Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
Feature Article – July 2010
All Roads led to Galway - Towards the Future Full of Hope
All roads led to Galway – and not just for the Races - as Sisters from the three Irish Provinces, from England
and Slovakia gathered from far and wide to continue the journey we began last Advent exploring a way
forward towards a possible European Unit.
Towards the Future Full of Hope
There was great life and energy generated as nearly 400 sisters gathered together at University College
Galway on 25th July for 4 days of meeting, reflecting, discerning and exploring together new possibilities for
our future together. Our opening ritual reminded us of God’s presence with us as we journey onward in faith
and hope.
Inspirational opening address by Sr. Terry Abraham, Congregational Leader
Legacy of Hope
Celebrate the future within you
Thirty-eight years ago this very same day over 300 women gathered to rekindle a fire, to drink from the
fountain of our charism, perhaps many of you were there July 21-25 1972, Drogheda. It was the beginning
of our journey into Union. That was a historic moment. Since then this is the biggest gathering of daughters
of Nano. This is a unique, historic moment, a moment when the same Spirit of God is moving among you in
a powerful way. So much wholesome prayer, reflection and conversation have taken place during the past
year to prepare for this moment. The journey of exploration has brought us to this place and will continue
beyond this event.
We cannot gather except in the context of the story that has brought us this far. Our story is God’s
unconditional faithful presence at the heart of the cosmic story and our own small place within it. Our life’s
journey is to awaken to this Mystery of God at this time in our story. The theme for Congregational
Gathering is ‘Awakening to the Mystery of God.’ "We are always in God" says Thomas Merton. We know
that "our life’s journey is always exploration into God." Christopher Fry towards a future full of hope.
Memory can be a powerhouse of hope. What I want to do is simply to remind you of some of those
awakening moments of hope, in our shared story. They are a legacy of HOPE.
"Celebrate the future within you" - one of the messages of Aung San Suu Kyi to the people of Burma.
Imagine … in the beginning when there was no-thing God said "Celebrate the future within you" and life
flared forth in a myriad of colours, patterns and forms and life is still flaring forth after 13.73 billion years.
Universe came into being soaked in God - soaked in the spirit of Christ. God has been writing this love letter
to us and God delights in this unfolding. It is incarnation in a million ways, its Pentecost over and over
again. Spirit of God is bursting forth, is breaking through in millions of ways. We might say "we are all
novices in this monastery of the cosmos." Jim Conlan
Imagine ... 4 billion years ago our planet was molten rock and God said "Celebrate the future within you."
Look what it is today, what we are today, held by the power of gravity of God’s love.
Imagine … 2000 years ago this amazing God became one of us in Jesus, awakening us to a new
consciousness, which he called the kingdom of God.
Jesus invited us to experience the
abundance/prodigality of God’s love. He was fuelled by that love. Holding us in this Mystery of love Jesus
invites us to see more clearly who we are in the mystery of Life because "We belong to a reality greater than
ourselves." Diarmuid. He invites us to know who we are in our humanity with our hopes and fears, beauty
and brokenness. At this time when we experience that vulnerability so much in our church I am reminded of
Page 1 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
a story … Somi’s story… "Auntie, do you mean to say that Jesus was in that dirty water?" Can we find God
and the gift of God in what is seemingly the dirty water? Have we met Jesus in the mystery of the dirty
water of today?
You have a tradition of finding hope and life from the simple gifts of God in creation. Let us not lose sight
of it. Let us remember and reawaken today the mystery hidden in those incredible, everyday gifts … a fire, a
leaf, a reed, a nut, a lantern. "God is in the bits and pieces of everyday." P. Kavanagh
Patrick lit a fire on the hill of Tara - a symbol of new hope and possibility - he found Trinity in a little
shamrock. God reveals God’s self in innumerable Trinitarian ways in our magnificent universe. Perhaps if
Patrick were to be here today he would still use the shamrock to help us expand our image of God, the
principles of the Universe, the gift of trinity in the wisdom of Communion, Diversity and Interiority. You
have explored this wisdom in each of the reflections you have had. To-day he might say to us that the whole
creation is a broadcasting station of God if only we can tune in and listen.
From the reeds of the field Brigid fashioned a cross that spoke of radical creativity, communion and
connectedness. Her cross did not look like the image of the traditional crosses which we use in our churches.
She held out a new way of understanding the cross of Christ, mission of Christ, one that crossed the
boundaries to embrace the poor and marginalised, that spread the cloak of hope to millions in this land.
When New symbols were needed Brigid and Patrick had the wisdom to create them. What are the new
symbols of hope which we are called to create today so that it can speak anew to our reality?
I think if Brigid and Patrick were to be here today they would awaken us to a new consciousness, of the
Oneness of all Life that invites us to see that we are at the table of Life, as one among many.
Some of you know the story of Sr. Zdenka Cecilia Schelingova of Slovakia "radiant example of faithfulness
in times of harsh and ruthless religious persecution." She put her life on line and attempted to help six
priests during the persecution. She was arrested and after three years of ruthless torture died on 31 July, aged
38, leaving her a legacy of faith and hope.
We know the story of Julian of Norwich and the hazelnut. It lasts and ever shall, for God loves it. And so
have all things their beginning by the love of God. A simple hazelnut awakened Julian to the Mystery of
Love. Open your hands and feel that hazel nut in the palm of your hand. What does it invite you? Does it
invite you to that same embrace of the mystery of love? A legacy close to the heart of Jesus and Nano.
Imagine the moment when the Ursuline sisters were unable to continue the ministry of Nano. It was that
moment when everything seemed to end. In this crisis and chaos in Nano’s life God must have said to her
"Celebrate the future within you." A new life began from which we were born … she became created in a
new way and left us a legacy of hope during one of the darkest eras in Irish history. Within 10 years of this
birth Nano died.
