground equipment (ancient, rusty and in need of painting!) outside and space for the children to play
away from constant traffic and danger. There was a real sense that they saw the silver lining behind the
cloud, the possibilities together with the dust and the distance from the city and the lack of a choice of
Shopping Centres within walking distance. By Monday there was even a Christmas tree up, even if the
cookers were not working and it looked as if only one would be set up before Christmas. It was obvious that
the dream, only about a month before, of having Christmas Dinner in the new Crisis Centre on Christmas
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Eve for all staff and clients of the various Caritas accommodation services for people who are homeless in
Košice would not be fulfilled this year.
The Dinner was simply transferred to January 6th and I was amazed to see that the dust was gone when I
arrived that evening. The corridor where the tables were set up was sparkling and decorated. The dinner was
cooked and served by the clients, who were happy to be in better accommodation, even if it had not been the
Christmas they dreamed of! After the Dinner there were beautifully wrapped gifts for each of the children,
carefully packed by children in other parts of Europe for children of various ages by the Charity Samaritans
Purse. It was a joy to see the delight of the children as they opened these shoeboxes and discovered the
treasures inside and to see that they knew they were gifts from children else-where who cared about them.
One of the girls even asked could they make boxes next Christmas and send them to poor children (there
were tears in a few eyes at that thought!) Then there was fun and dancing until 10p.m. (when the Night time
Quiet begins here in Slovakia, a tradition from Communist times, which is still largely observed and
expected) as we did not want to cause difficulties with our new neighbors some of whom were not too
pleased that a Centre for 'Homeless' was moved to their village.
A year later it feels as if the time has flown and that a lot has been achieved. Definitely the Škôlka is better
off in terms of space, we are now in one large room with the sleeping area cordoned off by low shelving, we
have our own kitchen across the corridor and toilets close by and we have space to run and play outdoors…..
And after 3 months working alone with the children my new colleague started work today! (Yes, Caritas is
having problems with funding for staff, for day to day materials, and much of the repair work and new windows in the Centre have yet to be completed). I am looking forward to making the Christmas decorations
with the children, and this year there will not be any moving!
[By Sr. Eileen Nash] Note: This article first appeared in the Slovak Newsletter, 2009 Edition.
The Arrival of Healing Touch in Northern Chile
Nelly Hidalgo is a former Healing Touch student who now trains others in the process. Nelly lives in Alto
Hospicio, Chile, where two of our Presentation Sisters, Mary Moloney and Eileen Pender, are living and
working. Two Presentation Sisters in Peru, Eileen Kearney and Margaret Kehoe have been giving Healing
Touch courses in Chile for many years.
Their softness came
flying over time
over the sea, over the smoke,
over the spring,
and when you placed
your hands on my chest
I recognized those golden dove wings,
I recognized that clay,
and that color of wheat.
Excerpt from the poem “Your Hands” by Pablo Neruda
Alto Hospicio, located in the northern part of Chile near the Atacama Desert, used to be a quiet farming area
with a population of about 2,000 people. However, within the past twenty years, Alto Hospicio has
dramatically turned itself into a town of 70,000 inhabitants. This was due to the economic development of
the región, mostly in mining and fishing industries, plus ZOFRI, a tax free port that deals in business with
neighboring countries. These developments attracted people from other areas of the country as well as Peru
and Bolivia. Everybody hoped there would be work for them. Some got a job but many others did not, and
they ended up in Alto Hospicio, creating huge social problems in housing, health and education.
Today Alto Hospicio is considered one of the poorest towns of the country, even though there are
governmental and non-governmental agencies trying to improve living conditions there.The lack of
employment and the pressing economic problems brought about loss of self esteem, drug abuse, domestic
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violence, depression, hyperactivity in children and numerous physical ailments. More than 70% of the poor
in this area are women and children. Frustration and powerlessness are constant emotions, but the women
know that when there is hope, life is worth living.
The Presentation Sisters lit their lantern here, offering hope and encouragement to the Alto Hospicio people,
by building “Nano Nagle House”, a centre to help women who are struggling to regain their dignity. The
Sisters know that women have the power to help entire families and communities escape poverty. Nano
Nagle House offers a wide variety of courses so women can develop personally, emotionally and spiritually.
It also provides opportunities to create income generating Community Development businesses.
The two Irish Sisters of the Presentation, Mary Maloney and Eileen Pender, living in Alto Hospicio beside
the people, felt something more could be of help at the emotional, mental and spiritual levels to make a
difference in the struggles these people face. In coordination with PROSH (Promoviendo Salud Holistica),
they brought Sister Eileen Kearney from Lima, Peru, to introduce Healing Touch in Chile. At last, the
technique that uses the gentle touch to facilitate the healing within the person on a heart-to-heart relationship
with the practitioner came to Chile.
In May 2006, twenty-one participants from Alto Hospicio and Inique were trained in the technique at Level
One; the course made a difference in the lives of those who participated. In October of the same year, Sisters
Eileen Kearney and Margaret Kehoe taught Level 2 and and offered Level 1 again. I couldn’t miss the
opportunity to learn the technique that I had read about on the internet, so I took the class. Since then it has
been a beautiful experience for me to bring a smile to somebody that needs healing touch.
Now I have trained in Level 3 and this year I hope to learn Level 4. Since May 2006, the technique has been
taught once or twice a year in Alto Hospicio with a good number of attendees. In November 2008, Level 1
was taught in Santiago, the capital of Chile by Sister Eileen Kearney. Our hope is that the good news of
Healing Touch will spread to many other parts of Chile.
On 23rd and 24th January 2009, Sister Margaret Kehoe taught Level 1 in Inique plus a children’s class called
“I’m Energy” to twenty children who were so enthusiastic that they “demanded” more classes.
Community of Holistic Therapies: In June 2008 Healing Touch students decided to organize themselves as
a group. The main aims of the group are to support the continuity of the courses offered by PROSH-Peru,
and promote both the practice and the study of Healing Touch as a therapy among the people of Alto
Hospicio. The president of the group is Solange Benedetti, a social worker.
Healing Touch therapy is now being offered at Nano Nagle House, Sector Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa area),
Centro de Salud Mental (Mental Health Centre), Carcel de Alto Hospicio (Alto Hospicio Jail Center) and
Centro de Atencio Familiar (Family Attention Center). The Centro de Atención Familiar is a project of the
Methodist Church in Chile. The centre supports and helps women who experience domestic violence and has
a multidisciplinary team lead by Pastor Alison Facey and her husband Chris Esdaile. The centre started
offering Healing Touch in August 2008 with a team of fi ve persons.
