Statues dedicated in Fargo honoring founder of religious order

Two six-foot bronze statues of Venerable Nano Nagle (1718–1784), foundress of the Presentation Sisters in Ireland, have been placed in Fargo in honor of the legacy of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The 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.

One statue is located on the campus of Shanley High School-Sacred Heart Middle School and was blessed in a dedication ceremony on Oct. 22. The other statue is located at Holy Cross Cemetery North, where deceased members of the order are buried. That dedication ceremony was Nov. 21, the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The efforts to honor the sisters were initiated and led by Shanley alumna 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 Oct. 31, 2013 by Pope Francis.