Venerable Nano Nagle statue blessed at Holy Cross Cemetery North, Fargo

Bishop John Folda blessed the new statue of Venerable Nano Nagle located at Holy Cross Cemetery North in Fargo on May 11.  

The statue is one of two six-foot bronze statues of Venerable Nano Nagle (1718-1784), foundress of the Presentation Sisters in Ireland, in honor of the legacy of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The statue at the cemetery is near where deceased members of the order are buried. 

Presentation Sisters opened the first Catholic school in Fargo in 1882, taught and administered in Catholic schools for generations, and gave themselves in service to others in need locally, nationally, and internationally. 

The other statue is located on the campus of Shanley High School-Sacred Heart Middle School and was blessed in a dedication ceremony Oct. 22, 2024. 

The efforts to honor the sisters were initiated and led by Shanley alumn and former teacher Cathy Rutten Schwinden and the late Sr. Stella Olson, PBVM. Mark McAllister of Hurley’s Religious Goods in Fargo was instrumental in the design and procurement of the statues. 

Known as “The Lady of the Lantern” for her evening works of mercy, Nano Nagle was declared “Venerable” on October 31, 2013 by Pope Francis.