On May 11, 2025, the statue of Nano Nagle in Holy Cross North Cemetery Fargo North Dakota was dedicated and blessed by Biship John Folda. During the ceremony he reflected on the impact of Nano Nagle on the world and the impact of Presentation Sisters on the Diocese of Fargo. Closing comments were made of one of the sisters:
Bishop Folda, Reverend clergy, my sisters above and below the ground, associates and other friends. We are indeed happy to be here today in this place, on this holy ground.
We have come together for this special event– the dedication of a statue shaped by inspiration, artistic gifts and materials from the earth. We come together to honor the foundress of the Presentation Sisters and to express our gratitude to Cathy Schwinden, Sister Stella Olson (who have gone to their reward) and Mike Hagstrom (who is still earning his). Their foresight, determination and attention to detail did the groundwork and sparked the generosity of others which made this symbol of prayer, devotion and remembrance, a reality.
Let us remember that what we observe today—a dedication—is both a quality and an action. Dedication is a quality that implies the stamina to go the distance, to do the required hard work to achieve a goal. Dedication is an action that sets aside something for a specific purpose oftentimes one intended to call our attention to a reality more profound than the nitty-gritty of daily life.
This statue tells Nano Nagle and our sisters below the ground: “You done good.” It tells us above the ground that we—all of us– are expected to do good—to carry forward the mission of the Church which is to proclaim the presence of Christ and serve Him where he is to be found and in particular to focus on the aspects of that mission personified by Nano Nagle—to offer hope, love, and empowerment to the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable.
Thank you, Bishop Folda for your presence and thank all of you for being here today. If you have not already done so contact your mother today through telephone, visit, internet or prayer to say “Thanks.” Now let us continue to enjoy this day of rest and be energized for the work yet before us. Amen.
