News

Maggie Harmon will oversee the day-to-day operations of the congregation. She began on September 5 and is enjoying learning about the Sisters of the Presentation and meeting many Sisters and staff members. We are looking forward to going forward in mission together.

With the beginning of a new school year, the Archives recall St. John Vianney School in San Jose, which opened September 7, 1954. The Sisters of the Presentation taught there until 2017, graduating more than 3,000 students. Enjoy this issue, including several photos from 1954-1958.

Sister Katherine retired in June from a long career as an educator, parish religious education coordinator, and most recently provider of support and service to families preparing for funerals at Calvary Cemetery in East Los Angeles. The same month, she celebrated her 90th birthday!

On a warm Sunday in July at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, dozens of female farmworkers who are leaders in their local communities gathered for a rare day of pampering and affirmation. The retreat was the final day of a weekend-long conference for farmworkers. Sister Gloria Loya helped organize the retreat. We have more details and lots of photos here.

Stefan Salinas of San Francisco has written a book for children telling the story of the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Join the author and Presentation Associate Nanette Miller, who commissioned the book, for a conversation via Zoom on August 29.

Before the current Motherhouse at 2340 Turk was built, there were gardens for the 281 Masonic Motherhouse where the current Motherhouse stands. These gardens, also known as the Senior Garden, had a number of walking paths among the plantings. In this edition of Presentation Roots, enjoy pictures of these gardens from the 1950s and 1960s.

Ramona Michaels turned 90 this week! She was one of our first Associates and has influenced the program and many of her Presentation companions over the years. She is also beloved for her life of selfless service. We pray for God's blessings on you in the coming year, Ramona!

"To end human trafficking, we cannot allow this crime to be met with increasing indifference and impunity. We must strengthen resilience against exploitation and the underlying socioeconomic and cultural issues that are conducive to trafficking." The U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking offer a prayer service today, and action items everyone can do and share.

Bishop George Pallipparambil of the Diocese of Miao celebrated Mass, and then spoke with the community about his Diocese and the impact of their donation earlier this year, through an Easter Egg Grant.

Presentation College opened in 1957. It served as a novitiate through the late 1960's. In the early 1970s the name was changed to Presentation Center, and it became a spiritual retreat and conference center. Presentation Center was also devoted to environmental education. Read this month's issue for info and photos.

In late April and early May, six Presentation Associates journeyed to Ireland to visit the birthplace of Nano Nagle, and the sites where she ministered. They encountered warm Irish hospitality, and deepened their appreciation for Nano's vision and sacrifice. Yolanda Santillan and Gerry Fagoaga recounted their experiences in this article.

220 guests were very happy to gather again after a four-year hiatus due to Covid-19. All the usual features - visiting and catching up, raffles, beautiful decór and music were again in place at Quiet Cannon ballroom. Yolanda Santillan provides a report and great photos!

In April 2023, the Leadership Team made a visit to a migrant shelter in Mexicali. Their visit was to offer companionship and friendship to those who are staying there while awaiting appointments with U.S. immigration. Sister Pati Reinhert wrote about the experience, described as "bittersweet" by Sister Rosina Conrotto.

For many years the Sisters spent summer vacation at their retreat house, St. Katherine's, in Moss Beach. This issue of Presentation Roots includes a variety of photos and information about what such a vacation looked like over the years.

The Sisters in the Motherhouse took the occasion of National Gun Violence Awareness Day to engage in learning and advocacy, then witnessed on the front steps to all passing by. Let us all pray and do what we can to bring an end to mass shootings, and an increase of peace.

On May 22, the Sisters and Associates heard from a woman knowledgeable about the current situation in Ukraine. Ann Chermak Dillen is a career diplomat now working on democracy development in that country. She explained the circumstances that Ukrainians are living in, the politics of the situation, and the horrific atrocities being committed there. Watch the presentation and learn how to help.

With Earth Day just behind us, we can keep our intentions and momentum going by living every day in honor of our precious earth. Catholic Climate Covenant created a helpful worksheet on "Simple Living." There are suggested small steps such as going meat-free once a week, to bigger steps like doing an energy audit of your home or joining a group to advocate for the environment. Find the worksheet in this month's Justice Endeavors.

The Universal Synod of Bishops in Rome in 2024 will have the benefit of input from Catholics across the globe. Sister Gloria participated in the synodal process at the diocesan and continental (U.S. and Canada) levels, and has just released her report.

Bishop Emeritus McGrath of the Diocese of San Jose, a great friend of the Presentation Sisters, died May 7, 2023. We thank God for his presence to our community over many years, and share a special homily he preached at the end of the congregation's 2008 charism retreat. May he rest in eternal peace.

The archives hold many interesting items from Jubilees of a few or many years ago. Enjoy this selection of memorabilia and photos spanning 1880 to 1998!