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ST. MICHAEL CENTER 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I went to see a psychic who read Tarot cards for me and then attended her session where she acted as a medium. I thought it was ok but just found out that such practices have been condemned. What should I do?

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: Being involved in divination is a serious offense against God. It is condemned both in the Bible and in the Catholic Catechism. In the Book of Deuteronomy we read: "Let there not be found among you anyone who ...practices divination, or is a soothsayer, augur, or sorcerer, or who casts spells, consults ghosts and spirits, or seek oracles from the dead. Anyone who does such things is an abomination to the Lord" (Dt 18:10-12). In the Catholic Catechism: "All forms of divination are to be rejected: resource to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to 'unveil' the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone" (CCC 2116). Incidentally, as an exorcist I have found out that those who have long been involved in practices of divination such as ouija boards, tarot cards and witchcraft in general have demons that are particularly difficult to cast out (although eventually they are cast out by the power of Jesus). If someone has done such things, they should go to confession and make a thorough and heartfelt confession of these sins. They should faithfully perform the penance given by the priest and perhaps additional penances appropriate to the sin. They should try to repair any damage they may have caused such as giving bad example, promoting evil practices, and/or any actions taken as a result of the "information" given by divination. We also find it helpful for the person to say out loud, in front of a priest or faithful Christian, that they reject, rebuke and renounce these practices and any demons associated with them, and cut any spiritual ties to these mediums and soothsayers. The person might even take an additional step to warn others of the spiritual dangers associated with such actions. In our society today, the spiritual damage caused by divination and related practices is underestimated. Much more needs to be done to raise the alarm to the growing trend of normalizing these sinful practices.

Can the laity cast out demons?

Msgr Rossetti

Response: The issue of laity casting out demons is a hotly debated subject. The Church has never formally answered this question about deliverance praying. In a September 29, 1985 document from the Vatican's CDF, they said that a solemn exorcism can only be performed by a priest with a mandate from his bishop. They did not speak directly about deliverance prayers. But they did say that the Leo XIII minor exorcism prayers may not be used by the laity and also that they should not be directly questioning demons or asking their names. I think what should be guiding us is "pastoral prudence." It is not prudent, in my mind, for laity to be confronting someone who may have a demonic affliction and "taking authority" over the person's demons and commanding them to leave. This direct confrontation with demons can stem from spiritual pride or, at the least, imprudence and thus open the person to a demonic reprisal. Sadly, this has happened. Moreover, do laity have the authority to do so? One does not "take authority;" you either have it or you don't. But this does not mean that the laity have no role in casting out demons. There are unique individuals, by dint of a personal charism, who can cast out demons. This is the realm of the great saints, such as St. Catherine of Siena. But these individuals are rare and their charism should be confirmed by the Church. Also, parents do have authority over their own children who are minors, and also spouses have authority over each other, and we all have authority over our own bodies. So, in these circumstances, the person can legitimately exercise this God-given authority and cast out demons. The USCCB, in its document- Exorcism Q and A's, June 29, 2017 recognized that some deprecatory deliverance prayers used by the laity are appropriate. It said: "Thus, the prayers in Appendix II, 'Supplications which May be Used by the Faithful Privately in Their Struggle against the Powers of Darkness' may be offered by the clergy or any member of the lay faithful." Thus, I would not recommend that the laity use "imperative" prayers, that is, facing demons directly and commanding them to leave. I think it most prudent for them to address God/Jesus and ask God to cast them out. On our website and APP, there are a number of these "deprecatory" prayers which are suitable for the laity to use, listed under: "Deliverance Prayers for the Laity." We should not underestimate the power of these deprecatory prayers since it is God himself who hears and answers. In fact, in some exorcisms we have witnessed that apparently the most effective moment in some exorcisms were these deprecatory prayers. Prayer groups who believe they have a special charism in this ministry of deliverance should be directly supervised by a priest who is present at such sessions. The priest, who acts "in persona Christi," has a specific authority and levels of protection which can act as a safeguard for all involved.

How do we know when a Marian apparition is real?

