Saints & Relics Presentation: Schofield Barracks Catholic Community, 2-24-2026

Last night, the Schofield Barracks Young Adult Group hosted a presentation that turned out to be as memorable for its message as for its unexpected challenges.  What was supposed to be a routine talk on Saints & Relics quickly transformed into a lesson on spiritual warfare when this author's laptop suddenly stopped working from the very start, along with a second one provided by a participant.  Instead of allowing the eerie occurrence to derail the evening, the presentation went on without the usual slideshow and it still turned out pretty well!

Among the relics present were hair clippings from, and

part of a compression sock worn by, the late Fr. Rookey,

whose sainthood this ministry is helping to promote.

Participants remained engaged throughout the hour-long talk, then asked thoughtful questions after; shared personal experiences about Saints; and displayed a genuine eagerness to understand the deep spiritual significance behind the sacred relics ... and what do you know - my laptop started working normally again after the presentation!  Seriously - how can people deny the existence of evil spirits?

Young men praying before relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes;

Ven. Domenica Lazzeri; Bl. Carmen of the Child Jesus; St.

Damien of Molokai; Bl. Rolando Rivi; St. Maria Goretti; St.

Pier Giorgio Frassati; St. Louis & Zelie Martin; St. Therese the

Little Flower; St. Padre Pio; St. Peregrine Laziosi; Our Lady.

By the end of the night, the combination of unexpected obstacles, heartfelt engagement, and the recovery of the computer created an uplifting experience—one of those rare times where everything that goes “wrong” ends up making the message land even more powerfully.  All thanks and praises be to God!

Are you Battle Ready?

Stand with St. Michael and the

Angelic Army of Heaven!

  "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  - Ephesians 6:11-17

An unusual cloud formation above

Kailua Town in February 2025.  Are we

being prepared for spiritual warfare?

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle!

Saint of the Month - February 2025: Blessed Eustochio of Padua

Bl. Eustochio of Padua

She conquered the devil!

Memorial - February 13th

The Italian city of Padova (Padua) is known all the world over today thanks to its famous Patron Saint - St. Anthony of Padua.  In the 20th Century, it was graced by the presence of yet another holy figure - the Franciscan Priest/Confessor, St. Leopoldo Mandic ... but how many people are aware that there is another revered spiritual figure in the city?  A female Beata (or Blessed) baptized as Lucrezia Bellini, but more commonly invoked as Eustochio of Padua.  This ministry is pleased to feature her bio this month.

Lucrezia was the illegitimate daughter from the adulterous union of a married nobleman named Bartolomeo Bellini and an unworthy nun, Magdalena Cavalcabo.  Before continuing any further, it should be noted that the monastery where her mother resided - the Benedictine establishment of San Prosdocimo in Padua - wasn't noted for piety.  Rather, the monastery was gossiped about by the townsfolk because of the rumored widespread abuses of its Rule perpetrated by the occupants.  This was the dissolute environment that little Lucrezia was born into sometime in 1444.

Soon after her birth in the monastery, Lucrezia was discretely spirited away to be raised by Bartolomeo.  In the Bellini home, Bartolomeo's lawful wife, not surprisingly, resented the girl's presence and treated her with contempt. Things worsened when Lucrezia began exhibiting bizarre behavior starting at age 4, which was attributed to bouts of demonic possession.  Normally a well-behaved child, she fell into states of uncontrollable rage and violent behavior that lead to her being returned to the monastery as a "boarding student" at 7-years-old.  It was hoped that her condition would improve but just the opposite occurred - her symptoms of possession worsened so priests were summoned and exorcisms conducted.  The ritual brought a measure of relief to the child.

In the meantime, a new Abbess was installed who sought to reform the monastery but her efforts met with strong resistance from the community, with the exception of Lucrezia, who matured into a highly devout young woman. Perhaps because of her traumatic experiences, she was exceptionally prayerful and reflective; often seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, St. Luke, and St. Jerome for the general good of her soul.

