The Lantern Shines In New Ways in Massachusetts

On June 9, Presentation sisters living at Notre Dame du Lac and a small group of associates joined our leadership team for a tour of the former Presentation Convent in Leominster, Massachusetts, where a new chapter of service is unfolding.

The Journey Home program, a division of Veterans’ Pathway of New England, is transforming the Church Street property into emergency, transitional and permanent housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. As emergency housing prepares to welcome its first residents in the coming weeks, we were touched to see the lantern—our shared symbol of hope and compassionate service—featured prominently in their logo and throughout the site.

During our visit, we offered our prayers and Presentation blessings to Executive Director Jason Gilbert and Program Director Jay Hartmann as they awaited news of a grant to support transitional housing. The very next day, Jason shared the joyful news that the grant had been approved and work could move forward!

We give thanks for this hopeful beginning and look forward to continuing this partnership as we carry forward Nano Nagle’s call to “go where the need is greatest.”