On Halloween, Paranormal & the Occult

We are celebrating once again the Feast of All Saints and All Souls in our liturgical calendar - members of the Church Triumphant and the Church Suffering, who along with all the faithful on earth (the Church Militant), comprise the Mystical Body of Christ. It's also that time of the year when we troop to the cemeteries to pray (hopefully) for our dearly departed loved ones. Unfortunately, this is also an occasion for many of us to attend Halloween parties, go trick or treating, ghost haunting, dressing up as ghouls and goblins to scare other people and all sorts of foolish activities that betray the true meaning of this solemn occasion. Maybe it's about time to grow up and let go of all these pagan practices and beliefs, shall we?

About a month ago, we were fortunate to have Fr. Jeffrey Quintela, exorcist priest of the Diocese of Antipolo, deliver a talk on spiritual warfare. In that talk, he shared the 5 R's of Spiritual Healing & Liberation and I want to share with you those insights that will help us to become better equipped in fighting the good fight and growing our faith as true Catholic Christians.

1. RENUNCIATION

Nowadays, numerous occult and new age practices have become 'mainstream' practice and are unknowingly accepted and practiced by many of us - horoscopes, astrology, feng shui, consulting fortune tellers and tarot card readers, superstitious beliefs - and we think they are okay. We must remind ourselves that these practices directly violate the First Commandment, which states that we should have no other god besides the One True God. To adore the Lord your God and worship Him alone, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, means "to adore God as the Lord of everything that exists; to render to Him the individual and community worship which is His due; to pray to him with sentiments of praise, of thanks and of supplication; to offer Him sacrifices, above all the spiritual sacrifice of one's own life, united with the perfect sacrifice of Christ; and to keep the promises and vows made to him."

Having said that, it is now clear why resorting to occult and new age practices takes away from God the honor and homage that is due Him by us seeking a different path and attempting to manipulate the unknown (i.e., occult) in order to gain some benefit from it. On a personal level, I was drawn to these practices when I was younger. I was particularly fond of feng shui and bought books on mind control. I thought then than if I could harness the 'yin' and 'yang' forces and master the principles of feng shui, then I would attract wealth and prosperity. Same principle goes with mind control. By altering and enhancing my psychic and mental powers, I can attract good fortune and everything that my heart desires. I also got drawn in reading vampire novels and Harry Potter books not knowing that these things take me farther and farther away from the practice of my Catholic faith. Right now, I'm still in the process of disposing these new age books by burning them. I cannot just throw them away or donate them somewhere because others might pick them. This is my personal way of renouncing these practices and I also invite you to examine in what way you have let yourself be involved in occult and new age practices, knowingly or unknowingly, and start renouncing them.

To give you a guide on how to go about this, I am posting here a simple step by step process on how you can begin this process of renunciation. I have personally obtained this straight from the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism. Here are the steps:

Steps in Renunciation

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any occult contacts. Take note of any activity that you have practiced. Write down ALL the activities listed below that you have deliberately or innocently, seriously or playfully believed in/participated in/been involved in/consulted or been a part of in any way.

2. In front of the Blessed Sacrament, repent for all your occult involvement and do Steps 3 to 5 below.

3. Prayerfully say, “In Jesus’ name, I renounce practicing/believing in/participating in/involvement in [name the occult sin you committed (see list below)”. Do this 3x for each occult contact, that is, each item you listed below. This must be done three times for each sin, which represents a three-fold act of reparation for the offense committed against the Most Blessed Trinity.

4. Repent fully and ask for forgiveness by praying “I repent and ask to be forgiven.”

5. Re-commit and proclaim Jesus as your only Savior and Lord praying “and, I ask You, Jesus Christ to be my only Lord and Savior.”

