Do Not Miss this! Catholic Apologist in Mumbai

If you’ve been questioned by people about WHY you believe the things you do & didn’t quite know the answers, then come get clarity ala Steve Ray.

Full day workshop (9.30am - 5pm) 30th, 31st Jan & 1st Feb 10 (cost Rs. 150/- all incl. for 3 days)

Evening talks at St. Peter’s Bandra (post evening Mass, around 7.15pm) - 29th, 30th, 31st Jan 10 (free)

I’ll be attending the workshop & I really urge all of you in Mumbai who can make it to come.

Email me: melody(at)glorify-god.com (or use the contact form) for more details.

A Catholic Answer to Paranormal Questions

Do Catholics believe in the Paranormal?

The answer to this is emphatically: That depends.

The absolute core of our Faith as Catholics is the Supernatural.

God, as the creator of all things, is supernatural. He is “above” or “outside” of our created nature. When man was first put on earth, he was endowed with gifts that were beyond everything else in creation, even the angels. These gifts allowed him to partake in the perfection that was “natural” to God alone. His purpose and his destiny were divine.

God also made the angels, perfect creatures of pure spirit with infinite wisdom and an unending vision of their creator. We know that a number of them rebelled and were subsequently and permanently exiled from the presence of God. We know that God’s creation of the angels predates His creation of man, because it was a fallen angel who contributed to the fall of man. We know that angels have a hierarchy and are messengers, guards, guides, and attendants at the throne of God. We know the names of only three. (Everything else we may speak to about angels, and demons, though worthy, is purely theological speculation.)

Besides the supernatural gifts that enabled man, a purely rational creature by his nature, to participate in a God-like life, there were also “preternatural” gifts. These gifts elevated man to the highest “natural” perfection, beyond his very nature and equal to the created angels. From the Catholic Dictionary: “God exempted man from the inherent weakness of his nature … He made man immortal, impassible, free from concupiscence and ignorance, sinless, and lord of the earth.”

When man fell, he lost both the supernatural and preternatural gifts. Through the merits of a redeeming Christ though, and ONLY through the merits of a redeeming Christ, He has restored to man the supernatural gifts which we call grace, both sanctifying and actual, that will allow him to participate again in the inner life of the Blessed Trinity for which he was ultimately created. If he so chooses.

Now, how does any of this answer the question, “Do Catholics Believe in the Paranormal?”

Webster’s defines Paranormal as “not scientifically explainable” and “not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomena.”

How much of the preceding is “explainable” or “understandable in terms of known scientific laws?” In this sense, a Catholic’s belief in the “paranormal” is essential. The stakes of his eternal life are set completely outside of the boundaries of “known scientific laws.” So: CAN we, as Catholics, believe in the paranormal?”

When it comes to the readily accepted examples of paranormal topics, the answer to this becomes fuzzy. Ghosts, UFO’s, Reincarnation, NDE’s, Bigfoot, ESP, Astrology, Tarot, Channeling, Astral Travel, Transcendental Meditation, Visions, Prophecies, Miraculous Cures, Charms, Curses, Crystals, Enneagrams, Labyrinths, etc. Most paranormal topics reach into the occult. The list goes on and on. Yes with caveats to a few, maybe to some, a definite no to others.

But how can the Church dictate what interests a person may or may not pursue? How can an interest in the paranormal hinder salvation?

Let’s focus first on things spiritual. Here’s what the Catechism has to say on just a few topics:

CCC2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to “unveil” the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

CCC2117 All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service and have a supernatural power over others - even if this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another’s credulity.

“Rejected.” “Gravely Contrary.” “Condemned.” “Reprehensible.”

There’s no room for misinterpretations. They mean what they say. You can’t compare these things to bird-watching. A curiosity is one thing. A belief is another. And an obsession is quite something else. Without care, one easily leads to the next.

The Council of Trent, Rule #9 regarding Prohibited Books, states:

All books and writings dealing with geomancy, hydromancy, aeromancy, pyromancy, oneiromancy, chiromancy, necromancy, or with sortilege, mixing of poisons, augury, auspices, sorcery, magic arts, are absolutely repudiated. The bishops shall diligently see to it that books, treatises, catalogues determining destiny by astrology, which in the matter of future events, consequences, or fortuitous occurrences, or of actions that depend on the human will, attempt to affirm something as certain to take place, are not read or possessed.

(Sortilege and all of the “-ancy’s” listed are forms of divination.)