Msgr Rossetti

Response: How do we know when a Marian apparition is real? This is an important question since it is part of a much larger issue-- false vs. true spiritual graces. I have seen many people, including priests and exorcists, who have been led astray by people falsely claiming special graces and mystical visions. Typically for every true Marian apparition there are MANY more false ones. Satan uses a barrage of false apparitions and mystical experiences to confuse and mislead people. As the Scriptures tell us: "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." Also, there are more than a few people who claim special graces and Marian apparitions who do so out of their own misguided mental thoughts and erroneous personal spirituality. First of all, it is important to put these mystical graces and apparitions in their proper perspective. These are "private" revelations to individual people. No one is obliged to believe or follow them. However, the Church will judge some of these and indicate it is okay for the faithful to believe them. This is true of such great Marian apparitions as Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe and others. Moreover, when the Church canonizes a great saint and mystic, it suggests that the mystic's private revelations may have some validity to them, although not everything a saint says is necessarily true. But down through the centuries the faithful have profited greatly from reading the writings of the great saints. When judging the validity of private revelations, the Church looks at a number of issues such as the fruits of the revelations. Is it bearing good fruit? Also, are the teachings revealed in accordance with the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church? Also, are the individuals involved living holy and exemplary lives, and not materially benefitting from the messages? And more... Marian apparitions to individuals have born great fruit in the Church and have been a singular blessing. At the same time, many have been led astray by false apparitions. It is safest to stick with those Marian revelations the Church has approved. Individuals really should not rely on their own judgment about whether a Marian apparition is authentic or not. Most important, the faithful are obliged to put their trust in the "public" revelation of the faith, which is in Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures, and the formal teachings of the Church. These are sure guides to our spiritual lives and the foundation of our faith.

Do many souls go to hell?

Msgr.. Rossetti

Response: The Church has never officially said that any specific souls are in hell. On the other hand, it does declare individuals to be in heaven; these are canonized saints. For example, St. Carlo Acutis was recently canonized, along with St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. The Church does declares that hell truly exists, following the teachings of Jesus. I personally find it interesting that St. Faustina, in her famous Diary, had a vision of hell and said that most of the souls in hell did not believe there was one. The private revelations of famous Catholic saints and mystics, such as the children of Fatima, sometimes included visions of hell, although these revelations are not de fide, ie., not formal Church teaching. I find them largely consistent in their visions of countless souls in hell. St. Faustina said of hell: "How awesomely large and extensive it is!" St. Frances of Rome saw "an extremely great and terribly abyss." Within such a great expanse, virtually all of these mystics saw countless souls. Given these saints official recognition by the Church for their holiness, we might take their visions seriously. I get concerned when people suggest that "hell is empty." I think it is misleading. Jesus himself was asked the same question: "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" Jesus responded, "Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough" (Lk 13:23-24) and again Jesus said, "How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few" (Mt 7:14). The goal is not to frighten us but these words should serve as a warning. Heaven and hell are real. God and his saints are real, as are Satan and his demons. Equally important, Jesus is Lord and Savior and he has crushed Satan's kingdom and freed us from sin and death. Thus, when we have faith and trust in Jesus, and practice the Faith, we enter through the "narrow door" and are destined for eternal life with Him. One of my concerns for people who get perhaps a bit too much into spiritual warfare is that they can give too much power to evil. Satan is merely a fallen angel, a creature who is chained and subject to God's power and justice. Followers of Jesus should live in confidence and trust, knowing that Jesus will protect us, despite any sufferings and challenges we face. As the Scriptures tell us: But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand" (Lk 21:28). [For a good book on this, see Msgr. Charles Pope "The Hell There is" from Tan Books click below.] https://www.catholicexorcism.org/by-exorcists

Can Smudging and other New Age practices such as lighting black candles protect us from demons?

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: I recently heard a converted witch talking about the practices she used as a witch to protect herself from demons. She would "smudge", which is burning sage to cleanse and protect an area from evil spirits, as well as lighting New Age candles dedicated to protecting against demons. She said she thought it worked for a short while but then the problems returned even worse. She then figured she had to double-down and do even more. But she found out it never really worked. Indeed, these practices are based upon magic and/or pagan rituals, which have no intrinsic spiritual power. Magic is based upon the notion that there is an intrinsic power to these rituals which, when done correctly, have a spiritual impact. In reality, demons are not affected by such pagan practices. We also know that pagan "gods" are typically demons. Using these demonic practices not only does not work, but it makes the situation worse. Jesus himself referred to the false idea of having "Satan cast out Satan" (Mt 12:26). At times, occult practitioners will experience a short period of relief after these rituals. Demons are manipulating them in order to entice them more deeply into pagan practices and demonic rituals. There is only one power in the universe that has overcome the "strong man" and bound Satan, and that is Jesus Christ. He alone can protect you from Satan and his grasp. As Ephesians 6 tells us: "Put on the armor of God, so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil....hold faith as a shield."

