![]() Indeed, Nano had a preference for small ‘noiseless’ beginnings ‘to show that it is God’s work and has not been effected by human means’. This informed Nano’s thinking and her actions and was something that she addressed in many of her letters. It has been a Presentation tradition to plant a seed at the start of a new foundation.įor Nano Nagle the gospel image of the mustard seed was understood both as an image of disproportionate growth, and also one of powerful faith that moved mountains. The story of Presentation Sisters has often been described as “from acorn to oak” – a small seed growing into a large leafy tree, whose leaves provide shade and shelter and which, in time, bear fruit. It too has become a symbol of Presentation… representing the unique planting and then the strong growth and expanse. The Oak Tree is strong yet grows from such a small seed. Trees that are very old can potentially produce thousands of these tree nuts. The older the tree, the greater the number of acorns produced. ‘Noiseless’ beginningsĪcorns are nuts that form on mature oak trees. The archetypal ecology of tree and water is rooted in some of the most ancient religious traditions of the world, and on a physical level it serves to remind us to pay attention to the interconnectedness of the living world, if life on earth is to survive and thrive. Places where people have come for centuries to drink or bathe in the waters, and to pray and leave a votive offering. Indeed, the sacred ecology of trees and water is enshrined all over the Celtic landscape, where hundreds of holy wells bordered by guardian trees still dot the countryside today. Chieftains were inaugurated at the sacred tree, for, with its roots stretching down to the lower world, its branches reaching to the upper world, it connected them with the power both of the Heavens and the Earth. When a tribe cleared the land for a settlement, they always left a great tree in the middle, known in Ireland as the “ crann bethadh,” or “Tree of Life” that embodied the security and integrity of the people. In the days of the Celts, Northern Europe was covered with forests so thick it was said, that a squirrel could hop from branch to branch, from one end to the other, without touching the ground. Representing the amazing growth from a single small seed… Nano’s first school and community in Cove Lane (Cork) to a ‘global tree’ of Presentation People all over the world. It has become known over many years as a symbol of the Presentation Congregation. Beautiful, simple and very particular in design. Not surprising then to think about the Acorn. It is a thankful, hopeful, expectant and inspirational period as we look outward and forward. This time of extended light and emerging buds ( bachlóga) allows one to notice and stop in wonder at each semblance of new life appearing out of nature’s harvesting of autumn fruits with their seeds, and their hidden, slow nourishment during winter days.
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