Pastor Facey tells of their experience, “All the women who receive the therapy feel more relaxed, have more
energy and feel more positive immediately afterwards. Some have returned for their second or third session
describing ways in which they feel they have been transformed. For example, a woman who was raped 20
years ago is now able to tell others about her horrific experience. A woman who is a recovering drug addict
who was rescued by her husband after spending fi ve weeks living on the streets feels more at peace with
herself and her role as a mother and is committed to attending the therapy groups at the local mental health
center.” As we develop our skills and experience we become more attuned to the needs of the person and can
assist them in their process of healing.
To promote Healing Touch in the community, March 6 and 7 were busy days. On Friday, 6th March we
gathered and did the meditation to heal the world at noon time in Iquique’s City Hall. On the following day,
7th March, we offered free short Healing Touch therapies at Prat’s Square in Iquique. This pioneer group in
Chile is committed to encourage healing among people through the ancient art of Healing Touch to reawaken
the healer within.
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Note: Mary Moloney has just finished her training as a Healing Touch Instructor and will continue to teach
Healing Touch Level one in Chile.
This article first appeared in the Healing Touch International Newsletter (Volume 6, 4th Quarter 2009). For
more information on Healing Touch International, click here. [Article by Nelly Hidalgo]
Sr. Briget Keogh on her time in Zimbabwe
As Nagle House celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Sr Bridget Keogh looks back and reflects on her time
ministering in Zimbabwe since 1961: Time is ticking on. I’m in my 80th year. Looking back, I am grateful
for the opportunities I’ve had to serve the Lord in Zimbabwe.
On 15th September 1961, I arrived in Nagle House then an all-age school for white pupils from the local
farms. Having taught infants only since I started teaching in 1954, I was apprehensive of teaching older
pupils – the seniors. During my first two years I taught Latin in Form 1, History in Form 2 and games. Then I
was “pushed” into teaching Mathematics for O Levels. The class had been seniors all up through the school
and were very demanding and very vocal, so I spent every free moment I had preparing lessons. I was also
asked to teach O Level Fashion and Fabrics. I had to learn the theory before I taught it. I drew the line at
teaching “M” Level so was given the chance to study for the degree in Cork. After 1972, teaching Maths was
much easier as I knew the ceiling on topics taught at A Level. As well as teaching, we spent weekends
during the term on vocation promotion in some of the well-known boarding schools like St Killians, St
Benedicts and Nyarira. During these years The Better World Movement was popular, especially in retreat
work with the youth. I considered it a way of promoting vocations.
During the war years, restriction in travel prevented our vocation promotion work so I worked with
Samaritans for nine years. At Nagle House, I started the Interact Club and was delighted to see it still active
to this day. For the broadening of education of the girls we had dancing, orienteering, etiquette, stage
fighting and indoor games.
When I retired from teaching I was sent to Mutare to experience a whole new world of responsibilities and
development. This new opening of sourcing funds and building was very different from my previous
apostolates.
Coming to Guruve in 2006 was a very different ball game. Here I found my lack of knowledge of Shona
language a big handicap in a rural setting. Nonetheless, I managed to run and enhance the library facility for
local primary and secondary pupils. The first tailoring course last year was started to empower women to
support their families through skills training. The present course has many youth– school leavers who wish
to get a start in life. I am grateful for these many experiences and also friends made in the progress. May the
Lord direct the future.
This article by Sr. Bridget Keogh first appeared in the Zimbabwe Vice Province Newsletter, Volume 2
(November 2009)
A Service of Prayer for Climate Change
Organised by Stop Climate Change, Eco Congregation Ireland, Trócaire and Christian Aid, an
Interdenominational Service of Prayer for Climate Change, took place on 11 December 2009 in Christ
Church Cathedral Dublin. Young and old gathered to pray. RTÉ Có na nÓg inspired us with their beautiful
musical renditions.
Guest speaker, Mrs. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, pointed out that climate change issues are too important to be left to governments - we have to be the
ones to change. She highlighted that the most vulnerable countries contributed least to the current problems.
However, we all have to be part of the solution if we are to see our world safely to 2050. Referring to a
refugee camp where each family has been given a solar cooking stove, water that can be distilled efficiently,
environmentally friendly lights and cash to plant as many trees as possible to replace those they had cut
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down previously for firewood, she pointed out how these people are becoming agents of change in their own
environment. In conclusion we were encouraged to remember our own proverb "Ar scáth a chéile sea
maireann na daoine" [We depend on each other] and to re-discover our spirit of "Meitheal" [working
cooperatively]. The final blessing sent us forth in peace to love and serve the Lord in His world.
Presentation Student from Cork Receives Award
Niamh Burke, a Presentation student from Cork, recently won frist prize in the annual Cecil Woodham Smith
Writing Competition. Niamh's winning letter can be seen here. She tells her story here: In the Spring of this
year, Concern Worldwide organised its second annual Cecil Woodham Smith Writing Competition, and my
English teacher, Ms. Linda Irwin, encouraged me to put an entry forward. The competition gave students
from around the world the chance to offer the US President advice on critical issues facing the globe today. I
wrote a letter under the category of ‘Climate Change and the Developing World’.
I received an e-mail from Concern in June, informing me of the winning entries. I was fortunate enough to
be awarded first prize in the senior category of the writing competition. The e-mail also let me know that
there would be a prize giving ceremony and book launch in late October. This book, ‘Dear President
Obama...’, is a compilation of all the winning letters, plus extracts from shortlisted entries.
The prize giving ceremony and book launch was held at the US Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park.
Many important people attended, including of course, the US Ambassador himself, Mr. Daniel M. Rooney.
The evening was hosted by Newstalk’s Karen Coleman (former BBC war correspondent). Tom Arnold, the
CEO of Concern Worldwide, was at the ceremony along with Mr. Michael Doorly, Head of Active
Citizenship at Concern.