"I was told not to buy anything from an antique shop as it might be cursed. What would you say?"

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: It is true that used items can be cursed. You wouldn't want to buy anything from an occult shop. Also, I wouldn't pick up anything which suggests a connection with the dark world such as a skull or a symbol of Satan, witchcraft or a demon. I also wouldn't buy any items depicting pagan "gods" or anything with a symbol of a pagan religion. However, that does not mean that we shouldn't acquire anything that is used. It is important not to live in fear and to see demons under every "rock." The vast majority of used items are fine. But if you have concerns about any object, then I suggest you sprinkle it with holy water. Moreover, if you are in a state of grace, curses are generally not going to affect you. If you do find you have a cursed object, then I recommend you dispose of it according to the prayer on our app/website under "Deliverance Prayers for the Laity" using the prayer labeled: "Disposing of Cursed Objects."

"Got Demons and No Priest to Help?"

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: It is a common problem that someone believes they are being afflicted by demons and can't get a priest to help. Some are in areas where there are no exorcists or even priests available for deliverance praying. Even in the USA, there are only about 150 exorcists for the entire country. Many countries have no exorcists at all. And often seminaries do not train their soon-to-be priests on how to do the deliverance ministry. This is why on our website (www.catholicexorcism.org) under "Resources" there are a series training videos for priests on how to do this ministry... But most demonic afflictions do not require the direct intervention of a priest. The laity have A LOT of resources available to them and these are sufficient in probably over 80% of cases, because most people with demonic afflictions are not fully possessed and don't need a solemn exorcism, but suffer from a lesser form. The first and primary graces of liberation come from the holy sacraments-- these are more powerful than any sacramental (and the Rite of Exorcism is not a sacrament but rather it is a sacramental). This is why every exorcist recommends those afflicted go to confession often (including closing all demonic portals and ceasing serious sins), go to Mass at least weekly, if not daily, and receive the Blessed Eucharist! With these sacraments as the foundation, the afflicted person can then liberally use deliverance prayers and sacramentals. I bless my living quarters with deliverance prayers and holy water regularly. On our website under "Deliverance Prayers for the Laity" one can find a ritual to pray for deliverance of one's own home. I also have blessed crucifixes, holy statues, images of the BVM and the saints, and a holy water font to use when entering my house. Images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Jesus' Divine Mercy are excellent. You should use these holy sacramentals too. In addition, we recommend you go to our website and/or youtube channel (@stmichaelcenter) and pray with the many videos of deliverance sessions. There are the short "Pray With Me" videos which focus on specific demonic afflictions and the more extensive deliverance sessions of one hour. Join us for the live monthly deliverance sessions as well. Sometimes people say to me: "I've done all that and I still am afflicted by demons." First, pray for more discernment to be sure your afflictions are really demonic. Second, the process of liberation from the Evil One is typically an extended process. For the seriously afflicted, it can take years. Be patient. Trust in Jesus. Don't give up.

"What advice would you give to a parent who has rejected them and their faith. There is no contact."

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: This is a very painful situation and my prayers are with you. Sadly, I hear this often. There are no easy answers. God gives each of us free will and He respects our choices. We cannot force adult children to make good choices. It is important for parents not to be mired in feelings of inappropriate guilt. Rather, we ought to do the best we can to raise our children in the faith and continue to be good examples of holy living.  One of the first vocations of parents is to pray for their children, and their prayers are particularly powerful. Parents of wayward children might take St. Monica as their patron who prayed for years for her straying son Augustine who eventually returned to the Church and became a great saint. Know for certain that your persevering prayers are not wasted. On our APP/website under "Deliverance Prayers for the Laity" we have a "Parent's Prayer" which a parent might consider saying, in addition to offering for their children one's Eucharist, rosaries, and other traditional prayers.  Moreover, even though the wayward children do not stay in contact, the parents might make it clear to their children that their door is always open and the children are always welcome to be in contact, with no reprisals or hard feelings. Perhaps sending a card at Christmas time, birthdays or such can be helpful, if their address is known. We do all we can, then we "let go and let God": we commend our children to the care of the Almighty.

