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St. John Chrysostom (347-407), a Doctor of the Church, writes in his Treatise on the Priesthood in what high regard he holds the vocation of the holy priesthood. Therein he writes:

"For the priestly office is indeed discharged on earth, but it ranks amongst heavenly ordinances, and very naturally so: for neither man, nor archangel, nor any other created power, but the Parclete Himself, instituted this vocation and persuaded men while still in the flesh to represent the ministry of angels. Wherefore the consecrated priest ought to be as pure as if he were standing in the heavens themselves in the midst of those powers."

This saint also speaks of angels crowding around the priest, bowing profoundly and "worshiping Him who lies on the altar."



(Carroll, 1999, pg. 45).

"And hospitality do not forget; for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels." (Hebrews 13:2)


Sometimes angels have resembled ordinary people, as beggars, the poor, as shepherds, but as soon as they disappeared their angelic nature was realized and the recipients of such favors were filled with joy not easily described. Such was the case of the angelic visit to St. Zita (1218-1278), the patroness of domestic workers.

St. Zita never wore shoes and only the poorest of clothing. So it was that, on one cold Christmas Eve, she insisted on going to church in spite of the wishes of the family for whom she worked. Unable to dissuade her, the master threw his costly fur coat over her, cautioning her not to lose it. At the entrance of the San Frediano Church, she saw a shabbily dressed old man suffering from the cold. Without hesitation she threw her master's fur coat over the poor man, making him promise to return it to her after the service. When the service was over, the poor man and the coat were nowhere to be found.

The saint returned home to the unhappy disposition of her master. A few hours later, when the family sat down to the Christmas dinner, a stranger appeared at the door, carrying the missing fur coat on his arm. With a gracious deportment and with a heavenly smile he thanked Zita for the use of the coat and then disappeared. All who had seen him were filled with celestial joy. Butler tells us that from that day on the people of Lucca called the entrance door "The Angel Door" in honor of the event. (Carroll, 1999, pg. 28).



St. Zita offering a coat to the angel.

Since the Archangel Raphael served as a guide for Tobias and is regarded as the patron of travelers, his services were called upon by St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870) during his visit to Marseilles, a city with which he was unfamiliar, while he was awaiting passage on a ship to Rome.

In an answer to the Saint's prayer, a young man presented himself at his room and offered his services as a guide. The young man accompanied St. Anthony Mary wherever he needed to go, but always left his side at meal time, only to reappear at the end of the meal.

On the day of the Saint's departure, the young guide accompanied him to the port, saw him safely aboard the ship and promptly disappeared. The saint's biographer reports, 'Assuredly it was the Archangel Saint Raphael, whom Blessed Anthony invoked at the beginning of his itinerary." (Carroll, 1999, pg. 119).



St. Anthony Mary Claret

Upon their arrival, there followed a touching and typical scene since the dog had accompanied them o their journey showed his delight at returning home: "Then the dog, which had been with them in the way, ran before, and coming as if he had brought the news, shewed his joy by fawning and wagging his tail" (Tobias 11:9).

Just as the healer, the Archangel Raphael, had instructed Tobias to first thank God, then kissed his father and , "taking of the gall of the fish , anointed his father's eyes...and a white skin began to come out of his eyes...like the ksin of an egg. And Tobias took hold of it and drew it from his eyes, and immediately he recovered his sight." (Tobias 13:15).

While the fater and son were wondering how to reward Raphael for his many services, he identified himself by saying, "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord." And when they had heard these things, they were troubled, and being seized with fear they fell upon the ground on their faces." (Tobias 12: 15-16).

The Angel said to them, " Peace be to you, fear not. For when I was with you, I was there by the will of God: bless ye Him, and sing praises to Him. I seemed indeed to eat and drink with you but I use an invisible meat and drink, which cannot be seen by men. It is time therefore that I return to Him that sent me: but bless ye God, and publish all His wonderful works. And when he had said these things, he was taken from their sight, and they could see him no more." (Tobias 12: 17-21).

Tobias and his father remained prostrate for three hours, blessing God, and whey they recovered, they spoke of the Archangel with wonderment (Carroll, 1999, pg. 118-119).

Because of this help from St. Raphael, Sara was no longer bothered by the demon, and the young couple's wedding was celebrated with several weeks of feasting and rejoicing. Then, because he was newly married, Tobias asked Raphael to journey alone to Rages to obtain money owed to the elder Tobias. Taking four of Raguel's servants and two camels, Raphael journeyed to the city of the Medes and, with the note written by the elder Tobias, received the money from Gabelus.

Upon his return to the house of Raguel, the angel, altogether with the younger Tobias and his wife Sara, began the journey back to the parents of Tobias in Ninive. During the journey, the angel made certain that Tobias still had the gall of the fish and instructed him: "As soon as thou shalt come into thy house, forthwith adore the Lord Thy God: and giving thanks to him, go to thy father, and kiss him. And immediately anoint his eyes with this gall of the fish, whih thou carriest with thee. For be assured that his eyes shall be opened , and thy father shall see the light of heaven, and shall rejoice in the sight of thee." (Tobias 4:7-8).

