Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today, 23rd April is a very special day, in a very special week that will culminate in celebration, prayer and thanksgiving for the life and charism of Venerable Nano Nagle, on her death anniversary on Friday 26th April.
It is fitting that we also have a special coming together of Presentation people from Presentation schools in Australia and Ireland, to share and hear each other’s presentation story in their particular school setting.
This International Symposium 2024 with Irish and Australian schools sharing the charism and legacy of our Presentation founder, Venerable Nano Nagle, took place in the Acorn Centre Warrenmount (Dublin) today. This is a precious opportunity to come together and to explore, share and discuss themes and examples of how:
- We carry Nano’s lantern today?
- How Nano has come alive in our schools for both staff and pupils.
- How Presentation people in Australia connect through the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA).
The programme for the day allowed participants to have rich and significant exchanges as well as the chance to meet fellow presentation schools leaders in educational contexts.
The Opening session included a warm welcome from Sr. Concepta O’Brien (Provincial Leadership Team, NE Ireland), followed by a prayer from Sr. Maria Lazzaro, Louise Gunther, Exec. Officer of Nano Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) and Marie Therese Kilmartin.
Val Thomson (Mater Dei Catholic College, NSW, Australia), Bernadette Fitzgerald (St. Joseph’s College, Lucan, Dublin), Gemma Thomson (Iona Presentation College, WA, Australia) and Cathy Keane (Rockford Manor Secondary School, Dublin) then shared stories around school life.
There was then valuable time for conversations and exchanges between delegates, followed after lunch by presentations from Brian O’Toole (Director of the Presentation Sisters Interprovincial Justice Desk), Brian Fitzsimons and Margaret from iScoil, Sr. Imelda Wickham, on working with families of prisoners (New Directions), and Louise Gunther (CEO NEAA) sharing about the work of NEAA throughout Australia. Each shared how the charism of Nano Nagle is developing today in these three directions.
Some quotes shared on our Twitter feed by Marie Therese that give a sense of the vibrant life of the day.
Val from Mater Dei Catholic College @MaterDeiWagga introduced their reflection walk representing their dual Charism of Presentation & Christian Brothers, linking past and present, a learning tool, sharing the story with the International Presentation Symposium 2024.
Bernadette Principal of @StJosephsLucan spoke about the influence of ‘St John of God’ on Nano Nagle and her vision for education, support for marginalised, those suffering from poor mental health,her her legacy today.
Gemma Thomson @IonaPerth shared their Presentation story.
Cathy a Religion Teacher from @rockfordmanor spoke of linking the Bible and Newspaper in class today. The charism of Nano Nagle being present in the school in so many ways. Care of the Earth, Morning Munchies, Swop Shop, CEIST leadership, reflective walkway, crest, & more!
Presentation tradition through principles of equity, inclusion, diversity, opportunity for all. Norma Foley, TD (Minster for Education Ireland) recalled her first teacher at #Presentation Sister Baptista, a person who minded, mentored and supported. International Presentation Symposium Ireland v Australia sharing charism. She spoke of being part of the presentation family, a crest of honour, to wear with pride and responsibility, to be of ‘Pres’ is a gift and a responsibility, vision of Nano Nagle carrying the lantern, a light of learning, hope and opportunity for all.
The wonderful images speak for themselves! You can view some of these on our Twitter feed @PresSisNE
Facebook Page for Presentation Sisters NE Province Ireland: HERE
Friends of Nano Facebook Group: HERE
Instagram: Women of Welcoming Heart