Marian College - Our Story
‘If I could be of service… in any part of the globe,
I would gladly go there’
Nano Nagle (1718-1784) was born into a wealthy family in Ireland. English laws at the time prevented Catholic children from attending school.
Nano secretly taught children of the poor and used her wealth to build schools for them. She educated them in literacy, mathematics and their faith.
Nano also visited the sick and elderly bringing them food and carrying her lamp along the winding alleyways. Nano became known as the ‘Lady of the Lantern’.
She established the Presentation Sisters in 1775 in Ireland. In 1968, the Presentation Sisters founded Marian College. We are now their story.
Marian College continues to live the vision of Nano Nagle
‘In Deeds Not Words’
250 Year Anniversary of the Presentation Sisters
It is 250 years since venerable Nano Nagle first lit her lantern and began her mission of compassion, courage, and justice.
From one woman walking the dark lanes of Cork to a global network of Presentation People standing for hope, education, and human dignity, this anniversary is both a remembrance and a renewal.
The spirit of Nano continues to inspire countless acts of love and justice across the world.
Throughout 2026 the Marian College school community will reflect upon and celebrate Nano Nagle’s inspirational legacy and that of the Presentation Sisters.
May the words we speak to others be words of love.
May the deeds we do be gentle and generous.
Catholic Education Sandhurst’s Theme for 2026
‘Seek Peace and Pursue It’
Designed by Marian College student Krisna Sella
This phrase is not passive; it is a call to action. Peace is not merely something to hope for—it is something to actively chase, cultivate, and embody.
“Peace be with you” (John 20:21) and “My peace I give you” (John 14:27) were not mere greetings, but gifts and commissions from Jesus.
We cannot lead others to peace if we have not first made peace with ourselves.
‘Peace is an inside job’
Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, mercy, and love. It calls us to be peacemakers in our schools, homes, communities, and hearts. And it affirms that the pursuit of peace is not optional, it is essential to the mission of Catholic leadership.
Pope Leo XIV’s first address after his election focused on being people of peace in our world.
He greeted the world with "Peace be with you."
In 2026, may we not only seek peace, but pursue it with courage, humility, and hope.
Marian College Community Patrons
Sister Issie Gomez
Sister Issie was a Presentation Sister. At 17 years of age, with her parents permission, she became a Sister and came to Australia with other Sisters. She came to Myrtleford briefly in 1947, then returned in 1975 and stayed until 2009.
In the early days Sr Issie cooked for 40 school boarders and fifteen Presentation Sisters and was renowned for the toffee apples that she prepared for the school fetes. Sr Issie always had a twinkle in her eye and she certainly spoke her mind.
In 2007 Sister Issie was named Myrtleford Citizen of the Year for all her commitments to the community over a full lifetime of work.
In 2008 as a Paul Harris Fellow, she was recognized for her warmth, patience and kindness in dealing with people from all walks of life.
Nano Nagle
Born to wealth and privilege but a woman determined to find a way to help those less fortunate than herself.
Against opposition opened her first school in 1754, beginning her great work in education and saving the Irish culture.
Pioneered a courageous ministry to teach and tend to the poor. (She taught during the day and at night nursed the sick / became the Lady with the Lantern – a symbol for Presentation Sisters Worldwide)
Founded the Presentation Sisters in 1775 an order devoted to continuing her work … in deeds not words.
Oscar Romero
Romero was a powerful leader and used his position as Archbishop of San Salvador to speak out for the oppressed and the vulnerable. He became a voice for the voiceless by challenging the unjust government of his country.
He modeled his life on Jesus, and because of his relentless pursuit for justice and peace for his people, Romero was murdered (while saying mass).
He ignored the constant threats from fellow bishops or Government and continued to voice his disapproval and speak about the need for the Church and Government in El Salvador to bring the gospel values to life.
Romero’s tragic assassination continues to triumph as it fuels human rights and social justice movements in El Salvador and the global community.