Where can I get exorcist blessed items?

Msgr Rossetti

Response: Underlying this question are some ideas that need adjustment. A priest-exorcist has no more spiritual power than any other ordained priest. When a priest is named an exorcist, he is simply appointed by the Bishop and given the authority to conduct a solemn exorcism and to cast out demons from these individuals. But he is not a special priest or a "super-priest." This is a distorted idea that is popping up occasionally in these recent days. A priest-exorcist is just a priest who has been asked to conduct the specific ministry of exorcism. Thus, blessings that exorcist-priests give are no different than blessings by any other priest. For example, the holy water your parish priest blesses is not different than the water blessed by an exorcist-priest. They are both validly blessed by a priest. Rather than asking for "exorcist blessed items," individuals should bring items to be blessed by their parish priests.

How can someone overcome habitual sins of the flesh such as an internet pornography addiction? Can you give me a special prayer to cast out these evil spirits?

Msgr Rossetti

Response: I have had a number of people come to me asking for a prayer to be delivered from the evil spirits of pornography or other sexual addictions. When I ask them what they are doing to overcome this evil, they typically say they go to confession often and pray, but the problem remains. Moreover, they often have suffered such problems for many years. I respond, “Praying and going to confession are very important! Keep doing that. I also recommend they use the three R’s: “I reject, I rebuke and I renounce the evil spirits of pornography in Jesus’ name.” While one cannot always say that an habitual sin is the direct result of demons, the Evil One certainly promotes sin and encourages our sinful behaviors. But I ask people what else they are doing, on a practical level, to overcome these sins? They often look surprised and often say, “Nothing.” Such an approach can be a bit of a misuse of prayer and the sacraments. Yes, we need God’s graces to overcome our sins. And we directly reject any and all demonic influence in our lives. But we also have the responsibility to take concrete steps, on the natural level, to fight these sins. The previous approach, using only prayer, might be likened to a farmer who wants his field to yield a rich harvest. When asking the farmer what he is doing to achieve that, if he says he is standing by and praying intensely but nothing happens, a bystander might ask, “Have you thought of actually plowing and seeding the field?” Regarding internet pornography, there are many fine programs to tackle such an evil which can easily be accessed online such as the Augustine Way (www.augway.org) among many others. These programs require commitment, perseverance and hard work. I ask them, “Are you truly committed to overcoming this sin? Will you make the effort and sacrifices to do so?” In addition, there are a number of concrete steps one can take, which can be helpful. For example, if someone engages in porn late at night, I encourage them to turn off their cell phones after dinner and put them in another room for the night. There are many such simple steps that, when combined with an intensive psychological and spiritual program, can slowly yield positive results. Also, some addictions are linked to underlying psychological wounds and trauma, which often benefit from engaging in healing therapies. What we find in our center is that a combination of psychological and spiritual healing is most effective. In reality, we are not two human beings- psychological and spiritual, but one person. This “one person” typically benefits from multidisciplinary healing methods and therapies, keeping the healing presence of Christ foremost in our minds and hearts. See Msgr. Rossetti's "Pray With Me: Deliverance From Evil Spirits of Pornography" or use this: https://youtu.be/FaJITTCXnN8

Is it okay to celebrate Halloween?