Comprehensive List of New Age and Occult Practices

1. Witchcraft, Sorcery, Wicca, casting spells/curses like evil eye, gayuma, barang, kulam, love potions & spells.
2. Voodoo, Santeria, Macumba (black witchcraft), Sufism and other forms of local witchcraft.
3. Consulting “albularyo”, “mangkukulam”, “mangbabarang”, “mangtatawas”, “Curaderos”, “manghihilot”, cult herbalist, cult groups.
4. Magic.
5. Developing psychic powers, opening third eye.
6. Power of the mind, science of the mind, Mind Control Programs – Silva Mind Control Program, mood-altering programs, ESP, cognition.
7. Psychic and aura readings.
8. Reading new age books such as Gnostic gospels, Bible codes, Celestine prophecy, and alternative religions.
9. Reincarnation and past life readings.
10. Superstitious beliefs and rituals.
11. Satanism, Satanic rituals, Luciferianism, Diabolism.
12. Satanic Bible or material.
13. Foretelling, fortune telling.
14. Card reading, Tarot card reading.
15. Crystal ball or crystal gazing, scrying.
16. Palm reading, palmistry, Kudlit.
17. Oracles.
18. Casting or reading of omens and/or lots, tea leaf reading, reading of animal body parts.
19. Horoscopes and astrology.
20. Feng shui, Geomancy, Cleromancy, Pyromancy, Hydromancy, Lithomancy, Ceromancy, Aeromancy, and similar rituals.
21. Numerology.
22. Enneagram.
23. Divination using rod and pendulum, water divining – for finding water, treasure, etc.
24. Automatic hand writing or spirit writing.
25. Astral travel/projection, remote viewing.
26. Trance channeling, mediumship.
27. Consulting spirit guides, familiar spirits, guardian spirits, ancestral spirits, nature spirits (like fairies, dwarves, other elementals).
28. Shamanism, espiritista.
29. Soul attachments – Ascendant Masters.
30. Seances, spiritism, necromancy (communicating or calling spirits of the dead), spirit questing, ghost hunting, spirit photography, ancestral worship.
31. Ouija Board, Spirit of the Glass/coin/paper, pendulums.
32. Oracion – magical incantations.
33. Banishing/cleansing of spirits using non-Catholic rituals and practices.
34. Animism and paganism – worship of nature.
35. Offering to Idols and other similar rituals – food offering, animal sacrifice, bloodletting, blood offering.
36. Psychic Healing, Reiki, Crystal Healing, Faith Healing, Pranic Healing, Trance Healing, Animal Magnetism or Mesmerism, Energy Healing, Traditional Healing Practices, Asian/Eastern Healing techniques and practices, Non-Scientific Healing, Alternative Medicine Practices and Techniques (not science based).
37. Pyramid power and similar types of practices.
38. Amulets & talismans – anting-anting, lucky charms.
39. Heavy metal music, death metal music, obscene, sexually explicit, violent or disturbing music.
40. Satanic PC games, demonic role playing games, games involving elementals and demons such as Dungeons and Dragons, spell craft, etc.; extremely violent or depicts sexual themes not in accord with Church teachings.
41. Secret oaths to pagan gods as part of initiation ceremony into organization, fraternities, sororities, and other organization which practice these ceremonies.
42. Pacts with Satan, ghosts, elementals, nature spirits, other deities, and pagan gods.
43. Transcendental Meditation or other Eastern Meditation techniques.
44. Esotericism.
45. Freemasonry and other secret societies and their organizations – sororities, fraternities.
46. Involvement in cults, group sex/orgies.
47. Rosicrucian, Scientology, Theosophy, Kaballah.
48. Edgar Cayce’s teachings and readings.
49. False mysticism, consulting angels, angel hosting.
50. Core energy or manipulation of energies.
51. False apparitions.
52. Syncretism – mixing beliefs of other religions.
53. Non-catholic worship, worship at pagan shrines.
54. Engaging in martial arts philosophies and teachings.

2. RENEWAL

After having renounced the abovementioned practices, we need to renew our commitment to the Lord and strive to live a life of grace. Depending on how deep is your involvement in these occult practices, some people might face struggles and challenges along the way, but it is important to always remember that everything starts with your personal decision to turn away from evil and return to God. Like the prodigal son in the Gospel, our motives for returning back to God may not be that perfect but nevertheless God will still accept us and restore us back to our dignity as his beloved sons and daughters.

