Lantern Light Still Shines 250 Years Later

by Jean Lange, executive director of the Sisters of the Presentation, Dubuque

From Nano Nagle’s walking the dark lanes of Cork became a global network of Presentation people standing for hope, education and human dignity. This 250th anniversary is both a remembrance and an invitation to reflect, act and shine Nano’s light wherever we are so that, together, we may continue to “go one step beyond” for the sake of our world.

Those words set the tone as the Dubuque Presentation Sisters kicked off the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Presentation congregation in Cork, Ireland by Nano Nagle. The worldwide anniversary celebration began in Ireland in December 2025. In Dubuque, the community marked the occasion on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with a prayer service in Sacred Heart Chapel at Mount Loretto. The service centered on the light of Nano’s lantern as the community of sisters, associates and employees gathered to pause, give thanks and renew the commitment to her legacy. The service was followed by a shared dinner. Nano’s example calls all to keep her flame alive in this time and context. Whether through prayer, service, advocacy or simple moments of connection, all are part of this unfolding story. Throughout this anniversary year, those moments have become visible signs of transforming love, bringing

her vision to life in new ways.

One of the most joyful highlights of the anniversary celebration was the International Presentation Association (IPA) dance project. Presentation communities around the world were invited to participate in a creative, prayerful project using movement and dance to express faith, culture, justice and the Presentation charism. Thanks to the organizing and dancing expertise of Sister Rita Menart, participants of all ages and abilities took part in the community dance, moving in their own way to the chosen music and creating a joyful expression of Presentation spirit. Together, they brought to life something far richer than any one group could have accomplished alone, each contributing unique gifts while sharing one common spirit inspired by Nano. Submissions from Presentation communities around the world can be viewed on IPA’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@InternationaPresentationNano.

Presentation communities around the world are working toward a shared goal of planting 2,500 trees in honor of the 250th anniversary. In celebration of World Environment Day, the Dubuque Presentation community joined this global Presentation Eco-Justice initiative by planting seeds of hope for the future. On June 4, a tree-planting ceremony in the front yard of Mount Loretto invited participants to reflect on the shared responsibility to care for Earth. This planting reflects Nano’s deep care for creation and will protect the fragile world that sustains all. Just as Nano planted seeds of faith and education that continue to bear fruit 250 years later, the tree was planted to serve as a living reminder that caring for creation is an essential expression of faith and mission. “May we remember always that God speaks to us through the beauty of creation and we will try our best to answer God’s call to reverence all that God has created.” (Pledge of Commitment to Protect and Heal God’s Creation: U.S. Catholic Bishops)

Perhaps no event reflected Nano’s spirit more beautifully than the global 250 Acts of Kindness initiative, encouraging all to engage in acts of justice, compassion and kindness that reflect Nano’s mission. Beginning in April, every act of kindness shared has been written on a flame and added to the growing Lantern of Love display in the front entrance at Mount Loretto. Each submission is also marked on a map, helping visualize how far Nano’s light can spread.

On July 16, as part of Community Days, sisters and associates delivered homemade cookies throughout the Dubuque community. Two hundred fifty years later, a plate of homemade cookies delivered with a smile continues that same tradition of seeing others, thanking them and reminding them that they are valued. These simple gestures of gratitude and kindness reflected Nano’s belief that even small acts of compassion can have a profound impact.

The Dubuque anniversary celebration will conclude on November 21, the feast day of the Sisters of the Presentation. The community will gather, offering prayer and gratitude, a sign of renewal of a shared commitment to continue the work begun by one courageous woman in 18th-century Cork. The anniversary year will formally conclude worldwide on December 25, 2026.

The 250th anniversary reminds all that the legacy of Nano is not confined to history. For 250 years, the strength of the community has come from its people, shared bonds and a deep commitment to building a better future together. It lives wherever children are educated, wherever those in need are welcomed with dignity, wherever justice is pursued and wherever faith inspires generous service. The story that began in Cork, Ireland, continues to unfold in communities each day.

Inspired by Nano’s courage, her lantern can be carried into the future, bringing light, compassion and justice to all. Nano’s lantern has never belonged to one person. It has always been carried by a community of people willing to bring Christ’s light wherever darkness exists. This anniversary is a reminder that the lantern and the call to live transforming love is in the hands of this generation and the ones to follow. May future generations carry it with the same courage, compassion and joyful hope that inspired Nano 250 years ago.