Sister Marlene Butler-Listening Presence

Written on: January 8, 2020

“If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” 

Revelation 3:20

On a noisy, heavily-trafficked boulevard in Philadelphia, there is a place of quiet and spirituality. In that welcoming space, Sister Marlene Butler (Sister John Marlene) offers spiritual direction, helping individuals learn to feel the presence of God in their lives.

“Feel is a key word,” Sister Marlene says.

“God is never absent from our lives but we don’t always feel God’s presence. In my ministry, I try to help people learn to take the time and attention to deepen their relationship with God.”

In her many years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart, listening has been integral to her various ministries. Now, she listens to those seeking to feel and hear God in their lives.

“When I begin, I silently ask the Holy Spirit to be with me, to help me really hear what a person is expressing. I listen and then, with the guidance of the Spirit, ask questions to get the person in touch with their relationship with God.”

“Spiritual direction is active listening and dialogue and prayer, with the Holy Spirit guiding the entire outcome. I feel blessed to see how God works in people as they deepen their relationship with God.”

To read other stories in the Presence Series, choose from below:

Welcoming Presence: Sister Barbara Harrington (Sr. Robert Francis)

Comforting Presence: Sister Jean Liston (Sr. Anne Louise)

Sacred Presence: Sister Donna Lord (Sr. Donna Joseph) and Sister Sheila Stone (Sr. Mary of Providence)

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: active listening, dialogue, expressing, God, Holy Spirit, ministries, Philadelphia, Prayer, presence, quiet, relationship, Sister Marlene Butler, Spiritual Direction, Spirituality