Renewal of one's faith means renewing one's baptismal promises, embracing our Catholic faith, beliefs, and practices like visiting the Blessed Sacrament, praying the rosary and novenas, reading the Scripture and the lives of saints, performing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, mortifications, fasting and abstinence especially during Lent, growing in virtues, doing acts of piety, etc.

3. RECEPTION

Reception pertains to receiving the sacraments worthily, particularly the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession and the Holy Eucharist. I cannot emphasize enough how important the Sacraments are in helping us live a life of grace. The Sacraments strengthen us spiritually, giving us the means to grow in holiness and virtue. There are great guides on how to make a good confession online. Make it a point to confess at least once a month and make it always a good one. The important thing to note here is that you must not receive the Body and Blood of our Lord in the Eucharist if you are conscious of unconfessed grave sins. You must have recourse to the Sacrament of Penance FIRST before receiving Holy Communion. This does not mean though that since you are guilty of some particular grave sin and have no immediate access to the sacrament of Confession that you will omit going to Mass altogether. No! Not attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation without sufficient excuse is itself a mortal sin. If you have committed a mortal sin and have no means to confess it at the moment, you must still attend the Holy Mass; just do not receive Holy Communion. In its place, spiritually unite yourself to our Lord and ask for the grace to overcome your weaknesses. It is lamentable nowadays to see people approach Holy Communion without sufficiently examining themselves if they are worthy to receive Him, i.e., in a state of grace. Only those who are in the state of grace CAN receive Holy Communion and please do not receive communion in the hand. Show Jesus the utmost respect and reverence He rightfully deserves. Always receive Him on the tongue and with the proper interior disposition. Realize Who it is you are receiving - the King of Heaven, the Son of God, Redeemer of the world, the Holy of Holies.

4. RECITATION

Recitation means the set of prayers that one should recite every single day. From this point onward, prayer must become an important activity in your day-to-day life. These prayers may include prayers to the Blessed Trinity, Protection/Cleansing prayer, Marian prayers (rosary, etc.), Prayers to the Saints, and Angelic Prayers like the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer. I want to share some of these prayers that were recommended to me to pray every single day.

Prayer for Protection

Lord Jesus, I ask You to protect my family (mention by name) from sickness, from all harm and from accidents. If any of us has been subjected to any curses, hexes or spells, I declare these curses, hexes or spells null and void in the Name of Jesus Christ. If any evil spirits have been sent against us, I decommission you in the Name of Jesus Christ and I send you to Jesus to deal with as He will. Then, Lord, I ask You to send Your holy angels to guard and protect all of us. Amen.

-oOo-

August Queen of Angels

On the 13th of January 1863, a soul accustomed to receiving favors from the Virgin Mary was suddenly struck by a ray of divine light. She believed that she saw demons, throwing themselves upon the earth, causing ruins and incredible massacres. At the same time the Holy Virgin appeared, saying that demons had indeed broken loose in the world and the time had come to invoke her as Queen of Angels and to ask her to send legions of angels  to combat and annihilate the powers of hell.  The soul addressed the Virgin with the following words: "O my Mother, you who are so good, could you not send your angels without us having to ask you?" "No," the Virgin replied, "prayer is a condition established by God Himself to obtain graces." "Then, Mother," said the soul, "would you like to teach us how we should pray to you?" And the Most Holy Virgin dictated this prayer to her: "O august Queen..."

O august Queen and Our Lady of Angels,

who received from God the power and mission

of crushing the head of Satan,

we humbly beg you to send us heavenly legions,

with St. Michael the Archangel as head

so that under your orders

they may chase the demons,

combat them everywhere,

repress their boldness, 

and drive them back into the abyss.

"Who is like God?"

O good and tender Mother,

you shall always be our love and our hope.