Many interesting speeches were made and some delicious food was eaten. I was presented with my prize,
which is a laptop. I was really excited about this because I didn’t already have one, and I will certainly put it
to good use. It was such an honour, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to meet and have a chat with the US
Ambassador. When he addressed everyone at the ceremony, he spoke about personally knowing Mr. Obama
and the stories he told about his experiences with President Obama were very interesting, some even quite
amusing.
I was lucky enough to be asked to read an excerpt from my letter at the ceremony. It was a daunting task to
have to read aloud in the US Amnassador’s residence, but I did it and I’m glad that I did. Ambassador
Rooney personally congratulated me, and he signed my copy of the new book. All of the winning writers
were given a copy of the book, and so was the Ambassador, who promised to forward a copy to President
Obama. So, hopefully, Mr. Obama will get to read my letter. That would be the greatest honour of all.
Everyone I met at the Ambassador’s residence in Dublin was so warm, supportive and engaging, and I felt
very honoured to be involved in the whole event. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the experiences this
competition has given me, from actually sitting down to write my letter all those months ago, to making my
way up to the podium to read it in the presence of the US Ambassador.
The panel of final round judges for the competition included Aengus Finucane (former CEO of Concern),
Deaglán de Bréadún (Irish Times), Gary Murphy (Dublin City University), Kelly McShane (Concern US),
John J. O’ Connor (Board Member of Concern US), Chris Elliot (Guardian Newspapers) and Fr. Ciaran
Kitching. [Submitted by Niamh Burke, a student at Christ King Secondary School, Turners Cross, Cork]
Editor's Note: We regret that publication of this article was inadvertently delayed.
News from Bhopal Novitiate
Parish Liturgy on Climate Change: On 7th December 2009, the Presentation sisters and novices at the
Presentation Novitiate in Bhopal India organised a liturgical function at the parish level to alert themselves
about the urgent need to address the issue of climate change. After a meaningful celebration of the Eucharist
they gathered together near the tree at the entrance to the Church to pledge their solidarity with the Earth.
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They conducted a candle light vigil and placed the candles around the tree. Slogans were written to highlight
the need to listen to the cry of the Earth. As a mark of their friendship with and commitment to the Earth and
all of God's creation, a representative from each of the communities in the Parish tied a colourful ribbon
around the tree and together took a pledge to do what they could to save the Earth.
Celebrating Presentation Day: On 21st November 2009, we had the joy of having the Christian Brothers
for our Presentation day celebration. The heart symbolised each day's theme of this year's Novena and the
heart shown in the photograph, coloured with “rangoli” powder, depicted it for us. The novena on 21st
November looked beautiful with all the symbols of countries adorned at the feet of Nano.
Novices Support Gas Victims in Bhopal: The Bhopal Gas tragedy happened on 3rd December 1984 at the
stroke of midnight. Twenty five years later, the victims still bear the scars of that great tragedy which wiped
away many of their loved ones, relatives and friends; in some homes all the inmates of the family were lost.
Any compensation given to the people who have lost everything in their lives has been apallingly meager.
The Presentation Sisters have expressed their solidarity with these victims every year since the tragedy. The
novices at the Presentation Novitiate in Bhopal keep a file of the newspaper cuttings and use them for
theological reflections and prayer. On the 2nd December this year, the Sisters and novices visited
Sambhavana Trust Hospice to learn about alternative medicines used for the treatment of the victims. Later
during the evening they joined a candle light vigil for the gas victims in Bhopal town.
A massive rally was held to commemorate the tragic incident 25 years ago. It was a soul stirring time for the
novices who participated. They were glad to be with the victims. They also joined the rally the following day
to express their solidarity with the people affected by it. They were overwhelmed by the dedication of many
Indian youth and people from abroad of different faiths and walks of life who came to support the victims.
They met some of the victims and shared some time with them. A sense of helplessness and anger were felt
by them because of the indifference of the Government and the Dow Company. We hope and pray that the
people will soon get their dues from the company. The novices from the Christian Brothers Novices and the
Holy Cross Sisters joined us in this rally. [Submitted by Silvia]
News from Slovakia
Each year the Sisters in Slovakia produce a Newsletter. The 2009 edition has now been added to the
Members Area of the website.
My time in Ireland: An experience of Communion (by Marcella Cruz)
Sr. Marcela Cruz from Ecuador has spent some time in Ireland recently. As her visit comes to a close, she
reflects on her experience: As my time in Ireland is coming to an end, I wish to share with you what my
experience has been during this special year in which we have celebrate the life and heritage of Nano. I am
writing from Cork, where our roots are so deep and our identity so clearly evident.
My connection with Presentation began over 20 years ago. The first time I heard of Ireland I wondered
where that country was? How could so many place names exist on a small island so far from my native
Chile? Later, I read “One Pace Beyond” and I was captivated by the story of this Cork woman – I could
picture her walking through the narrow lanes in winter to visit the poor and the outcasts who were suffering
from cold, hunger and disease and, worse still, were deprived of human dignity and a right to education. I
used to imagine Nano crossing over the bridges of Cork with her lantern on cold dark nights in a city gripped
by poverty and fear. I used to imagine her struggle for what she believed in, spending long hours in activities
and in contemplation, in struggle and in silent prayer, expending all her energy on the poor and then leaving
them all in God’s hands.
I used to imagine her with her strong determination pushing her forward and, at the same time, leading her to
joyful self-sacrifice and compassion. She was not a woman to live life by halves; rather she had the great
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combination of love and strength of character. Twenty years ago I was also captivated by the missionary
style of the Sisters, their closeness and friendship with the people, their open house and warm welcome for
everyone who came to see them.
And finally the day arrived when I got to visit Nano's native soil! I landed in Ireland on a sunny June day
(14th june 2009) after a long journey from Chile, to this country of such varied weather! I soon got the smell
of cows in the Cork landscape and I said to myself: “I have arrived in the land of milk and cheese”. I am
learning English in Cork with its accent which is not always appreciated in other parts of the country! I love
the beauty of Ireland; its varied shades of green, its culture, its dance, its music…the people and Presentation
Sisters who are so warm and friendly, especially the Community at the Presentation Centre in Cork, where I
have been based during my stay.
