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Seven Sisters of the Presentation, representing 360 years of service to God and God’s people, were honored in a special Jubilee celebration held at Presentation High School, San Jose, on April 27th.

Women and men religious of the Archdiocese of San Francisco sponsored an outreach program for homeless women and men on March 8 at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in San Francisco. Nearly 150 guests and volunteers enjoyed the sunny day setting of a BBQ lunch. Guests also found needed items on the tables filled with a variety of daily use items.

In March we Sisters finalized the sale of our Motherhouse to the University of San Francisco. This sale of our historic Motherhouse marks another stage in our process of addressing the reality of our future: diminishing numbers and an aging population. This sale will provide the necessary funding for the on-going care of our Sisters.

Sisters of the Presentation living at Peninsula del Rey in Daly City have become involved with service projects at the OMI (Oceanview, Merced Heights, and Ingleside) Senior Center, a program of Catholic Charities, in San Francisco. All six Sisters agreed that they would look forward to more volunteer activities with the Catholic Charities OMI Center in the future. Learn more about their work and about opportunities for additional volunteers.

About five years ago three of us who have been in ministry with the Latino community began reflecting on the clear need for mothers and daughters, particularly teen daughters, to have quality time together. Lupita Vital, a Presentation Associate and Pastoral Minister in the Hispanic Community, California; Petra Robles, Administrator and Pastoral Minister in the Diocese of Monterey and Sister Gloria I. Loya, PBVM, began to create Mother/Daughter Retreats. The theme of "Corazon a Corazon" (Heart to Heart), has been a beautiful and powerful theme for the seven retreats we’ve had during the last five years.

Presentation Sisters and Associates gathered via Zoom for a morning Justice information session on the International Presentation Association (IPA) justice effort work and presence at the United Nations through a nongovernmental organization (NGO) on January 25th.

Sister Rita Jovick, PBVM, received a Modern-Day Abolitionist Award for Outstanding Advocacy and Collaboration from the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (SFCAHT) on January 10, 2025.

As the number of schools grew and Nano’s vision included more service to the poor people of Cork, she sought a systematic means of preserving her work. Surrounded by her faithful trio of fellow instructors -- Mary Ann Collins, Mary Fouhy, and Elizabeth Burke – and other volunteers and supporters, Nano wanted to plan for a more formal continuance.

In 1748, Nano Nagle returned to Ireland at the age of thirty to live with her brother, Joseph, and his wife, Frances, in the City of Cork. Within a year, she had begun her first school. For the next thirty years of her life, Nano’s deepening understanding of her call and vision would move her from “Miss Nagle” to the Lady with the Lantern.

A chilly November 17th afternoon saw nearly one hundred people – Sisters, Associates, University of San Francisco staff, the Nano Nagle sculptor, representatives from construction companies – gather in the newly completed Nano Nagle Gardens for its official dedication and opening.

The second period of Nano Nagle’s life is short, from circa 1746 to 1748. However, it was a period of great suffering, introspection, and seeking for a life purpose. Nano and her sister, Ann were called home to Ireland upon the death of her father. During these years, the consequences of the failure of the agricultural system in Ireland were everywhere in Ireland and surrounded Nano’s life. Nano pondered how she could make a difference in the face of the extremes of this social condition. She decided that the best way to serve God and the Irish people would be to enter a monastery.

In her biography written for the Sisters of the Presentation website, Sister Mary Jane Floyd wrote about her work at the Catholic Worker House.

In a take on the “nature or nurture” quandary as to how human character is formed, is the question are saints born or become so through their life experiences. Nano Nagle’s father predicted she would become a saint. As we continue our reflections on our San Francisco 170th Anniversary, we know that Nano Nagle was venerated by the people of her time and continues to be today. The Roman Catholic Church has also declared her Venerable, the second level towards canonization. In four reflections on the stages of Nano Nagle’s life, we will look at how she became both venerated and Venerable through the values, virtues, and vision she developed in response to the times in which she lived.

On January 2nd and 3rd, 1998, as part of a Sacred Spaces retreat, Sister Cleta Herold commissioned a paper tapestry that a group of Sisters and other retreat participants worked on together under the direction of Alice Helen Masek.

As the Sisters are moving out of the Motherhouse at 2340 Turk, let’s look back at a prior move. In the late 1960s, the Sisters of the Presentation were preparing to move from their Motherhouse at 281 Masonic to the Motherhouse at 2340 Turk. These photos show Sisters cleaning and packing in preparation for the move.

The 2nd Annual Farmworker Caravan and Retreat took place at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista on May 18-20, 2024, after a year-long preparation with well over 150 volunteers from Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties. The voices from the fields blended with all participants and volunteers culminating in a presentation of valuable resources for the well-being and protection of the women and children. As we celebrate Presentation’s 170th Anniversary of our arrival in California, Sisters and Associates of the Sisters of the Presentation provided the opportunity to become more aware of today’s plight of the farmworker and to express our gratitude to these essential workers.

Discover the captivating legacy of Nano Nagle and the Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco in our exclusive feature. From Nano Nagle's humble beginnings as the Lady of the Lantern to the Sisters' unwavering dedication to spreading compassion and hope for 170 years, this story illuminates the path of service and inspiration. Join us as we explore the timeless journey of passing on the torch of hope to future generations and embracing innovation for the future. Read more to uncover the inspiring tale of the Lady with the Lantern and the enduring impact of her mission.

Delve into the rich history of the Sisters of the Presentation as they planted the seeds of education in Seattle. In 1954, their journey began with the establishment of Our Lady of Fatima School, a beacon of knowledge and compassion. Through dedication and service, they nurtured minds until 1969, leaving an indelible mark. Fast forward to 1994, a jubilant celebration marked the school's 40th Anniversary, a testament to their enduring impact. Today, Our Lady of Fatima School stands tall, a testament to the Sisters' unwavering commitment to the community. Journey through time with captivating images capturing moments like Sister Catherine Knudsen guiding First Communion students in 1964, or the vibrant May Procession and Vocation Week festivities in 1960. Join us as we unlock the archives and rediscover the profound legacy of the Sisters of the Presentation.

The Sisters of Presentation San Francisco embarked on an unforgettable road trip, crossing the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge to reach the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA. Led by their deep connection to their Charism and guided by the spirit of their foundress Nano Nagle, the Sisters set out for a day of joy and exploration. Join us as we delve deeper into this extraordinary outing, where each moment was infused with laughter, inspiration, and the enduring spirit of service.

In the heart of Oakland, amidst its struggles with violence and systemic issues, Sister Marilyn embarks on a transformative journey with the Sisters of the Presentation SF. Despite recent challenges, including a staggering number of homicides in 2023, Sister Marilyn remains steadfast in her commitment to service. Joined by volunteers and community members, Sister Marilyn participates in Friday night walks, carrying signs of peace and engaging with neighbors in prayer.