(to be continued)

His name meaning "God Heals" or the "Divine Helper", the Archangel Raphael is mentioned in Scripture in only one book, that of Tobias.  And it is as a healer, guide, matchmaker and exorcist that Raphael accomplished the mission to him by God.

The events began when the young Tobias was sent to a distant city by his father, who was also named Tobias, to collect money that was owed to him by a man named Gabelus. Before setting out, Tobias looked about for a traveling companion, and as Scripture reveals: "Tobias going forth found a beautiful young man, standing girded, and as it were ready to walk. And not knowing that he was an angel of God, he saluted him and said: From whence art thou, good young man?" (Tobias 5: 5-6).

The angel's answer was: "Of the children of Israel."

After assuring Tobias that he knew the way to Rages, in the country of Medes, the angel agreed to serve as a guide. Taking the young man to meet his blind father, Tobias introduced them. During a brief exchange, the young man told the elder Tobias, "Be of good courage, thy cure from God is at hand." (Tobias 5: 13).

Since Tobias was an only child his mother was very fearful that he would not return safely to them, but the elder Tobias, not knowing that the young man was an angel, comforted his wife by telling her: "Weep not; our son will arrive thither safe, and will return safe to us, and thy eyes shall see him. For I believe that the good angel of God doth accompany him, and doth order all things well that are done about him so that he shall return to us with joy." (Tobias 5:26-27).

Accompanied by the family dog, Tobias and Raphael set out and spent the first night by the river Tigris. When Tobias went to the water to wash his feet, "behold a monstrious fish came up to devour him." (Tobias 6:2). Tobias, very much afraid, called to Raphael for help, but on the angel's advice and being inspired with confidence, Tobias grabbed the fish by the gill and brought it ashore.

Raphael then instructed him, "Take out the entrails of this fish, and lay up his heart, and his gall, and his liver for thee: for these are necessary for useful medicines." (Tobias 6:5).  He then explained the cures that would be obtained by the application of these parts. When Tobias asked where they should stay during the second night, the angel answered, "Here is one whose name is Raguel, a near kinsman of thy tribe, and he hath a daughter named Sara...Ask her therefore of her father , and he will give her thee to wife." (Tobias 6:11, 13).

At the advice of the archangel, Tobias asked Sara's father for her hand in marriage, which was granted. However, despite her good character, Sara was plagued by an evil spirit. In order to defeat this devil, Tobias heeded St. Raphael's advice regarding the useful parts of the fish he had caught. On his wedding night, Tobias "took out of his bag part of the fish liver and laid it upon the burning coals. Then the angel Raphael took the devil and bound him in the desert of upper Egypt." (Tobias 8: 2,3).


(to be continued....)

Reference:

Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.

Secondly,  as exemplified in the previously mentioned events in the lives of the Saints, it is recommended that we use with all confidence the Sacraments and the Sacramentals of the Church.

Among the Sacramentals, as we have noted, St. Teresa suggested the frequent use of Holy Water. St. Teresa also recommends utter contempt of the devil. She reports: "So often have these accursed creatures tormented me and so little am I afraid of them, now that I see they cannot stir unless the Lord allows them to...every time we pay little heed to them, they lose much of their power and the soul gains much more control over them."

She reports that the soul who suffers temptations should also resort to the intercession of St. Michael and his own guardian angel. Above all, such a one should appeal to the Blessed Virgin, who is always anxious to comfort and assist her distressed children in times of great danger (Carroll, 1999, pg. 238).

The Saint then gives her recommendations to the soul on how to combat against the temptations of the devil. The first recommendation is to practice humble and confident prayer to secure the help of God and His holy angels. As Tanquerey states, "Our prayer must be humble , for there is nothing that so quickly puts to flight this rebellious spirit, who, having revolted through pride, never knew the virtue of humility."

St. Teresa also recommends that our prayer for God's help must be full of confidence, since God's own glory is bound up with our triumph (Carroll, 1999, pg. 237-238).

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), in the Interior Castle, offers insight to us regarding the wiles of the devil:


"If the soul invariably followed the will of God, it is clear that it would not be lost. But the devil comes with artful wiles and, under color of doing good, sets about undermining it in trivial ways, and involving it in practices which, so he gives it to understand, are not wrong; little by little he darkens its understanding, and weakens its will, and causes its self-love to increase, until in one way or another he begins to withdraw it from the Love of God and to persuade it to indulge its own wishes....there is no enclosure so strictly guarded that he cannot visit it.

And I would make one further remark-- namely, that the reason He may observe the behavior of the soul which He wishes to set up as a light to others; for, if it is going to be a failure, it is better that it should be so at the outset when it can do many souls harm."