When the Abbess died under mysterious circumstances (suspected poisoning), the local Bishop intervened by personally implementing greater discipline among the nuns of San Prosdocimo.  Rather than comply, the nuns chose to pack up and returned to their respective homes, which spoke volumes as to their degenerate spiritual disposition.  Again, the exception was Lucrezia, who was the only resident who chose to stay.

An old print of Bl. Eustochio (Note

the demon under her feet)

The Bishop brought in more-observant Benedictines to take over San Prosdocimo and the 17-year-old Lucrezia applied with this new group.  Given her condition, the nuns hesitated until the Bishop ordered them to admit her.  Hence, she was clothed in the habit on January 14, 1461, under the religious name of Sr. Eustochio.  The event triggered another full-blown possession, which figures prominently for the rest of her life.

This time around, the Beata was also subjected to other forms of diabolic vexations: she came down with mysterious illnesses that caused intense bodily pains and fits of vomiting; suffered blows from invisible attackers who sometimes also lifted her into the air only to throw her to the ground or against walls; she was choked and even burned.  Needless to say, Eustochio was often left bruised or wounded after each episode.  Her spiritual director - a Fr. Girolamo Saligario - performed repeated exorcisms on her, which provided temporary respite.  It became clear that the Lord had a special purpose for Eustochio's sufferings and she responded heroically.

The brave nun intensified her prayers, voluntary mortifications, and fasting to combat the evil forces; consciously accepting her sufferings as a way of closer conformity with her Crucified Spouse; the constant contemplation of the Cross was a source of both solace and strength in the midst of her terrible ordeals.  Some of her biographers have even speculated that the mysterious scourge wounds that appeared on her limbs were actually a form of mystical participation in the Passion of Christ.  Thus, she could reasonably be ranked amongst the rare group of mystics marked with the Stigmata.

To add to her troubles, Sr. Eustochio also suffered from her own community.  When the Abbess fell ill, some of her companions accused her of poisoning the woman; she was imprisoned for a period of three months during which she was chained to a pillar and fed only bread and water.  When the citizens of Padua heard of the strange events surrounding Eustochio, they accused her of witchcraft and threatened to burn her at the stake.  Fortunately, Fr. Girolamo staunchly defended her and he managed to convince the other nuns that she was indeed an innocent victim of the devil's wiles; not a willing perpetrator of evil.

The reliquary of Bl. Eustochio on display

in the Cathedral of Padua, Italy

Little by little the community came to recognize Eustochio's virtues, as her conduct was consistently beyond reproach during the intervals when she was fully herself ... and, on her part, she never harbored resentment for the way she was mistreated in the past.  The possession and attacks continued until shortly before the Beata's death; despite their horrific efforts, the demons never succeeded in breaking her faith in God.  Instead, Sr. Eustochio broke them and emerged victorious after her long battle, which is why her iconography depicts her stomping on demons!

The Beata was only 25-years-old when she passed on February 13, 1469, but had lost her youthful beauty due to her sufferings and mortifications.  But no sooner did she breathe her last when her corpse was transformed in heavenly beauty and exuded a floral scent, which were outward signs of the great sanctity she managed to achieve within her short life.  Furthermore, as the nuns prepared Eustochio's body for burial, a notable discovery was made - on her chest, directly over her heart were lesions that clearly spelled the name of "JESUS".

Veneration for the dead nun increased as miracles occurred at her grave in San Prosdocimo.  Within a span of six years, the graces attributed to Eustochio's intercession were so numerous, the Paduans popularly acclaimed her as "Beata Eustochio" and the Bishop authorized the translation of her remains into the monastery church.  Upon exhuming her body, it was found incorrupt and a spring began miraculously flowing from the original grave site, which cured the sick!  Pope Clement XIII recognized the validity of Sr. Eustochio's Cultus by making it official in 1760.

For centuries, Sr. Eustochio's relics were highly venerated at San Prosdocimo and the healing water was channeled into a large marble basin for pilgrims to collect.  However, when the anti-clerical government closed the monastery in 1806, the spring abruptly stopped flowing and the Beata’s body (then reduced to a skeleton) was taken by the nuns to a new tomb in the Benedictine monastery/church of San Pietro in Padua.  In 2019, the relics were moved to the Cathedral of Padua due to extensive  renovations at San Pietro Church.

