Nano Nagle

Founder of the Presentation Sisters

Nano Nagle was born in 1728 in Ballygriffin, Cork, Ireland.

As Catholic education in Ireland at the time carried the death sentence, Nano had to leave the country and go to France to be educated.

On her return to Ireland, Nano became aware of the many people around her who lived in appalling poverty and oppression. She set about alleviating and improving the lives of the poor.

Nano knew that without education, no permanent change in society could occur. In this situation she recognised not only the effects of political oppression but her divine call.

At great personal risk, she challenged the harsh penal laws surrounding education and opened small schools in the city of Cork making a stand against injustices of her time.

Inspired and led by The Spirit, Nano Nagle pioneered a courageous ministry to the poor and downtrodden. It became clear to her that this work demanded a special call from God and a permanent commitment and so in 1775 founded the Congregation of the Presentation Sisters.

It was Nano’s firm conviction that education was the key to the alleviation of poverty.

Nano Nagle was known as the woman of ‘welcoming heart’