What I imagined on reading about Nano I could now experience for myself, having come to our roots, to
what gives us our identity, to what evokes the past as we retrace her steps and experience the challenge of
Presentation today. The Tóir programme was a journey of renewal with many sisters and brothers from all
corners of the world, reflecting on the charism and the call to us today. Again walking the streets of Cork we
sensed the depth of Nano’s mission, which was to bring hope and love to the “nobodies” of our world. We
visited Glendalough, a sacred place full of history and natural beauty, which invited me to contemplation
and self-awareness. Our pilgrimage to George’s Hill, an oasis in an old part of Dublin with its busy market,
recalled the deep communion between Nano and Teresa Mullaly.
My Nano Nagle Retreat in Mount St. Anne’s was a time for entering more deeply into the spirituality of
Nano and her followers. My stay in Ballygriffin where Nano was born and spent her childhood was a special
time of sharing the daily life of the sisters and of sharing with the staff who work at the centre. The invitation
to be conscious of our environment and to undertake the the Cosmic Walk are a striking element of the
programmes offered there.
In the Mission House, Lucan, life is certainly multicultural. There are ample opportunities to get to know and
share cultures and experiences in the welcoming, homely atmosphere which the sisters provide there. I also
experienced a warm welcome and great generosity during my visit to England. My encounters with Nano,
with Sisters in Ireland and England, with friends who had lived in Latin America and with new friends have
animated me on my journey because we are connected in the Energy of Love.
I wish now to share a special encounter, which I believe reflects the energy of love, this force, which goes
beyond the expected, and which can affect a deep transformation in life. While I was in Sheffield, England
with Sr. Eileen Keating we visited a neighbour, Akberet who had arrived from Eritrea, Africa seven years
ago without a word of English. When we arrived to her house she invited us in and, in less than 5 minutes,
served us a delicious meal… it was her gesture of welcome and appreciation. Then she offered us coffee. I
accepted thinking that she would have it ready in a few minutes. But what a surprise I got!
Akberet drew up a little table, a chair, a small gas cooker, a jug, 4 small cups, green coffee beans and a small
saucepan –every thing she needed to prepare the coffee. She sat down and began the process of toasting the
coffee beans and while she did so we spoke about her life. She told us that preparing the coffee in this way
was a ritual in Eritrea –a ritual that gave time for conversation and for listening to one another. In fact, it
reminded me of Latin America where people take all the time in the world to talk about their life
experiences. Akberet’s toasting and crushing of the beans, putting them in the jug, heating and serving the
coffee took all of 40 minutes after which we enjoyed the delicious drink prepared with such love, care and
conversation-communion.
Afterwards I reflected on the example of her life and communion, her simplicity, her ease – the rich wisdom
of this simple woman touched my heart just by her total presence, her total calm, her simple gesture of love
in the course of her daily life. What could have been the secret? The Energy of Love. Akberet consecrated
the time, the space, our visit with her love – we lived communion, compassion, and contemplation.
Something as simple as that moment of calm, as asking us to wait a while was transformed into a sacred
moment of love.
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My whole journey in Ireland has given me a sacred space for encounters, communion, and shared life with
each community of sisters I visited and with the international congregation. What made it so? I believe it was
the energy of love. I offer my deepest gratitude to each of the Sisters and friends of Nano who welcomed me
into their lives! I also thank the Sisters in Latin American Unit who gave me the opportunity to spend this
special time in Ireland. Thank you for everything. Go raibh maith agaibh ar son gach rud. Gracias por todo.
Presentation Day in Philippines
Presentation Day 2009 was celebrated in Negros Occidental, Philippines with the theme: "Mary lead us to a
deeper communion with one another and with a very heart of God." We, Sisters, praying to God with Mary's
guidance for a deeper communion with one another, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Presentation on
20 November 2009 at BCC (Binalbagan Catholic College) Gym.
The three communities (Himamaylan, Binalbagan and Scala) gathered together with our co-workers, friends,
parish priests, retirees of BCC, Lay Associates (Parolitas) and the Bishop of Kabankalan Diocese, Bishop
Patricio Buzon, SDB, D.D. for a very meaningful and enjoyable day. Different working commitees were
organized to make the celebration possible. Bishop Buzon was the main celebrant during the Holy Eucharist
with the three Columban Fathers (Frs. Patrick Hurley, Michael Doohan and Brian Gore) and the Diocesan
priests. In his homily, the Bishop addressed the theme of the day, deeper communion with one another,
which implied a celebration of the Sisters - together with all who were present especially, with the coworkers. A celebration to be appreciated of having a deeper communion, of being united, being closer to one
another as we journey together for one vision, one mission with God's grace and love.
The celebration became more meaningful when all the sisters had the renewal of their vows, followed by the
acceptance of the four new members of the lay associates and the renewal of commitment of the eighteen
existing members. During the prayers of the faithful one member from each apostolate prayed an
intercession while another member of the same apostolate carried a part of the big heart (based on the heart
design from the Novena booklet) to complete the puzzle of the whole heart on a board beside the altar table.
This was followed by the offertory procession of the different apostolates/ministries. The offerings would
later be brought to the prisoners of Himamaylan and Binalbagan. The Holy Eucharist concluded by singing
the hymn, "Upod Kay Maria" (Together with Mary). After the spiritual nourishment, lunch followed where
everyone was biologically nourished and satisfied. A simple and very enjoyable program entertained us all.
The celebration ended with the finale number, an interpretative song by the Lay associates entitled, Hearts on
Fire and the community singing of the song, Unity Prayer (Take Us one Pace Beyond).
The two communities in Cebu, Nivel Hills and Son-oc also celebrated it with friends from other religious
congregations. A day before Nov. 21, the Sisters and the three Novices had a meal with the Parolitas (lay
associates) who feed the children around the community.[Submitted by Sr. Mildred]
Presentation Day in Delhi
The Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School, Delhi 6, India recently celebrated Presentation Day. Sr.
Molly has sent us an account of the celebrations:
‘Nano Nagle-Fan into Flame the Gift of God’, With a lantern in her hand, Nano Nagle was a familiar sight in
the city’s dark and dangerous streets, seeking out the hungry, the homeless and the downtrodden. Nano
Nagle – an epitome of love and sacrifice was known as the ‘Lady of the Lantern’. She was born into a very
prominent family belonging to Ballygriffin, Cork Ireland in the year 1718.
To commemorate the 225th death anniversary of Nano Nagle. the foundress of the Presentation
Congregation, Presentation Convent senior secondary school presented a musical opera “Fan into Flame the
Gift of God”, on the 20th and 21st November 2009. The musical opera was a beautiful portrayal of the
dauntless life of Nano, and the students of class IX and XI presented a splendid show, which was indeed a
spectacular blend of dance and music. The play reflected Nano’s life, her words and her sensitivity towards
the suffering of the poor.
