Nagle Nano (1718–1784)

Irish philanthropist. Name variations: Honora Nagle. Born Honora Nagle in 1718 (some sources incorrectly cite 1728) at Ballygriffin, Co. Cork, Ireland; died at South Presentation Convent, Cork, April 26, 1784; dau. of Garret Nagle (a gentleman) and Ann (Mathew) Nagle; educated in France.

In defiance of penal legislation, established a number of poor schools and other charitable projects in Cork, introduced the Ursuline Order to Ireland, and founded her own congregation, the Presentation Order, which set a precedent for the involvement of nuns in social work; entered a convent in France as a postulant but, convinced that her vocation lay in Ireland, returned home permanently (c. 1748); opened her 1st school for poor girls (c. 1755); had 7 such schools, all in Cork (by 1769); launched other enterprises which included an almshouse for old women, and sick visiting and missionary work among the poor; invited the Ursuline Order to Ireland; opened 1st convent in Cork (1771); finding the Ursulines were prevented by their vows of enclosure from taking over all of her charitable projects, established her own congregation, the Sisters of the Charitable Instruction, later the Presentation Order (1775); received the religious habit as Sister St. John of God (1776); took her final vows and confirmed as superior of the congregation (1777).

See also T. J. Walsh, Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters (1959); and Women in World History.