I came across an old book yesterday afternoon and read it last night, cover to cover. A quick search on the net this afternoon pulled up a link that contains the entire text.

Read it here...

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), November 24, 2002

Answers

'summoned' to the top... =)

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), November 24, 2002.

Based on a bit of questioning in another thread, perhaps I should say exactly why I posted this link in the first place.

First of all, I don't think kids should read this, and secondly, if someone is bothered by it, I don't think they should continue reading it either. What are learned or re-inforced by reading the above account of an excorcism are these facts:

1. The demonic entities are real, active and dangerous, and not the stuff of myth.

2. That the entities are highly subject to a truth concerning the power vested in apostolic succession and magisterial authority.

3. The absolute necessity of the participation of the Church Militant in prayer and sacrifice to overcome evil.

4. The absolute relevance of blessed objects and relics as more than mere signs or empty customs.

5. The affirmation of the True Presence in the Eucharist, its power and purpose.

6. The importance of confident humility.

7. The active participation of the Saints in the affairs of the Church Militant (in this case St. Therese of the Little Flower)

8. The general importance of being theologically precise and accurate.

9. The efforts of the enemy to destroy charity.

Plus much more. But it is difficult to read... even though we know these things to be true intellectually by Faith, the emotional element is often missing as we are mostly accustomed to a deadening of the senses in these regards. It is easy to forget the gravity of our situation and the real war which takes place around our heads and the awesome, priceless things which are at stake.

Perhaps it isn't wise to read it, for some people. For others, maybe it will help them understand Catholicism in a different light, as upon finishing it it seems to me one can only conclude one of two things... that is, either the Catholic Faith is the one true Faith, or this story and others like it are a complete fabrication. Sola Scriptura becomes a matter of complete irrelavance. There seems to be very little middle ground possible.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), November 27, 2002.

Sorry to drag this down to the lowest common denominator(my level) but this stuff gets my imagination going... spirits and demons, holy water and Priests. Its like proof God exists which I shouldnt need but find fascinating to read about such battles bewteen good vs evil. I presume thats what its all about :) Look forward to it.

-- Kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), November 27, 2002.

That's kind of the whole point, really. For whatever reason, because of our damaged intellects, sometimes we have to see something to believe it, even though that's really back asswards from the way we should function according to design.

A bunch of engineers get together at GM and design a car with their computers and calculators and whatnot, but still they feel compelled to crash one up against a brick wall in a laboratory just to see if they were right. lol! There's our damaged intellects, holding the "more known to us" as being more powerful an argument, even though its not, than the "more known to nature"; the doubting Thomas.

Well, if Chris doesn't think this is any good a thread to have, he can take it down and I won't at all hold it against him. Caution with this stuff though...

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), November 27, 2002.

Dear Emerald, Kiwi, et al,
I've cut a snip to paste up here from this story:

- - - -Satan often used the crisp Latin expression: "Non ad rem!" Which means, "not to the point," "that has nothing to do with this affair."

At one time Satan became rather talkative about the Antichrist.-- Remember the time he had so triumphantly referred to the Mexican situation, when he said that he would stir up a fine mess for Him (Jesus) and His Church, far more detrimental than hitherto. When asked whether he meant that the furious rage of the Antichrist would be directed against the Church of God, he asserted that that was self-evident and insolently continued: "Yes, Satan is already abroad, and the Antichrist is already born in Palestine. (On another occasion he also mentioned America.) But he is still young. He must first grow up incognito before his power can become known."

Underscored emphasis is mine. --Let me say something for benefit of anyone who may become alarmed-- or excited by these ''revelations''.

A characteristic very well-known to exorcists is this: never expect a devil to speak the truth to you. Almost everything he will say, even when forced to speak, will turn out to be a lie. Even when he's commanded to tell the truth, in Jesus Christ's name, etc., the demon will include something false in the words. He is above all a liar. So, don't take all these references to the Anti-Christ at face value; whether or not he's already born, and other phenomenal information. The devil wants more than anything to spread confusion among Christ's faithful. He is the father of lies; never believe what he says, not to exorcists, nor to anyone. It will turn out to be false. Leave the future to God, we have plenty to do for the day at hand.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), November 27, 2002.

"But the faithful need not fear, for all the powers of heaven with its countless angels will be fighting on their side."

Dear Em, being a Catholic is not for wimps,huh? I agree with the points you expressed that we can learn from. It encourages us to keep fit on all levels, spiritual, psychological and physical. I was touched by the 'outer circle' of intercessors, in this case the nuns, who served an important role of upholding the exhorcist in prayer.

The glory of the Church, with Her treasury of weapons for our welfare is enormous. The participation of our Lady and the saints and angels is encouraging,relics, and Blessed Sacrament, we need not fear the devils pomps with this armor. If anything, accounts such as this encourage us to pray always and not lose heart. We know,of course, how the story ends, we've read the end of the Book! I think I'll go to confession now...

-- Theresa Huether (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), November 27, 2002.

You two are so right; thanks for your comments and I am with you all the way.

I still wonder if I should have posted it or not... =)

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), November 27, 2002.

Emerald:
Yes; it's a fine contribution. It tells anyone who comes here exactly who makes demons afraid: the Catholic Church's priests and faithful. I'm sure even some skeptics realise; if it's diabolical possession in fact, look to the Catholic priest for help. Not the TV evangelist dressed in a $750 suit. The devil would have fun abusing that one! (No offense intended; just the facts!)

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), November 27, 2002.

I forgot Mary in the list.

"The intercession, "Mary, the Immaculate Conception," caused him fearful agony. When he was addressed, "I command you in the name of the Immaculate Conception, in the name of her who crushed the head of the serpent," he wilted and languished."

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), November 27, 2002.