3. Holy Water


St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) also gives us advice on how to rid ourselves of the devil's annoyances:

"From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like Holy Water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the Cross, but return; so Holy Water must have great virtue. This saint gives us an example of Holy Water's effectiveness. One night, she reports, "I thought the evil spirits would have suffocated me, and when the sisters threw much Holy Water about, I saw a great troop of them rush away as if tumbling over a precipice."

St. Teresa adds that she was tormented so often that later on she was little afraid of devils, "because I see they cannot stir without Our Lord's permission."


St. Teresa of Avila

2. The Holy Rosary


The Holy Rosary was used on two different occasions by St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775) to free soldiers from the torments of the devil. In once instance a soldier was in his quarters when the devil started dragging him around. The Saint, who heard the noises adn ran to investigate, immediately detected the devil and ordered him to leave, while placing the Holy Rosary around the soldier's neck. The frightened soldier confessed his sins that night and was enormously grateful for being delivered.

Another soldier was already in the confessional when he was suddenly seized and dragged backward by an invisible power. Because he held tightly to the confessional, the confessional with the priest still in it was almost dragged along with the soldier. St. Paul was quickly notified and rushed to the scene where the witnesses, the penitent and the confessor were trembling with fear.

After placing a rosary around the soldier's neck and after placing his own mantle over the soldier, the Saint took the penitent to the sacristy, where he heard his Confession and released him from his sins.



St. Paul of the Cross

St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696- 1787) had the following method of dismissing demons who were annoying him: With great authority he would make a great Sign of the Cross and then order the demons to prostrate themselves and to adore this sign of the Redemption.

He would then  add these words from Scripture: "That in The Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in Heaven, on earth and under the earth." (Philippians 2:10).

The Saint declared, "that the devils have not the patience to endure such words and take to flight." (Carroll, 1999, pg. 233).



St. Alphonsus Liguori

The Cure' of Ars, St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) , was asked one time by his confessor how he repelled the attacks of the demons.

The saint replied, "I turn to God; I make the sign of the Cross; I address a few contemptuous words to the devil."

And then he added, "I have noticed, moreover, that the tumult is greater and the assaults more numerous if, on the following day, some big sinner is due to come to the confessional." (Carroll, 1999, pg. 233)



St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney

Quote from: islander on September 17, 2013, 05:55:00 PM
btw, lorenz, if you find the time, how about opening a thread here solely on the 7 mansions of st. teresa de avila and another one about the 7 levels of spirituality of st. john of the cross?  it would be like praying and meditating while reading these, a piece a day, very much like hofelina's minute meditation and saints for the day.

Yes, I shall open a thread on these.

1. The Sign of the Cross


St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639) was one day climbing the stairs to the infirmary, carrying in one hand a brazier of burning oals and in the other some medical supplies, when halfway up the stairs a devilish monster appeared before him. The livid eyes and horrible form of the apparition easily betrayed the devil.

When the saint asked what he was doing there, the devil replied that he had hoped to destroy a human soul. St. Martin removed his belt and proceeded to drive the devil away with fierce blows, but was only successful in making the evil on retreat a short distance. He then took one of the coals and formed a huge cross on the wall.

The tempter fled at the sight of the Redemption.

The Saint's biographer reports that on the following day Martin placed a wooden cross at the scene of the encounter, "and with this usual practical sense saw to it that a light was always burning on the staircase in the future." (Carroll, 1999, pg. 223).




St. Martin de Porres

What frightens devils and drives them away


When the Saints were tempted or when suffering the various diabolical torments inflicted upon them, they used various means to force the devil to retreat. Here are some of the methods used by these courageous souls!

Quote from: Lollapalooza on September 17, 2013, 04:37:29 PM
attended the Planning Conference on the Implementation of Senior High School... ang kaning Grade 8 (2nd yr HS) mao ni ang 1st batch sa Grade 11 ug Grade 12.. six years gyud ilang high school... by 2016 na ni siya ma implement.. ang mga tertiary schools malugi gyud ani kay 2 years wala kaayo'y mag enroll

so exhausted but happy and smiling pa rin

das a good ting ! keep on smiling, Jenneth !

Quote from: islander on September 17, 2013, 05:42:10 PM
she was hounded by the evil one because she posed a great challenge, someone said.  she's like a prize catch.

True, indeed. Reminds me also of St. Padre Pio, who also was blessed with visions...he was capable of seeing demons and angels.

To be honest, as i comb through this book and type the accounts of the saints, i am getting a bit scared. May Michael the Archangel scatter any spirits who dare to give me the spirit of fear.

St. Michael the Archangel, scatter any spirits that aim to make us anxious, fearful and dread. I have confidence in your power and put myself under thy care under your divine ethereal wings !

Amen.

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the Discalced Carmelite nun who was also the first woman to be made a Doctor of the Church, described in her Autobiography some of the devils who appeared to her. On some occasions her sisters were witnesses to what was taking place and they assisted the Saint through the use of holy water, which was instrumental in dispersing the evil spirits.