O Divine Mother,

send your Holy Angels to defend us,

and to drive away from us the cruel enemy.

Holy Angels and Archangels,

defend us and guard us.

Amen.

-oOo-

Prayer to St. Michael

(This powerful prayer should be prayed frequently and from the heart. St. Michael the Archangel has great power against the fallen angels for He defended the honor of God and defeated Lucifer when he revolted against the Most High.)

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protector 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, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

5. RECONCILIATION

Last but not the least is reconciliation or forgiveness - towards our brethren and with oneself. Fr. Quintela during the talk succinctly reminded us that forgiveness is a "Gospel mandate", that to forgive seventy times seven is a direct command from Christ Himself and not merely a suggestion. As difficult as it may seem it makes perfect sense. We sinners offend God on a daily basis but God in His great mercy almost always forgives us, and so we ought to extend the same thing to others. It's interesting to note that forgiving is one of the spiritual acts of mercy. When we forgive, we perform an act of mercy towards others that in turn benefit us spiritually in that forgiveness liberates us from hatred, bitterness, and all the negative emotions associated with holding grudges against others. 

-oOo-

Lastly, I highly encourage everyone to grab a copy of the books of Fr. Jocis Syquia, director of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism, whose photo appears above. The books are entitled Exorcism: Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult Second Edition and Exorcist: Spiritual Battle Lines Volume Two. These books are a treasure when it comes to this topic and who else is more qualified to write on these matters than the chief exorcist of Manila himself. You can buy these books in all St. Paul's Bookstores in major shopping malls nationwide. To give you a sneak peek on what is inside each book, here are the table of contents:

Exorcism: Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult

Introduction

1. The Church and the Devil

2. The Parapsychological Dimension

3. Catholicism and Philippine Folk Religiosity

4. The Secrets of the New Age Movement: Notebook 1

5. The Secrets of the New Age Movement Notebook 2

6. Foundations

7. Ministering to Those under Extraordinary Demonic Assault

8. Confrontation between God and the Devil

9. The Catholic in the Midst of Love and War

10. The Scars of Battle

11. The Defensive Armor and Offensive Weapons

12. The Exorcist

13. Haunted Houses: Notebook 1

14. Haunted Houses: Notebook 2

Conclusion: Only Jesus and Always Jesus

Appendix A: More on Philippine Folk Religiosity

Appendix B: Personal Spiritual Warfare

Appendix C: A Concise Handbook on Exorcism and Deliverance

Appendix D: A Pastoral Approach to Infested Homes

Appendix E: How to Handle an Emergency Case of Grave Oppression and Possession

Appendix F: Rules from the Roman Ritual of Exorcism

Endnotes

-oOo-

Exorcist: Spiritual Battle Lines Volume Two

Introduction

Part I: Mama Mary

Chapter I: Our Mother

Chapter II: Mama Mary and the War for Souls

Chapter III: Stories of Mama Mary

Chapter IV: Stories of the Rosary

Part II: The Saints

Chapter V: The Great Battle of the Church Begins

Chapter VI: The Saints of the Early Church and the Devil - Paganism/Animism

Chapter VII: The Saints of the Early Church and the Devil - Extraordinary Attack

Chapter VIII: More Stories from the Lives of the Saints

Chapter IX: Spiritual Warfare Notebook 1 - Spiritual Combat

Chapter X: Spiritual Warfare Notebook 2 - The Spiritual Knight

Part III: Angels and Demons

Chapter XI: A Short Treatise on the Angels

Chapter XII: Demonology 1

Chapter XIII: Demonology 2

Chapter XIV: True Stories from the Vatican and Italian Exorcists

Chapter XV: From the Mouths of Demons

Conclusion: Heaven

Appendix A: Is There Such a Thing as "Wandering Souls"?

