Philippine bishops conference invites religious, laypeople to an assembly on Teresian love, spirituality

Set on April 9, 2025, at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) exhorts the clergy, women religious, and laypeople to join the Congress on Prayer II: Confidence in Love.

“This significant gathering is a moment of grace for the Church in the Philippines, as we come together in prayer and deep reflection, guided by the inspiring life and teaching of St. Therese of the Child Jesus,” said Cardinal Virgilio David, the conference’s president.

In a letter dated January 31, David stated that the assembly will celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Therese's canonization, regarded as one of the “most beloved saints of our time.”

St. Therese of Lisieux, a French Discalced Carmelite, was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925, and beatified by Pope Pius XI on April 29, 1923.

The saint’s “Little Way” of love and faith in God keeps uplifting “countless souls worldwide,” David said.

St. Therese’s Little Way refers to doing small actions with enormous love.

The cardinal said the assembly will also share Teresian spirituality, which encourages “deeper understanding of prayer, humility, and confidence in God’s merciful love. "

The occasion will also promote vocations to the Order of Discalced Carmelites, including friars, women religious, and seculars.

The assembly will also inspire a response to the contemplative and apostolic service.

St. Therese was born Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin in Orne, France, on January 2, 1873.

She became a nun at the age of 15 in 1888 and died of tuberculosis at the age of 24.

She became known through her spiritual memoir The Story of a Soul, which expounds her theology of the Little Way.

She is also popularly known as the Little Flower of Jesus.

“I encourage all of you, especially our dear youth, to participate in this sacred assembly,” David said. “May this congress be an opportunity for renewal in our prayer life and an invitation to entrust ourselves completely to God’s love following the example of St. Therese.”