A contemporary rendering of Bl. Eustochio,

based on forensic studies of her skull relic -

she was beautiful!

Today, the Beata's precious bones (enclosed in a simulacrum and wearing a forensically-reconstructed mask of her actual facial features) remain in the Cathedral where they are the destination of local pilgrims.  Monthly prayer services are celebrated in Bl. Eustochio's honor attended by many people from all over Italy - and even beyond - who desire to receive graces from deliverance prayers offered by resident exorcists for the diabolically afflicted and for the general sick.  Spiritual favors continue to be reported and because of her effective intercession against the demonic, Italian exorcists have designated Eustochio their Patroness and the Patroness of Spiritual Warfare.

Blessed Eustochio of Padua,

pray for us against the forces of evil!

Put on the Armor of God!

"Be sober-minded; be watchful.

Your adversary the devil prowls

around like a roaring lion,

seeking someone to devour."

- 1 Peter 5:8

Dear, Fellow People of God - WAKE UP!  In this present era of growing darkness and turmoil, Heaven continues to remind us to be vigilant and prepared ...

(Note the date of this occurrence)

"Put on the full armor of God,

so that you can take your stand

against the devil’s schemes.  For our

struggle is not against flesh and

blood, but against the rulers, against

the authorities, against the powers

of this dark world and against the

spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly

realms.  Therefore put on the full

armor of God, so that when the day

of evil comes, you may be able to

stand your ground, and after you

have done everything, to stand."

- Ephesians 6:11-13

Be not afraid - the Lord's special anointing of strength and protection will be upon those who stand with Him. Thanks and praises be to God!

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

DEFEND US IN BATTLE!

NOTE:  This statue of St. Michael is in the personal custody of this author and used by the Cohort of St. Michael Prayer Group during our spiritual warfare meetings at St. Anthony of Padua Church.  My spiritual director is kept informed of the phenomena.

Saint of the Month - March 2024: Blessed Giustina Bezzoli Francucci

Bl. Giustina Bezzoli Francucci

An Enemy of Demons

Memorial: March 12th

Our featured holy person for March 2024 is Bl. Giustina Bezzoli Francucci.  Born in Arezzo, Italy, circa 1237, she was a woman of noble birth who was apparently touched by the Holy Spirit from a very young age.  Biographers report that, as a child, she displayed pious and penitential tendencies that were mature for her age.  For example, she preferred praying in solitude rather than playing with other youngsters, and she often skipped meals in favor of giving her food to the poor.

At just 12-years-old, Giustina disclosed her desire to enter religious life to her family, but was met with intense opposition from both her father and paternal uncle.  A serious illness then struck her father, which caused him to reconsider, granting her leave to follow-through with her plan to become a nun.

Giustina chose the Benedictine Monastery of San Marco, where she entered at 13.  Upon crossing the threshold, a dove alighted on her head, indicating the special presence of the Holy Spirit upon her.  Once inside, she cast aside her fine clothing to wear the coarse habit of the sisters; the only personal belonging from the outside world that she kept was a crucifix, which she treasured all her life.  

As a young nun, by all accounts, she was a model religious who impressed her companions with her faithful adherence to the Benedictine Rule, her humility, and obedience to her superiors.

The incorrupt body of Bl. Giustina

enshrined in Florence, Italy.

Four years after Giustina’s entry, war forced the Sisters of San Marco to merge with the Benedictine community in the nearby Monastery of All Saints, where the Beata’s stay was short-lived.  At their new home, word came to her of a holy hermitess named Lucia, who had taken up a solitary life of contemplation amongst the ruins of a remote abandoned castle in Civitella.  Inspired, Giustina obtained necessary permission from her Bishop to become a recluse, herself, and was welcomed by Lucia.

