By Sister Maria Philomena, M.I.C.M.

Sister Maria Philomena’s talk explores how the four marks of the Church—one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic—apply to the individual Christian soul as both a model and a path for spiritual growth. She explains that the spiritual life is a journey toward deeper union with God, rooted in love and sanctifying grace, and exemplified most perfectly in the Blessed Virgin Mary. Drawing on thinkers such as Father Dominic Hoffman and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, she connects growth in holiness to healing of interior wounds caused by fear, trauma, or self-reliance, emphasizing that God’s grace—not self-effort—brings true transformation. Through “the little way” of trust, surrender, and love in small things, souls are called to overcome fear, accept their weaknesses, and allow God to heal and perfect them. Ultimately, she concludes that by growing in wholeness, patience, and mercy, each person can reflect God’s love uniquely and become a living channel of grace to others.

2019 SBC Conference

File Size: 30 MB

Theme: The Church’s Four Marks: Reflections on These Indelible Divine Signs.