Lol it's Advent season but I opened the book on Exorcism for this writing challenge. Why not when I still haven't written a review of this book. If you check the pic though some parts really reads like a novel. 😁

For Hive PH community's contest, I will share with you what is in this chapter. I don't remember much on the details anymore so let me reread it first. Haha. * After some time... *

Ok lezgooo!

^{Chapter 11 of the book EXORCISM: Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult by Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, chief exorcist priest of the Archdiocese of Manila}

In the beginning...

In this chapter, Fr. Syquia talks about his experience during one exorcism and then without even enough rest, it's time for the next. That's the narrative part that reads like a novel. The rest are Catholic teachings like the following.

The Sacramentals

He then shares about what sacramentals are for in the Catholic Church. Nope they're not talismans or amulets, and no they aren't magic items. 😆 Sacramentals are "potent sources and instruments of grace," according to the exorcist.

^{Saint relics I took a picture of during the Lenten Pilgrimages I went on around Lent this year. | Left: St. Mary Magdalene, Right: St. Augustine of Hippo}

As we saw from the chapter title, these items are offensive weapons against demonic forces, especially during exorcisms. There are many kinds to use and of course even lay people can own some. For example, holy water and relics of the saints "may be used by an ordinary Catholic as instruments of blessing and protection," says the priest. Awesome right?

But the best part is... get this!

... one of the best defenses (against demons) is the Holy Spirit in the soul of a Christian, or what we call sanctifying grace.

And he goes on further saying,

... grace in the soul of the person causes the devil extreme pain and anguish. This is why in the stories of the lives of saints, demons flee when they approach.

Isn't that something huh? We have a defensive armor that many people don't even take advantage of!!! Ah what a great chapter to read, right?

Curious? Well, you can learn more about grace in this 8-minute video.

Protection from Kulam (Curse)

In the next paragraphs he talks about protection from what he calls extraordinary demonic harassment. "What's that?" you might ask. Well if you've ever done witchcraft or magick spells or gone to witchdoctors (locally called mangkukulam or albularyo) to curse your enemy then that's it.

He shares a story of a friend who got a death curse but guess who died after one month? The person who went to the witchdoctor and paid for the curse to be done! Why? Well of course because his friend was "fully protected since she is a person who is close to the Lord." And she's even active in a certain Catholic community.

The priest then relates cases of those who were hurt by curses and spells due to their being far from God and His protection.

Devotion to Mama Mary, the Saints and the Angels

In spiritual warfare, we are reminded by Fr. Syquia to have a devotion to the mother of Jesus Christ plus the saints and angels too. Why? Because demons are afraid of Mama Mary. He then shares what the canonized people of the Catholic Church said.

👉 St. Alphonsus Liguori and St. Bridget of Sweden

According to St. Alphonsus, St. Bridget was told by Mama Mary that even the most sinful person (and if they are also fully possessed) will be left alone by demons if people call upon her powerful name as long as the person is truly bent on amending their lives. And of course a warning too: "...the Blessed Lady added that if the soul does not amend its life and obliterate its sins by sorrow, the devils almost immediately return and continue to possess it."

👉 St. Jean Marie Vianney

According to this saint, we should often invoke our guardian angels for they accompany us everywhere always, day and night.

^source

👉 St. Maria Faustina Kowalska

In the Diary of St. Faustina (entry 418 to 419) we can read the story of how she was walking when suddenly a multitude of demons blocked her way. All were very angry at her and threatened her because she ruined everything they worked for in so many years. Thus she had to ask the help of her guardian angel. Upon the appearance of her angel the evil spirits disappeared immediately.

👉 Mama Mary

The priest shares this from the exorcism of Anna Maria Wirtenbergin:

^source

Conclusion

Here comes the story of the next exorcism Fr. Jocis and his team would experience. Exorcising a little girl really tired them all out but in the end, with prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the session ended. Eventually Jesus freed the child completely from the evil that possessed her.

Why was the kid possessed? Because her family "had contact with the occult" at one point in their lives. But upon realization of the parents of the sinfulness they did, "they firmly renounced and confessed this." At the height of such a family crisis, they introduced Jesus to the girl "in a personal way." They would also bless their daughter every night with holy water. The love of the parents was an integral part in her deliverance, says the exorcist.

^{An image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus | source}

Chapter Review

Well, since I have talked about just one chapter from the book all I can say is, it's awesome! Right? Especially if you don't know about these things, you'll be blown away!

Most people are into the occult and New Age stuff when the Catholic Church actually has supernatural stuff most people are ignorant of. 😆 Yeah that's how demons work, make people stupid but make us think we're the smartest in the world. 😂 Thank You Lord for my freedom from being blind and deaf to You.

I truly suggest that you order this book now! 😂 Everything in it is essential to know in this time and age. Just look at the content of one chapter, already jampacked with details right? What more if you read the entire book?

If you're from the Philippines I can sell you mine or you can even buy a new one from me, whichever you prefer. 😁

Check out the golden page edges! Hahaha. I love it! 😍 So shinyyyy. Bought mine less than 3 yrs ago. I can sell it at a lower price since it already has noticeable brown spots inside.

Anyway, what do you think of the chapter content? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

XOXO,
@artgirl