After Nano had completed her education, she travelled back to Ireland soon after her Father had passed away (1746). Upon her arrival, Nano began to realise the emerging rate of poverty across the country. Later in her return to Ireland, Nano’s mother passed, leading Nano down a path of deep prayer and reflection on her life. This caused Nano to travel back to France, where she would begin her journey as a sister. Despite Nano’s efforts to restart her life, she often thought or was reminded of the struggling Catholic children back in Ireland, who were deprived of an education.

Nano, now 32, felt an urge to return back to Ireland and help poverty-stricken families, as she was quite passionate about education and how important it was for children to take part in it. She was encouraged by a spiritual advisor at her convent in France to return back home and begin an education system for poor Catholic children. So, as a result, she travelled back to Ireland to live with her younger brother, Joseph. She began secretly gathering children, teaching them basic education, such as reading, writing and maths. Nano grew fond of the children and their families, as the children would often tell stories of their families and their battles with illness. Nano then began visiting and helping the sick and elderly, giving them sufficient food and necessities, like medicine.

In 1754, Nano Nagle founded her first school, in her hometown of Cork. Her number of students increased rapidly, since she was one of the only opportunities for a Catholic, free education in Ireland. Within three years, Nano had opened 7 schools and improved education in Ireland significantly. However, Nano still felt the urge to do more. She began opening age-care facilities for women, as well as supplying an education for adults through specific adult classes.

As Nano’s work increased and became more demanding, she believed more help was necessary. In 1771, Nano began the first convent in Ireland, located in Cork city. Nano and her helpers continued their work; educating less-fortunate children and caring for the sick and elderly. On Christmas Eve, 1775, Nano Nagle founded the Society of Charitable Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The following day, the first presentation convent was also founded by Nano. This order and convent continued to focus on furthering the education of poor children, attending school illegally because of the strict Irish laws, as well as attend to the sick in hospitals and supply shelter for the elderly and those on the street. This is where Nano developed the name: “The Lady of the Lamp”, as she would walk around with a lantern lighting the dark, poverty-stricken streets of Cork.

Nano, aged 66, died in 1784. At the time of her death, there were five dedicated sisters devoted to the convent. These sisters helped to promote and spread the legacy of Nano Nagle through furthering Nano’s order, by taking part in prayer, rituals and improving the life of less-fortunate Irish children and their families via an education. As years went on after Nano’s death, her legacy began to fade and the things she worked so hard to conquer arose again. However, in 1805, Pope Pius VII approved the Congregation of Presentation Sisters founded by Nano, and her actions and long-lasting legacy was revived.

Nano Nagle was announced vulnerable in 2013 because of her extensive care towards needy children, the poor and the elderly.

²⁵ Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ²⁶ He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” ²⁷ He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.” ²⁸ And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

²⁹ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” ³⁰ Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹ Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. ³⁴ He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ ³⁶ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” ³⁷ He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

“The Good Samaritan” is well-known for its teaching and morals, especially when learning to love your neighbour. Although, in order to understand this parable, we need to explore the historical and cultural background of the text. This parable was spoken by Jesus to a crowd of religious lawyers, Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and other religious leaders, whom were all trying to discredit him at the time. It was set at a time when Jews hated Samaritans, as they were considered “half breeds”; a mix between Gentile and Jew. The story took place on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho, in a place surrounded by mountains, well-known for robberies; it was called “The Way of Blood”. As a result, the man travelling was attacked, which may have possibly striked fear into the Priest and Levite that that may occur to them as well. Another possible reason for the Priest and Levite abandoning the injured man consists of not wanting to break the Jewish temple and Torah rules of being unclean, for if they touched the man on their way to official Church duties they would be deemed unclean because they have associated with blood and sin. However, the Samaritan set aside expectations and supposed ‘laws’ of hatred towards the Jews to help the man and save his life, at the risk of his own. Therefore, Jesus preached this story to his audience in order to help them understand how to love their neighbour, no matter who they are.

This text is considered a parable as it is written in a narrative-like structure and exhibits certain language features and structures unique to a parable. This parable is written as a narrative with Jesus as the narrator using past-tense. The text is concise and uses duality. Additionally, it has the structure of a beginning, climax/problem and resolution. The beginning consists of the setting, including the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, and introduction of the characters, being the injured man/Jew, Priest, Levite and Samaritan. The climax or problem then introduces the robbery of the man and how the Priest and Levite abandoned the man on the road, despite his damaged state. The resolution consists of the Samaritan caring for the man and saving his life, despite the dislike amongst Jews and Samaritans, therefore committing “exceptional levels of assistance”.

