Ningil

Strength and Courage through Love

On Tuesday 2 May, the students and staff of Ningil House celebrated the inaugural Ningil House Feast Day. The day began with prayer and reflection in Morning PC, where the formation of the Ningil Mission in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, as well as what it means to be a member of Ningil House today, were referenced. Later in the day, the House celebrated through reciting the House prayer, singing a rousing rendition of “I’m a Ningil House Kid” and sharing cake in what proved to be a most joyous atmosphere. Thank you to Mrs Vicki Meyers for her excellent organisation and foresight, to the students of the Ningil House Executive Committee and the Ningil House Captains Jasmine Cunningham and Heather Brayshaw, for their commitment and effort to ensure that all the ladies of Ningil House could truly celebrate being a part of this great community.

Ningil House, the red house, has strong links with Papua New Guinea and takes its name from the Ningil Mission in the Northern Highlands of Papua New Guinea.  The motto of Ningil House is ‘Strength and Courage through Love’ and the emblems are taken from Papua New Guinea, the warrior, the bird of paradise and the frangipani flower. 

In 2021, the Mission of the Sisters in Papua New Guinea is to develop a ministry focus to eliminate gender-based violence—violence against women and children.  This ministry is based in Aitape, in the Sandaun Province.

The Congregation of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded by Nano Nagle, in Cork Ireland, on Christmas Eve, 1775.  Nano’s mission was two-fold-- the education of poor children, especially girls, and the care of the sick, elderly and poor of Cork.  She is credited with founding Catholic education in Ireland. The Ningil Mission was founded by the Australian Congregations of Presentation Sisters.  These courageous women were NOT young and that is important in recognising their courage and commitment.

In 1959 the college was established as an archdiocesan school and staffed by representatives from six different orders of nuns. These six different order of nuns are still part of our school with all of our house systems been named after each order of nuns. Ningil is the red house at Merici College. Ningil takes its name from the order of Presentation Nuns. It was formed on the 25th of December Christmas day in the year 1775 by Nano Nagle. Ningil Mission was a mission in the Northern Highlands of Papua New Guniea. The mission was founded in 1966 by the order of presentation Nuns. These strong and courageous young women overcame many difficulties to set up the Ningil Mission and their frugal and harsh lifestyle was in keeping with the values and vision expressed by the order’s founder Nano Nagal. Ningil house was named specifically after this mission. As a young girl in Ireland, Nano Nagle came from a wealthy family yet she dedicated her life to alleviating the suffering of the poor. The Ningil Mission provides the local community with a medical centre and a meeting place where pre-school children are taught and women learn sewing skills.

May we journey in peace, through strength and courage and love. 

Guided by the light of Nano Nagle, may it continue to ignite the flame within our hearts, to shine an abundance of hope, love and compassion for all.

May the Ningil Spirit inspire us to be fiercely spirited, faith-filled, courageous Ningil women, on our journey to peace. 

In all we do and say, may we embody strength and courage

through love. 

Amen

“The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” – St Gregory the Great

Loving God, we thank you for the unconditional love you have given us. Give us the strength to show each other this unconditional love each and every day. Help us show our love for others through both our words and deeds.

Response: “In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” – Psalm 33:21-22

The Ningil House charity focus is on the Presentation Sisters’ ministries, which are Teaching, Nursing and Pastoral Ministry. Donations to their activities are aimed at eliminating violence against women and children. 

CREST DESCRIPTION: 

•  Our charism or Ningil story is "reflecting zeal and energy for transforming our world.”

• Ningil was founded by the Presentation Sisters of Australia in 1966.

• Nano Nagle, the founder of the Presentation Sisters, often made visits in the night, carrying a lamp.She became known as the Lady of the Lantern.

• The blue orchid is the floral emblem of Papua New Guinea