St. Teresa writes,

"Once when I was in an oratory, the evil appeared on my left hand in an abominable form; as he spoke to me, I apid partiular attention to his mouth, which was horrible. Out of his body there seemed to be coming a great flame which was intensely bright and cast no shadow. He told me in a horrible way that I had indeed escaped out of his hands but he would get hold of me still. I was very much afraid and made the Sign of the Cross, whereupon he disapearred, but immediately returned again. This happened twice running, and I did not know what to do. But there was some Holy Water there, so I flung some in the direction of the apparition, and it never came back."


Reference:



Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.
page 173-174

Tita,

Its also interest to read about the writings / experiences of St. Teresa of Avila regarding the devils. It seems that even the saints were also visionaries in spirits.

Very interesting and spine tingling, actually.

I will continue this thread tomorrow. I am drawing direct quotations from Joan Carroll Cruz's Angels and Demons. There is so much rich writings about the Archangels, and the Saints in this piece.

Because of the many messages delivered by the archangel Gabriel, he has been appropriately named the patron of messengers. Venerable Mary of Agreda's interesting description of the Archangel Gabriel, given earlier, is well worth repeating here. The Venerable writes in The Mystical City of God that at the Incarnation, the Archangel Gabriel was accompanied "by many thousands of the most beautiful angels in visible forms."

The Archangel , when making the pronouncement that the humble Mary was to be the Mother of God, is said to have appeared in this manner:

"The appearance of the great prince and legate was that of a most handsome youth of rarest beauty; his face emitted resplendent rays of light, his bearing was grave and majestic, his advance measured, his motions composed , his words weighty and powerful, his whole presence displayed a pleasing, kindly gravity and more of godlike qualities than all the other angels until then seen in visible form by the heavenly Mistress. He wore a diadem of exquisite splendor and his vestments glowed in various colors full of refulgent beauty. Encased on his breast, he wore a most beautiful cross, disclosing the mystery of the Incarnation, which He was come to announce."

Reference:

Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.
page 115

When next we read of St. Gabriel in Scripture, he appeared to Zachary, "standing on the right side of the altar of incense." (Luke 1:11). After being informed that his elderly wife Elizabeth would bear a son, Zachary questioned the announcement: "Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."

To this, the angel answered, " I am Gabriel, who stand before God; and am sent to speak to thee, and to bring thee these good tidings." (Luke 1: 18-19).

The most wonderful and extraordinarily happy assignment that could have been given to an angel of God was given to Gabriel ! When he appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce that she was chosen to be the Mother of God.

"And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." (Luke 1:26-27).

After addressing the Holy Virgin with, "Hail, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women," the angel said to her, "Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus." (Luke 1:31).

We recall this happy event and the words of the Archangel Gabriel each time we recite the words of the Hail Mary.


Reference:

Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.
page 114-115

The name Gabriel, from the Hebrew (GABRI' EL) means "Man of God" or "Strength of God." The first mention of this archangel's name in Scripture appears in the book of Daniel when Daniel had a vision of a ram and a goat that has significance in the coming of the Antichrist.

Daniel writes: "And it came to pass when I Daniel saw the vision and sought the meaning, that behold there stood before me, as it were, the appearance of a man. And I heard the voice of a man between Ulai: and he called, and said: Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. And he came and stood near where I stood: and when he was come, I fell on my face trembling (Daniel 8: 15-17).

In the next chapter, Daniel is given other information, and he writes: "And as I was yet speaking in prayer, behold the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, flying swiftly, touched me at the time of the evening sacrifice. And he instructed me, and spoke to me and said: O Daniel, I am now come forth to teach thee, and that thou mightest understand." (Daniel 9: 21-22).



Reference:

Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.
page 113

Since the archangel was the champion of the Israelites, it would seem natural for him to be regarded as the defender of the Christian people as well, but instead, several of the early martyrs were adopted as military patrons.

St. Michael, for reasons not given, was accepted in early times, not so much as a warrior, but as a healer. Medicinal springs, at Phrygia, Chairotopa and Colossae, where many reportedly were cured, were said to have been established by the archangel.

At Colossae a group of pagans attempted to destroy the shrine by directing a stream against it, but the archangel prevented this when he suddenly appeared. He gave a new bed to the stream and, it is said, forever sanctified the waters. The Greeks claim that this apparition took place about the middle of the first century A.D. They even celebrated a feast on September 6 in commemoration of the event.

Sanctuaries were dedicated to the archangel as early as the 1st century.


Reference:

Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.
page 110.

PS. Hapit na raba ang Feast Day of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

On September 29.

The question arises: To which of the angelic choirs does Michael belong?

St. Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologica writes emphatically that St. Michael belongs to the third choir and the second to last of the ranks, that is, the Archangels.