Story of the first Presentation community in extreme destitution. They had three choices: to discontinue the
mission to the poor, to disband the community, to cast their lot with God. They chose the third option. They
spent the night crying their heart out to God. Two days after that Mrs. Mahony arrived with 50 pounds left
to the Sisters by her late husband. If those sisters gave up then we wouldn’t be here today.
Our story today - the story of Union recently released we know the CCC of 1970’s - women who dared to
explore new possibilities in response to the signs of the time, the call of Vatican II. Now a new time… What
is the new way we are called to walk during this New Time?
We stand on the legacy of hope of Brigid and Patrick, Julian and Nano, Cecilia and many others. Hope built
on a spirituality of the everyday God, in the reeds, the leaf, a fire, the nut, the flame, now an unfolding
humble fern. They were able to gaze into the unknown and trust new possibilities. Leaning heart to heart
with the one who pulses life we are called to reclaim that mystical and prophetic spirit which is our
inheritance. To live without hope is a betrayal of this legacy.
I am very aware that we do not have a clear-cut map as to how we might evolve as humanity / as
Page 2 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
Presentation Congregation. You do not have a clear-cut map and you may not have it by the end of this
gathering either. But we do have a compass – the compass of the Spirit at the core of our life and moving
among us. That is how the Spirit of God led Nano. You and I know this Spirit led her through uncertainty
and failures to an ever deeper understanding of her mission. "Humbly she declared her readiness to journey
on her unmarked road." Raphael Consedine. Trust the compass within you and follow the co-ordinates no
matter how risky or uncertain the destination may appear to be. We know that this is our everyday
experience.
Reflecting on the purpose of this Assembly and your journey thus far I know that this gathering is about
building relationships with each other and taking the next step whatever it be. Margaret Wheatley says "It is
possible to prepare for the future without knowing what it will be. The primary way to prepare for the
unknown is to attend to the quality of our relationships and how well we know and trust one another."
Relationship with the Divine, with one another, divine made flesh, with earth – home where we experience
the divine - eru, body of the goddess. "Nature is the only body of God that we shall ever see." Frank Lloyd
Wright.
Talking about relationship I remember the Story of 260 Irish people who went to Haiti in October 2009 just
after Mission Sunday to build 40 houses. Their target is 1,000 houses. Each had to raise 4000 euro in the
midst of the pains of recession. They pitched their tent among the poorest, where the earth is most wounded,
not just for building houses but building relationships.
Poor give us hope that is their gift to us, their incredible capacity to give hope in the midst of huge suffering.
UISG conference the Congolese sisters lifted the spirit of the 800 women simply by being who they are …
spiritual lung? … hope is contagious. If you have it, it will catch like wild fire. Hope is here living within us
and among us. The whole atmosphere is charged with hope, hope for a new future.
"We are in the midst of the greatest shift in human consciousness ever to take place since we first emerged
within earth community." Relationship is at the heart of this Consciousness. A collective Christ
consciousness … Christ within. You are in the threshold of this new awakening and … the virtue for this
time is Hope. Hope emerges from the heart of God. Imagination is the Gift of the Spirit. More than ever we
need this gift of the Spirit. If Nano ever gave us a gift, it was the gift of Imagination - to imagine the
unthinkable, to imagine the impossible. Future is not something that will happen, it is already within. Future
is within you NOW like the seed in the womb of the earth. The acorn I think lives with hope because it
probably imagines a wonderful oak tree… Evolve or die: everything that ever was, is or will be was in that
first flaring forth. The Spirit of God is urging us from within to evolve. "The future is created by the stories
we tell about who we are and where ... we came from…..Brian Swimme & Thomas Berry, The Universe
Story
I know you will be sharing stories these days. What stories are we telling each other? Stories of hope
and enthusiasm, passion and possibility and perhaps fear and doubt, and hopelessness and
impossibility? Stories we share will draw us into midwifing the presentation of the future and enable us to
breathe with mother God, mother earth. This breathing with God will birth the new. It is in the mysterious
darkness and stillness of the night that the Word of God leaped into our reality… It is the dark matter and
dark energy of the Universe that helps to create and sustain life.
The best way to bring forth the future is to live the present with enthusiasm … with God. We have the
present because someone else lived their present with enthusiasm.
My friend Rumi says "With passion pray, with passion work, with passion make love, with passion eat and
drink and dance and play, why look like a dead fish in this ocean of God?" Rumi "Be ablaze with
enthusiasm" Hildegard of Benign
Ablaze brings to my mind my favourite sight: the African sky, we cannot see the sky for the stars. In a clear
night sky, for every star we see, there are 50 million more behind it. Future to be born is the 50 million stars
we cannot see. If we can live with such hope then we will walk together full of hope.
As we gather a fundamental question to ask is “Why are we here?” What is the spark that is longing to shine
Page 3 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
forth within you? Are we here because we want to be at the service of Life? How will this gathering further
God’s mission, how will it benefit the poor and marginalised? Face of God shines through them. Are we
here because of them and on their behalf? How will this gathering here create a mystical energy that will
vibrate across the whole earth, our only home, for wholeness and healing? Our future as humanity depends
on the future of the planet.
Sisters, this is our moment to awaken to the Mystery of God, pulsing at the heart of life, without which
we perish. Let this assembly be a collective experience of faithfulness to that Mystery at the heart of our
life. We are here simply because we want to be faithful, to be single minded as a community of Presentation
women, to respond to the new signs of the times, to drink from the fountain of life, to live authentic, credible,
effective, relevant life. For that Today we need spirituality more than religion, mysticism more than
monasticism, imagination more than knowledge, prophets more than professionals, to give birth to the new.
You are the Prophets of Hope … prophets of hope are transformed by love in profound silence. God delights
when we are creators of an unfolding future. To be on the cutting edge today means to be joyful, to be
faithful, to live hopeful lives, especially when there is no hosanna sung to us. "Do not be afraid" is a
message repeated numerous times in the gospels. Let us walk together fearlessly because GOD IS WITH
US, this time is HOLY NOW and our challenges are BLESSINGS. "Love recognises no barriers. It jumps
hurdles, leap fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." Maya Angelou
We wish you mystery of Love that permeated and fuelled Nano’s life and mission.