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Nano Nagle spent all her fortune in establishing schools for the poor in Cork. Her first school was a mud
cabin, in a very poor part of the town. By 1775, Nano and her companions had decided to work as a
congregation, to ensure the permanence of their venture in educating the poor. All this and many more
aspects of the angelic woman Nano Nagle were well depicted through the play. The chief guest for this
spectacular show on the 20th November was His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Vincent M. Concessao, the
Archbishop of Delhi and the guest of honour was Sr. Miriam Attel, the Circle Animator (North Circle) of the
Presentation Congregation.
On the 21st November the Guest of Honour, Ms. Lavina Collins, Deputy Chief of Mission, the Embassy of
Ireland, New Delhi graced the evening with her presence. She congratulated the students for their powerful
and beautiful performance; she also thanked the Sisters for keeping the flame of Nano's vision alive, as the
service rendered by the sisters is a reflection of Nano’s motto “All for God’s poor”. The success of the
programme was manifested through the spirit of Nano, permeating the entire atmosphere.
[Submitted by Sr. Molly, Presentation Convent, S.P. Mukherjee Marg, Delhi 6, India]
Friends of Nano Nagle in Jhelum
On 2nd December 2009 a meeting was held in Presentation Convent, Jhelum, led by Sr. Riffat Sadiq. It
was a very thought-provoking session and was attended by ten people of various ages and occupations.
The objective was to enable us to realize our responsibility as human beings. We were encouraged to
ponder upon the purpose of our being. A video of Nano’s life really touched our hearts and made us
enthusiastic, devoted and motivated towards the goal of serving humanity.
The reading from the Holy Gospel enlightened our minds to understand what Jesus wants His people to
do. We were challenged to go and visit people in need in our areas, to listen to their stories of difficulty,
hardship or sadness and to share the joy of Christmas with them by bringing gifts.
We were encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Nano Nagle by joining the movement called “Friends
of Nano Nagle”, an international group associated with the Presentation Sisters. We feel proud and
privileged to be the first members of this group in Jhelum. At the end of the meeting we enjoyed tea
together. Then we went to the garden for a photograph for the eNews! [Submitted by Radha Nasir]
The Survival of the Fattest
The Survival of the Fattest' is the title of a sculpture by Danish artisit Jens Galschiot which he has placed in
the harbor of Copenhagen next to the famous statue of the Little Mermaid. The sculpture represents an
overweight Lady Justice figurine, symbolizing the rich industrialized world, sitting on the back of a thin
worn-out African man.
The largest and most important U.N. climate change conference began two days ago with organizers warning
diplomats from 192 nations that this could be the best, last chance for a deal to protect the world from
calamitous global warming.
End of Jubilee Celebrations in Jhelum
Again I have the privilege of writing on behalf of Presentation Convent School, Jhelum, which in itself is an
honour for me. To celebrate the 225th Anniversary of the Death of Nano Nagle, the whole year’s
celebrations ended in the school on 20th November 2009. The closing ceremony comprised of four
programmes.
The First Programme: The first programme was organized by teachers on the 14th Nov. when Srs. Anne
and Violet visited us. They received a warm welcome after which the programme started formally. First of
all a group of teachers paid homage to the Lady of the Lantern, Nano Nagle, by singing an Urdu song which
presented the true picture of Nano’s life as she brought people out of the dark shadows of ignorance. She
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helped those who were poor and challenged the institutional injustice that perpetuated marginalization and
poverty. Nano responded to the needs of her time and developed an educational curriculum suitable for her
students.
The Second Programme: The second item presented by another group of teachers was a mime in which
they portrayed the values of caring for the earth and striving for peace. This was accompanied by light music
and was most inspiring. Values play an important role in our lives making the world a better place in which
to live.
The Third Programme: The third item was a poem written and read by me, as I was anchoring the
programme with another teacher. The title was: “Nano with a Lantern.” In the poem I expressed my feelings
about Nano by depicting her life. The last verse is my favourite one:
When a Sister is there, to help out,
“Well done, my dear!” Nano may shout.
No doubt, by following in the footsteps of Nano, the Presentation Sisters are doing a great job. My poem
received a huge round of applause which encouraged me a lot.
The Fourth Programme: The fourth and last item was a song presented by another group of teachers: “One
Step Beyond”. The teachers dramatized Nano and her Sisters spreading the light of knowledge. Candles
were lit by the Sisters and teachers during the song. At the end, the guests cut the cake. Sr. Anne, while
expressing her feelings appreciated the enthusiasm and spirit shown by the staff members. Our Principal, Sr.
Riffat Sadiq, also expressed her views and thanked the guests for joining the programme and appreciated the
efforts of her staff.
On 19th Nov. a second programme was organized by Class 2 boys. The guests were the Principal, Sr. Riffat,
Sr. Bridie and Sr. Stephen as it was a part of the celebration of Presentation Day, the special Feast of
Presentation Sisters.
The boys portrayed the life of Nano in the form of a drama recalling in particular the incident where Anne
gave Nano’s favourite silk to a poor family. Nano became angry but on reflection she realized her sister was
more generous than she was and she decided to follow her example. She gave away all her nice things and
spent her money on building schools for poor children. She became a Sister and founded the Presentation
Congregation. When her money ran out she begged to support her schools.
On Nov. 20th the third programme was arranged by the girls in Class 3. It consisted of 2 items – a song
entitled “Gathering the Dreams” and another rendering of the story of Nano Nagle. At the end of each
programme Sr. Riffat appreciated and thanked the staff. She said it was nice to watch the story of Nano once
again and prayed that the Feast would bring many blessings on all present. She then lit the candle and passed
the light on to the other Sisters and teachers.