Pope John Paul II reminded us more gently in his Angelus of September 6th, 1998: “If we want to give good direction to our life, we must learn to discern its plan, by reading the mysterious “road signs” God puts in our daily history. For this purpose neither horoscopes nor fortune-telling is useful. What is needed is prayer, authentic prayer, which should always accompany a life decision made in conformity with God’s law.”

None of this means that future events CAN’T be foretold, though. Saint John of the Cross, a Doctor of the Church, writes about this in Ascent of Mount Carmel: ” … although visions and locutions which come from God are true, and in themselves are always certain, they are not always so with respect to ourselves. One reason is the defective way in which we understand them; and the other, the variety of their causes. In the first place, it is clear that they are not always as they seem, nor do they turn out as they appear to our manner of thinking. The reason for this is that, since God is vast and boundless, He is wont, in His prophecies, locutions and revelations, to employ ways, concepts and methods of seeing things which differ greatly from such purpose and method as can normally be understood by ourselves; and these are the truer and the more certain the less they seem so to us. This we constantly see in the Scriptures. To many of the ancients many prophecies and locutions of God came not to pass as they expected, because they understood them after their own manner, in the wrong way, and quite literally.”

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, one of the most prolific of Catholic visionaries, also made it clear that her prophecies meant nothing outside of what the Church taught: “In spiritual things, I never believe anything except what was revealed by God and proposed for my belief by the Catholic Church. What I saw in visions I never believed in this way.”

Even if a paranormal topic is deemed possible, or believable, or even credible, it doesn’t necessarily follow that a Catholic should devote any time or attention to it. (See Saul’s recourse to the witch of Endor.) Some things are harmless, but others are lethal; lethal not necessarily to your body, but to your soul. And the care of your soul of course falls under the domain of the loving Church. The Church is here to save souls, to ensure that every single one of God’s supernaturally adopted children attains the divine life. It’s mission number one – to make us saints.

It is incumbent upon every Catholic to heed the warnings of the Church and trust in Her wisdom - wisdom that speaks from divine revelation and two thousand years of careful thought. Obedience to Church authority on all matters spiritual is one of the virtues of heroic degree shared by every single saint in heaven. Yet, this obedience is not easy. As Father John Hardin writes: “It is so easy, relatively speaking, to practice obedience towards God as God because we realize after all God is Master of the universe; He is Master of me, what else can I do except obey. The trouble with obedience for most of us is when the one whom we are to obey is a very human, human being and we’re to believe that that terribly human being has the authority from God to either order me or at least direct me, when I may know perfectly well that my way is better.”

This is where it gets to the heart of the matter. With each topic, a Catholic is obliged to look at it in light of their Faith. Is it contrary to Church teaching to believe in it? To practice it? To promote it? And even if the answer to these questions is no, one must still ask one more basic question: Does it point man TO God or AWAY from Him?

Scripture is filled with warnings:

“Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

“Now the Spirit manifestly saith, that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error, and doctrines of devils” (1 Tim 4:1)

“For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.” (2 Tim 4:3-5)

Finally, the Catechism succinctly sums up the Catholic view regarding otherworldly knowledge:

CCC2115 God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it …

Catechisms, Councils, Popes, Saints, and Scripture all are in line on this and what they are unambiguously stating is: Leave it alone.

Our surety lies in the Sacraments and in prayer. Be humble, if God wants you to know the future or He truly has a message He desires to get out, have faith, He WILL take care of it.

Upcoming Retreats

I believe retreats are like “honeymoons” or holidays with Jesus. True, He is with us every moment of the day always, but at retreats it’s like we’ve taken time out from everything else, only to focus on Him and spend time building our relationship with Him, just as we’d perhaps do with our spouse / family.

Upcoming Retreats in Mumbai, India:

Couples Retreat coming up from 22nd to 25th October 2009 at the St. Pius X Goregaon Seminary. This could also be attended by those couples who would like to make their marriages better.

Emmaus Encounter Retreat from 12th November (9 a.m.) to 15th November 2009 (4 p.m.) at Vinayalaya and the charges for this Retreat are Rs.650/-.

The Emmaus Retreat is an “Initiation” retreat - which simply means it’s for beginners who haven’t done any other retreat. I strongly urge all those of you who have “always meant to go”, have been “thinking about it”, “feel like it but don’t have the time” etc etc - to make a FIRM resolution to make one of these retreats (or one in a place near you).

These are testimonies of some who attended the Emmaus retreat early this month.