We wish you her spark of imagination that dared to see new possibilities.
We wish you her holy courage to live life even in uncertainty and failure, to allow the new to emerge.
Yes, like her we must live by the love of what we may never see.
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark." Tagore.
Presentation News
Celebrating 175 Years of Presentation Presence in Tuam
This article by Tom Gilmore of the Tuam Herald describes how the celebrations were a far cry from the
austerity and poverty that was the scene 175 years earlier when the first three Presentation Sisters came to set
up school there in 1835.
A Religious Celebration tinged with theatrical and musical interludes
Trumpets rang out at the breaking of bread and dancers from Tuam All-Star Gymnastic Club brought the
gifts to the altar and preformed liturgical dances in shiny jump suits. It was a religious celebration tinged
with theatrical and musical interludes as the Presentation Sisters celebrated 175 years in Tuam at Mass in the
Cathedral of the Assumption on Monday 10th May.
The Celebrations were a far cry from the austerity and poverty that was the scene in Tuam 175 years earlier
when the first three Presentation Sisters came to set up school here in 1835.
Archbishop Michael Neary, chief celebrant at the concelebrated Mass, said the Gospel reading regarding
Jesus breaking bread with two of his Disciples on the road to Emmaus was appropriate as the Presentation
Sisters in Tuam had baked bread for the Eucharist for many years for churches across the Archdiocese.
In her address of welcome Sr. Philomena Noone of the Tuam Convent said that when religious life is often
highlighted in the media for the wrongdoing of a few it is important to remember those Sisters who did so
much good over the decades.
“Today we celebrate those heroic ladies who set up schools and convents in Tuam and overcame obstacles
Page 4 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
in doing so. This was surely a life of love and of giving all for the benefits of others,” she said.
Symbols of the journey
Symbols of the Presentation Sisters’ journey in Tuam over the past 175 years were taken to the altar by
members of the Gymnastic Club. These included Archbishop McHale’s chalice from 1832 which was
accepted by Noreen Doherty on behalf of the nursing staff at Tuam. The Annals of the Presentation Sisters
were accepted by Maree O’Rourke, Principal of Presentation College, Sr. Goretti from St. Joseph’s accepted
the Book of the Constitution of the Congregation and a lantern, which is the symbol of the order, was
accepted by Bríd Cosgrove, Principal of Presentation NS.
Sisters used own resources
In his Homily Archbishop Neary said it was very difficult for the first Presentation Sisters to foster education
in Tuam back in 1835 at a time when Archbishop McHale was not in agreement with the state primary
school system instigated by the English Government. But he said the Sisters worked away using their own
resources teaching in excess of 300 pupils in the early days and by 1848 when the foundation stone was laid
for their first convent in Tuam the nuns had grown from the initial three who came from Galway to over 100.
Archbishop Neary said that according to historian Dr. Tony Claffey Tuam had a population of 6,800 when
the first three Presentation Sisters arrived here. When the foundation stone was laid for the first convent it
was only the second in Ireland after the reformation.
He spoke of how the teaching restrictions on the Sisters were relaxed by the Government when Archbishop
MacEvilly succeeded Archbishop McHale but the state still insisted on the removal of all religious objects
from the classrooms except when the nuns were teaching religion. His remarks about how one Mother
Superior in Tuam dealt with the situation drew laughter from the congregation. She wrote back and said that
following their letter they had removed the religious objects from the classroom. But as some of the objects
had been made by the pupils they had put these back up on the walls again “pending your reply”.
The Archbishop said the nuns aided the underprivileged in getting an education and in 1912 the school was
accepted for taking part in state examinations.
Out of the Tuam Congregation others Convents grew in Headford, Athenry, Keel (Achill), Carraroe and Tir
and Fhia in Connemara and later to far away places such as New Zealand, Chile, Peru and in more recent
times Zambia.
Deep roots in Tuam
“If the Presentation Sisters had not put down deep roots in Tuam 175 years ago there would have been a
deep lacuna in the educational and spiritual side of the area,” concluded Archbishop Neary.
The Provincial of the Presentation Sisters in Ireland, Sr. Elizabeth Maxwell, said the wonderful women the
Presentation Order had never ceased to plant spiritual acorns wherever they went. She said that many who
had spent their formative years in St. Joseph’s Presentation Convent in Tuam had spread the faith and given
the gift of education to people all over the world. Sr. Elizabeth also reflected on the life of the woman who
was the founder of the order, Nano Nagle, and William Burke who donated land and money to the order
when they first came to Tuam. “She was not a nun or a Sister but a devout Catholic woman who saw
education as the way forward for so many. Nano listened to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and she and
William Burke were generous with their wealth,” said Sr. Elizabeth. William Burke of Waterslade House,
Tuam whose statue is in the Tuam Cathedral grounds bequeathed £10,000 for the convent and other local
charities back in the mid 1800’s.
Pupils from both the Presentation Primary and Secondary schools sang and played some of the music at the
Mass along with the Tuttles and soloist Ann McLoughlin. Una McGinty, a teacher in the Secondary School,
conducted the choir assisted by Mary O’Mahony who teaches at Presentation NS. The song “The Peace of
Christ” was sung by fifth year student Emer Kelly and the final hymn was sung by teacher Deirdre McHugh.
After the two hour ceremony in Tuam Cathedral the nuns and their guests adjourned for a meal at St.
Jarlath’s College.
Page 5 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
Civic Reception
Tuam Town Council held a Civic Reception for the Sisters on 31st May and Mayor Tom Reilly presented Sr.
Philomena Noone, St. Joseph’s Local Leader, with a Galway Crystal Lamp on which the Town High Cross
was etched.
This account by Tom Gilmore was printed in The Tuam Herald - 13th May 2010.