Msgr Rossetti

Response: Halloween is actually “All Hallows Eve”, that is, the evening before the great feast of All Saints on November 1st. On this feast, we celebrate all those who are now in heaven. Sadly, this has been coopted by secular celebrations, or worse, the dark world. Some practitioners of the occult and witchcraft believe that the boundary between this world and the next on this night is particularly “thin” and that there is a unique kind of efficacy in occult practices. Thus, it is a night in which many witches’ covens and the like are especially wont to gather and engage in their curses, spells, and other forms of divination and the occult. The Bible condemns such practices as an "abomination." For their practices, Satan and his minions take holy things and invert or pervert them. For example, instead of the Holy Mass, they will celebrate a “black Mass” and are known to obtain a truly consecrated Catholic host and desecrate it. They have their own high priestesses, their own distortions of holy sacramentals, and the like. On Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, we often see people putting out images of witches, demons, symbols of death, and other glorifications of evil. While many think it is harmless and done in good fun, it is wrong to glorify that which is evil and can ultimately be spiritually harmful. But I believe All Hallows Eve can be reclaimed for the holy night that it is. Beginning the night with prayer, perhaps even a holy hour, would be wonderful. Dressing up, not as witches, demons or skulls, but as one’s favorite saint would be inspiring. Having a dinner or a gathering would be good, and perhaps include a celebration of the Fall season and the harvest— including enjoyable activities such as “bobbing for apples,” eating a tasty apple pie (one of my favorites!), or a hayride. Some might think that the Church is too strict and a “kill joy.” But people do not realize how evil and ugly are the things of Satan and the dark world. One thing you learn as an exorcist is how truly dark, awful, and evil are demons and everything connected to Satan. Evil does exist and its followers entice people into their own circle of death. On the other hand, the followers of Jesus and those destined for heaven rejoice, on this holy eve, in those saints who have gone before us. We honor them, especially our loves ones in heaven. We ask for the assistance of these saints and long one day to be in their company. They long for our presence even more intensely and they fervently intercede for us with God.

I have some crystals. Do I need to get rid of them?

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: A crystal, in and of itself, is not bad. In fact, it is part of creation so it is fundamentally good. In the Book of Genesis we read that God saw all that He created and it was good. A crystal is a solid material with a "highly ordered, repeating arrangement of atoms, molecules or ions often forming a geometric shape with flat faces." Diamonds and salt are crystals. However, if these crystals are used for an evil purpose such as in divination or in witchcraft, then they could become portals for evil. So, if someone has crystals, they might seek to find out their background. Were they purchased in an occult store or used for magic purposes? This would not be good and they should be discarded. On our app/website, there is a short ritual on how to get rid of cursed objects. But if the crystals come from a "normal" source with no ties to the occult, then the owner might appreciate their beauty and welcome them into the home.

"I am a grandparent and a godparent. Do I have authority over my grandchildren/godchildren to cast out demons?"

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: Reflecting on the natural law, it does indeed seem that parents have authority over their children and thus can command demons to leave. In the midst of a crisis, this may indeed be necessary. For example, if a child is manifesting an evil spirit, the parent can indeed command the demons to leave. Of course, normal precautions should be taken to keep the child and all safe. Moreover, the child should be checked for psychological issues as well. However, grandparents and godparents do not have this same authority, although they have a special relationship which should not be ignored. They have a relationship of love and mentoring which is very important. Moreover, they should keep these children in regular prayer; their prayers are efficacious. But grandparents and godparents do not have the specific authority from the natural law which allows a parent to command demons to leave their children. They can, and should, use what we call "deprecatory" prayers. They can ask God/Jesus (the BVM and saints to intercede) to cast out the demons. However, I would add that, excepting a crisis, I would not even recommend that parents regularly command demons to leave their children. My experience suggests that it is normally not prudent for them to address and command demons directly and really not necessary. I recommend they, too, use deprecatory prayers and ask God to cast out the evil spirits. Do not underestimate the power and importance of the prayers of parents, godparents and grandparents. You all have a special bond with these children and thus your prayers are particularly efficacious.

"My grandfather was a 33rd degree mason and he left me his masonic paraphernalia including his ring and Bible. Can I keep them?"

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: I can understand your wanting to keep these memorabilia from your grandfather. I do not want to do anything to disparage your relationship with your grandfather. And, of course, when loved ones pass, we should remember them in prayer and offer Masses for their happy repose. Nevertheless, the Catholic Church has consistently, and even recently, prohibited Catholics from joining the Freemasons or related organizations. As recent as November 2023, the Holy See said: "Active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is forbidden."  [See: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20231113_richiesta-cortes-massoneria_en.html].  While some of their charitable activities are praiseworthy, their beliefs are incompatible with the faith. In fact, exorcists consistently experience that people who have some freemasonry in their background often have demonic afflictions as a result. These afflictions are serious and the strong curses associated with freemasonry need to be renounced and cast out. Thus, we would not recommend keeping any items connected to freemasonry. I would presume that they carry a curse with them. Rather, the items should be exorcized and discarded. We have prayers on our APP/website under "Deliverance Prayers for the Laity" for both breaking freemasonic curses and also disposing of cursed objects.

