About Friends of Nano – Our History
Nano and our daily life
The core values, or guiding principles, inform our work and our development as a movement. Our logo, a triple spiral, is a visual reminder of what lies at the centre of our endeavours, inspired by Nano’s way. We endeavour to give practical expression to these core values in our own daily lives through the following characteristics of her charism:
- compassion for those most in need
- commitment to our aims, persevering with our work
- courage in the face of setbacks and difficulties
- confidence in Divine providence
- creativity in exploring innovative solutions
- in communion with our fellow Friends of Nano and others
All of these are underpinned by the practice of contemplation.
Some resources that may be helpful
Click on the this pdf.doc link Friends of Nano – the evolving history to take you to a short history of the Friends of Nano that may easily be printed. The document helps us understand the breadth, depth, and diversity of the movement.
Each month Brian O’Toole (Director of the Presentation Sisters Interprovincial Justice Desk) shares a Friends of Nano Update Newsheet. To find out more about the work of the Interprovincial Justice Desk, see HERE
(International Presentation Lay Movement for Mission)
Who Are We?
Friends of Nano are inspired by the life and legacy of Nano Nagle, a Cork woman who responded with courage to the suffering of her times with ingenuity, love, perseverance, prayer and action. Nano’s actions were daring for her times and unique to her personhood. This is a good model for today’s independently minded person.
What Do Friends Do?
Through the discipline of attention and prayer we are sensitised to the needs of our times and live and act in ways that bring about a compassionate and caring society that we sense is already possible.
Working Together
By working together, we are stronger and the reach of the Friends can be far and wide.
Where Are We?
We, exist in many towns and cities in Ireland. We exist internationally in many countries. Since the very beginning, Nano has had friends. Wherever the Presentation Sisters have travelled, they have always had Friends.
International Animator
In 1989 the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) asked the Presentation Sisters to collaborate with Laity as ‘equal partners in our common mission’. In the last Congregational Gathering (CG2018) a commitment was made to ‘play a supportive role towards furthering the growth of the International Friends of Nano Movement’.
Mary-Ann Greaney (New Zealand) who previously worked on an International Coordinating Committee for the Friends of Nano has just completed a three year period as the International Animator for the Friends of Nano from 1 October 2021 to the end of September 2024..
In her role as International Animator she focussed on four main aims:
- Communication
- Formation
- Promotion of the FON Movement among new and younger members
- and the Promotion of Leadership.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude, to Mary-Ann Greaney for so generously giving of her time and talents to ensure the flourishing of the Friends of Nano across the globe. We are aware that Mary-Ann could not do this alone and we are deeply grateful for all who got involved in the Animation, Communications, Formation and the Promotion work of the FON International Animation Team. We wish Mary-Ann every blessing as she finishes up in this role at the end of September 2024, but continuing very much to share her Light and Wisdom in the next phase of this animation journey with Friends of Nano.
Introducing Karen
We are delighted to introduce the new International Animator for Friends of Nano, Karen Sacre. Karen is the Coordinator for PBVM Union Friends of Nano in America. You may recognise her as a contributor to ‘Nano’s Echo’. Her long association with Presentation began as a student at school and formalized in 2012 when she became an Associate.
Every Friday, Karen participates in the Interfaith Welcome Coalition ministry for asylum seekers passing through her city. She has lived and worked in many different countries and cultures, and taught English as a second language, so she is a great communicator who understands the needs of our rich diversity. Karen will serve a three-year term which will start 01 October 2024 and finish 30 September 2027. She has already started fine-tuning the way we communicate with each other, making it easier when there are changes to the leadership team. You may have noticed there has been an e-mail address change. You may reach her at FONAnimator@gmail.com. Thank you, Karen, for accepting the role and we wish you blessings in abundance and assure you of our unconditional support.
You can find out more and read the current Issue of Nano’s Echo – see Nano’s Echo Newsletters – Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland (presentationsistersne.ie). ‘Nano’s Echo’ is a newsletter to connect everyone who feels drawn to Nano Nagle. A sharing of ideas and a deepening of understanding Nano and her impact on our lives – locally and globally).
Friends of Nano | Office Details
For further information on Friends of Nano (NE Province) contact:
Friends of Nano (NE Province) Ireland
Acorn Centre Warrenmount
Blackpitts
Dublin 8
Co. Dublin, D08 W2X8
Email: Lillie O’Reilly, pbvm – lillie@presprone.com and/or Concepta OBrien, pbvm – marycob@presprone.com
See Friends of Nano | Facebook (Group Page)