[Submitted by Sr. Joan O'Reilly]
Reflections from Zambia
Sr. Clementina, Ms Namata Mundia and Mr. Jeff Mukiti Sinonge reflect on their own individual experiences.
COME WHAT MAY
When I was asked to do the job, I was not sure what I was saying ‘YES’ to but trusting in the Divine
Providence I said ‘YES’ with all my heart.
I was asked to be the acting coordinator of Maternal and Child Health for the whole of Kaoma District in
Zambia where I am living and working as a nurse/midwife. I felt sad to leave the maternity ward since I
loved my work of delivering new life and being involved with patients.
The new job of acting coordinator is another good experience because by moving from one clinic to another,
teaching and offering technical support in the district helped me to know where patients referred to the
hospital (Kaoma) are coming from. Through this new job I learned more and more to accept people as they
are, to speak less and listen more, the list is endless.
Do not resist opportunities coming your way whatever they are, you will see things differently. So I end my
story by thanking the almighty God for the new experience and chances that come and are still coming my
way. Trust yourself in everything and God will do the rest.
REFLECTION BY NAMATA MUNDIA FROM MONGU
I work in the Holy Cross girl’s secondary school canteen. My life was still very hard because I could not
sustain myself from the money I earned. So I started selling things like tomatoes, sweet potatoes and
vegetables. At that time I didn’t have a house to stay. I was just feeling very lost.
As days went on I attended a farmer’s conference in Lusaka where I learned about organic farming. Now I
know and have the experience in farming, know that I can grow maize, rice, sorghum and vegetables without
fertilizer.
After the farmer’s conference, I organized four workshops with different people and shared with them what I
have learned from the farmer’s conference.
My goal in life is to work with the poor like Nano Nagle. I want to start farming too.
Many thanks goes to Sr. Inez and the Sisters at Cheshire Home, Mongu for giving me the opportunity to
attend the farmer’s conference, where I have learned to sustain myself with the little money I get. May God
bless you dear Sisters.
MR. JEFF MUKITI SINONGE REFLECTS ON HIS ENCOUNTER WITH THE FRIENDS OF
Page 6 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
NANO NAGLE
I am a citizen of Zambia, based in the Western Province, Mongu District, Soopu area. I am really very happy
to be part of the Friends of Nano Nagle, which has particularly done a lot of good to us. There was one
moment in life when I used to think as if, there was not a single platform set, to address much desired natural
needs of my life. Those dark and dismal years went away when I met the Friends of Nano Nagle who came
to our village. They came across to me as a group very different from the other NGO’s. It is the first time I
met a group who cares for our tradition, culture and environment. To me they have brought back our
lost glory.
My dream
My dream is to see a society where equal opportunities are very much practiced and all the citizens have
access to their basic human rights. The preservation of our tradition and culture, our native spiritual
inclinations, the opening of one closed window concerning our human rights etc to me carry the complete
natural right of every living being. I hope that our environment will be saved from destruction, our traditions
and cultures are upheld and our ancestral spiritual traditions are saved from the invasion by the western
culture.
The present economic activities seem to reap nothing but more health hazards. The saving of our planet
earth from pollution, which is caused mainly by industrial activities and other economic related activities
have proved to be very destructive to our environment. More measures should be urgently taken to preserve
our planet.
The present world I feel is full of greedy people who care for nothing but money. Whatever happens to the
environment is not their concern at all. Currently our world is limping as people have strayed away from
their culture. They have embraced illicit western culture, which really do a lot of damage to us and to the
environment.
Most of the people in the rural areas lack a lot of information due to lack of enabling facilities which can
give a positive platform to the people who are poor and have no access to the facilities available to those
privileged group of people. I have witnessed many NGO’s who came to our villages promising many things
but so far nothing had happened. Amazing enough, Friends of Nano Nagle have excelled through this
challenging environment and made it to the most desired level, where the stage is really set, to level the
scam.
This should be a wake up call to all of us out there who care. I would love to support a group like this and
together I believe we can restore our dignity and work together to save our world from total destruction. I
believe that we can stand and win this fight. May God bless all of us as we journey together.
[This article was submitted by Sr. Annmary]
IPA News
One Billion Hungry
Support the anti-hunger campaign. Please sign the petition.
This UN FAO project is aimed at drawing attention to the fact that the number of people suffering from the
effects of hunger has, for the first time, exceeded 1 billion. The FAO Campaign is not only aimed at creating
greater public awareness of this fact but will also attempt to put pressure on world leaders by asking people
the world over to sign up to a petition calling for more to be done to combat hunger.
2010 is an important year in which to assess our progress towards reaching the Millenium Goals as set out by
Page 7 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
world leaders at the turn of the millennium. The UN General Assembly will discuss this at a special meeting
on progress towards the fullfilment of the millennium goals in September. The FAO project is attempting to
address the fact that much more needs to be done in the area of hunger abatement.
You can support the anti-hunger campaign by accessing the weblink and signing a UN FAO online petition.
Nelson Mandela International Day
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18th July (Mandela’s birthday) Nelson Mandela
International Day in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace
and freedom.
Nelson Mandela is celebrated at the UN
On 15th July 2010, the new film MANDELA: Son of Africa and Father of a Nation by film producer,
Academy Award winning director Jonathan Demme and co-producer Peter Saraf was screened at the UN.
Mandela himself was the actor and it was an excellent production, depicting the man in the words of
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon ‘Nelson Mandela is a towering figure. He embodies the highest values of
humanity, and of the United Nations. His life, his strength and his decency are an example to us all. He
fought his oppressors for years. And then, he forgave them’.
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18th July (Mandela’s birthday and this year he is 92
years young) Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African President’s
contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
On 16th July 2010, the UN celebrated the first Nelson Mandela International Day. The President of the
General Assembly in his address stated ‘An icon and an exemplary figure, Mr. Mandela is one of the greatest
moral and political leaders of our time, an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against
racial oppression in South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Prize, the presidency of his country and
international acclaim and respect as a vital force in the fight for human rights and racial equality. Mr.
