On its 50th anniversary, the Conference of Presentation Sisters (COPS) initiated plans for the Collaborative Ministry Project in August, 2003. At its inception, the Collaborative Ministry Project was open to any Presentation Sister in North America who desired to serve those made poor in any part of the world. Following two discernment weekends, a five-member team of Sisters emerged who would choose to work among the homeless and underserved through St. Joseph Outreach Program in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Tulane County, one of the poorest counties in the United States. The collaborative ministry team began its formal ministry in September, 2005.
 The vision and course of the collaborative ministry, which we named Lantern Light, Inc. has changed as a result of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. Lantern Light was to begin on September 1, 2005, and the launching date was moved to October 19, 2005. We feel the strength, support, prayer and the power of the North American Conference, and the worldwide followers of Nano Nagle, our Foundress, as we follow her motto: Not word, but deeds. We often say in our comings and goings that "Where one of us is, we all are."
On September 10, 2007, Rebuild Center, a collaborative effort of the Presentation Sisters/Lantern Light, Inc., the Jesuits/Harry Thompson Center, Vincentians/St. Joseph Church and the Hispanic Apostolate/Catholic Charities, opened its doors for the first time. One hundred and one people walked through the doors for lunch. To see the excitement in the eyes of our guests, to hear them speak of the newness of this building, to watch them take in the beauty of the palm trees and greenery, fill us with images we’ll not soon forget.
 Currently, we are seeing about 200 guests each day for showers, laundry, emergency groceries, help getting their identification, lunch, medical services, phone, mail and a place where they can sit and rest a while.
Through our Tulane/Canal Neighborhood Development Corporation we are building five homes (three bedrooms and two bathrooms) for first time homebuyers.
The spirit of Nano lives on as we attend to the needs of the poor and those who are struggling to survive from day to day.
To learn more about the Lantern Light, Inc. please click here. |
LOCAL PRESENTATION SISTERS HISTORY:
