We believe as members of the Presentation family that we have been gifted in different ways, with sharing the precious charism of Nano Nagle. If we believe that we continue to reflect her particular Lantern Light in the Church and in the world, then certain things follow on from this.
We have a responsibility to ‘do all in our power’ to ensure that the Lantern Light does not go out in our time. The future of the Light of Presentation rests with each one of us, because the Presentation charism has been given to each of us.
Our Presentation way of life is a prophetic sign of God’s continuing Love for all people. Its value does not date. Today’s world is as much in need of prophetic witness as was Cork in the eighteenth century.
During the Presentation Day Novena we prayed together across the globe remembering the needs and call to ministry and mission in each particular place where Presentation People are called to be.
Nano’s work continues in multiple ways across the globe, depending on how the Spirit leads individuals and groups to respond to current need. Most often that ministry is on the margins in some sense or other, not simply because we follow in Nano’s steps, but because prophecy belongs on the margins. Its task is to proclaim the Word of God in the here and now, tailored to a particular situation, in a particular place or culture, addressing a specific need.
Presentation Day reminds us once again that we need to ‘catch fire’ from the Nano Nagle flame.
Nano wished for her life’s work to be continued not just in Cork city but throughout the world.
“If I could be of service … in any part f the world, I would willingly do all in my power”.
Her prophetic spirit could not live with boundaries. She wanted light wherever there was darkness and she took very definite and practical steps to see that this prophetic work would continue.
Nano’s belief in what she was called to be and do was very strong. It impelled her in two directions – towards the present reality in compassion and towards the future in hope.
As we journey towards Presentation Day (21st November) and beyond, we remember with love and thanksgiving all those who have walked and lived this ‘Way of Life’ with us.
Jan Richardson wrote this blessing for an All-Saints reflection in her book ‘In Wisdom’s Path’.
Presentation Day
This Presentation Day it seems so apt to share these words remembering all who have walked with us in a way that inspired and made possible the path that we now travel? Remembering that particularly in these November days, the veil thins not only toward the past but also toward the future.
Let’s think about how we are walking through this life in a way that will help make possible the paths of those who will follow on from us?
Blessings to you in these sacred days.
For those who walked with us
For those
who walked with us,
this is a prayer.For those
who have gone ahead,
this is a blessing.For those
who touched and tended us,
who lingered with us,
while they lived,
this is a thanksgiving.For those
who journey still with us,
in the shadows of awareness,
in the crevices of memory,
in the landscape of our dreams,
this is a benediction.© Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com.
