Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“ … the journey of the Universe unfolded in the birthing of Nano Nagle (1718) in Ballygriffin, Cork (Ireland)”. Remembering the life journey of Nano is always a moment of celebration, inviting us to give thanks for the gift of this Woman of Vision, Love and Light.
Similarly, Jesus reveals to us a journey that leads us to a deeper consciousness of the Divine, within, in others and in all of nature. The remembering of Nano’s birth is a moment of grace, calling us forth to that deeper consciousness, to allow ourselves to be drawn by the mystery of life, and to be lanterns for our time just as Nano was for hers.
The ‘Nano Journey’ inspires us ..
as a pilgrim people, to a way of life
rooted in stillness, contemplation and wonder
at the Mystery of God, and all God’s creation”.*
An invitation – ‘walking with Nano’
Friends of Nano (Ireland) invite you to join them on a virtual walk which will begin at Nano Nagle’s birthplace (Ballygriffin) on Monday 19th April and conclude on Monday 26th April (the anniversary of Nano’s death (1784)) in Nano Nagle Place (Cork City) the site of Nano’s Tomb, as well as the site of Nano’s first school and convent.
This will be a pilgrimage of both gratitude and hope as we think of the great challenges of our own time and especially of our lives during Covid-19. We will pray for each other, those who are sick and those caring for them. We will ask for wisdom for those making decisions that affect us all. Along the way we will also take the opportunity to think of Nano Nagle, her life and work, and her great Faith and Compassion for the Poor.
Some practical information
Our pilgrimage walk is 35km long in total, and we will undertake to walk 5km each day. All Are Welcome.
- You are invited to walk at your own pace, in your own time or maybe not at all.
- However, we invite you to be with us for our Daily Reflections which will be posted and shared each day on our Website, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram pages. See HERE
- You are welcome to engage, comment and share your pilgrimage experience and photos with us by sending to Friends of Nano Ireland at email: annepresnano@gmail.com or by text to Anne Dwyer (Project Officer, FON Ireland ) Tel: 086 751 4364 or to WhatsApp at this number.
Please let us know if you are taking part for all or part of the journey, as a way of supporting and encouraging each other – providing light and support for one another along the way!
If you are posting or sharing on media please use the hashtag #NanosWalk2021.
Walking with ‘Nano’ – the daily itinerary of ‘stop-off points’
| 19th April | Reflection from Ballygriffin (Nano Nagle Birthplace) at 7.00 pm | See website: nanonaglebirthplace.ie
|
| 20th April – Day 1 | We start at Ballygriffin | Theme of reflection: Families |
| 21st April – Day 2 | Kilavullen – the site of Nano’s Baptism | Theme of reflection: Our Faith Journey |
| 22nd April – Day 3 | Monanimy – location of hedge school Nano attended | Theme of reflection: Education |
| 23rd April – Day 4 | Nano’s return to Ireland from France | Theme of reflection: Life Changing Events |
| 24th April – Day 5 | Nano back in Cork | Theme of reflection: Nano’s Vision |
| 25th April – Day 6 | Nano and the future | Theme of reflection: Not Words but Deeds |
| 26th April – Day 7 | Nano Nagle Place, Cork – the anniversary of Nano’s death | ‘Love one another as you have hitherto done’ ~ Nano Nagle
Prayer Service at Nano’s Grave at 4pm (See Link and info. below). |
We will be posting a daily reflection on each of the themes above, as an aid to praying this pilgrimage journey see HERE
A Virtual Gathering At Nano Nagle Place
You are invited to join us at Nano Nagle Place for a virtual gathering to remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Venerable Nano Nagle on Monday 26th April – Day 7 of our Walk, and the anniversary of Nano’s death.
During our prayer, Sr. Anne Lyons, pbvm will reflect with us on how our lives today can be an optimal blessing to the world as Nano’s life is.
Join us on Zoom
On Monday 26th April, 4pm to 5 pm (Irish time)
To participate, please register by 20th April, 2021 by contacting Sinead (Nano Nagle Place) by e-mail: spirituality@nanonagleplace.ie Please note that a maximum of 100 participants can be accommodated. See Information on Prayer Service Nano Nagle Place – 26 April 2021
The value of pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey whereby we don’t choose our destination; it is God drawing us into Himself. Something inside us simply yearns to follow. We can feel invited, even summoned. But actually, we don’t have to “go” anywhere, for life itself is a pilgrimage. Pilgrimage affords us the opportunity to leave behind that which hinders us from moving forward.
As Pope Francis said:
“Pilgrimage is a symbol of life”, “It makes us think of life as walking, as a path”.
Trasna
The pilgrims paused on the ancient stones
In the mountain gap.Behind them stretched the roadway they had travelled .
Ahead, mist hid the track.Unspoken the question hovered:
Why go on? Is life not short enough?Why seek to pierce its mystery?
Why venture further on strange paths, risking all’Surely that is a gamble for fools – or lovers.
Why not return quietly to the known road?Why be a pilgrim still?
A voice they knew called to them, saying:This is Trasna, the crossing place.
Choose! Go back if you must,You will find your way easily by yesterday’s fires,
there may be life in the embers yet.If that is not your deep desire,
Stand still. Lay down your load.Take your life firmly in your two hands,
(Gently… you are trusted with something precious)While you search your heart’s yearnings:
What am I seeking? What is my quest?When your star rises deep within,
Trust yourself to its leading.You will have the light for first steps.
This is Trasna, the crossing place.Choose!
This is Trasna, the crossing placeCome !
~ Raphael Consedine, pbvm
Some Resource links:
Nano Nagle Centre, Ballygriffin, Mallow, Co. Cork IRELAND | (nanonaglebirthplace.ie)
Friends of Nano | Presentation Sisters Union North East Ireland (presentationsistersne.ie)
The Story of Nano Nagle – NanoNagle (nanonagleplace.ie)
See above *(an extract from the Introduction to ‘Praying Our Journey’ a resource for prayer and reflection prepared by the Nano Nagle Commission and sponsored by the Congregational Leadership Team, Presentation Sisters Union for the Tercentenary of Nano Nagle’s birth #Nano300).
Thank you and joining you in love
You are so welcome – may we journey together in the joy of these days shared #NanosWalk2021