"Is there such a thing as partial possession?"

Msgr. Rossetti

Response: There are varying ways to describe different types and levels of demonic afflictions such as temptation, vexation, oppression, obsession, and possession. In different parts of the world, these and similar labels are used slightly differently, but all basically describe the same realities. In answering this question it is important to recognize that demonic afflictions are not in discrete categories but rather they gradually vary in intensity.  Full possession might be the label for the most intense demonic affliction; the least demonic affliction is called temptation- we all experience the latter. Some extraordinary demonic afflictions that do not constitute full possession are typically called obsessions, vexations, oppressions or some cases might be called partial possession. When someone is partially possessed, the demons, when they are manifesting, show some control over the person's body. In response to deliverance prayers, the person who is partially possessed may twitch and jerk; they may have demonic scratches or bruises; they may have unusual illnesses or unexplained severe pains. But, despite these demonic afflictions, the demons do not take full control of the body in a case of partial possession.  When the person is fully possessed and the demons are manifesting, the person's personality will recede into the background and a demonic personality will come forward and take complete control of the body. The person's face and personality change into a demonic personality, and the demons often will speak through the mouth of the possessed. In these cases of full possession a solemn exorcism is warranted. In lesser cases, perhaps called partial possession, intense deliverance prayers are likely sufficient. But in both cases, it may take some time to expel the evil spirits.

Question:  In encountering those who may be possessed or other kinds of demonic attacks, how might I protect myself in this area as a lay person?

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The best spiritual protection is living a holy, faith-filled sacramental life. We encourage regular confession, and at least weekly Mass and reception of the Eucharist.  This should be combined with daily prayer and regular use of sacramentals such as crucifixes in rooms, holy water, and holy pictures. If people believe they  might be the subject of direct demonic influence, then daily deliverance prayers can be helpful.  We encourage people to pray the daily “Auxilium Christianorum” prayers found on the APP by that name. There are also many deliverance prayers on our APP: "Catholic Exorcism" as well. In particular,  the “Prayer against Retaliation” can be helpful when dealing with someone who may be possessed and also, the “Binding Prayers.”  Both of these are found in the section: “Deliverance Prayers for the Laity." Fr. Chadd Ripperger’s book, "Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity” is recommended. It has a number of good prayers of protection. Our website has a link to purchase the book here. 

in_encountering

Question:  I am thinking about practicing Reiki.  Is that okay?

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Here is a document from the Pontifical Council for Culture and Interreligious Dialogue. It covers the New Age Movement, the philosophy behind it and lists some of the practices that are included in it.  It might be helpful to read it.  It is important to understand the theological and spiritual presupposition embedded in these therapies and how they compare with the Church’s approach.  When it comes to issues of physical health the Church recognizes the value and role of medical science.  The question with many of the alternative medicines is what are the principles that inform them. Are they based on observable and verifiable data or some belief system that requires a type a faith?  Many of the energy therapies come from the Hindu and Buddhist religions and are based on the tenants and practices of their faith.  These are decidedly different from the Catholic faith. 

 

Reiki is one example of this energy therapy and it has been condemned by the USCCB.  Here is a link to the USCCB’s document on Reiki. These are some important quotes from the document:  

            6. Nevertheless, there are some Reiki practitioners, primarily nurses, who attempt to approach Reiki simply as a natural means of healing. Viewed as natural means of healing, however, Reiki becomes subject to the standards of natural science. It is true that there may be means of natural healing that have not yet been understood or recognized by science. The basic criteria for judging whether or not one should entrust oneself to any particular natural means of healing, however, remain those of science.

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            7. Judged according to these standards, Reiki lacks scientific credibility. It has not been accepted by the scientific and medical communities as an effective therapy. Reputable scientific studies attesting to the efficacy of Reiki are lacking, as is a plausible scientific explanation as to how it could possibly be efficacious. The explanation of the efficacy of Reiki depends entirely on a particular view of the world as permeated by this "universal life energy" (Reiki) that is subject to manipulation by human thought and will. Reiki practitioners claim that their training allows one to channel the "universal life energy" that is present in all things. This "universal life energy," however, is unknown to natural science. As the presence of such energy has not been observed by means of natural science, the justification for these therapies necessarily must come from something other than science.