There is, however, some opposition to this declaration of St. Thomas. Because of St. Michael's varied activities, it is thought by St. Basic the Great (329-379) and many of the Greek Fathers that St. Michael is the leader of, or prince, of all the Angels, even of the choir of the Seraphim, which is the rank closest to God.

After all, the archangel is known as "the great prince" in the book of Daniel (Daniel 12:1). Even the Archangel Gabriel, while in conversation with the prophet Daniel, describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes." (Daniel 10:13).

And again, Gabriel calls the archangel "Michael, your prince." (Daniel 10:21). And since the Church calls St. Michael "Prince of the Heavenly Hosts" in the prayer of Pope Leo XIII, and "Michael, the prince of the heavenly hosts" in the Intercessions of the feast of the three archangels (September 29), it would seem that he may be the very highest of all the Angels. After all, he was the leader of the Angels against the rebellious spirits: "And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels." (Apocalypse 12:7).

This was a celestial event, while other activities of the archangel have been for the benefit of man. Because of these ministrations to man, it would seem that St. Michael does belong, as St. Thomas Aquinas asserts, to the third choir, which include the Principalities, Archangels, and the Angels, all of whom are engaged in the care of men, and those things which relate to the welfare of men.

So, to which choir does the archangel belong? This is a question whose answer remains a mystery that will be happily revealed to us in Heaven.


Reference:

Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.

His name , from the Hebrew MIKHA'EL -- meaning "Who is like God?" -- was the war cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against the rebellious angels, whose leader became Satan, and his followers, devils. Michael, the great warrior of that battle, is mentioned five times in Scripture. In the Old Testament, his name appears three times in the Book of Daniel. When Daniel prayed that God would permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem , the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Daniel and said:

"The prince (angel) of the Kingdom of the Persians resisted me one and twenty days: and behold Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me..." (Daniel 10:13). At the end of the tenth chapter, Gabriel repeats:

"But I will tell thee what is set down in the scripture of truth: and none is my helper in all these things, but Michael your prince." (Daniel 10:21).

Again in the book of Daniel, we read that the archangel shall defend people at the time of the Antichrist: "Michael shall rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come such as never was from the time that nations began even until that time. And at that time shall thy people be saved, ever one that shall be found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1).

In the New Testament the archangel is mentioned briefly in the epistle of St. Jude, as pointed out earlier (Jude 1:9). But we learn more about Michael in The Apocalypse where we are told of his strength and his military victory against Satan and his followers, "And there was a great battle in heaven; Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels. And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan." (Apocalypse 12; 7-9).

Because of this vision, the Archangel Michael has always been known as the great defender of the Church and the archenemy of the devil. It was in this capacity that St. Michael was called upon by Pope Leo XIII to protect the people of the Church after he mystically heard the terrifying threats of the devil. As a result of this experience that took place on October 13, 1884, the Pope composed the prayer that was recited after all Low Masses throughout the world:

"St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen."


Reference:

Cruz, Joan Carroll. (1999). Angels & Demons. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.

This thread shall be devoted in the learning, understanding of the Archangels of the Lord.

Three Archangels that are described in Holy Scripture and in holy writings by the Roman Catholic Church are:

1. Michael

2. Gabriel

3. Raphael

This thread shall be for the purpose of learning about them, understanding their role in Christianity, and Salvation History. Please join me in learning more about the Archangels of the Lord.

Quote from: Lorenzo on September 17, 2013, 03:41:56 PM
Does the Catholic Church Believe in Ghosts?

Answer: The ghosts that inhabit haunted houses, graveyards, or any other place may indeed be real entities and not always the figment of imagination.

However, the popular idea that they are the spirits of human souls who have died and are trapped here for some reason is not possible. They are much more likely to be demons disguising themselves as the “ghost” or spirit of a human being for the purpose of leading people away from the true faith.

For instance in the book, The Beautiful Side of Evil, Johanna, a young woman gets caught up in a form of New Age religion down in Mexico City, where her father worked for an American company. She is eventually encouraged to ask for Spirit Counselors to aid her in her meditation. They are told they may choose two people. Johanna chose Jesus and Sarah Bernhardt. Through meditation her counselors come to her and they were Jesus and an elderly Sarah. But the next time she does this, after a prayer to God to reveal her counselors, God answers her prayer and she sees instead of Jesus …

Quote“The hair was wild and matted, the forehead was covered with a coarse fur and the eyes were slanted, gleaming and wild…Fresh blood smeared the muzzle and oozed down long white fangs; the droplets spattered down the front of the same tunic” Jesus wore the last time. Then, another time the demonic faces appeared and then the kind and gentle face of Jesus would flash onâ€"then the demonic face would flash on. The same thing happened with Sarahâ€"on and offâ€"on and off.”

Now I realize this is not the same as seeing a ghost. It is just an example of how a demonic entity can deceive by appearance.

Quote2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

In fact, the Church believes that spirits, do exist. There is the visible physical realm all around us but also unseen there is a spiritual realm.