During this year we have had several programmes on various topics related to Nano’s life and work. Our
students know that it is due to her dedication, perseverance and selfless love that they are receiving an
education in Presentation Convent School Jhelum today. They, in their turn, will also “light the lantern” for
others. To conclude, I’m thankful for this opportunity to express myself on an international platform, to share
my views with the friends of Nano worldwide. [Submitted by Miss Uzma Ijaz]
Sisters Celebrate 50 Years of Service in Montclair, California
It was August, 1959, a time that will never be forgotten at Our Lady of Lourdes School. Fifty years ago, a
request was made by Fr. Joseph Mackey to the Presentation Congregation in Ireland to help staff a new
school in the city of Montclair, California. The need was urgent due to the fact that the school would open
eight months later. The Presentation Sisters committed their lives to service and eagerly followed the
inspiration of their foundress, Nano Nagle. Leaving their home of Ireland would not be easy, but serving
others in any part of the world was their mission.
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Four sisters volunteered for the mission that would take them far from home: Sr. Philomena McElligott, Sr.
Fidelma Lyne, Sr. Winifred Harnett, and Sr. Frances O’Leary. On August 8, 1959 they boarded the
Mauritania and their lives would be forever changed. After enduring the boat ride across the Atlantic, and
the heat and humidity of the United States, they arrived to Montclair, California, where their service would
be greatly needed. Over the years, much has changed at Our Lady of Lourdes School; however, one thing
has remained constant, the dedication of the Presentation Sisters. After fifty years of service it was time to
celebrate these remarkable women of God.
The preparations for this special day began months ago, but everyone involved knew what a special
milestone this would be. The Gathering on the Green, as the celebration was called, took place on October
24, 2009. The day began with an outdoor liturgy celebrated by Bishop Rutilio del Riego from the Diocese of
San Bernardino. Many local priests concelebrated as well as our own pastor, Fr. Anthony Dao. Among the
attendees were the Presentation Sisters from all over California and other states, dignitaries from the City of
Montclair and representatives from the State of California. Also present were Patricia Vesely, Diocesan
Superintendent of Catholic Schools, alumni from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s, current school and
parish families, friends, and faculty and staff. In all, over 700 people joined in the festivities.
The Scripture readings for the Mass were proclaimed by current students. Bishop Rutilio’s homily focused
on the life and mission of the foundress, Nano Nagle, and her inspiration to the Presentation Sisters. Various
choirs participated: students from Our Lady of Lourdes school, and the parish adult choirs, both English and
Spanish. Before the final blessing, the sisters renewed their vows, and in imitation of Mary’s “Yes”, students
sang the Magnificat. The closing hymn,”One Step Beyond”, a hymn dedicated to the Presentation Sisters,
was an inspiration and a challenge to go “one step beyond”.
Following the liturgy, certificates of recognition were given to Sr. Fidelma Lyne and the Presentation
Sisters. The City of Montclair was represented by the Mayor, and representatives from the Police and Fire
departments. The school was also recognizes for its achievements by the California State Senate and
Assembly. The ceremony concluded with presenting gifts of embroidered sweaters and engraved lanterns to
the sisters still residing in Montclair The Mass and ceremony were joyous, and the atmosphere was filled
with reverence and excitement. However, the celebration was not yet over.
Following the Mass the classrooms were opened for all alumni to visit and reminisce. The joy and
excitement to see old friends was contagious as hugs and smiles were viewed in and out of the classrooms
and many group pictures were taken. All were delighted to see the changes that were made to the classrooms
and grounds of the school. They were even more surprised to see how some things, after so many years,
remained the same, such as the classroom desks! They had a lot of fun as they struggled to sit in their old
desks! To add to the nostalgia of revisiting the school, a remembrance video of the Sisters was playing in
each classroom. It was amazing to see what life was like fifty years ago! The excite- ment felt throughout
the school continued for several hours.
As the classrooms were being toured, a bountiful lunch was also being served. During the meal, while
everyone was eating and conversing, an alumni family prepared a special performance for the sisters. They
performed a humorous rendition of the Village People’s “YMCA”. Their song “OLL” was a delight as they
described the sisters and their memories from years ago. The entertainment continued with a Folklórico
Dance Group, Hawaiian Dancers, performances from current students, and ended with Irish Dancing.
As the day progressed and came to a close, it was obvious that all had a wonderful time. The sisters were
extremely happy, and this was felt by alumni, friends, parishioners, and school families. It was a true
testimony to the wonderful memories that the Presentation Sisters helped to create. Without their dedication
to their faith and the countless hours of service to the children of Our Lady of Lourdes, this special day of
celebration would not have existed. It was apparent that each person present at the 50th celebration was
grateful and blessed to be part of such a memorable event. To see some beautiful pictures of this event you
can click on the school website.
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Reception of Sisters in Jhelum
The 8th September 2009 was a very joyful occasion in Jhelum. Our five candidates had been looking
forward to this day for a long time. For Sr. Nargis, the Candidate Mistress, this was also a special day as
this was her first group of candidates.
The ceremony in the Convent Chapel was very simple but meaningful. There was a short dramatization
of the story of the Annunciation. Farzana, Sandra, Rafaqat, Anita and Gulnaz were formally received by
Sr. Catherine Sardar, Vice-Provincial. For these four candidates it was the culmination of months of
preparation and they were very proud to wear their white suits at last! The ceremony was followed by
lunch after which the new novices set out for Rawalpindi, fired with enthusiasm to go “one step
beyond”.
Srs. Catherine, Violet and Clement had travelled from Rawalpindi for the occasion. We were delighted
to have Sr.Josephine James with us. Sr. Josephine, a native of Jhelum, was home on leave from
Thailand. Two new candidates, who had come the previous week from Peshawar, joined us for the
ceremony. We pray that God may bless them as they generously offer their lives in service to Him and to
His people.
Inservice for Primary Schools (Northern Province)
The annual inservice for Principals, Deputy Principals and Sisters of Presentation Primary schools (NP) was
held on 28 November 2009 in The Tullamore Court Hotel in Tullamore. The attendance was affected by the
recent flooding and by the freezing foggy weather on the day. Nonetheless all who attended found the day to
be rewarding and energising.
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal (Carlow) had designed a beautiful prayer service to open the day. Mrs. Maria Spring,
Chairperson CPSMA, gave a much appreciated input on current issues for school management, focusing in
particular on reviewing enrolment policies in light of recent Section 29 Appeal findings and updating the
Code of Behaviour in light of the NEWB Guidelines.
