The Evolution of a Charism

The tercentenary of Nano Nagle’s birth in 2018 will be an occasion for widespread celebration in all the places where Nano is known and loved, and where her life still speaks through the ministry of Presentation Sisters working and living at home and overseas. It will also be an opportunity for a great many people to ‘get to know’ who Nano is for the very first time.

This timely publication of Nano Nagle and an Evolving Charism analyses the vision of the Presentation Sisters as well as the Congregation’s immeasurable impact on the lives of ‘those made poor’, and the great example that our mission offers to educators, leaders and care givers across the globe, in the times we are living in.  The editors, Sisters Bernadette Flanagan, Mary T. O’Brien and Anne O’Leary invited leading scholars and theologians to engage with various pertinent facets of Nano Nagle’s life and the resulting essays offer a rich insight into the social milieu in which Nano Nagle was born, her pioneering role as a champion of Catholic education and the formative years of the Presentation Congregation. The book also highlights how the charism of the congregation’s early members has remained a defining characteristic of mission today.

In summary, this book considers the untold contribution made by Nano Nagle (foundress of the Presentation Sisters) to the field of social justice in Ireland and internationally.  It is a fascinating exploration of her enduring legacy for Christians today.

This book was launched by Veritas Publications with much joy and celebration on Friday 9th June 2017  in the beautiful surroundings of Mount St. Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre, Killenard, Portarlington Co. Laois.  It is available for purchase see:   http://www.veritasbooksonline.com/nano-nagle-and-an-evolving-charism.html

‘This history of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary shows how the seeds of hope sown in eighteenth century Ireland by Nano Nagle, were nurtured and grown by generations of visionary followers. Anyone interested in the ministry of women will want to follow their joyful charism as it spread far and wide’.
Phyllis Zagano, Ph.D. Senior Research Associate-in-Residence, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA

‘From the poverty – stricken and colonial context of eighteenth century Ireland, Nano Nagle lit a flame for freedom through education, leaving us a legacy that continues to grow and expand into the complex world of the 21st century. This collection of essays provides the reader with an inspiring overview of Nano Nagle’s charismatic vision’.
Diarmuid Ó Mhurchú MSC, author of Religious Life in the 21st Century: The Prospect of Refounding.