Legacy Statement of the Presentation Sisters
Rooted in the Gospel and guided by the light of Christ carried forth by our foundress Nano Nagle, we, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hand on a living legacy of contemplative presence, compassionate community, and courageous mission. Shaped by the prairie environment and the indigenous and immigrant people who welcomed us, we offer to others the legacy of our way of life grounded in faith, love, hospitality, justice, and grateful dependence on God.
Our spirituality springs forth from daily prayer, contemplation, and openness to the Holy Spirit. God calls us to service through prayer, and our service draws us back to God in prayer.
Our community life reflects the Gospel call to respect every person as Christ. As apostolic women religious, we honor Nano’s final exhortation to “Love one another as you have hitherto done.” We value diversity and strive to live in right relationship.
Our mission is to carry Christ’s light into places of need and reflect the light that is already there, especially among the vulnerable and marginalized. Our mission flows from our spirituality and is supported by our community life. From the early days in Dakota Territory, we have sought to alleviate oppression, promote human dignity, and care for creation.
We entrust this legacy to all who share this zeal from the Holy Spirit. We invite others to continue to shine the lantern flame as Nano Nagle did: to pray unceasingly, to love generously, to live joyfully, and to act courageously for justice and the flourishing of all creation.
This is the grace we were given and is our legacy of light to be carried forward with hope.