Illuminating Nano Nagle

The spiral is a Christian symbol representing God the Father. Stained glass, with its interplay of light and colour, embodies God’s presence. 

Christ’s hand, marked by a nail wound, signifies the connection of all creation through God and reminds us of life’s struggles. Nano is surrounded by God’s love; she lived and moved within God’s presence. The Holy Spirit, depicted as a bird surrounded by seven flames, flows through Nano and empowers her. These flames symbolise the seven gifts of the Spirit, helping Nano confront darkness with courage and remain steadfast in the light. 

"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.” Romans 13:12 

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows Catholic Social Teachings in a special way. It reminds us of the Dignity of every person through Jesus’ wounded hand and Nano’s act of living close to God, showing that everyone is loved and important. It also shows Solidarity, because Nano, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, faced hard times with courage and stood with others in their struggles. Finally, the flowing light and colour show Subsidiarity and Participation, meaning we are all called to join in God’s work and help our community grow in faith and love.

Reflection Question

Like Nano, who lived close to God and trusted the Holy Spirit for strength, how can you intentionally ask God to guide you when life feels challenging?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

This part of the icon shows the Blackwater River with Nano’s hands above it. The river runs through her family’s land at Ballygriffin, where she first felt close to nature and to God. 

These calm; peaceful memories stayed with her when she later worked in crowded city slums. On the left side, the image is darker, showing the tough times under unfair laws. A ruined castle by the river used to belong to her family, and nearby she attended a secret school for Catholic children. In ancient Celtic times, rivers were seen as sacred and special. Today, Ballygriffin is still a quiet, beautiful place where people go to rest and think. It reminds us to take care of nature and find peace in it. 

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you... In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” 

Job 12:7-10

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel illustrates how Nano Nagle’s life expresses the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The calm Blackwater River and Nano’s hands remind us of Care for Our Common Home, meaning we should look after nature because it is God’s gift. The darker side of the image shows secret schools and unfair laws, which connect to the Preferential Option for the Poor, as Nano chose to help those who were most in need. Her journey from Ballygriffin to the city slums shows Solidarity, walking with people who suffered. This image encourages us to care for creation, stand with the poor, and work together for fairness and peace. 

Reflection Question

Like Nano, how can you use your hands and hearts to care for our common home and protect the Earth for future generations?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

This part of the icon shows the North and South Gate Bridges in Cork, where Nano carried out her important work. 

The seven children represent the seven schools she opened: five for girls and two for boys. The children’s faces show the hard lives they lived, including poverty and abuse. The pregnant girl and worried mother show the struggles people faced. Nano cared deeply and helped them. She was called the Lady of the Lantern, shown by light shining over the bridges. The lamb in the middle stands for Jesus, reminding us of Easter. The children don’t notice it, just as we sometimes miss the good around us. Nano’s love and patience helped bring light to people’s suffering.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 
Matthew 25:40

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel highlights Catholic Social Teaching as expressed through Nano Nagle’s work in Cork. The children’s faces remind us of the Dignity of the Human Person, because Nano treated every person with love and respect, even when life was hard. The pregnant girl and worried mother show the Preferential Option for the Poor, as Nano cared for those who needed help most. Her schools gave children hope and a future, showing Subsidiarity and Participation, because she believed everyone should have a chance to learn and be part of society. The light over the bridges and the lamb remind us of Jesus and hope, even when we don’t notice it. Nano’s lantern brought light and kindness to people in darkness.

Reflection Question

How does Nano’s example call you to take practical action for those who are poor in our community today?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

The tabernacle in the image shows how important the Eucharist was to Nano. She believed it was a sign that Jesus is always with us. 

Her strong faith gave her the courage to keep going, even when her work was difficult. Nano felt deeply connected to God’s love, especially for people who were poor or suffering. She saw them as special and loved by God. This love inspired her to help those who didn’t feel God’s presence, sharing kindness and hope with them.

“In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” 

Matthew 18:14

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows how Nano Nagle’s strong faith guided her to help others. The tabernacle reminds us of her love for the Eucharist and her belief that Jesus is always with us. Nano cared for people who were poor or forgotten, showing the Preferential Option for the Poor. She reached out to those on the margins. She believed in the Dignity of the Human Person, treating everyone as special and loved by God. Nano also showed Solidarity by standing with people who were suffering and shared with them hope and kindness. Her faith gave her courage to bring God’s love to others.

Reflection Question

How can you treat people who feel left out or forgotten with the same respect and kindness that Nano showed, knowing each person is loved by God?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

When Nano Nagle lived, laws called the Penal Laws prevented Catholic children from going to Catholic schools or studying abroad.