Mandela’s life has also been based upon dialogue, an apt example in view of the many conflicts that plague
the world today.’ For more information: http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/
[Submitted by Sr. Fatima Rodrigo]
Can the MDGs be achieved by 2015?
The NGO Committee on Social Development proposes a way forward towards reaching the target date.
NGO Committee on Social Development
The Millennium Development Goals stemming from the Millennium Declaration of 2000 have brought
world leaders and peoples to focus energy and resources on the development of and for the most vulnerable
persons and communities in our world. Financial, fuel, food and climate crises have further exacerbated
their vulnerability and that of our planet and must be addressed.
At the upcoming MDG Summit in September, 2010, world leaders will assemble to evaluate as well as
celebrate the progress made and commit themselves to accelerate the pace to meet the MDGs by the target
date of 2015.
Proposals
We, the NGO Committee on Social Development, including members of the Subcommittee for Poverty
Eradication, having participated in the Civil Society Hearings organized by the UN General Assembly and
in the online Consultation facilitated by the UN NGLS, propose the following as the highest priorities of the
Summit Outcome Document as the way forward in accomplishing the MDGs:
Page 8 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
1. Use human rights principles in planning both nationally and internationally for more inclusive and
equitable distribution of resources for meeting the MDGs with focus on vulnerable groups such as
people living in extreme poverty, women, children, people with disabilities and indigenous persons.
States should ratify the Optional Protocols to human rights treaties, especially the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). A gender and social exclusion audit in
conjunction with civil society should be part of the planning using data specifically relevant to each
country. (Paragraphs 6, 12a, b, c)
2. Develop mechanisms nationally and internationally to involve those most directly impacted by
poverty and its consequences, by sickness, and by climate change to plan for what can and must be
done with and for them. The most vulnerable must be first identified so that their substantive
participation may be encouraged toward effectively inclusive outcomes. Therefore, the data forming
the baselines, quantifying the outcomes, and guiding the way forward on the MDGs must be
disaggregated to reflect disparities based on, for instance, race, ethnicity, gender, income and
religion. In the planning, mechanisms for regular review and evaluation by all parties involved of
progress being made and for making adjustments need to be developed. (Paragraphs 11, 12 f, h, 14
c)
3. Fully implement the Global Jobs Pact in the next five years as a powerful tool to address poverty
long term and hold national and international governments accountable for policies and practices that
insure “full and productive employment and decent work for all.” (Paragraphs 8,14 d)
4. Implement a universal Social Protection Floor that establishes a minimum level of income security
and health care for all. Countries will need to examine and eliminate policies such as “user fees”
that keep people away from basic human services like education and health care. (Paragraphs, 14 d,
l, m)
5. Support the UN’s Development Cooperation Forum as a legitimate means for reforming and
reshaping international development policies, for establishing means of evaluation of their
effectiveness, for giving equal voice to all countries, donor and recipient, in charting the way
forward, for holding all parties accountable for development efforts. (Paragraph, 12 h)
6. One outcome of the MDG review must be a strengthened commitment to the multilateral process
addressing climate change. Member States must be ready to make specific targets relative to
mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and funding at the COP 16 meeting in Mexico.
(Paragraphs 22, 23 c)
7. We believe greater effort on Goal 8 by all Member States is critical to achieving all the MDGs. In
particular we want to support:



More debt cancellation, particularly, more recognition of illegitimate or odious debt. Agreement
on a formal and equitable international debt workout mechanism. (Pargraph 25 e)
Implement an international Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) with those funds going specifically
to sustainable development and support of the MDGs. (Pargraph 25 f)
Support of the proposal for a Global Economic Council within the UN General Assembly. Until
that can be set up, we support extending the mandate of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the
Financial and Economic Crisis. (Paragraph 24 p)
[Submitted by Sr. Fatima Rodrigo, IPA NGO Representative at the UN]
Is Water a Human Right? Draft Resolution on Human Right to Water - Call for Action!
Sixty years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights did not include water explicitly. This has
created opportunities for some to deny this right. There is an opportunity to redress this situation.
Page 9 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
Draft Resolution on Human Right to Water
On June 17th 2010 the government of Bolivia introduced, for informal consultation, a draft resolution
recognizing the human right to water and sanitation, with the goal of having the United Nations General
Assembly declare water and sanitation as human rights.
There have been 5 informal consultations as well as many bilateral discussions to achieve consensus on the
text, which will be presented to the President of the General Assembly the week of July 19th, for
consideration on July 28th, 2010.
Many countries, primarily from the Global South, have signed-on as co-sponsors but there are still countries
that are on the record as opposing the right to water and sanitation. Canada and the USA are two, reportedly
along with Australia.
The position of the European Union is key in this process. Should they take a common position, and allow
some countries who are against the human right to water and sanitation to prevail, it would be a severe blow
to this resolution and recognition of the human right to water and sanitation.
This scenario would also present the unfortunate circumstance of, for the most part, water-rich and wealthy
western states obstructing the recognition of the human right to water and sanitation against the wishes of
those countries struggling to achieve recognition and (ultimately) fulfilment of these rights for their
populations.
It is important to note that this resolution is a political statement and passage of such a resolution would not
diminish the work of the independent expert of the human rights council, but rather would enhance and
support this work. A recent draft of the text has actually given reporting responsibilities to the Independent
Expert.
International water activists have been working for almost a decade, calling for the UN to recognize the
human right to water. Sanitation is not as well established, but there is certainly a clear link and necessity, as
evidenced by the recent report from the Independent Expert on the human right to sanitation.
Historical and Legal Context
Sixty years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights did not include water explicitly. This has
created the opportunity for some governments to deny that such a right exists despite a large and growing
body of legal doctrine and interpretations at both the global and national levels.
