By Sister Maria Philomena, M.I.C.M.
2020 SBC Conference
Theme: Immunizing Ourselves against Viruses of the Mind
In keeping with the theme of the conference, “Immunizing Ourselves against Viruses of the Mind”, Sister Maria Philomena utilized a term quite foreign to all attendees, homeostasis, and its emphasis on seeking peace within ourselves. Quoting Saint Augustine, she defined peace as “the tranquillity of order”, and then expounded on that theme. She spoke about the importance of taking care of one’s health in order to stabilize a natural harmony that in normal circumstances ought to exist between body and soul. In physiologist Claude Bernard’s teaching he called this a controlled stability of the internal milieu, or internal environment. His disciple, Walter Bradford Cannon, coined the word homeostasis. The attendees were all familiar with holistic treatment of physical ills as used by homeopathic doctors. One could easily see where Sister was headed with her title and she did not disappoint. It was an extremely uplifting presentation that focused on the spiritual aids we Catholics have and our obligation to utilize them that we may maintain the state of grace outside of which the tranquillity of order cannot dwell.
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