This is my first Emmaus Retreat. Being in the Renewal, a sense of righteousness had crept in. The talks on the various aspects of sin and the 10 commandments shocked me. It opened my eyes to what a big sinner I was, probably the biggest in the Retreat. In spite of that, I had a tremendous experience of Gods perfect love. In fact when were shown the movie Pamelas Prayer, I could not stop my tears as the father in the movie reminded me of my ABBA FATHER and HIS Perfect and Endless Love for me. (Oswin)

In this Retreat the Lord helped me to deal with areas that I was struggling with and that is anger, pride and self-centredness. Specially during the Inner Healing session, I could ask forgiveness from my dad whom I had hurt and did not get a chance to say sorry since he is no more. The guilt always remained in me. But after the session, I felt at peace since I sensed the Lord guiding me to ask forgiveness. (Carol)

During the Infilling of the Holy Spirit, I could see the Lord Almightys face smiling at me and looking at me with complete love, asking me to surrender my life to Him. He would be in charge of my life and I could experience the love of God flowing in me just as a mother taking care of her baby, wanting to hug and kiss me. I was filled with a deep sense of joy and peace that no human could ever give me. I praise the Lord for all that He has given me and I thank God for His beautiful presence in my life. Alleluia, Praise the Lord, thank You Jesus. (Anitha)

On the day of the Reconciliation and Inner Healing, I felt my heavy burden was carried by Jesus and then felt very light. Then at the time of surrender, I surrendered my chronic habits of alcohol and smoking. (Freddy)

I deeply felt the love of Jesus for me. I realized why all my prayers to the Lord were not answered; yet again I understood why I should not discontinue praying. I also learnt how to praise God and pray to Him more meaningfully. After the Inner Healing session, I felt tremendous lightness and relief from within. The talks by the various preachers made a great impact on me. (Harold)

I had come to the Retreat with a troubled mind and heart. Illness had prevented me from going back to work for several months, but now after the Inner Healing and Infilling of the Holy Spirit, I feel very relaxed and peaceful. (Noel)

From the four retreats that I have attended, this one was the best because of the Inner Healing, and Infilling sessions. I was able to forgive everyone and I cried out to God. I felt very light and can already experience the change in me. (Keith)

When I came for the Retreat I was having a terrible toothache, eye pain and headache. But during the Infilling session, it was an amazing experience. Each and every second was cherishing. I was feeling like I was in another world. It made me feel so light and I had forgotten all my pain and at that very moment the Lord took away all my pain. When God is for us, who can be against us? (Savio)

5 Reasons to Read the Word by Pope John Paul II

(01) From the Word of Jesus, we learn, first & foremost, the very nature of God, who is Life, Light, Love, Trinity.

No philosopher or theologian can penetrate the essence of God, only Jesus, the Word Incarnate can reveal and guarantee the fundamental truth. And because of this we are certain there is a relationship of love between God the Creator and man; every human being is an eternal heartbeat of God’s love.

(02) From the Word of Jesus, we know our eternal destiny, only Jesus, with His divine word can assure us absolutely concerning the immortality of the soul and the final resurrection of the body, as a result of which it is worthwhile being born, living and projecting our existence beyond time towards endless happiness.

(03) From the Word of Jesus, we learn furthermore, where the true dignity of man lies; namely in participation in divine life itself by means of Grace. “If a man loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to Him and make our home with Him” (John 14:23). True joy, real greatness and supreme dignity are found only in the life of grace.

(04) From the Word of Jesus, we learn how we must behave, because He reveals to us that the will of God is expressed in the moral law and in the supreme commandment of mutual charity. The will of God in fact, is the absolute determinant between good and evil, the guideline for correct behavior and for true pedagogy.

(05) Finally, from the Word of Jesus, we know His presences always current and alive in time and in history by means of the Church willed and founded by Jesus, which gives us certainty about truths to believe and to practice and offers us the Eucharist, a mystery of faith and at the same time a supreme manifestation of love

[These five reasons for reading the Bible were stated by Pope John Paul II on July 24, 1980.]

Vatican tells bishop to recant views on Holocaust

By Michael Paulson
Globe Staff / February 5, 2009

The Vatican, facing the biggest controversy to confront the papacy of Benedict XVI, yesterday called on a bishop who has denied the extent of the Holocaust to recant his views.

The statement follows an extraordinary global firestorm over Benedict’s recent decision to lift the excommunication of Bishop Richard Williamson, who has said he believes only 200,000 to 300,000 Jews were killed in concentration camps, none of them in gas chambers, during World War II. Williamson is among four traditionalist bishops, leaders of a right-wing, anti-modernist, schismatic Catholic movement called the Society of St. Pius X, who had been excommunicated in 1988 because they were ordained without papal sanction, and whose excommunications were lifted by Benedict last month.