The core documents with relation to the human right to water and sanitation (because sanitation and water
are inextricably linked with relation to the human right to water needing sanitation to ensure enjoyment)
include the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women, Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (as interpreted by
General Comment 15 of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) and the Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights.
There have also been studies by Madame Louise Arbour when she was the High Commissioner for Human
Rights and the Independent Expert, Catarina de Albuquerque, who has a mandate from the Human Rights
Council.
Most member states of the United Nations already are bound by the human right to water and
sanitation through either domestic law or international legal instruments, though international
instruments are not enforceable when dealing with economic social and cultural rights.
Impact of this Resolution
A General Assembly resolution is a political statement and as such, is not legally-binding, further work
would be needed on adopting a dedicated legal instrument such as a human right to water convention or
treaty.
Page 10 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
The positive impact of this resolution would be to signal the importance and priority of this issue to member
states, UN specialized agencies, donor governments, aid agencies, affected peoples and communities, as well
as the global community.
This resolution would set the foundation for further progress with ensuring these rights, once there is
international recognition we would then be asking the UN and member states what could be done to assist
with implementation and assuring fulfilment of these rights in a progressive manner.
Likely Outcomes
It is important to note that our wish would be a consensus supporting the human right to water and sanitation.
Unfortunately, some member states have been very clear regarding their opposition.
If enough member states support this initiative then this resolution will pass and we can look at next steps. If
this resolution is not very successful, it will be very unfortunate.
If we act quickly and decisively, we can pull together to see this resolution passed, and then further look at
how we can collaborate moving forward (with each other, but also with member states)
[Submitted by Sr. Fatima Rodrigo]
Friends of Nano
Reflections from the Friends of Nano at Mongu
Friends of Nano in Zambia reflect on their experiences of being part of this group.
It was towards the end of last year 2009 when we had some prayers at our working place Cheshire Home
Mongu, we learned about this wonderful and God’s chosen woman. We started the group Friends of Nano on
29th January 2010. Since then we meet twice a month on every second and fourth Saturday of the month.
Nano Nagle’s life has changed us and has touched us in many ways. We have come to learn that here on
earth we should love one another, share and give generously. Each time we kneel down to talk to God we
feel He is watching over us. It is not easy to follow her life but it is so easy to learn and understand what kind
of a blessed woman she was.
The most important thing we have experienced since we joined the group is to feel the need for the spirit of
God. We are here on earth because of the love of God and are here not for ourselves but for others. It is good
to give than to receive, for blessed is the hand that gives.
When we started, the group was very big but now we are just a few. So we are asking for prayers from all
over the world where friends of Nano Nagle are, to always keep us in your prayers, so that we can be strong
and carry on her work. For generations to generations the good work of Nano Nagle should go on.
We thank God for choosing Nano Nagle. We believe that her life has not only changed us but many others.
Reflection by Mary Mbangu, Cheshire Home, Mongu
This is an attempt to highlight about my own life since I joined the group of Friends of Nano Nagle. After
reading and understanding the life history of Nano Nagle, I was touched and felt inspired to join the group as
her friend.
During our meetings we read, reflect and share on Bible passages, life of Nano and pray together. I am
touched by Nano’s life of kindness and mercy and her special love for the vulnerable people especially girl
Page 11 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
children and their right to access education.
My life has changed in many ways and I feel called to: Loving people especially vulnerable
 Giving knowledge and material help to the needy
 Accessing education for the vulnerable children
I am happy to say that I have enabled 3 girl children to go to school. They are in grade 4, 5 and 8. I also
have learned to spend time in prayer acknowledging my Creator. My life has changed completely ever since
I joined the group Friends of Nano. Some people have nick named me as Good Samaritan as I keep sharing
my knowledge with others.
[Article submitted by Sr. Annmary]
Earth News
ECO-News
Senan Gardiner, Ecology and Sustainable Living Officer with Presentation Ireland, writing in the first edition
of Eco-News, describes some recent events and highlights current issues in this field.
Creation Time
Join with 'Churches Together in Britain and Ireland' (CTBI) each year in celebrating the 'Creation Time'
initiative. This is a time to reflect on the sacred in nature and our roles and responsibilities with the Earth. It
runs from the 1 September to the Sunday following the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Information and
resources are available on the CTBI website.
Congregational Survey
During the month of August the Ecology and Sustainable Living Programme will be sending out surveys to
find out how best we can improve the environmental footprint of Presentation communities and initiatives.
Waste Day in Mt. St. Anne's
The Ecology and Sustainable Living Officer, Senan Gardiner, travelled to Mount St. Anne's in Killenard to
help them with their Waste Management Plan. While there he also gave the staff a presentation on the best
ways to manage waste from personal to the organisational level.
Highlights of the day included a bin dissection, a dragon's den method of finding ways to reuse basic
packaging and a visit to the waste facilities in Mt. St. Anne's including an inspection of the "pigs" - two
freestanding composting drums that can take cooked food.
Mt. St. Anne's will be bringing Senan back in late July for an Energy Audit.
Community Sustainability Course
Over the last two months a group of 20 people got together in Mountmellick to explore what sustainability
means in a practical way and from a community perspective.
The Community Sustainability Course was developed from the Powerdown Course of Cultivate, the
Sustainable Living Centre based in Dublin and Cloughjordan Co. Tipperary. It was developed as a response
to the twin issues of peak oil and climate change and has been used to set up environmental groups across
Ireland. In Mountmellick the course was made possible through Laois Partnership funding.
The vibrant Mountmellick Environmental Group took on the course and helped advertise and find a venue
Page 12 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
for it. The facilitators were Sean Gardiner, Theresa Carter (an expert on Transition Towns) and Suzie Cahn
who runs an Organic Centre, Carraig Dulra, in Glenealy, Co. Wicklow. Each Tuesday for 8 weeks the group
would gather to explore various aspects of our society and discuss the problems and what can be done.