Fr. Michael Drumm, Chairperson of the Catholic Schools Partnership and former Director of Mater Dei
Institute (Dublin), gave an inspiring talk on the wells from which we draw support in our lives and the
everlasting well that is our faith. Lesley Butler, on behalf of Sustainable Energy Ireland, outlined the service
provided by SEI, through an energy audit at no charge to the school), to enable schools make a minimum
saving of 10% on their energy costs without any financial cost. She also outlined how schools might access
grants for other energy-saving initiatives, depending on the Budget on 9 December.
Sr. Mary Kenny (NP Leadership Team) spoke about the transfer of the trusteeship from the congregation to
dioceses and Noel Keating outlined the outcome of the workgroup on the Presentation Charism, which was a
draft school policy on the ethos of the Presentation Primary school. All schools are asked to ensure that their
staff, Boards and parents engage with the policy during the remainder of this school year and to adopt it
before June 2010. The Province will be delighted to hear from schools wishing to suggest changes and next
year's gathering may return to this topic.
A range of resources for Primary schools had been drawn together by the workgroup and these were now
added to the Resources section of the website. They included a Pageant on the life of Nano, a colouring book
for younger pupils and a note on the Icon of Nano Nagle. More resources will be added regularly.
Presentation Student wins Poetry Aloud Competition
Liam O' Brien, a student at Presentation Secondary School, Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary won the Junior
Section of the Poetry Aloud National Poetry Speaking Competition in Ireland. The semi-finals and final of
the competition took place in Wesley College Dublin on Friday, 4 December 2009. The competition, which
is organised jointly by the National Library of Ireland and Poetry Ireland, is open to students from the island
of Ireland, North and South.
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This year’s competition featured the work of two Irish poets in particular: Seamus Heaney, who celebrated
his 70th birthday, and WB Yeats, in conjunction with the Library’s award-winning exhibition Yeats: the life
and works of William Butler Yeats.
Since it began in 2006, Poetry Aloud has become a popular event with students, teachers and parents. The
competition helps students to build self-confidence, master public speaking and learn to interact with poetry
in a way that goes beyond reading words on a page. Participating students captivated audiences with their
speaking of their chosen poems and the category winners impressed the judges with their interpretations of
their chosen poems. Liam O' Brien, who won the Junior section of the competition this year, also won the
Junior section in 2008. Presentation Secondary School, Ballingarry is under the trusteeship of CEIST.
Presentation Spirituality and Charism Retreat
For Presentation Sisters and Friends of Nano, this year marks 225 years since Nano Nagle’s death. To
celebrate Nano and renew and revive her spirit Sr. Anne O’Leary, from the United States Province, was
invited to lead a reflective retreat on Presentation Spirituality and Charism. Sr. Treasa Ridge, from the
English Province, complemented Anne’s presentations through deeply refective prayer experiences. This
wonderful event took place in Mount St. Anne’s in August and I was delighted to be one of the participants
and am pleased to share with you now a flavour of our experience.
The overall experience of getting in touch with the spirit of Nano was both enthusing and renewing. The
retreat began with an inspiring input on Earth Spirituality. We know that if Nano were here today, she would
be very concerned with the care of the Earth. She would recognise that ecological balance and structural
forms of poverty cannot be separated; that we need to be Good News for the polluted rivers, seas, dumps as
well as for the people of the world.
Another way of describing this is to say that the pro-life agenda extends to all Creation. Paul V1 warned in
1971 that we risk destroying the eco system and becoming victim to this destruction. Today more than ever,
we must struggle for ecological conversion. Humanity has reached the edge of the abyss. As Pope John Paul
11 said “We are in an ecological crisis and need to make Peace with God and all Creation.”
We have great dignity and power. We are called to be co-creators and providers, we are to till the soil, to
guard the soil. The call to promote justice includes a call to promote sustainable living. The ancient
Hebrews, had a sacramental view of the Universe - the garden was a sanctuary where they encountered God.
All of nature is alive and soil is an expression of the divine. We are taken from the earth - incarnation means
'out of dust'.
Humanity first came to know God through Creation. As time moved on Nature was demystified - or so we
thought. Mankind came to perceive , wrongly we know now, that the rest of creation was there to be
mastered and bent to human will. The hermeneutics of subjugation and lordship took over. God was seen as
from OUTSIDE of Creation. We know now that all Creation resides in God since nothing exists outside God.
God is present in the world he made. For de Chardin the cosmic Christ was dressed as rock. As part of our
experience we spent some time on the lawn in front of the house; here we got in touch with the soft earth,
heard the singing of the birds and sheltered under the magnificent trees and we praised and thanked God for
such beauty and Presence.
On the second day we considered the significance of the change of name of the Congregation and what that
told us about our unique charism. We recalled the many trials and tribulations of Nano and the founding
Sisters, in particular their great faith and trust in Divine Providence. To ensure her work would last after her
death Nano brought the Ursulines to Cork. It was a great disappointment for her to learn that the Ursulines
would be adhering to the rule of enclosure as the “poor schools” were outside of the enclosure as lived by the
Religious of the day. Nano had spent so much of her means supporting them thast this discovery cam as a
very considerable disappointment. However, Nano accepted it as God’s Will and she continued supporting
her schools. She knew that the “Almighty is all sufficient”.
In 1791 the Society of Charitable (loving) Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – as the infant
Congregation was then called - was recognised in Rome. The devotion to the Sacred Heart was recognised
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by the Holy See during the time that Nano worked in her poor schools. This devotion was the primary
spiritual devotion of the Sisters and has continued to be an essential part of Presentation Spirituality.
The infant Society had many trials and vicissitudes but Nano kept in mind that “As we don’t know what is
best for us, so ought to be resigned to the Divine Will” She reflected on the Parable of the Mustard Seed and
compared the humble beginnings of the Congregation to the
Mustard Seed which would spread throughout the whole world. In 1777 Nano, Mary Fouhy, Elizabeth
Burke and Mary Ann Collins made religious vows. Elizabeth Burke died in 1783. So when Nano died in
1784, there were 2 sisters left in the Society, “a tiny mustard seed” certainly.
The sisters were very poor and depending on Nano’s fortune to keep going. However they learned after her
death that her entire estate had been embezzled by Thomas Roche of Cork, the agent of the Nagle property.
In 1793 nine years after Nano’s death, the sisters realised that they were penniless. In order to try to stabilise
the infant foundation, the Sisters requested that the Society be recognised as a Religious Order. This request
necessitated that it become monastic with solemn vows and with the obligation of enclosure. The Sisters
understood that a change of Name for the Society would further the possibility of being recognised as a
Religious Order and ensure its survival. From being contemplatives in the Street the Sisters became
contemplatives in the Garden.