 

            8. Some people have attempted to identify Reiki with the divine healing known to Christians. They are mistaken. The radical difference can be immediately seen in the fact that for the Reiki practitioner the healing power is at human disposal. Some teachers want to avoid this implication and argue that it is not the Reiki practitioner personally who effects the healing, but the Reiki energy directed by the divine consciousness. Nevertheless, the fact remains that for Christians the access to divine healing is by prayer to Christ as Lord and Savior, while the essence of Reiki is not a prayer but a technique that is passed down from the "Reiki Master" to the pupil, a technique that once mastered will reliably produce the anticipated results. Some practitioners attempt to Christianize Reiki by adding a prayer to Christ, but this does not affect the essential nature of Reiki. For these reasons, Reiki and other similar therapeutic techniques cannot be identified with what Christians call healing by divine grace.

            10. Reiki therapy finds no support either in the findings of natural science or in Christian belief. For a Catholic to believe in Reiki therapy presents insoluble problems. In terms of caring for one's physical health or the physical health of others, to employ a technique that has no scientific support (or even plausibility) is generally not prudent.

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            11. In terms of caring for one's spiritual health, there are important dangers. To use Reiki one would have to accept at least in an implicit way central elements of the worldview that undergirds Reiki theory, elements that belong neither to Christian faith nor to natural science. Without justification either from Christian faith or natural science, however, a Catholic who puts his or her trust in Reiki would be operating in the realm of superstition, the no-man's-land that is neither faith nor science. Superstition corrupts one's worship of God by turning one's religious feeling and practice in a false direction. While sometimes people fall into superstition through ignorance, it is the responsibility of all who teach in the name of the Church to eliminate such ignorance as much as possible. 

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The principles used by the Bishops with regards to Reiki are the same principles that should be used to evaluate all such alternative and energetic therapies. These would be natural science and your Christian beliefs.  Without the backing of science or the Christian Faith, engaging in energy therapies from the Hindu/Buddhist religions can open one up to the spiritual realities that animate these religious belief systems.  The same applies to therapies that,  although not based in a particular pagan religion, still use forms of divination to diagnose and/or prescribe treatments for illnesses.

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Opening one’s self to spiritual forces that are not from the one, true God can be spiritually dangerous.  Thus, Christians are advised to stay away from such approaches.

Reiki

Question:  What are your thoughts on Unbound by Neal Lozano? I have encountered lay prayer ministers who believe that they, as lay Christians, have been given the authority to bind and to loose and thus see their work as a deliverance ministry in which they speak of casting out demons and evil spirits and speak of liberating souls from the oppression of malign spirits.

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There are many potential benefits and abundant graces that result from such healing prayers.

 

One place to tread lightly is in regards to Key # 4/Authority and the "word of command". Many Catholic exorcists agree that pastoral prudence is called for when suggesting that lay Christians directly command demons to be cast out. While theologically it is true that every baptized believer has authority to serve in Jesus’ name, laity with the intent to directly command demons to be cast out can be inviting trouble.  It is our belief that leading persons themselves to cast demons out is both prudent and efficacious. 

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Moreover, exorcists often make the distinction between deprecatory prayers and imprecatory prayers.  The laity are encouraged to use deprecatory prayers, ie., ask God to cast out the demons, rather than imprecatory prayers which command the demons directly.  We recommend that the laity not engage or address demons directly, but rather encourage souls, in courage and clarity, to unearth and name their woundedness aloud, beseeching the Lord to take away their misery and to be freed. 

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Another important point to make is that once the woundedness has been named and spirits have been cast to the foot of the cross, an infilling of the power of the Holy Spirit, mercy of Christ, and Fathers love is essential. When our focus rests disproportionately on the workings of the enemy of our souls, rather than on claiming the promise and freedom of Christ Jesus, we again have a disordered and potentially risky perspective at play. When we prayerfully call upon and invite in the light of Our Triune God, to push back all darkness and take up residence, we are being obedient to the teaching of Jesus. We not only empty, sweep clean, and put in order, but invite our Lord to dwell within, filling us with hope, peace, joy & faith to name a few, lest “it goes and brings back with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they move in and dwell there; and the last condition of that person is worse than the first.” MT 12:45.  