The key concept in the course is "resilience" - the ability to weather shocks and bounce back from them
quickly. Resilience is developed by looking to the future and preparing for the inevitable shocks in the
environment, society and economy. Then, by reducing what makes us vulnerable, we can become a resilient
community e.g. dependence on imported foods, on non-renewable energy, on jobs in global corporations.
Topics included Food Security, Global Systems, Energy Supply, Transport, Shelter and Communication.
Awakening 2010
Sr. Veronica Casey, New Zealand, shares her reflections on Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth.
Since participating in Jan Novotka’s weekend retreat a whole new world has opened up with almost
everything I read saying the same thing. One significant change that I have become aware of is new
meanings in the Psalms and the Gospels. This morning’s Gospel for example of the blind man wanting to
see has a whole new meaning as did that of the rich man “selling all and giving it to the poor.” No longer did
I read the blind man as wanting to see with his eyes or the rich man selling his car and furniture.
The words of Jan’s song: ‘Silence fill me with your emptiness’ are exciting but at the same time really
scary. This “new language” or “new consciousness” calls for an emptying and a total reliance on God. It
exposes one to uncertainty, vulnerability and emptying. The uncertainty I can and have done for a good part
of my life, the others are not so familiar and are quite scary.
I have been reading Eckhart Tolle’s book in conjunction with James Findlay’s “A Palace of Nowhere” and
the two complement each other very well. Findlay is at pains to explain the formation of the ego or small
self and how that is manifested. Tolle also discusses the ego and how it is developed and how it is
maintained in every-day life.
I am left in awe as to how and where this has happened throughout history. When I read Maori spirituality
everything is so connected as is everything in Celtic spirituality and yet we live in a fast moving
technological world where everything is disconnected at the same time as we are seeking more
connectedness through technology such as the internet. In a fast growing and moving technological age
where we have every available aid to connect at one level we are more and more disconnected at a deeper
level: very superficial and very much in need of instant gratification.
I was very interested in Tolle’s explanation and definition of sin: meaning to miss the point of human
existence, to live unskilfully, blindly, to suffer and to cause suffering. Tolle states that it is our
individualistic human condition that creates sin and this human condition is the ego which is maintained
through ownership: our ego informs us that we are what we own whether that be possessions, opinions
knowledge etc. When these are stripped away we begin to find the truth.
Collective Consciousness
A major part of my reflection though has been about the collective consciousness. This has been in relation
to the happenings in the Corrections environment over the past few weeks with the 3 Strikes bill, the double
bunking, the union and then the death of the prison officer last week. Tolle discusses the collective
consciousness and its part in the wars and other major world events. It seems that the New Zealand psyche
now has such a collective consciousness of violence that seems to be spreading and manifesting itself at all
levels.
The rise in gang affiliation, the names of the gangs: Mongrel Mob, Black Power, White Power, Bloods,
Cryps, Killer Bees at one level and their requirements that violent crimes must be committed to acquire
patches and full membership; the very names of the gangs and the way they relate are de-humanising and I
find myself at times wondering how did humanity become so depraved. When I see some of these men in
Page 13 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
the prison and hear them barking at each other as their communication, see them unable to conduct a
conversation, unable to walk or talk like ‘normal’ human beings and behaving with almost instinctive,
animalistic behaviour I wonder what has happened in their lives and in our society to make them like that
and is there any hope for them changing when that is all they have ever known.
I think of our embarrassing statistics in domestic violence and child abuse; our approach to criminal justice;
our mentality of lock ‘em up and throw away the key; our need to always have someone to blame. With the
death of the Auckland prison officer there is an element that would punish every person in prison now and all
that are to come. With such disturbing trends there is such a need for a counter cultural movement that will
counter-act this human dysfunction as Tolle calls it.
Concept of Awakening
I find the concept of awakening a source of hope as a counter measure to the above. I appreciate that I can
do nothing on my own and struggle with the idea that I need to let go of my opinions on the matter and just
allow the light inside to shine. All I guess I can do is allow the awakening within me to occur and hope and
pray that it is highly contagious!!!! With God nothing is impossible. However, the challenge is to continue
to pray and be open to the increasing awakening: take me to that empty space ... but slowly, gently and
painlessly!!! After all there can only be fear if there is a bottom!!!!
[Submitted by Sr. Veronica Casey]
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill 2010
This Bill not only has profound impacts on the democratic and constitutional rights of the people of India but
also affects the compensation payable in case of a nuclear accident. It undermines fundamental rights
enshrined in the Constitution of India.
Nuclear Civil Liability Bill
The ruling Congress party in India wants to pass a Nuclear Civil Liability Bill which would mean that USA
Nuclear corporations will get off with a miserable amount of compensation if there was a nuclear accident in
India. A nuclear accident more likely to happen in India due to poor maintenance of anything that belongs to
the Government. We do not want a repeat of the Bhopal gas tragedy. Today, 25 years later, victims are still
waiting for a just compensation and those responsible have got off the hook !
Karuna Raina, Nuclear Campaigner, Greenpeace India, says an amazing 187,759 petitions were delivered to
the Parliamentary Standing Committee looking at the nuclear liability bill and they have now called for a
public consultation. The nuclear bill can be changed in less than two weeks. Greenpeace India is sending an
open letter to the standing committee suggesting all the changes the bill needs. The bill in its current form
lets US corporations get away by paying a small compensation in case of a nuclear accident in the country.
The changes suggested in the letter will strengthen the liability bill and prevent another Bhopal-like
judgement.
Can you add your name to this letter? Visit the website of Greenpeace India and sign the petition.
Remembering
Healing Touch in Concepción
Solange Benedetti Reiman, a native of Concepción, writes a follow-up article after the recent earthquake.
The original article in Spanish has been translated into English by Oscar Orchard. Solange works in Cas
Page 14 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
Nanan Nagle in Alto Hospicio, Iquique.
It is 6 o'clock at dawntime and my phone sounds, I could not believe what I have just heard: “Turn on the
TV set, there was an earthquake in Concepción!!”. The face of my dad and mom came to my mind. I could
not believe it.
