Nano Nagle was born in 1718 in Ballygriffin, Cork, Ireland.
As Catholic education in Ireland at that time carried the death sentence, Nano had to go to France to be educated.
On her return to Ireland, Nano became aware of the many people all around her who lived in appalling poverty and oppression. Soon she set about alleviating and improving the lot of the poor.
Nano knew that without education, no permanent change in society could occur. In the degraded condition of her people she recognized not only the effects of political oppression and economic change, but a divine call.

At great personal risk, Nano opened small schools in the city of Cork and in this way made a stand against some of the injustices of her time. Inspired and led by the spirit, Nano Nagle pioneered a courageous ministry to the poor and downtrodden and in so doing, challenged the authorities of the day. Besides teaching in the schools, Nano visited the poor, especially the old and the sick. Soon it became clearer to her, that such work demanded not only a special call from God but also great generousity and a permanent commitment.

Therefore in 1775 began The Congregation of Presentation Sisters.

The icon of Nano Nagle portrays her life and spirit in colour and symbolism.
In the centre, we see Nano as a Woman of the world in the best and truest sense.
Nano's passionate love of God is symbolised by the heart on fire. She was involved with people, yet totally absorbed in prayer for large parts of the day.
Her life was spent for the deprived, the needy and the weak.

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