(Bishop Richard Williamson)
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Modern Christian Martyrdom

Samuel Masih was a simple street cleaner. One day, while cleaning a garden in Lahore, the twenty-seven-year-old Pakistani Catholic was accused of deliberately piling garbage against the wall of a mosque. He was arrested and thrown in jail, where he was repeatedly tortured for his faith. While being treated for tuberculosis, which he contracted in prison, a police constable decided to earn a place in Janna’ (Paradise) by killing him with a brick-cutting hammer.

Thousands of miles away, on a beautiful mid-August day, thirty-two-year-old Fr. Jesus Adrian Sanchez was giving religious instruction at a school in the rural area of Chaparral (Tolima), Colombia. An armed man burst into the classroom, ordered him outside, and shot him dead.

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Muslim Convert Founds Pro-Life Political Party in Europe

At the Easter Vigil in Rome in 2008 Magdi Allam, the popular Italian journalist and former Muslim, received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation through the priestly ministry of Pope Benedict XVI. He also took a new name,”Cristiano”.

Speaking of his encounter with Jesus Christ and entry into the Catholic Church, Magdi Allam wrote: “I converted to the Catholic Christian religion, renouncing my previous Islamic faith. Thus, I finally saw the light, by divine grace. On my first Easter as a Christian I not only discovered Jesus, I discovered for the first time the face of the true and only God, who is the God of faith and reason.”

Magdi Allam chooses to be very public about this encounter with the true and only God.He does this knowing full well that he is placing his life at risk. He has received numerous death threats since his Baptism into Christ. His Christian courage in the face of such opposition should challenge all of us who bear the name Christian. He honored Pope Benedict XVI for inspiring this bold witness when after his reception into Christ and His Church he wrote of : “…the courageous and historical gesture of the Pope, who, as soon has he knew of my desire, immediately agreed to personally impart the Christian sacraments of initiation to me.

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“I, the Convert” by Anand Mahadevan

Even as India continues to face communal disharmony, Anand Mahadevan, the editor of Outlook Business, speaks boldly and honestly about his conversion to Christianity.

I was born a Brahmin and am the grandson of a priest whom I dearly loved. I am educated and my current professional standing indicates that I am reasonably intelligent. I am also affluent and my income would put me distinctly in the upper middle class bracket. I guess that would make me high-caste, rich and smart. In other words, I am not a tribal, or poor or dim-witted. And yet, I chose to become a follower of Jesus Christ.

The world would call me a convert to Christianity. I have no problems with that, though I see my faith more as a relationship with God through Jesus Christ than as a religion. And for the record, I can truthfully claim that no one financially induced or threatened or deceived me into converting to Christianity.

I am fiercely proud of my national identity as an Indian and I am completely at peace with my cultural identity as a Hindu. I retain the name my parents gave me. My wife, who also shares my faith, continues to go by her Hindu name. We have two children and we have given both distinctly Hindu names. In fact, many of my colleagues and acquaintances who may happen to read this column are likely to be surprised. They have no inkling about my faith, for I generally don’t go about announcing it. But if someone does ask me the reason behind the joy and hope that is everpresent in my life, I am always delighted to share it with them.

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Miracle at Tabor Divine Retreat Ashram

Eucharistic Miracle at Tabor Ashram (Mumbai, India): Drops of Water and Blood during the Holy Eucharist
(Monday, 27th August, 2007)

1 John 5:6

“This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ.
He did not come by water only, but by water and blood.
And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth”

About the Miracle

On 27th August 2007 in the presence of around 60 retreatants (of a special English Growth Retreat) when Fr. Joby was con-celebrating Mass along with Fr. Anto (who himself was a retreatant), during the Epiclesis [that part of the prayer of consecration of the Eucharistic elements (bread and wine) by which the priest invokes the Holy Spirit] when Fr Joby invoked the the Holy Spirit, he noticed many drops of water and blood on the altar cloth. He immediately announced to the congregation that Jesus was pouring out His Blood and Water and continued with the Holy Mass.

Later he testified that the wine had changed to Blood and that when had sipped it at communion it smelt like blood and it was not flowing as easily as wine should normally flow. After sipping he found it sticky in his mouth, a sensation which lasted for quite sometime. Fr Anto too testified of the same.

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