“There is no greater happiness in the world than to be in Union”. Ven. Nano Nagle
We, the Presentation Sisters, commit ourselves to a Spirituality of being in Communion that seeks God in the interconnectedness of the whole of creation and empowers active love for self, others and all of nature. Gathered in union with the C osmic Christ, we experience our interconnectedness and the call to communion in our diversity. This interconnectedness draws us to nurture and revere the Cosmos, the Earth and its peoples, particularly those most wounded.
The spirituality of being in communion affirms the need for a lifelong accompanied journey in living the mission of Jesus. It engenders critical questioning of the systems in which we live and work. It encourages the mobilization of our resources to where the needs are the greatest.
Our Way of Life expresses our yearning for union with the Living God, present in mystery in the unfolding of creation, in its magnificence, beauty, and wonder, in its darkness, pain, and woundedness. We are called to awaken to the Spirit of God present and active in all that exists; to a Spirituality of Being in Communion; to participate in the universal mission of Jesus Christ. (Our Way of Life. C3)
The compassionate Heart of Jesus is a significant symbol for us and conveys our call to live in mutual love and unity; to listen together with compassionate hearts to the Spirit of God in the cry of the Earth and of people made poor; to stand with people in their struggles; to speak and act for justice and healing in our world. (Our Way of Life C 10).
Our Way of Life invites us to: The source and heart of our lives which is, as it was for Ven. Nano Nagle, communion with God in Christ. This communion is deepened by our contemplation of scripture and through the sacraments. We value silence, stillness and solitude as ways of nurturing our relationship with God.
Our faith is deepened by being shared with one another and the people with whom we live and minister. Our prayer gives us vitality for mission, moving us beyond ourselves in solidarity with the whole community of life, strengthening and enriching us, as we witness to God’s love and compassion. (Our Way of Life. C13)
*C denotes Our Way of Life – Constitutions of the Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Spirituality of Being in Communion

This Call to a Spirituality of Communion is captured for us in the picture above, by the artist Mary Southard CSJ. It is a commitment that seeks God in the interconnectedness of the whole of creation, inspiring active love for self, others and all of nature. When we gather around our tables, whether at home, or in places of worship, we share the fruits of this Sacred Communion of Life, and we come with grateful hearts. All are welcome, all are interconnected. Every meal is sacred – Eucharistic – when we recognize that some creatures have given their lives that others may live. Here the community gathered around the table signifies our sharing of life, love and Earth’s gifts with our sisters and brothers everywhere. This community is part of Earth’s Communion of Life. One sees brother Sun, sister Moon, the rocks, winds, fire and water and all that lives and grows in the heavens, the seas and the soil. The oak trees and acorns symbolize the unique gift of our Presentation charism to this sacred community. The fire rising from the bottom centre, the burning bush, reminds us that we are on Holy Ground wherever we are. A medieval symbol of God at the top centre reminds us that Divine Energy permeates, energises and sustains this intricately woven web of life, binding us all together into ONE SACRED COMMUNITY.