Appendix B: St. Thomas Aquinas on the Occult

Appendix C: An Exorcist Speaks about the Final Battle and Its Aftermath

Appendix D: Interview with Fr. Gabriele Amorth

Appendix E: Manual of Prayers

I. Marian Prayers
II. Angel Prayers
III. Prayer to the Saints

Recommended Reading and Resources

-oOo-

About Fr. Jocis Syquia

FR. JOSE FRANCISCO 'JOCIS' SYQUIA hails from a wealthy family. The second to the eldest son of the late ambassador Enrique Syquia and his wife, Leticia, he and his four brothers grew up in North Forbes Park, Makati City.

After graduating from college in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Fr. Jocis entered the seminary in 1989 and completed his training from both San Carlos Major Seminary in Makati City and the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Theology from the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties and a Licentiate in Spiritual Theology from the Angelicum in Rome. He finished both courses with magna cum laude honors. He also has a Master's degree in Psychology from the UST Graduate School.

Fr. Jocis is the Head of the Commission on Extraordinary Phenomena for the Archdiocese of Manila. He is the Director of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism, an exorcist of Manila for ten years now, and a member of the International Association of Exorcists based in Rome. He completed the Vatican Course on Exorcism and Deliverance at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University. He is the author of the bestselling book Exorcism - Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult (Shepherd's Voice Publications) and Exorcist - A Spiritual Journey, the first of the three volumes published by ST PAULS. He is also a full-time formator, spiritual director, and professor of spirituality and psychology at the San Carlos Major Seminary.

-oOo-

Conclusion

There is a spiritual warfare going on around us - good versus evil - and we are caught up in this battle whether we are aware of it or not. There is a battle raging on for souls. On one hand God with all the angels and saints cheer us and encourage us to fight the good fight, to do good and be faithful to the commandments and the Gospel and on the other side is Satan with all his fallen angels trying their best to tempt and seduce us to disobey God and commit sins. In the middle of this tug of war is us. We are the booty. In the end, we are all going to end up in either heaven or hell and our final lot in eternity will be determined by our own free choice. I do hope and pray that we will pick the right choice no matter how difficult it may seem and that choice is to obey and love God.

I hope you find this blog post helpful. Do you have personal issues you want to consult regarding demonic possessions and paranormal activities? You can send an e-mail to the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism at amoe.request@yahoo.com. Just state your case in your e-mail and wait for their reply. Once they have reviewed your case, the exorcism team will reply to you to schedule you for a personal interview.


Credits: Protection Prayer and Prayer to St. Michael taken from the book Exorcism: Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult; August Queen of Angels taken from Exorcist: Spiritual Battle Lines Volume Two 

The Book of Truth

With all the bad things that are going on around us such as the unprecedented rise in natural calamities, strife, wars, etc., have you ever wondered if we are indeed living in the end times? If yes, what are you doing to prepare yourself spiritually?

If you believe in the Second Coming of Christ, I urge you to visit this website:

www.thewarningsecondcoming.com

The messages contained there are a series of divine revelations from the Holy Trinity and Our Lady given to a visionary known by the name Maria Divine Mercy and I have read some of these myself. They are mostly prophecies, teachings, and warnings of events that will come about in the lead up to the Second Coming. It is important to note that according to theologians these messages reinforce Catholic teachings which I personally believe as well. These messages are being revealed to the world for our own good and that God wishes to save everyone by warning us of what lies ahead so that we are not caught unprepared when the time comes.

In the Gospel, Our Lord has constantly preached about the value of always being prepared at all times. The Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Faithful Servant best exemplify this. Christ teaches us to be prepared because we neither know the day nor the hour and that He Himself said that He will come in an hour that we least expect Him. In summary, these divine messages should spur all of us to repentance and conversion, a rekindling of our faith and prayer life, and trust and hope in God's mercy which are really the best means to prepare ourselves.

Whether these things are officially approved by the Church or not, Catholics are not morally obliged to espouse the messages emanating from private revelation; however, in light of faith and the written Word of God, we can easily discern whether or not revelations such as these are of divine origin or not.