Nano’s family sent her to school in France, but she believed education was the best way to help Catholic children have better lives. She came back to Cork and started teaching in secret because running Catholic schools was illegal. Nano opened her first school in a small cabin where children sat on the floor and learned reading, writing, religion, and needlework. Within ten years, she was running seven schools for boys and girls. At night, Nano visited poor families, carrying a lantern to light her way through the dark streets. People called her ‘the Lady of the Lantern.’ Today, Nano is remembered as a pioneer of Catholic education, inspiring the values that underpin a Catholic Presentation education today. 

“Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who instruct others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.” 

Daniel 12:3-4 

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel explores how Nano Nagle’s actions during the time of the Penal Laws reflect the core values of Catholic Social Teaching. She secretly taught Catholic children because she believed education could change lives. This shows the Preferential Option for the Poor, as Nano helped those who were treated unfairly. By opening schools and visiting families at night, she showed Solidarity, walking with people who were suffering and bringing hope. Her schools also reflect Subsidiarity and Participation, giving children the chance to learn and shape their future. Nano’s courage and kindness remind us to stand up for what is right and help others with love.

Reflection Question

How did Nano’s work with poor children show her belief that everyone deserves a chance to learn and be cared for, no matter their situation?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

The gallows and ship remind us of the harsh times during the Penal Laws, when Irish Catholics were denied rights and education. Despite this, Nano Nagle achieved great things. 

Her uncle Joseph, a respected lawyer, strongly influenced her. This part of the icon shows a serious moment between them. Nano knew her choices could affect her family, but Joseph’s support helped her continue. The candle between them stands for their shared faith. With courage, wisdom, and trust in God, Nano and Joseph worked together to bring hope and education to those who needed it most. 

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” 

Psalm 119:105

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows how Nano Nagle responded to unfair laws with courage and faith. The gallows and ship remind us of the hard times for Irish Catholics, and Nano’s fight for education shows Dignity of the Human Person, because she believed everyone deserved respect and learning. Her work with Uncle Joseph shows Subsidiarity and Participation, as they worked together to help their community. The candle between them stands for hope and trust in God. Their efforts also show the Common Good, because they wanted life to be better for everyone. Nano’s choices brought light and opportunity to people who needed it most.

Reflection Question

Like Nano, how can you work with others to bring hope to people who may be experiencing challenges?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

This part of the icon shows how Nano cared for the sick, the lonely and the elderly. She often walked through the dark streets of Cork at night, carrying her lantern to visit people in need. 

It is said that there was not a single attic or poor home in the city that she didn’t know or visit. Her kindness and bravery made her a familiar and comforting presence in the city.

“I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 

Matthew 25:36, 40

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows how Nano Nagle cared for people who were often forgotten - the sick, the elderly and the lonely. Her walks through the dark streets with her lantern remind us of the Preferential Option for the Poor, because she chose to help those who needed it most. Nano treated everyone with kindness and respect, showing the Dignity of the Human Person, because every life is precious to God. Nano’s lantern is a sign of Solidarity, as she stood with people in their struggles and brought hope and comfort. Nano teaches us that even small acts of love can make a big difference.

Reflection Question

Like Nano and Bishop Moylan, how can we collaborate with others to be agents of change and make a positive difference in our College community and beyond?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

This part of the icon shows symbols that connect Cork, France, Nano Nagle, and Bishop Francis Moylan. The fleur-de-lis is a French symbol representing the Holy Trinity and Mary. It reminds us that Nano, like Bishop Moylan, was educated in France. 

The bishop’s mitre, a special hat worn by bishops, shows Bishop Moylan’s support for Nano’s work. The Cork Coat of Arms, featuring a ship between two towers, means “a safe harbour for ships.” It represents Cork’s connection to other countries, especially France, which played an important role in education during Nano’s time.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” 
Hebrews 13:2

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows how Nano Nagle and Bishop Francis Moylan worked together to help people during difficult times. The fleur-de-lis and Cork Coat of Arms remind us of the strong links between France and Cork that supported Nano’s mission. This example of different communities helping each other shows Subsidiarity and Participation. Both Nano and Bishop Moylan worked together for the Common Good, striving to make life better for everyone. Their teamwork teaches us that when we share our gifts, we can bring hope and change. Nano’s education in France and her return to Cork show the Preferential Option for the Poor, because she used her resources and connections to help those who were unable to receive an education. 

