Celebrating 150 Years of Tending the Light

Our Journey of 150 Years

The journey of the Presentation congregation traces back to the remarkable Honora Nagle, affectionately known as Nano, who founded the Sisters of the Presentation in 1775, in Cork, Ireland. Nano, a courageous, daring woman, devoted her energies to educating poor children when penal laws prohibited education for Catholics. After a long day teaching, Nano walked the dark, winding lanes of Cork City, carrying a lantern to light her way as she comforted the sick, the elderly and the marginalized. Her lantern light became a guide into the darkest of places. Her steadfast dedication to those made poor and her fervent desire to transform societal structures inspired many. Evident even in her final moments, she encouraged her young community to go out into the world where the need is greatest.

In 1874, Mother Vincent Hennessy answered the call of Bishop John Hennessy to journey to Dubuque, Iowa, to educate the growing Catholic immigrant population. With unfaltering faith and fortitude, Mother Vincent and three companions left their homeland in Ireland, carrying Nano’s “lantern” across the Atlantic, to establish the Sisters of the Presentation congregation in Dubuque. Over the years, they endured extraordinary hardships, suffering from cold, hunger and serious inconveniences, yet the hospitality given and received prevailed. Neighbors took food from their own supper table to share with the sisters, who in turn shared their skills of educating.

“The stories of our founding mothers are treasured and resonate deeply with the challenges faced by many today,” states Sister Carmen Hernandez, congregational leader of the Sisters of the Presentation. “Our Dubuque congregation was established by four immigrant women who lacked citizenship and voting rights, yet believed strongly in what they needed to do. Despite their fear and anxiety, they forged on with a clear purpose – to educate those most in need. Their story – our story – is one of hospitality, profound faith, resilience and a commitment to educate, advocate and serve those on the margins. Throughout our history, we have taken many steps to share the gift of hospitality with others, expanding the circle of light from Nano’s lantern.”

Upon arriving in Dubuque in 1874, the sisters’ initial focus was educating impoverished immigrant children in Iowa. Today, their ministry extends far beyond traditional classrooms as they embrace diverse forms of educational outreach. Presentation Sisters serve in a wide array of ministries in urban and rural areas throughout the United States and in Bolivia, addressing both immediate needs through direct service and working toward systemic change that addresses deeper causes. Ministries include education, counseling, chaplaincy, administration, spiritual direction, pastoral care and healthcare. Sisters also se­rve in direct social service, as missionaries, advocates for social justice, affordable housing and immigration services. Their mission guides their ministry efforts to go where need calls out most loudly.

The sisters’ commitment to justice is deeply woven into the very essence of their charism, emphasized in the community’s mission statement which challenges members to incarnate the hospitality of God, confront injustice and work for peace. They have continually responded to the needs of the times, advocating for social justice, empowering women and children, and caring for Earth. Their work extends from providing educational scholarships that open doors to brighter futures, to environmental stewardship that protects Earth for future generations, and to their commitment to eliminating human trafficking and supporting victims.

“In celebrating our 150th anniversary, we pause to reflect with gratitude on our rich heritage, the paths we have trodden, and those still ahead. Our hearts are filled with deep appreciation for the resilience and courage of the four pione­­­ering women who journeyed from Ireland to carry on Nano’s vision in Dubuque,” states Sister Carmen. “We hold in reverence the hundreds of women who have dedicated themselves to sustaining that vision with their sacrifices and s­­­teadfast determination. We offer heartfelt prayers of thanks for our families, friends and partners, whose unwavering love has sustained us throughout this journey. With gratitude spanning the past, present and future, we press onward, tending the light as we continue to go out where need calls loudly.”

The Presentation Sisters are grateful to all who partner with them in extending the radiance of the lantern into the world today. Together, may we continue to tend Nano’s light, allow it to burn brightly and carry it with courage. Let us embrace the call to respond with compassion and openness to the needs of the world, illuminating a brighter, more just future for all.