Quote2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal

    Ephesians 6:11 Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

So, yes the Catholic Church absolutely does believe in a spiritual realm. This realm is inhabited by Angels and Demons, Our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And the souls of those who have died are also part of this spiritual realm but not allowed to contact living humans without the express permission of God.

QuoteLuke 16:22 The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead….27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ 30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’

    31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Reference:
http://bfhu.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/does-the-catholic-church-believe-in-ghosts/

Does the Catholic Church Believe in Ghosts?

We always have to be ready for everything. One has to prepare oneself for unexpected, and develop a relationship with God in such a way that we can release everything to Him. Life is fleeting, we do not know whether we will wake up tomorrow, that is why we should always prepare our souls. We must pray for Grace to yield all our troubles and worries to God, and to Trust in His counsel, His words (and He does speak to us if we but listen in silent prayer).

I know you are sensitive to these spirits, Tita. I just want to comfort you in this -- know that the support of God is beyond any spirit , or physical. The Lord is always there for us, to guide us, to support us, even when we think we are alone. Don't be scared, and know that God is with you...always.

Sige, take care.

I know how you feel. There was a time when I got back from work very late, about 5 am. There were no public parking spaces close to my apartment, and thus I had to park 4 blocks away, in an area that is not safe. I had no choie because there was no other parking places available (one of the reasons its not good to live in the city of Chicago).

I was carrying my carry-on bag, my laptop briefcase and my medical review books were in my bag. And I was tired. As I was crossing north broadway st, I noticed that I was being followed by 3 men who were dressed in gang attire. They were following me gajod. I knew this because they even crossed a red light to catch up with me. I had already tried to prepare myslf for what was going to happen, what could happen. I was wearing my Scapular (thank God). I took it out and kissed the image of the blessed mother mary on the scapular. I whispered, "Mother Mary, please protect me. Ask the Angel Gabriel and Raphael to guide me home. Please ask St. Michael to disperse these men"

When I prayed that, a  Chicago police car came by. The men, upon arrival of the police car, turned around and walked the other way.

I know that our blessed Mother Mary was there to listen,and I know and believe that she answered my prayer and at her request, the Angels came.

Always ask for the intercession of the Archangels, Tita. Most of all, do not forget the influence of Our Blessed Mother.

God Bless You. May God Bless all of us.

bwahahaha! kuyawan gajod ko sa skills sa mga inchik !

Usher this prayer, Tita, when you feel anxious:


O glorious prince St. Michael,
chief and commander of the heavenly hosts,
guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits,
servant in the house of the Divine King
and our admirable conductor,
you who shine with excellence
and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil,
who turn to you with confidence
and enable us by your gracious protection
to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend me!

Amen.

In times where my soul is anxious, perplexed due to issues at home, issues at work, etc, I always invoke the intercession of Divine Mercy to calm me. When I am walking back home from my car to my apartment (in chicago, its very dangerous, with all the gang activity), I always ask the protection and assistance of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Gabriel the Archangel and St. Raphael to guide me home safely. Ma calma ahoang kasingkasing especially when I am walking home late at night.

Tita, Invoke always the assistance of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. When you are afraid, ask them to do battle for you, and to keep you under the protection of their Ethereal Wings.

It is beneficial to ask intercession from Archangel Michael, the Prince of the Angelic Army. It was Michael the Archangel who defeated the devil, May God rebuke him and cast him out of heaven into the infernal abyss. Ask Michael to protect you and to defend you always from spirits. St. Michael the Archangel is powerful and intercedes for those who belong to Jesus Christ.

Will pray for you and include you in my special intentions tonight.

May St. Michael the Archangel, Glorious Prince of Heaven, protect you and your family. May St. Michael, Prince of the Army of Heaven, scatter spirits that are in your home. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen. 

She was too young ! May God have mercy on her soul.

The voters in Manila remind of me of the Romans. One day they hailed Pompei, the next they cried out for his head. One day they hailed Caesar, the next they had him murdered by their senators.

The Manilenos elect ERAP, then they people power him out of office, now they fakking elect him again as mayors.

I had an American doctor friend who inquired about this situation. "I don't understand why the people from your country elected a president who was kicked out of office for plunder , graft and corruption."

Tita,

When you are scared, invoke the intercession of The Lord Jesus. Pray the Anima Christi.


Soul of Christ, make me holy. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, fill me with love. Water from Christ’s side, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. Good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds, hide me. Never let me be parted from you. From the evil enemy, protect me. At the hour of my death, call me, and tell me to come to you that with your saints I may praise you through all eternity. Amen.

Actors should never get involved in politics. What tha fakk is wrong with the political system in the Motherland?

Where are the Roxases, the Garcias and the men of noble character of old?

Please, Filipinos, elect political scientists and professional attorneys to run the Republic.

Not these estupeedo bobong actors !

Ya Wa !

Sack them all.

