The Congregation is shaped by fidelity to the Gospel as expressed in the spirituality and charism of Nano Nagle.
The Congregation is shaped by fidelity to the Gospel as expressed in the spirituality and charism of Nano Nagle. Her search for union with God in contemplation, her choice of education as a vehicle of liberation for the vulnerable and the powerless, and her compassionate love for those in any kind of need. (C2*)
In fidelity to the founding spirit we are called like Nano, to be a prophetic presence and voice in the service of people made poor. We work to ensure the dignity of persons is respected and their rights upheld by engaging in compassionate service, especially through various forms of education. (C7*)
We are called to “be compassion” which means addressing the root causes of poverty and all that threatens to diminish the life and dignity of people and Earth made poor. Compassion demands that we expand our circle of love to include all life, all beings. It was this compassion that drove Nano to spend her life for the poor.
Take down your lantern from its niche and go out!
You may not rest in firelight certainties,
Secure from drifting fog of doubt and fear.
You may not build yourselves confining walls and say,
“thus far, and thus, and thus far shall I walk
And these things shall I do and nothing more.”
Go out! For need calls loudly in the winding lanes
And you must seek Christ there.
Your pilgrim heart
shall urge you one pace beyond
and love shall be your lantern flame.
– Raphael Consedine, pbvm
* Denotes Our Way of Life – Constitutions of the Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary