by Sr Margaret Walsh
Thursday 8 January 2026 marked a historic and sacred milestone for the Lismore Presentation Sisters (PBVM) as they gathered to solemnly ritualise a significant change in the governance of their congregation.
Sr Bernadette Fitzgerald LCM, serving as our appointed canonical delegate, will represent our Lismore congregation for any matters requiring Vatican approval. While this transition means that the Lismore Presentation Sisters do not currently have a traditional congregational leader or leadership team, it opens a peaceful new chapter for us.
With twenty ageing senior members remaining in our beloved congregation, the sisters thoughtfully chose to invite the support of Emerging Futures Collaborative Limited. This organisation was formed specifically to walk alongside religious congregations in Australia, assisting them with management when they no longer have the capacity to oversee day-to-day administration. While this represents a profound change for our remaining Lismore Presentation Sisters, it is a transition we need to respect and trust as we journey forward.
“We commit to a world in which the oneness and sacredness of all life is honoured” – PBVM, Lismore Chapter 2021
Looking back, the Presentation Sisters recall, with immense gratitude, the support of everyone throughout the parishes, Catholic schools of the Diocese of Lismore, and the Archdiocese of Sydney over the past 140 years. Our shared ministry, which largely flourished in primary and secondary education, music teaching, and later expanded into other professions, has allowed us to respond wholeheartedly to the needs of our contemporary society. The gift was ours in return.
As we reflect fondly on our past, we look forward with hope to the continuation of the spirit of our foundress, Nano Nagle. Nano saw a pressing need in her time to reach out and assist others, possessing a bold, beautiful heart that was ready to respond. Today, we honour that same courage and commitment.
Our International Presentation Association is deeply grateful to the younger women and men who continue to carry Nano’s spirit forward across Australia and throughout the world. Their enthusiasm is truly inspiring.
May our Presentation community, in these modern times, continue to bring peace and comfort to many.
May the lantern continue to shed its light.