Reflection Question

Like Nano and Bishop Moylan, how can you collaborate with others to be agents of change and make a positive difference in our school community and beyond?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

Nano’s prayed to Mary and Catholic communities in the Presentation tradition commemorate ‘The Presentation of Our Lady’, on 21 November. 

Mary is seen as the new home of God and the first to receive His light. In the centre of the image is a small cross, showing Jesus’ role in saving humanity. A seven-branched candlestick stands for the seven days of creation, and the cosmic tree is a symbol known in ancient cultures representing the connection between the heavens, earth, and underworld. Two triangles, one pointing down (God coming to us) and one up (us reaching to God), show the connection between heaven and earth. 

“Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen... And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun…” 

Revelation 11:19 – 12:1

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows important Catholic Social Teachings through symbols of faith. The Presentation of Mary reminds us of the Dignity of the Human Person, because she received God’s light and became a home for God, just as every person is holy and loved. The cross in the centre points to Jesus’ love for everyone and the Common Good, calling us to build a fair and caring world. The six-pointed Star of David; a powerful symbol of the Incarnation is composed of two triangles. The two triangles show Solidarity, the connection between God and humanity, and how we are called to live in unity. These symbols invite us to live with faith, care for others, and work together for good.

Reflection Question

Like Nano, who drew strength from Mary and her deep faith in God, who inspires you to keep going and trust in God when you face challenges?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

The sun in the icon shows God’s love spreading across the world. The water near the Sisters is stirred by God’s Spirit. The acorn, a symbol of the Presentation Sisters, stands for growth and strength.

Nano Nagle wanted her work to continue, so she brought Ursuline Sisters from France. But an ecclesial law prevented them from helping in the way she hoped. Although she was disappointed, Nano listened to God and started a new group with three women on Christmas Eve 1775. 

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” 

Hebrews 12:1–2 

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows how Nano trusted God and worked with others, even when things were hard. When her first plan didn’t work, she didn’t give up. Instead, she started a new group of Sisters to help people in need. This teaches us about Participation, because Nano invited others to share her mission, and Subsidiarity, because she trusted people to make decisions and help. The sun and water remind us that God’s love and Spirit guided her, and the acorn shows growth and strength for the Common Good. Nano’s courage and teamwork also show Solidarity, as she worked with others to bring hope and education. Her story reminds us to keep going and trust God, even when things don’t go as planned.

Reflection Question

Like Nano, who stayed strong and trusted God when her plans failed, how can you show courage and keep trying when things don’t go the way you hoped?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

The children in the icon are all the same colour, showing that all children are equal. 

The water around them stands for the oceans the Presentation Sisters crossed to help others around the world. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, including wisdom, courage, and kindness, travel with them across the water, helping them overcome long distances and challenges. This reminds us that with faith and love, we can reach out to others, no matter how far away they are.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 

Matthew 19:14

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows that all people are equal and loved by God. The children are the same colour to remind us of the Dignity of the Human Person; everyone is special and deserves respect. The water symbolises how the Presentation Sisters travelled across the world to help others, which teaches us about Solidarity, standing together with people in need. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, including wisdom and courage, helped them on their journey. Their work was for the Common Good, making life better for everyone through faith, perseverance and trust. 

Reflection Question

Like the Presentation Sisters, who crossed oceans to serve others, how can you show respect and kindness to people who are different from you?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission. 

This symbol in the icon was inspired by an Australian Presentation Sister, Raphael Consedine, from her book Listening Journey. 

It shows the strong unity in Nano Nagle’s spiritual family. The cross goes through the letter ‘M’, which stands for Mary, showing the deep connection between Jesus and His mother. Below the heart are oak leaves and acorns, symbols of strength and growth. They represent the lasting love and commitment of Presentation Sisters around the world to Jesus and Mary.

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.” 

John 19:26–27

Catholic Social Teaching

This panel shows the strong unity of Nano Nagle’s Presentation family. The cross and the letter ‘M’ remind us of Jesus and Mary, who inspire the Presentation Sisters to love and serve others. The oak leaves and acorns stand for strength and growth, showing the Sisters’ promise to keep helping people everywhere. This teaches us about Solidarity, because the Presentation Sisters work together in faith, and the Common Good, because their mission brings hope and care to many. It reminds us that when we stay united and trust God, we can make a Christian difference in our world.  

Reflection Question

Like Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters, who carried a lantern of hope and courage in their time, how can you carry that lantern forward by going one step beyond in your time?

Story Description Acknowledgement

Adapted from Exploring the Nano Nagle Icon © Congregational Leadership Team of the Presentation Sisters. Used with Permission.