The annalist tells us that Nano had great devotion to the feast of the Presentation of Our Lady in the Temple.
In a letter to Teresa Mulally in 1783 Nano linked the religious commitment of a novice with the feast of the
Presentation. It was the primary Marian feast at that time and it was kept by the Benedictines, the Jesuits and
the Good Shepherd Sisters. The feast was celebrated with great solemnity since the 6th century. The
Congregation was, therefore, named The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Part of Anne’s presentation was a very interesting and beautiful exposition of the Presentation of Mary as
described in the proto gospel of James 140 C.E She described a ceremony with lilies, blossoms and doves.
Mary was brought to the Temple at three years of age, three being seen as the perfect number and thus the
perfect time. We are told she stayed there until she was 12 years old, the time of her betrothal to the Lord.
Mary’s complete commitment to God, from an early age, was a great attraction for Nano. Mary, dwelling in
the Temple reminds us of God dwelling in us and with us, in the cosmos, in our lives and in the Sanctuary.
The Words “Garden” and “Sanctuary” had the same meaning. The need for dwelling in God’s Presence was
seen as preparation for mission.
Nano chose the name, Mother Mary of St John of God, for herself. This was not accidental as her patron
was filled with a great love for the poor and he spent his life in their service. Years before Nano had
seriously considered entering the religious life in Paris but, like St. Patrick , she heard the call of the destitute
children of Cork who were living in untold squalor and ignorance. The problems of Paris and Cork at that
time were similar, “there were swarms of poor people everywhere”. Her spiritual director, a Jesuit priest
advised her to return to Cork.
Treasa led us in reflecting on and engaging with the Parable of the Mustard Seed, the tiniest of all seeds. We
handled, smelt and tasted a mustard seed and meditated on Nano’s great faith and trust in God’s power.
Finally Anne led us in a reflection on the Spirituality of need, in keeping with Presentation Spirituality and
the Spirituality of Nano.
She explored the Spirituality of Need as a phased experience: We experience acute need………..We petition
God……….We beg, we pray…….We wait and wait……….God responds in God’s time…….We experience
God in his Providence for us. Mary was faithful to God……..Nano was faithful to God. She dwelt in God’s
presence. We must dwell in God’s presence as a preparation for the mission that God wants us to do.
Presentation Spirituality can be reflected on and internalised in what may be called the Five Presentation
Mysteries
 The Temple of Creation
 The Temple of everyday life
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The Temple within
The dishonouring of the temple
The rebuilding of the Temple.
Each day we celebrated Eucharist. The Chief celebrant was Fr. Tom Sinnott, chaplain to Portlaoise Prison.
He had great personal knowledge and admiration for Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters so he quickly
touched into the atmosphere of the Retreat. The Celebration of Reconciliation and Healing was very moving.
Many Thanks to Anne, Teresa and Tom and to all of my fellow participants for a wonderful, renewing
experience. [Submitted by Sr.Elizabeth Ryan, South West Province]
Presentation Day in Galway
Presentation Day celebrations began a day early in Presentation Secondary School Galway on Friday
20th November. The celebrations began with a Mass in St. Joseph’s Church for our School community
of students, teachers, Sisters from the Presentation Convent, parents and also pupils and teachers from
our local Presentation Primary School, Scoil Chroi Iosa, Newcastle.
The theme of the liturgy was inspired by the words of Nano Nagle ‘Non Vox Sed Votum (Not words
But Deeds)’. Students carried the Icon of Nano Nagle and the Lantern to the Altar to be received by the
celebrant Fr. Martin Downey and our Head Girl read out the names of each of the sisters that form our
local Presentation community. Candles were placed at the Icon in recognition & celebration for all the
lifetimes of ministry of the assembled sisters which reflect the theme ‘Not words, but Deeds!’
During the liturgy, Helen Hyland PBVM , the new leader of the Galway community, addressed the
congregation and shared her perspectives on Presentation life in an international context reflecting on
her visits to India and Latin America. After Mass all students were given refreshments and then
proceeded to a table quiz in the Primary School Hall. The Sisters were invited to the Secondary School
Staffroom for coffee, a chat and a presentation of gifts to celebrate the day.
Resources on our website
From time to time we add new resources to our website. When was the last time you visited it? We have
recently added new resources. One is a Pageant on the lifetime of Nano and the other is an explanation of the
symbolism of the Nano Nagle Icon. You will find the Resources Tab on the menu bar along the top of the
webpage - it appears directly under the lamp. There are several pages of resources and the menu for them
appears on the left-hand side. There is a pages devoted exclusively to the Nano Nagle Letters, another to
resources on Presentation Charism & Spirituality, one on resources for Sustaibnable Living and a page
marked Other Resources. Click this option and you will see the list of resources available - the first of which
is a document containing all of Nano's letters in a single file.
The page displays just ten resources at a time, so to see the latest resources you will have to click on the
words 'Next Set' at the top right-hand side of the page, on the line below the heading 'Other Resources'.
Let us know if there are other resources you would like to see added.
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Reflection on the Closure of the Jubilee Year
Newgrange….Winter Solstice, 2009
Many travelled today to Newgrange
they went to witness
they went to rejoice
as winter met and welcomed Spring
as darkness opened its door to light.
Some journeyed in memory
the historic way to ages past,
through tunnel lined with stories of struggle and hope.
Some journeyed in their struggling realities of now.
But all witnessed the light that shone today
a light that says :
Spring is coming,
Hope is here…..
Move on
Journey in light
Bring that light into the year that is to come.
North Presentation.. South Presentation..Winter Solstice, 2009.
Many travelled today to Cork
we went to witness
we went to walk another step in Nano’s footsteps
another step from Presentation Winter to Spring
to hear again stories through music, movement and drama.
Stepping beyond the time door to the past
a journey from new beginnings through hardship and struggle
to times and places of light and hope.
Standing now on “holy ground”
marvelling at the enthusiasm and love
portrayed in words and deeds
listening with our hearts, to stories of hope and courage.
Blessed indeed in those who were
in those who are
and in those who will be inspired,
by the hope and light that shone forth from
the woman we lovingly call
“Lady of the Lantern”.
Margaret Coleman PBVM
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