“The Good Samaritan” also follows the three-part pattern of development employed amongst parables. This includes the advent, reversal of expectation and new vision. The advent is the event that people expect to happen, which, in this story, is the attack on the Jew, leading to the disregard given by the Priest and Levite as a result of their blinding faith and believe in Jewish laws and rituals; a slight reverse in expectation. The reversal of expectation is then further highlighted when the Samaritan stops to assist the man, despite the cultural divide amongst Jews and Samaritans. The new vision, being what and how people (the audience) need to change, is then seen when Jesus explains the story, concluding on the purpose of loving your neighbour and caring for anyone in need, no matter their social status, appearance or current laws (Purpose/Moral).

In today’s world, “The Good Samaritan” is interpreted as a lesson in loving one another. It’s messages and purpose is emphasised throughout the text and common sharing of the parable, which reflects what we should do in today’s society. These messages are implemented through the Samaritan’s actions and consist of being kind and helping others; when you're in need, it is not always those you expect who help; most importantly, love your neighbour as yourself. These are the work of Nano Nagle. When Nano returned from her education in France, she noticed the emerging poverty in Ireland and chose to ignore it once. However, her feelings and thoughts told her otherwise, resulting in her returning once more. This is when she begun her extraordinary work of establishing education for the poverty-stricken, Catholic children forbidden to attend school. The injured man of this story symbolises these poor children, with Nano relating to both Priest and Levite, but most of all, the Samaritan. She did this through her actions of caring for the children and elderly around her, despite the penal laws implemented throughout Ireland. Nano Nagle is the true Samaritan.

 

The parable of “The Good Samaritan” has existed in society for many years, and has been analysed extensively. It can be implied and used still in today’s world, especially in everyday life. Therefore, the message and moral that emerges from this parable is to love your neighbour, which is significantly relevant in today’s society in order to remind those who exert hatred, to love one another.

“Love one another as you have hitherto done.”

Act of Contemplation and Reflection

Nano Nagle partook in many spiritual practices and used many writings that inspired her throughout her life and work, reminding her of her purpose. These included Nano’s motto of “Love one another as you have hitherto done”, as well as the frequent act of contemplation and reflection. The motto of “Love one another as you have hitherto done” was used often by Nano in her daily life as a reminder to care for all those around her, even if they had sinned against her and the Lord God. This was done as the saying means to love those around you as you have done before, no matter their actions. She would often visit children, the sick and the elderly and preach this motto to them as a source of inspiration for them to do the same. Additionally, Nano frequently participated in the act of contemplation and reflection, in order for her to stop and think about her actions, and whether they contributed to her mission of improving the education and general health of the people in Ireland, especially Catholics. Altogether, Nano Nagle used the saying of “Love one another as you have hitherto done” and the actions of contemplation and reflection to inspire and motivate herself to continue on her mission and remind her of the just and right way to go about her actions and life.

Lord God, you raise me up from age to age

To speak anew Your World to us

And show us your ways 

Such as Nano Nagle.

In days where courage is needed,

You give us this woman of strength

To walk before us with conviction.

In days of great change. You present us with a prophet

Whose faith is firm.

As the light of her lantern brought hope

Into the lives made wretched by poverty and oppression,

So may she inspire us to compassionate action

For those in need around us. Amen

 

This text was written to inspire us today, helping us to live in the footsteps of Nano Nagle. It has summarised the actions of Nano into a prayer that allows us to reflect on our actions and compare them to those of Nano’s. This text was written for the people of today’s society as we have begun to ignore the needs of others, which disregards the legacy of Nano Nagle. This writing impacts those who read it, as they are reminded of the right actions to partake in, which help the people in need that surround us. This writing embodies what Nano achieved in her lifetime, inspiring us to strive to do the same.

 

This prayer was written to recognise the actions of Nano Nagle and how they need to be further appreciated, as they guide us in our daily lives, as well as allow us to live our lives while always looking out for others. It has been written so we acknowledge her specific actions, which remind us of how to help the poor and abandoned, as mentioned in the prayer. The writing has been produced for us, in today’s society, so we are reminded of Nano’s legacy and mission, as well as appreciate her appropriately. The impact of this writing helps us recognise Nano and all her well deserving actions, which allows us to then apply this to our own lives and live a life of service, just as she did.

 

“If I could be of service in souls in any part of the globe, I would gladly do all in my power.”