Please Enrile, get out of the Senate. Fakking sackpocket matha fakka !

Hindi ko alam bakit ang mga tawo sa Maynila nag elect ni ERAP. Ano ba mo dyan? Estoopido bobo ba mo dyan?

Pisti gajod ning bu**** voters.

Quote from: Lorenzo on September 17, 2013, 05:06:36 AM


The Philippine Army should not negotiate with the terrorist MILF, MNLF. Crush the insurgency once and for all. They need to arrest Misuari and neutralize his influence.

Philippines can learn from the Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia) in how they deal with separatist armed groups. The TNI pounds the rebellion into submission. The Philippine Army needs to do the same.

There can be no Muslim bangsamoro. It is an affront to the modern state that is the Republic of the Philippines.

We are a republic not a muslim sultanate that existed prior to the Spanish colonization.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Isang Bansa at Isang Diwa.

The SOCOM (Southern Command) should unleash the 5th Marine Battalion and crush the terrorists once and for all.

Release the hammer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas !

The Philippine Army should not negotiate with the terrorist MILF, MNLF. Crush the insurgency once and for all. They need to arrest Misuari and neutralize his influence.

Philippines can learn from the Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia) in how they deal with separatist armed groups. The TNI pounds the rebellion into submission. The Philippine Army needs to do the same.

There can be no Muslim bangsamoro. It is an affront to the modern state that is the Republic of the Philippines.

We are a republic not a muslim sultanate that existed prior to the Spanish colonization.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Isang Bansa at Isang Diwa.

 

ooo ! gud !

Quote from: hubag bohol on September 06, 2013, 10:28:54 PM
Above, you’ll see that basic outline of what IQ means and how most of the world stacks up. That mountain in the middle represents where most of us would rank. Let’s put it in perspective by looking at the expected career paths of individuals within specific IQ ranges:

IQ of 87: Unskilled workers (no special training or special skills)
IQ of 92: Semi-skilled workers (truck drivers, factory workers etc)
IQ of 101: Skilled workers (clerical workers, sales professionals, electricians, craftsmen and foremen etc)
IQ of 104: Managers and administrators (received 1-3 years of college education in a specific field)
IQ of 112: Professional or technical workers (estate agents, surveyors, environmental or forensic scientists, educators etc)
IQ of 125: Lawyers, doctors (PhDs, JDs, MDs)
IQ of 135: Neurosurgeons, research scientists, university professors -- http://thechive.com/

Hmmm!

< 70 is mental retardation

< 50 is severe mental retardation

< 20 profound mental retardation

bwahahahaha! 'yaw uy! wa mi income ug ing ana man diay...

kuyawa. ang iring may dead drunk. awww, kaluoy pod intawon.

shhhhhh!

'yaw na lang uy.

3. ERAP, the mayor

2. ERAP, the president

1. Estrada the Actor

Corrupt scumbags get re-elected...!!

Election Fakking Day !!

okay, so let's focus on the not so beautiful traditions...

I apologize for my bout of anger there. But still.

People in the philippines can't complain about the corruption.

Because the ones who do complain are the ones opening their fakking hands during election fakking day!

Dats just a fakking pesss of shet meyn!



Again, sorry.

Pisting ya-wa! in the philippines, who has the most ca$h gets the vote. Sad but true.

There really is no democracy. Because in the end, 'he who yields the sackpocket wields the fakking power in the Philippines.."

Hanging out by the sari sari store.


Oh yes, you know it! i remember in my younger years, my sister and i and all the kids in Torrero Private Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol...we used to hang out by the sari  sari store owned by two people we called Tining and Tibong. Tining was the older lady, and Tibong was her husband.

Choconuts, ice water, etc. Hahaha!

You know you did it...  

Thank you for asking about me, Tita Cujo. By God's Grace, okay ko, surviving hospital duties, haha! I hope you had a wonderful summer, and ready to start your Autumn!

Yes, do extend my warm regards to Wolfpack. Please ask her to join us here again in Tubag Bohol. We all have missed you both !

Love and Blessings !

Quote from: cujo on September 16, 2013, 09:00:24 AM
You're welcome.Nice to be back.I enjoyed reading some of the postings.Regards.

Cujo,

Please make your presence known by more frequent posts. I have missed your posts. And also I miss the postings of Wolfpack.

How have you been?

You're right, Nong. There are some things that might get the best of us, momentary anger as you put it. In any case, it is beneficial for us all to pray for the Grace to forgive. As one who has a weakness, I can attest the power of the Holy Spirit in healing inward hurts and outward interactions with friends, family, associates. There truly is power in asking the Holy Spirit's peace and intercession. He, literally, can move mountains. As for me, that mountain was my own heart and my own internalization of things. I let it go, gi hatag ra nako tanan ni Lord.

And boy did it work wonders. That's why in regards to people we may have differences in (and its okay to have differences, event he apostles had differences amongst themselves. lol!) we should always ask the Holy Spirit to help in calming us, and giving us a spirit of forgiveness and peace.