In the woods, the two women quickly became solid friends and lived a spiritual regimen of poverty and austerity.  They lived off the land and spent their days in prayer and meditation; signal graces were granted by our Lord to the pair.  For example, packs of wolves roamed the area, but the protection of their angelic guardians kept the two anchorites free from their attacks.

After a few years of peaceful coexistence, Lucia fell ill and was lovingly cared for by her companion. She died after a year, leaving Giustina alone in their tiny hermitage … but the Beata persevered in her voluntary isolation, adding extreme mortifications to her spiritual exercises in her desire to conform closely to Christ Crucified: she wrapped an iron chain around her waist; wore a hair-shirt under her outer clothing; and regularly used a flagrum.  Ecstasies and visits from her Divine Spouse were sublime consolations that sustained her in her difficult mode of life.

Giustina remained 35 years in the castle ruins before her rigorous lifestyle took a toll on her health – her eyesight began failing, which prompted her to return to the Monastery of All Saints where the Benedictines welcomed her back with open arms, given her fame of sanctity.

Above:  A closer view of Bl. Giustina's face.

Below:  An old print of the Beata enhanced

with an A.I.-generated likeness of her

(compare with her face above - striking!).

The Blessed lived her last 20 years completely blind but still in fruitful ministry.  Her charisms of effecting cures and working miracles became well-known in the region, attracting pilgrims to her monastery ... and it was also noted that to be in her presence was enough to cast out demons from the possessed!  Such was the great power of the Holy Spirit working through her.

By the time she died on March 12, 1319, Giustina was already revered as a local Saint.  Cures occurred at her grave, on which a lily sprouted after her burial ... and spontaneous exorcisms of possessed individuals continued to occur.  Her body, discovered incorrupt 10 years after her passing, was initially enshrined in the Arezzo monastery, but was later transferred in 1968 to the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria del Fiore in Lapo, Florence.  It remains there, today, in a simple glass-sided shrine for the public to venerate.

Bl. Giustina Bezzoli Francucci's cultus was recognized and approved in January 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, effectively Beatifying her.  Presently, a second "official" miracle is still needed for her Cause to advance to Sainthood.  Let us pray for it.

Bl. Giustina Bezzoli,

advocate against evil spirits,

pray for us!

BEWARE - This Association is NOT Catholic

For a couple years now, this author has been tracking a quasi-religious group from South America, which calls itself the Association Mary, Mother of the Divine Conception (referred to as "AM" going forward).  Since its start in 2012, the group has quickly grown and evolved into a "religious order" - the Grace Mercy Order - as well as, other satellite organizations.  Normally, I wouldn't care much but the AM has three members - a male and two females - who claim to be "Divine Messengers"; alleged visionaries who receive messages from such personages as Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph.  In addition, members of their order dress like Catholic monks and nuns (the women's garments are similar to Mother Teresa's nuns)... and they openly incorporate traditional and familiar Catholic devotions and imagery in their practices and messages (e.g. the Rosary, the Divine Mercy, the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, etc.).  So what's the problem then?

Simple - the group is NOT Catholic.  The AM admits this fact in its website by stating they are "a religious association without ties to any established religion".  Despite this clear description of what their association is all about many people - Catholics and non-Catholics - are mistaking them for Catholic because of how the AM outwardly portrays itself.  I know this because at least two church-friends of mine excitedly texted YouTube videos to me of the AM messengers receiving "apparitions".  It was their text messages, along with a strong impulse from the Holy Spirit, which prompted me to post this blog to make people aware.

One of the AM messengers during an

alleged apparition.

The AM's movement of "spiritual evolution" has substantially expanded in recent years and has spread to other parts of the globe, including the USA.  More people are being exposed to their messages and teachings, largely in part due to their various online and social media presentations, which are very well-organized and professionally produced.  However, when one carefully reads their messages, their teachings closely allign with New Age and pagan eastern philosophies rather than orthodox Catholic/Christian doctrine.  Below is just a snippit from a lengthy message, from among many others, that the AM visionaries claim to have received from Mary:

  "Beloved children, who in these last eleven years spoke and shared with you the Love of God, comes from a peculiar Source that was created by the Ultraterrestrial Universe before the Material Universe existed.  In that Source, the Divine Essence, of Who later would be Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was gestated, conditioned and lovingly prepared to carry forward the great mission in the humanity.  This Ultraterrestrial Source of the Spiritual Universe, was characterized by its highest level of purity, of love and for its immaculate essence.