I lived the earthquake at a distance of 2.350 km away, but my heart was there from that morning on, when I
found out about the news. After a few hours I managed to communicate with my dad and he told me that
they were well, as far as it was possible to be: without light, not even water and with the ghost of the
shortage lurking around them.
The following hours, days and weeks I devoted myself to sending energy to them, thinking that what they
needed most was peace and calmness for their hearts, always with the desire to go to some place affected by
the earthquake and give therapies of Healing Touch to all of those who were suffering.
A few weeks later, we and other Healing Touch therapists in the formation stage were considering going
there for a few days, but Sister Mary, the instructor of Level 1, suggested to us that she could go and give the
Level 1 course of Healing Touch, with the clear intention of supplying them a tool to be able to overcome
this trauma and help others also.
The idea was to go there and give the course for free. We looked for resources in companies and local
institutions, it didn´t work well with the big ones but we touched the hearts of particular persons and we as a
group gathered the money to travel to Concepcion. We got in touch with some people from Chiguayante, a
commune which is 12 kilometres to the south of big city of Concepcion and almost two months after the
catastrophe we landed there to deliver a little love.
During the course, we listened to the experiences of those who lived the disaster. We got to know that there
isn't an equal earthquake for all, each one has a unique experience. Every person is in a particular moment of
his life and interprets what they have lived from their own peculiar experience. Not only did the axis of the
earth itself move 8 centimetres from its place, but our beliefs, our certainties moved too. To cure a trauma,
implies re-visiting emotions and breakdowns that have been stored within us, perhaps in the shape of ghosts,
in some place in us, certainly in the body. I felt that in all those who took part in the course the healing
process began in some way. They were so happy that I felt their hearts joyful with energy.
I saw how Talcahuano was, Concepcion, Chiguayante and Dichato too. I could not avoid trembling before
the destruction of our cities by the uncontrollable force of nature. It is so cold that I do not want to think
about the winter that threatens to come, remembering the storms and wind and rain that drench the zone
every year.
Later, I returned to Iquique. I am at my home now and I think about the persons with whom I was such a
short while ago. I think about their stories. I think about all those tents on the ground where there were
children, babies, grandparents and patients. I think that life goes on but there are thousands of Chileans who
have had to survive. It is difficult to sleep thinking about all of them but it comforts me to know that we
made a little contribution to the healing of a group of them and that no doubt each day it will be extended
more. I am looking forward to seeing their faces soon and with their energy and strenght higher than ever.
Translated by
Oscar Orchard Miranda.
The original article in Spanish appears below.
Healing Touch en Concepción
Son las 6 de la madrugada y suena mi teléfono, no pude creer lo que estaba escuchando “enciende el
televisor, hubo un terremoto en Concepción”, se me vino a la menta el rostro de mi papá y mamá. No lo
podía creer.
Viví el terremoto a 2.350 km de distancia, pero mi corazón estuvo ahí desde aquella mañana, cuando me
Page 15 of 16
Presentation Sisters Union
News Update July 2010
Print Version
enteré de la noticia. Al cabo de unas horas logré comunicarme con mi papá y me contó que estaban bien,
dentro de lo que se podía estar: sin luz, ni agua y con el fantasma del desabastecimiento rondándoles.
Las siguientes horas, días y semanas me dediqué a enviarles energía, pensando que lo que más necesitaban
era paz y tranquilidad para sus corazones. Siempre con el deseo que ir a algún lugar y entregar terapias de
Healing Touch a quienes estaban sufriendo.
Unas semanas después, pensábamos con otras terapeutas en formación de Healing Touch ir allá por unos
días, pero la instructora de nivel 1, la Hermana Mary propuso ir a impartir el nivel 1 de Healing Touch, con
la clara intención de entregarles herramientas para poder superar este trauma.
La idea fue ir realizar el curso de forma gratuita. Buscamos recursos en empresas e instituciones locales, no
nos fue bien con los grandes, pero tocamos corazones de personas particulares y como grupo reunimos el
dinero para viajar a Concepción. Hicimos contacto con personas de Chiguayante, una comuna a 12
kilómetros al sur del gran Concepción y a casi dos mese después de la catástrofe aterrizamos a entregar un
poco a amor.
Durante el curso, escuchamos las experiencias de quienes vivieron el desastre. No hay un terremoto igual
para todos, cada uno tiene una experiencia única aunque a la vez común. Cada persona está en un momento
particular de su vida e interpreta lo vivido a partir de esa particularidad. No sólo se movió el eje de la tierra
en 8 centímetro, sino también se movieron nuestras creencias, nuestras certidumbres. Sanar un trauma,
implica revisitar emociones y quiebres que han quedado en nosotros encapsulados, tal vez en forma de
fantasmas, en algún lugar, por cierto que también en el cuerpo y sentí que entre quienes participaron del
curso comenzó su camino de sanación. Estaban tan felices que sentí sus corazones gozosos de energía.
Vi como estaba Talcahuano, Concepción, Chiguayante y Dichato. No pude dejar de estremecerme ante la
destrucción de nuestras ciudades por la fuerza incontrolable de la naturaleza. Hace tanto frio que no quiero
pensar en el invierno que amenaza con llegar, recordando los temporales y viento y lluvia que azotan la zona
cada año.
Vuelvo a Iquique, estoy en mi casa y pienso en las personas con quienes estuve hace unas horas. Pienso en
sus historias. Pienso en esas carpas sobre la tierra, en donde hay niños, bebés, abuelos y enfermos. Pienso en
que la vida sigue su curso, pero hay miles de chilenos que han tenido que sobrevivir. Cuesta dormir
pensando en todos ellos, pero me reconforta saber que aportamos con un granito de arena en la sanación de
un grupo de ellos y que sin duda se ampliará cada día más. Espero ver sus caras pronto y con la energía y
fortaleza más alta que nunca.
Page 16 of 16