God Bless you, Nong.

Love and Blessings be with you!!

Kabayanihan...

Some traditions that are uniquely Filipino...

Such a gentleman apo, talaga.

Quote from: Lorenzo on September 16, 2013, 08:49:30 AM

serious look man si ondoy. si lola pod, nag seriously looking at her apo.

Ligo ta! Lola, Lolo and apo...

Lucky kaayo si apo oh..

Money can't buy this...

Lola and her apo

Quote from: hubag bohol on September 15, 2013, 11:29:36 AM

+ kan-on ug kape, solb na ang pamahaw ni Botoy!

Nong,

Mao ni ang paborito sa ahoang Daddy. Hehehehe!

Today , my lady friend, Pim, cooked Thai tom yom salmon soup. She also cooked for me beef soup (to be honest, i forgot the name, but it was spicy!). Ingon siya nako that she wanted to see me eat her food, so, ning adto pod ko. Man it was delicious

Cute pod kai she prepared thai fried rice.

Thanks God for good friends like Pim. Made me smile pod kai she even bought me orange juice for my cold.

bwahaha saonzz ...

Welcome back Cujo!!!!!!

And Thank You for your wise words of advice.

Bwahahaha! Nice shades btw !

Very interesting. The HR Director of our hospital is an ex-Filipino Priest.

My interaction with him has been quite positive and remarkable. Even the way he talks, carries himself, he exudes a very noble charisma. No doubt a remnant of his Seminarian upbringing and priestly life. This man was a Jesuit. He studied in Spain, as well as served in Spain.

Quote from: vhinz08 on May 28, 2013, 04:26:28 PM
Teacher: Use "puera" in a sentence
Juan: All of our teachers are beautiful.
Teacher:  Where´s the "puera" word there?
Juan:  Puera po kayo maam.

bwahahaha!

or to use it in a native superstitious setting:

Tugalang Baji: "Awww Inday! Ka gwapa nimo oy, mamords man gajod ka!"
Batan-anon Baji: "Puera Bujag !!!!"

Quote from: vhinz08 on May 28, 2013, 03:51:55 PM
Ang boy mitubag sa iyang agalong kastila: "si señor sikwati batirol"

Bwahahahaha!

Quote from: Votives on May 28, 2013, 03:25:49 PM
di gyud intawn...

Ngano di man? Sug-buanon man ka, Votives. Dako kaajo ang influence ang mga Katsila sa Cebu og sa Cebuano culture and language.

During the Spanish colonial era, Cebu was referred to by many Spaniards as "La Cuidad Reina de Sur", or "The Queen City of the South".

In fact, that title has remained in the psyche of Cebuanos to this day. Many Cebuanos still refer to their City (Cebu) as the Queen City of the South.



Let me even extend that. Many Cebuanos regard their province and City as being superior than other surrounding Bisayan regions. To comment on that, I know many Cebuanos who regard themselves as being better than Bol-anons, Leytenos, Mindanawenos, and Negrosense....

Quote from: vhinz08 on May 28, 2013, 04:15:39 PM
It is not  "this age" refers to the time of Jesus Christ before His death in the cross
and "the age to come" was the time when he resurrected until now?

Vhinz,

Just to reiterate lang,

When Christ refers to "this age", it refers to the life we are living here and now. In the world.

His reference of "the age to come" is life in Heaven.

I hope that answers your query.

Keep it the way it is.

Seems like they won't strike. The Congress is already fed up with Obama's fakking policies. He is using this Syrian issue to hide the REAL problem. That problem is the impending OBAMACARE issue. The Congress is now going to vote whether to fund this OBAMACARE or not. He wants to evade the voting and thus he has put this idiotic notion of striking Syria.

First of all, Obama, the Syrian rebels who we are arming, many of which are part of Al Nusfra, and Muslim Brotherhood, who have been linked to Al Qaeda.

Please, do not make the mistake during the 1970s and 1980s when the United States armed and supported the Mujahadeen during the Soviet-Afghani War. The Mujahadeen, ironically, was the same group that attacked us later on. Bin Laden was trained and supported by American forces during the Soviet-Afghani War.

Please do not make the same mistake.

Don't get involved in Syria.

Let them take care of themselves.

Quote from: chicogon on September 10, 2013, 03:38:29 AM

Tagalog uses too many words. Bisayans can say it better, with less words.

Sons and daughters of Inabanga !

What's up? Kamusta naman inyong lugar?

Bol-anon kaajo ang accent da.

In Oac, Dimiao man diay ni...

Hehehehe ! Kujawa pod !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFRnXvW0owU#ws

Please share your childhood memories of Valencia.

Tubag mo mga Valencianhon ! Calling Atty Calle, Tital Isles, Bai Bugsay, et al !

Dali Na ! Tubag Na !

    Kyut !