  The Father, after the fall of the Project of His first children, Adam and Eve, He thought to create a way and a sufficiently pure, immaculate and humble Consciousness, which with Her invincible Love could embrace all human error and convert it through forgiveness and the sublime Maternity. It was thus that the Creator Fathers, the Archangels, received the request of God and, in the elevated Celestial Universes, each Archangel began to contribute with the best of Themselves, so that the Feminine Essence, which would emerge from the Creative Source, would come to Earth to begin as soul and divinity with Her special mission. The Sacred Source of the Feminine Energy was translucent by means of the Principle of Maternity."

Did you notice the odd words included in the message?  If one is solidly grounded in the Faith, it's easy to spot the questionable terms - "Ultraterrestrial Source of the Spiritual Universe", "Creater Fathers", the "Divine Essence, of Who later would be Mary", "Consciousness", "Feminine Essence", "Creative Source", etc. - mixed in with the familiar Christian ones.  Having researched New Age philosophies and practices in the past, I immediately recognized these terms as common verbiage used in such non-Christian philosophies.  Therefore, in my personal opinion, it's a major red flag; a strong indication that these messages are not from heavenly sources.

The group's depiction of "Mary, the Mother

of the Divine Conception of the Trinity"(???),

a bizarre title allegedly revealed by Mary

to one of the AM messengers.

Going back to the friends who texted me links to the AM videos, one is a very devout woman - a daily communicant - who's been to the Church-approved Marian shrines of Lourdes and Fatima, as well as the unapproved site of Medjugorje.  Her situation tells me that if a person like her could easily be confused by the AM and their messages, there are many, many other Catholics out there who could be misled too.  It's a cause for great concern.

And what is further disturbing to me is one of the so-called visionaries has recently been touring various Catholic shrines in Europe - the Divine Mercy in Krakow, Fatima, Garabandal, La Salette, Lourdes, Medjugorje, etc. - and receiving "apparitions" and "messages" at such places.  It appears to be a calculated effort to legitimize and/or associate the AM messengers/messages/movement with the more well-known apparitional shrines frequented by pilgrims.

Members of the AM conducting their version

of the Mass (note the familiar Divine Mercy

image in the background).

In closing, Catholics beware of this association!  It all goes to show that not all purported apparitions - past and present - are authentic and divine.  The truth is - there are reported apparitions occuring today that are outright hoaxes (e.g. the exposed false visionary of Argyle, Texas) or diabolic counterfeits; the devil's way of "aping" genuine revelations of Jesus, Mary, and the Saints in order to sow confusion and draw people away from the one true Church founded by Jesus.  Holy Scriptures warn us:

“Beware of false prophets, which come

to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall

know them by their fruits.”

~ Matthew 7:15-16

or 

“Satan disguises himself as an

angel of light.”

~ 2 Corinthians 11:14

Given the above biblical passages, it's imperative that we know our Church Teachings better; carefully discern; and closely adhere to the guidance of the Church.  Yes, this author does personally believe in a few unapproved Marian apparitions such as Tre Fontane, Montichiari-Fontanelle, and Medjugorje... but the messages given at these places are sound in doctrine and their respective shrines enjoy tacit approval from Church authorities: Tre Fontane and Montichiari-Fontanelle have Church-sanctioned chapels onsite where the Sacraments are allowed by their local bishops; in Medjugorje, the Archbishop Henryk Hoser - a special Papal Envoy to the shrine - officially stated in 2017: “The devotion to Medjugorje is allowed.  It’s not prohibited and need not be done in secret.” ***

I commend the people involved in the AM for their various charitable and humanitarian endeavors, but earnestly pray for them to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady to be enlightened about the sublime truths of the Catholic Faith... as well as the dangers of New Age and occult practices.

