The Order of Presentation Sisters was founded by Ms Nano Nagle from Cork, Ireland, in 1775, to impart education to Catholic children. The Presentation Sisters established their presence in Goa in 1967, with houses at Orlim in Salcette and St Theresa High School in Vasco. At Paroda in Quepem, they have been working with the tribal groups.

Their Nagoa centre was established at the ancestral house of the late Dr Edward Pires (1910-2003) and Marie Magdalene Pires at Dias Vaddo, in 2001. The Pires children and their families still live in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Dr Pires had his education in London and was involved in teachers’ training in Peshawar, Nagpur and Delhi. Subsequently, he was sent on assignment by UNESCO to Bangkok, Thailand, Manilla, Beirut and Lebanon, before retiring to Canada.

The Nagoa house, presently headed by Sr Pia D’Cruz from Vasco, is meant for the formation of young Sisters who have joined the Order and other girls who wish to know whether they have a vocation. Some of them are temporary professed, awaiting their final vows, some are teaching while some are pursuing graduation in Mapusa.

Says Sr Lisa Pires, “The Presentation Sisters work at least in ten different states all over India. We are an international group working in 22 countries in the five continents. We welcome any women who feel they have a calling and would like to became a part of the organization. We are different in that we are trying to be like Jesus, simple, without separation and segregation.”

The century-old Pires house belonged to Ana Gracia de Souza, daughter of Mary Cleofas Pires. It was built by John Felix Pires, grandfather of Sr Lisa Pires. They have named the house “Premanjali” (Love Offering) Presentation Sisters.

They cooperate in the pastoral work of the Nagoa parish. They visit the sick and old villagers, and also distribute Holy Communion to them every month. They also conduct healing prayer exercises for women to help them physically and emotionally, and help in the animation of the Somudais (small Christian communities).

 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presentation_Sisters