Nano Nagle
Nano Nagle (1718–1784) was born in Ballygriffin, Ireland, during a time of persecution of Irish Catholics under the English penal laws. In response to the poverty, deprivation and lack of education she witnessed, Nano established schools for Catholic children in Cork.
Nano Nagle was declared Venerable on 31 October 2013, the first stage in the process towards canonisation.
By day she taught; by night, guided by a lantern, she brought food, comfort and companionship to those in need. Her tireless work earned her the name ‘The Lady with the Lantern’.
Over time, other women joined her mission, and her work evolved into what would become the Presentation Sisters – a community grounded in faith, education and justice. Nano’s life reflects a deep commitment to the Gospel, lived through practical action and service. She was declared Venerable on 31 October 2013, the first stage in the process towards canonisation.
Nano Nagle’s work continued with the creation of the Presentation Sisters who first arrived in Australia in 1866.
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Presentation Sisters
The Presentation Sisters first arrived in Australia in 1866, establishing a foundation in Tasmania, followed by Victoria in 1873. In 1874, five Sisters travelled from Kildare, Ireland, to establish a convent and school in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.
In 1883, Mother John Byrne PBVM and Mother Paul Fay PBVM, both of Mount Erin Convent in Wagga Wagga, came to Melbourne at the invitation of Archbishop Goold to open a school in the growing city. They took up residence at ‘Turret Lodge’ in Elsternwick (then known as Gardenvale and Brighton), welcoming both local day students and boarders from across regional Victoria.
Through all that we do, we honour and carry forward the enduring Presentation tradition.
Since that time, Star of the Sea College has flourished, continuing to provide a high-quality education for day students.
While the Sisters no longer teach at the College, their legacy remains strong. We maintain close connections with the Presentation Congregation of Victoria, the Presentation Society of Australia and Papua New Guinea, the International Presentation Association and the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia.
Through all that we do, we honour and carry forward the enduring Presentation tradition.