With the above being said, here's one more passage from the Bible to seriously consider:

“But though we, or an angel from Heaven,

preach any other gospel unto you than that

which we have preached unto you, let him

be accursed.”

~ Galatians 1:8

***  IMPORTANT UPDATE:  The apparitions at Montichiari-Fontanelle have been approved by the Church in July 2024 and Medjugorje received approval in September 2024.

Who is like God!

Last week I had another vivid dream - a striking one - which both terrified and inspired me. I felt there was an urgent, underlying message in it for everyone and, after mulling over it for several days, I decided to post about it, at least part of it; this Scripture Passage was also a motivating factor...

"And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit
upon all flesh: and your sons and your
daughters shall prophesy, and your young
men shall see visions, and your old men
shall dream dreams ..."

- Acts 2:17

In my dream, I saw a group of "beings" - a massive army, more like - who seemed to be completely made of light; standing together in an endless space also comprised of light.  One, in particular, caught my attention - despite his brilliant "aura", I was somehow able to make out most of his features: he looked to be about 18 to 20 years old; handsome with thick, long light blond hair; a golden diadem with a blue triangular centerpiece rested on his forehead... and he was dressed in a dazzling white robe.

Despite his youthful appearance, I felt an immense POWER emanating from this person; his force was further manifested, via light that seemed to illuminate him from the inside out.  It was so intense, it shown from his eyes and mouth like a glow whenever he blinked and opened his mouth.  Because of this internal light, I could not discern the color of his eyes.

I wondered to myself who this being could be but it was only after he spoke that I was firmly convinced of his identity - focusing his piercing gaze at something at a distance beyond me, he shouted with a deep booming voice, tinged with indignation:

"WHO IS LIKE GOD?!"

I knew then it was St. Michael, the Archangel... and I was like "WOW!"; impressed and in complete awe over his persona... and his splendor seemed to increase even more immediately after he spoke!

By appearance I would never have guessed it was the archangel because the being I saw did not resemble anything like the traditional images of St. Michael we're used to seeing with armor, a sword, wings (curiously, I didn't see any), and dark wavy hair, etc.  It made me even more intrigued.

I'll end the dream narrative here... but, personally, I have a sense of what all the imagery was intended to convey - it was a challenge - a battlecry - directed at the enemies of God, as well as, a foreshadowing of a dramatic escalation of the ongoing spiritual war between Good and Evil, which I'll leave to the reader to discern, or to dismiss.  Either way, it doesn't matter to me what others think.  I've already decided on my response to all of this - whatever happens, I stand with St. Michael.

... so fast forward to today.  I'm still quite taken by this entire experience and had to put something down on paper because I don't want to forget it.  The drawing below is the result of a 7 hour effort to record, as close as possible, what I recall... although, honestly, it doesn't do any justice to the real deal.  But how can one ever put on paper a creature made of light?  Anyway, for obvious reasons, I chose to title this latest artwork of mine, "Who Is Like God".

Dream, vision, or mere imagination, something in me has changed concerning St. Michael.  I feel as though I caught a small glimpse of the magnitude of his role as leader of the Heavenly Army.  As I stated earlier - this archangel has power - undescribable POWER - and, we, the People of God, should feel assured and happy that we have him and all the other Holy Angels fighting on OUR side against diabolic forces seen and unseen.  They/We will win one day.

Lastly, here's a passage from Scripture that came to my attention, and it's surprisingly accurate.  Are we living in this "time"?

"At that time there shall arise Michael,

the great prince, guardian of your people;

it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress

since the nation began until that time.  At

that time your people shall escape, everyone

who is found written in the book.  Many of

those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall

awake; some to everlasting life, others to

reproach and everlasting disgrace.  But

those with insight shall shine brightly like

the splendor of the firmament, and those

who lead the many to justice shall be

like the stars forever."

- Daniel 12:1-3

So now, when I pray the St. Michael Prayer each day, I do so with a newfound devotion and respect for St. Michael; deeply personal.  He rightfully deserves the veneration and respect the Church has shown him for centuries.  St. Michael, pray for us!

