The 26th April 2025 marks the 241st Anniversary of Honora ‘Nano’ Nagle, the Foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (during her time, the Order was called the ‘Society of Charitable Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’), who passed away following an illness in Cork in 1784. To commemorate this anniversary, we are sharing the entry of her death, recorded in the South Pres Annals from the Presentation Sisters Congregational Archives.
“Being fortified by the last sacraments, which she received with the tenderest of compunction, she fixed her heart on heaven, where alone her treasure was, and thus did she await with steady fortitude, the expected signal of her departure.
Her afflicted little Community assembled around her, learning from her how to die, as they had learned from her example how they should live. They united their sighs with hers, prayed for her victory in this last conflict, and recommended with grateful tears, her precious soul to God. They then implored her blessing and last advice. She gave it to them, “Love one another”, said she, “as you have hitherto done”.
It was a heavenly sentence! One worthy the life it concluded. She then gave up her charge of Superioress into the hands of Sister Angela Collins, recommending her to be vigilant, to be kind to those whom she committed to her care; and by her efforts to ensure, as much as possible, a continuation of the good work which she had only begun, and the progress of which, she was not worthy to see.
Shortly after, this great and extraordinary servant of God breathed her last, giving up her pure soul into the hands of Him, for whom she always laboured, and whom she always loved.
One of Mother Nagle’s great admirers gives her character in the following words, with that justice, energy, and solidity of expression, which distinguishes his [stile].
“Miss Nagle”, says he, “was a person gifted with a mind, which appeared almost divinely inspired to foresee and to remove every obstacle to a great work – a mind, beneficent by nature – gentle, from habit – generous, from disposition – and exemplary, from the workings of divine grace. A mind, in fine, formed at the school of the Cross – and there convinced by Jesus Christ, who is meek and humble by heart, that his yoke is sweet and his burden light: and those who hope in Him, shall not be confounded.
“Her manners gained and engaged the heart – her authority commanded respect without seeking its rights – her piety showed good example, while it strove to hide itself. Her prudence excluded every excess – no labour could abate or relap [?] her zeal, nor could any difficulty shake her resolution. She was ever, equally submissive; and willing to receive, as to communicate advice or instruction”.
A woman, of whom the pen of Truth could hand down such a character, and whose own works bear the strongest of all testimonies in her favour, met, as may be supposed, the hour of her dissolution with the peace and delight of the Lord.”
Requiescat in Pace. Amen!
April 30th 1784:
“Mother Nagle’s remains were interred in the Cemetery belonging to the Ursulines, and enclosed in the large Tomb which stands in its centre. Her own most [illegible] wish was that she should be buried with her own Sisters and children in Religion, “the numbers of her Congregation”; but, she consented to be laid in the Ursuline’s Churchyard, on condition that these should also be buried there. This condition was agreed on – whence the Ursuline and Presentation Nuns had, for many years, a common burial ground”.
https://www.instagram.com/presentationsistersarchives
Katie Connick
Assistant Archivist
Presentation Sisters Congregational Archives
Discover the hidden gem of Cork at Nano Nagle Place, a vibrant heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture. Nestled in the heart of Cork City, the beautifully restored complex features a museum dedicated to the inspiring legacy of Nano Nagle, a social justice pioneer and top tourist destination in Cork. Visitors can explore historic buildings, tranquil walled gardens, and a charming design shop filled with local crafts. Whether you’re looking for educational tours, a peaceful retreat, or a taste of Cork’s rich heritage, Nano Nagle Place provides an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss this top Cork attraction and delve into the city’s fascinating past while enjoying a modern cultural oasis.
The 14th March 2025 marks the 221st Anniversary of Mother Angela Collins (Mary Ann), one of the four foundresses of the Presentation Order, who passed away on the evening of the 14th in South Presentation Covent, Cork City in 1804. To commemorate this anniversary, we are sharing the entry of her death, recorded in the South Pres Annals from the Presentation Sisters Congregational Archives.
“On the 14th of this month (March) it has pleased Almighty God to withdraw to a better life, and from the companionship of this Community which loved and revered her, our oldest member, Mother Angela Collins, who expired about seven o’clock in the evening: rather unexpectedly, after enduring with the most singular and edifying patience, some years of the most trying delicacy: during which period, no complaint, no murmur, no manifestation of dislike to the wearisome life she was leading, ever escaped from her lips, or, appeared by her manner to those whose delightful duty it was to attend her.
Water on the chest put an end, at length, but, too soon for us, her cherished existence. Having dined, she lay, as she was sometimes obliged to do, on her bed. For some time, she continued to converse familiarly with two of the Sisters, regarding affairs which involved the welfare of the Community, whose interests were always dear to her pure heart: and, in the midst of their discussion, to their great dismay, they observed she was expiring.
She quietly yielded up her soul in their presence, without their having the time of the consolation of procuring her the least spiritual resistance. But, they had the comfort of knowing, that for her, the great work of sanctification had been already wrought – that she had, long before her hour was come, laid up for herself a treasure which neither “moth nor rust can consume” […].
Mother Angela Collins […] was the first whom God called to assist out Foundress in the laborious functions of teaching the poor of Cork – and generously and well did she work her way, by following the bright example which God had placed before her. She received the holy Habit of religion, and pronounced her Simple Vows, on the same day with Mother Nagle – a privilege, which she never could think on, without pleasure, and perhaps some, not unlawful, pride.
She had the sad consolation of witnessing the last moments of our Sainted Foundress, whom she affectionately watched over, and attended, during the protracted delicacy of her emaciated frame: she received her last sigh, her last blessing, and listened to her last words […]. At this awful, and most trying moment of her whole existence, she was charged, by her dying Mother, with the care of her Infant association, and of her poor afflicted Children who then composed it. And this burden of Superiority, did she meekly, and maternally, and piously bear […]. In the Offices of Superioress and Mistress of Novices, all the duties of which she fulfilled with unparalleled zeal and exactitude for 20 years, she was the comfort of those whom she governed: and an example of influences so irresistible, as to defy any sort of disregard to its perfect imitation, on the part of those, by whom she was surrounded.
At last, the bright lamps of her existence, by the light of which, we so long and so securely trod the darksome dangerous paths of this world’s pilgrimage, is extinguished for us, for ever. She has left us in our bereavement, without consolation, save, the one sweet, cheering hope, that the Mother whom we fondly respected, and who ever loved us so well, has passed from this transitory scene but to enter into the bosom of her God – to the enjoyment of her well beloved Spouse.
Requiescat in Pace. Amen.”
https://www.instagram.com/presentationsistersarchives
Katie Connick
Assistant Archivist
Presentation Sisters Congregational Archives
Discover the hidden gem of Cork at Nano Nagle Place, a vibrant heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture. Nestled in the heart of Cork City, the beautifully restored complex features a museum dedicated to the inspiring legacy of Nano Nagle, a social justice pioneer and top tourist destination in Cork. Visitors can explore historic buildings, tranquil walled gardens, and a charming design shop filled with local crafts. Whether you’re looking for educational tours, a peaceful retreat, or a taste of Cork’s rich heritage, Nano Nagle Place provides an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss this top Cork attraction and delve into the city’s fascinating past while enjoying a modern cultural oasis.