 

This scripture has been written to help those in Nano’s time, understand her actions and the mission she is trying to achieve through a simple statement that expresses the extent of Nano’s faith and dedication. This writing is written for the people in both Nano’s time and current society, as it shows Nano’s devotion to her purpose, but also shows the dedication we should have if we want to make a difference. This writing effects all those that read it because of the powerful worlds used, and emotion expressed. It impacts readers, which then motivates them to do the same as Nano, but also appreciate the dedication of Nano Nagle and her commitment to improving the education of those in Ireland.

Nano Nagle was a leading figure in tough times of poverty, and as a result became the pioneer of Catholic education in Ireland. She began teaching poor, Catholic children in secret, which was the founding action that began Nano Nagle on her mission of improving the education for all in Ireland, but especially struggling Catholics. In order for Nano to achieve her mission, she needed to risk her safety and ultimately, her life for her vision of schools throughout Ireland to be implemented. This was due to the strict Penal Laws in Ireland, restricting Catholic children from receiving an education and attending school. Through her extensive prayer and reflection, Nano was able to accomplish her vision, as she had time to choose the right action to put in place, preventing any harm coming to the community she was slowly building. 

Throughout Nano Nagle’s life, she faced many struggles and complications that she had to overcome in order for her to continue her mission. To overcome these problems and injustices, Nano often contacted those concerned via letters, or used her actions of compassion and dedication to counteract the injustice, which often related to poverty. Some of these injustices included: education rights, children’s rights, poverty across Ireland and the Penal laws restricting Catholics from receiving schooling. However, to move on with her vision, Nano needed to accept some complications, as not all could be solved. This is shown in the beginning of her journey, where she began tutoring children secretly, in order to avoid consequences of breaching the Irish Penal laws. Overall, Nano reflected the prophetic role of Jesus through her actions that restored human dignity and freedom across Ireland, and later, the world.

By the time Nano had set up her first school, she had developed a following of sisters and commoners that admired her actions and looked to her for guidance. Nano had always respected this following, as they also inspired her to continue with her mission. Although, with this power, Nano did begin preaching more often about her faith, trust and dedication to God, as well as her passion for loving everyone around her. Through this, she spread the message of loving your neighbour throughout Ireland, which brought certain communities together, and ultimately allowed those facing poverty to feel supported and loved, as they now had a purpose. Nano Nagle was able to use her influence throughout communities in Ireland to spread the message of love and compassion towards others, following the kingly role of Jesus.

Website Link: https://presentationsociety.org.au/

Secondly, Nano was strongly influenced by her heavily Catholic family, which sparked her passionate belief for social justice. Through her actions and life mission, Nano made significant process on improving education standards and established the first school for poverty-stricken children in Ireland as a result. Despite the encyclical, Rerum Novarum, not being written at the time of Nano’s life, many of her actions and achievements are reflected in the text, especially in the responses focusing on protection for the poor and the common good. Protection for the poor relates especially to Nano’s work as it states that all people are equal, no matter their religion or social standing, along with the government having a requirement to care for the poor, as they cannot do so themselves. This was seen in Nano’s time, as those in poor living situations were often catholic, with the Irish government feeling no need to protect and care for them, shown in there enforcement of the Penal laws. But, in Nano Nagle’s work, she was able to eventually overcome this.

 

As a result of Nano Nagle’s revolutionary work and vision, the poor, uneducated and catholic children in Ireland received an education. Therefore, her dedication to her purpose may have possibly sparked the encyclical, Rerum Novarum, to be written, ultimately improving social justice for the better.

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Mt Alvernia Kedron. (2019). Religion: Priestly Prophetic, Kingly. Mt Alvernia College, Kedron.

Nano Nagle Place. (2019). A Timeline of Nano Nagle’s World. Retrieved from https://nanonagleplace.ie/a-timeline-of-nano-nagles-world/

Nardinelli, C. (2019). Industrial Revolution and the Standard of Living. Retrieved from https://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/IndustrialRevolutionandtheStandardofLiving.html

Owen, M., Soldevilla, M., & Greaney, M. (n.d.). Newsletter of the International Presentation Lay Movement for Mission. Retrieved from https://www.presentationsisters.ca/newsletters/nano2.pdf

Rafferty, J.P. (2019). The Rise of the Machines: Pros and Cons of the Industrial Revolution. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/story/the-rise-of-the-machines-pros-and-cons-of-the-industrial-revolution

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (2019). Nano Nagle. Retrieved from https://www.presentationsisters.org/who-we-are/nano-nagle/

St Rita's College. (2019). Nano-NagleOUR FOUNDER – NANO NAGLE. Retrieved from http://www.stritas.qld.edu.au/index.php/our-college/college-history/nano-nagle-3/