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in

the day of battle.  Be our safeguard against the

wickedness and snares of the devil and, do

thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the

power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the

evil spirits who prowl through the world

seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.

+ UPDATE: AUGUST 2021 +

In response to this dream and a prior manifestation from St. Michael, this ministry has established a prayer group under his patronage - the Cohort of St. Michael the Archangel - with the specific purpose of combating evil in this world.  For more information concerning the new group, click/tap here.

+ UPDATE: OCTOBER 2024 +

On October 16, 2024, this author had the joy of personally visiting the Shrine of St. Michael's Sacred Grotto on Monte Gargano during a group pilgrimage.  It was an unforgettable and meaningful experience to be in this hallowed place and to thank St. Michael for his many personal favors obtained.  If one is ever in that part of Italy, Monte Gargano is a must-see!

Stand with St. Michael!

Spiritual Warfare and the Occult

"For we wrestle not against flesh

and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of the

darkness of this world, against spiritual

wickedness in high [places]."

~ Ephesians 6:12

A couple of days ago, I was dragged into a situation that really troubled me.  It had to do with the occult, which I know from a traumatic personal experience, is extremely dangerous.  I can't emphasize that fact enough.  I wasn't bothered by the people involved, but really, it was the situation they were in that had me concerned and frustrated after having gone through what I did.  I felt the need to write about it; to again warn others about the importance of staying clear of anything remotely associated with occultism because its influence has gained increased mainstream acceptance throughout the years... and most people, including many Catholics, are largely uninformed about the truth of it.

So backing up a little bit... a friend called me on Friday to refer a coworker of hers who was in need of guidance and prayers because of an unusual problem - the woman had a sister who was suddenly exhibiting strange behavior and their family feared that she had been "hexed".  I was further informed the supposed victim - "Thea" - was normally a bright and healthy person but after she had fallen in with a certain man, and had tried to leave him, she started falling into trance-like states and behaving in a manner uncharacteristic of herself.  The family later heard news that the man's family was rumored to practice "black magic" so, more so, they feared Thea is under a malicious spell of some sort.

Fr. Gabriele's best-selling book

After hearing the story from my friend and meeting her coworker in person, my immediate advice for the coworker was to consult a priest if her family truly believed there was something sinister going on.  The situation was clearly beyond my capability to directly help... but I also felt for the woman because I saw fear and worry in her eyes.  So we prayed together and I provided Holy Face Medals, St. Michael Prayer Cards, and strongly recommended for her and the rest of their family to go to Confession, attend Mass regularly, and to pray the Holy Rosary for Thea, just in case the devil really was involved with her sister's case (please pray for this family).

Although I was somewhat on the fence with the entire matter, I knew from experience and from books I've read, that the situation with Thea was not entirely improbable.  Renowned Exorcists, such as Fr. Gabriele Amorth, have written extensively about the reality of the phenomena of curses... as well as the demons that work behind the scenes to apply them.  Sadly, the world in general, doesn't seem to take the devil all too seriously; it almost seems like a big joke now days to believe in his existence but we need to be consciously aware of him.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your

adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,

walketh about, seeking whom he

may devour."

 ~ 1 Peter 5:8

In fact, I just finished reading another enlightening book, which I highly recommend to all who are interested in learning more about spiritual warfare.  The book is called "A Message of Hope, Confessions of an Ex-Satanist: How to Protect Yourself from Evil" by Deborah Lipsky.  I've read several books about the same topic, but what made this book different was that it was written from the point of view of a lapsed-Catholic who lived and practiced an extreme form of occultism, before a powerful conversion experience led her back to a fervent observance of the Catholic Faith.  In her book, the author detailed some of her alleged personal experiences with demonic entities and shared some valuable insights on how to recognize and combat the forces of evil that invisibly lurk around us.  She likened demons to "sharks", which really struck a chord in me given that I live on an island surrounded by waters teeming with tiger sharks!

Great book, highly recommended!

