The Presentation Sisters

I feel so blessed, grateful and humbled by the many experiences I have had since I entered religious life.  So many wonderful memories but I think what stands out most is my ministry with the Bedouin community in the Judaean desert since recently coming to the Holy Land.

I have had a very fulfilling life always close to people, open to their needs.  I have had many moving moments where people would speak freely of their closest problems, trusting me with their deepest confidences.

The Presentation Sisters had given their lives to drawing out the giftedness of the children and young people that they encountered and that was what I wanted to do as well. Their way of being with, and being accepting of, people is remarkable.

At my first retreat, never in my wildest dreams did I think what a wonderful, happy life I would have in answering God’s call, despite its ups and downs, and growing in my relationship with God and serving Him as a Presentation Sister. 

Participating in Caring Church Weeks in schools which I did for many years, I was often asked if I regretted becoming a Sister -  to which I could always answer …not once! The call to give one’s life to God is a gift and a privilege and one for which I am forever grateful.

I was later asked to teach in an all-girls secondary school in Marondera. In spite of fines and threats of imprisonment from the then government, this was now a multiracial school much to the credit of the Presentation Sisters who fought for education, justice and equality for all peoples. Like our foundress Nano Nagle they dared to risk for what was right even at times risking their own lives.

I thank God for my life and being a Presentation Sister with all the experiences it has offered me.

I have a distinct memory of teaching Macbeth (the pupils’ favourite Shakespearean play) and, like an omen, hearing a landmine explosion. It was the start of the civil unrest that plagued the country. At one point I was warned to ‘get out.’ We lived with the local community through these difficult years and accompanied people through the pain.

In India, we had a school for girls of mixed faiths and it was a hugely enriching experience. Once the local Governor visited and commented: “You young women must realise how fortunate you are – you’re all getting on, despite religious differences.  You’re like a small league of nations...Take all of that away with you when you leave.”

My life took on a special meaning when I was posted to Nigeria as a relief worker in Port Harcourt; it was at a crucial period when war was raging and tragedy happened as my group was attacked by air as we delivered supplies to the bush.

Over the years my life has taken many twists and turns and to various places; it reminds me of my novice mistress saying “when you make your vows it is like you are signing a blank cheque and handing it to God.“

I have had so many opportunities in my life, I hope I have grown through the ups and downs. I have been inspired by many sisters and I feel Nano is so alive. Her vision for the poor and oppressed continues to touch us. I hope I am not holding onto things/ideas so that I am open to what God is asking of me.

On the 29th August 2022 it was 56 years since I entered the Presentation Convent, Livesey Street. I feel very grateful for the many graces and blessings I have received and for the many sisters and friends who have helped and inspired me on my journey.

“I am grateful for my Religious calling and the love and blessing wherever I am. I hope to reach out and give my time generously to all I meet.”

I think the charism given by the Holy Spirit to Nano Nagle in 1775 is very much alive today in our sisters across the world. It has grown from an acorn into a great oak tree.

Looking back on my life, I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given to share some of the gifts received during my life - especially to share the gift of who Nano Nagle is to us and to the life of all the people we encounter.

The seed of my vocation and faith journey were nurtured within my family home in the west of Ireland from a young age, through my mother’s kindness and compassion in reaching out to others around her.

As a child, we went to Church. My parents had a deep love for the Church and strong faiths. I grew up in a small town in Ireland when times were simpler and peaceful. I attended the local Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers Schools with my five sisters and brother.

I met the Presentation Sisters while training to be a teacher and about a year later joined the congregation. Following my novitiate in Manchester, I first lived in a community in Ashby, Scunthorpe and taught in the primary school there.

Whilst still in school with some wonderful nuns, I was impressed by their simple but profound goodness and their devotion to the children, especially to the most in need. At that time, I read a short account of the life of their foundress and immediately could see clearly where they were coming from.