You can also like their Facebook page in order to receive the messages directly on your wall. I suggest that you say a short prayer to the Holy Spirit to enlighten you and guide you before reading the contents of the website. In that way, you can fully understand and appreciate the messages being conveyed. 

www.facebook.com/JesusToMankind

Share this to everyone you know. I have done my small part. I hope and pray that through this many people will come to experience the depth of God's mercy and love for each one of us, that indeed He will never leave us nor forsake us in these very difficult times that we live in.



(P.S.  These end-time messages given to Maria Divine Mercy are not without controversies. To fairly represent both sides, I am posting below two reviews - one in favor and the other against these messages.


I will leave it up to you, the reader, to discern the truth. Please pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment and true discernment.)


Review in favor - http://www.all-about-the-virgin-mary.com/response-to-mark-miravalle.html


Review against -  http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-maria-divine-mercy



"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." - Luke 12:37-40

Wild at Heart - Book Review

 

Wild at Heart – Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge takes you to a journey and rediscovery of a man's heart. The book invites every man to look deeper into himself to gain a better understanding of why he longs for battles, adventures, and a Beauty far from what the society demands from him in the form of "shoulds" and "ought to's".

For purposes of presenting the core ideas contained in the book without revealing too much of it, I'm going to outline key themes with some short descriptions and quotes from the author. These themes relate in particular to the deepest longings of the masculine soul.


A Battle to Fight

Every man is called to have a warrior heart. There is a Great Battle going on around us and we men are called to be warriors and blood brothers – up to the challenge of overcoming and defeating the multitude of enemies that seek to destroy us.

John Eldredge quotes, "A man must have a battle to fight, a great mission to his life that involves and yet transcends even home and family. He must have a cause to which he is devoted even unto death, for this is written into the fabric of his being."


A Beauty to Rescue

Every woman looks for her knight in shining armor and every man wants to be a hero to the Beauty. Men need to know and understand how to treat a woman well by seeking to understand the longings of the feminine soul. According to Eldredge, every woman yearns to be fought for, to be wanted, to be swept off her feet. A man needs to be the valiant warrior who is ever ready to defend her and pursue her because she counts on him to be her hero.


An Adventure to Live

Deep inside every man's heart is the desire to set out and conquer, to explore, and to head into the unknown, but many of us men have sublimated these desires in exchange for control and security. In effect, we stifle our spirit and miss out on the adventures that really make us feel truly alive. John Eldredge says it best and I quote:

"Adventure, with all its requisite danger and wildness, is a deeply spiritual longing written into the soul of man. The masculine heart needs a place where nothing is prefabricated, modular, nonfat, zip lock, franchised, on-line, microwavable. Where there are no deadlines, cell phones, or committee meetings. Where there is room for the soul. Where, finally, the geography around us corresponds to the geography of our heart."


Final Word

Wild at Heart is not for the faint hearted. This book will challenge you to "saddle up" and "step up to the plate" in your true calling as a man made in the image of the "Wild One". This is not your 12-step guide to becoming a better man, but more of a road map towards an unchartered territory. The author did a good job of incorporating real-world experiences of men and anchoring it on a solid biblical foundation of godly masculinity.

There is more to Wild at Heart than the themes I've already mentioned above – a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue, and an adventure to live – he also touched on other subjects such as our woundings, true identity, fatherhood, initiation, and the 'question that haunts every man' that will help you to further know yourself and become the man God has intended you to be.

I highly recommend this book to all men who feel that there is more to their life than going through the daily grind and after reading it you are now better equipped to fight your battles, live your adventures, and find the 'beauty'.