The bottom line is... the practice of anything involving occultism is perilous for the soul, including such seemingly harmless pursuits as ghost hunting, fortune telling/psychic readings, new age beliefs, and superstition.  Lipsky wrote that there's no quicker way for demons to gain entrance into our lives than through occultism of every sort.

To protect ourselves from attacks or oppression from evil forces, Catholic experts on spiritual warfare are unanimous in their advice - turn to Jesus Christ, sincerely and wholeheartedly; frequently receive the Eucharist and go to Confession regularly; seek the aid of the Blessed Virgin, the Holy Angels and Saints; and devoutly make use of Sacramentals (blessed medals, holy images, and relics)**.  Being especially dedicated to Our Lady and the Saints, I totally agree... and I enjoyed the parts in Lipsky's book in which she wrote of the Virgin Mary's powerful intercession against evil; she surmised the devil is so enraged with Mary's humility and exalted role in salvation history, that he is waging an ongoing personal "war" against her.  Mary, on her part, was gifted by God to us as a special helper in our faith-life... and she is more than eager to help those who have recourse to her.  It's a very reassuring and comforting thought.

"Put on the whole armor of God,

that ye may  be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil."

~ Ephesians 6:11

I close this post by sharing a curious photo (see bottom) that I rediscovered in my computer files.  In it, I may have visibly captured a glimpse into the ongoing enmity between the devil and the holy Mother of Christ.  The photo was taken when my Rosa Mystica pilgrim statue and my ministry's relic of the Blessed Mother's veil stayed with a friend whose family was plagued by unexplained shadows moving about in their home; I actually saw a few of these dark figures, myself, in their house and immediately knew they were unclean spirits.  I also had a strong sense the occult was involved, and sure enough, I learned that my friend's mother was regularly consulting with a relative who was supposedly a medium and psychic reader.  Anyhow, in the photo one can see two faint shadow-images on each side of the statue, which were not visible when I snapped the picture... and the scary thing is - they resemble common depictions of demons, complete with horns and pointed chins (compare the figures with the sketch at the bottom-right)!  How bizarre, right?

Skeptics will argue that the images are just a coincidental play of lights and shadows with the statue and its halo, and that could be the case... but personally, I believe there's more to it than mere chance.  Given the circumstances with the eerie sightings in the home, it was just too uncanny that the shadows were in the form of demons.  For me, and for friends who viewed the picture, we all agreed I had inadvertently confirmed the presence of diabolic spirits in the home... and judging by the photo, the demonic entities were angrily opposed to Our Lady's holy presence in the house (via the blessed statue), seeing how they looked up at her image in a defiant and confrontational manner. In contrast, the statue's lovely face appears majestically calm as it prayerfully gazes towards Heaven.  The entire scene reminds me of the prophecy found at the very beginning of the Holy Bible:

"I will put enmity between thee

and the woman, and thy seed and her

seed: she shall crush thy head, and

thou shalt lie in wait for her heel."

~ Genesis 3:15

(Douay Rheims translation)

The situation in my friend's home was clearly and directly triggered by his mother's dabbling with the occult... and for me, the above photo is just another affirmation of the spiritual warfare going on between good and evil; light versus dark. So if you take away anything after reading this blog, please take some friendly advice and do not put yourself in a situation where you'll be actively engaging hate-filled demons and entities - stay clear of the occult and other esoteric practices.

The Bible and the Church both continue to teach us that Jesus Christ is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He will be victorious in the end... so we, as Christians, can find Hope, Strength, and Joy in knowing that.  Amen.

Exorcism Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael, the Archangel,

defend us in the day of 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 all the other evil

spirits who prowl throughout the world

seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.

**NOTICE: To download a free informational pamphlet on Sacramentals, click here.

UPDATE, 1/1/2020:

For those interested in learning more about spiritual warfare, I highly recommend viewing talks given by Fr. Chad Ripperger available on YouTube (very enlightening!). Fr. Ripperger is an experienced exorcist and an expert speaker on this topic.  Click here to view one of his talks.