Unbound
Wiccan Moving

Question:  A Wiccan just moved in a few houses over. I am wondering if we should remove our visible signs of faith, namely St Francis statue and Divine mercy image in front window, so as to not draw attention and provoke curses etc.?

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Absolutely not!  that would be a “win” for Satan... rather, trust that God and the Blessed Virgin will protect you. If you are concerned, pray the “Auxilium Christianorum” prayers daily which can be found in the APP under that name or online.

Question:  I have been seeing a Naturopath. He has used mostly whole foods and supplements in his remedies. He treated me effectively. This brings me to the present problem, I just finished taking another round of herbs this week when I began to look closely at the bottle. I hadn't noticed before that it had a website attached.  The company is called "Monastery of Herbs", and I was very disturbed to read about it online. www.monasteryofherbs.com.  The website is new-agey and they pray over the pills. There is no doubt that they are effective.  Does this mean I have subjected my self and my family to the demonic? What do you think?

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The website you supplied for examination does indeed contain many troublesome things. They claim that “blessings and prayers are done over the herbal blends continuously and special "vibrational imprinting" is spiritually performed daily.” An expert on the site says, “We can get your energy shifted, so you can better adjust…” Further they claim access to a kind of psychic ability through what they call  “Neuro Bodyscan.” This, they claim is “a technique that uses intuitive skills of a “body systems intuitive, to see into the body from a distance, like Edgar Casey. The use of tarot cards or something similar are also implied when they say, “When you call me…we can draw a card, for inspiration.” 

 

Hence we see references to New Age notions such as energy flow through bodies, occult forms of divination as manifest in the use of “cards,” and paranormal concepts such as “scanning” a body by intuition and deep meditation. These sorts of practices are a dangerous opening to dark spirits and provide easier access for demons. It is one thing to pray over herbs and ask God a blessing, it is another, non-Christian notion, to pray over them in order to convey a dubious and potentially dark energy of “vibrational imprinting.” Such notions are not revealed to us by God who calls us to trust in him and not resort to strange notions of contrived or hidden energies or forces. Drawing cards and other forms of divination are a violation of the First Commandment. 

 

Some years ago the Vatican published a paper, JESUS CHRIST: THE BEARER OF THE WATER OF LIFE,  analyzing New Age movements and  issued warnings to the faithful. Here are some excerpts: 

 

When one examines many New Age traditions, it soon becomes clear that there is little in the New Age that is new. … [Its ideas] date back to Gnostic groups which grew up in the early days of Christianity, and gained momentum at the time of the Reformation in Europe….It has involved a progressive rejection of a personal God…alongside a focus on hidden spiritual powers or forces in nature. …  An adequate Christian discernment of New Age thought and practice cannot fail to recognize that, it represents something of a collection of positions that the Church has identified as heterodox….We cannot delude ourselves that this will lead toward a renewal of religion. … [It] can be described as “a modern revival of pagan religions with a mixture of influences from both eastern religions and also from modern psychology, philosophy, science, and the counterculture. 

 

To be clear, you are right to be concerned. One must strive to stay away from such sources as you cite here. Exorcists and many others in deliverance ministry can tell volumes of how such appeals to invisible energies, clairvoyance, divination and so forth lead inevitably and often inexorably to the dark side. If one is not calling on the Holy Spirit, it is evil spirits that they summon. And evil spirits have a nasty way of answering and setting up shop in the lives of those who summon them. Even if someone would like to assert that some of these practices could be “OK,” it is better to err on the side of great caution and simply stay away from dubious things. Stay, rather, with the good, clear water of the Gospel. 

 

But what of the fact that these herbals did in fact help you? It is good to remember two things. First, the help may have been in no way associated with the “blessings” said over them. So just stick to the herbals without all the “vibrational energies” etc that are invoked. Second, it is a given fact that demons can perform signs and wonders to deceive (cf, Ex 7:22; 8:7; Mat 12:27, inter al) and draw us into their tether. Surely it is advisable to find herbal remedies that are free from all this occult background. 

 

Rev. Msgr Charles Pope

Naturopath
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