Inside the Book


Chapter I - Wild at Heart

Chapter II - The Wild One Whose Image We Bear

Chapter III - The Question That Haunts Every Man

Chapter IV - The Wound

Chapter V - The Battle for a Man's Heart

Chapter VI - The Father's Voice

Chapter VII - Healing the Wound

Chapter VIII - A Battle to Fight: The Enemy

Chapter IX - A Battle to Fight: The Strategy

Chapter X - A Beauty to Rescue

Chapter XI - An Adventure to Live

Chapter XII - Writing the Next Chapter


About the Author

John Eldredge is the founder and director of Ransomed Heart Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a fellowship devoted to helping people discover the heart of God. John is the author of numerous books, including Epic, Waking the Dead, The Journey of Desire, and co-author of Captivating and The Sacred Romance. John lives in Colorado with his wife Stasi, and their three sons, Samuel, Blaine, and Luke. He loves living in the Rocky Mountains so he can pursue his other passions, including fly-fishing, mountain climbing, and exploring the waters of the West in his canoe.

Free Love True Love - Book Review

About the Book

This is the gift I received last year in our Courage Christmas party and I want to encourage everyone to grab a copy of this book. If you're not that familiar with Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, this is the best place to start. A lot of stuff we know about love and sex we learned from the media and unfortunately they just don't get it. Theology of the Body helps us to understand in its purest form sexuality in light of God's original plan for humanity.

It is guaranteed to be theologically insightful yet light to read and sort of an "appetizer" if you will should you decide later on to delve on exploring the Theology of the Body more deeply. Fr. Joel Jason was able to combine theology with his day-to-day pastoral experience as a Catholic priest thereby making this book a must-read for those who are seeking to deepen their understanding of human sexuality in all its fullness. A good read indeed especially for us who are not used to reading papal encyclicals and Vatican documents because the topics are presented in a conversational manner and injected with humor.


Inside the Book

Foreword by Cardinal Gaudencio B. Rosales, D.D.

Introduction

I: Laying the Foundations: A New Ethos of Love and Sexuality

II: The Great Sacrament: A Marriage Made in Heaven

III: The Original Experiences of Man and Woman
a. The Experience of Original Solitude
b. The Experience of Original Unity
c. The Experience of Original Nakedness

IV: The Rediscovery of Love and Chastity

V: The Redemption of Sexuality

VI: The Humanness of Love and Sexuality

VII: The Life-Giving and Love-Giving Significance of Sexuality

VIII: With This Body, I Thee Wed: The Significance of the Body

Concluding Words


About the Author

Fr. Joel O. Jason is a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Manila. He was born on July 9, 1969, and finished his studies at San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy in 1991 and his Masters in Theology in 1996. On July 31, 1996, he was ordained by the late Archbishop of Manila Jaime Cardinal Sin D.D. In 1999, Fr. Joel took further studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome where he earned his Licentiate Degree on Moral Theology. Upon returning to Manila in 2001, he was assigned professor and formator at the San Carlos Seminary. Currently, he is the Dean of Studies of the Theology Department and teaches Fundamental Moral Theology, Bioethics, Special Moral Theology and Sexuality and Integrity. He also heads the Ministry for Family and Life of the Archdiocese of Manila and is a member of the Bioethics Committee of the Makati Medical Center.


Free Love True Love - Rediscovering Love & Intimacy in John Paul II's Theology of the Body is published by Shepherd's Voice Publication.

Healing Through The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Book Review

About the Book

This book vivifies you to be grateful: that God is merciful, that his love heals, and that he gave us the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It examines Confession in the light of the healing process. It presents impressions, clarifications, biblical verses, experiences, perspectives, testimonies of priests and of lay persons, forgiveness prayers, an examination of conscience, and the author's inspirations.

Chapter 1: God Reaches Out To Heal Us

Chapter 2: Demystifying the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Chapter 3: Courage To Accept We Have Sinned

Chapter 4: A Healing Sacrament

Chapter 5: The Saints and Confession

Chapter 6: Obstacles To a Good Confession

Chapter 7: The "Ideal Confession": Proper Dispositions for Confessing

Chapter 8: The Confessor: A Discerning Minister of Forgiveness

Chapter 9: The Examination of Conscience

Chapter 10: Confession, the Cross, and the Resurrection

Chapter 11: The Call of Mercy

Chapter 12: A Sacrament of Hope

You can purchase this book on all St. Paul's Bookstores.


About the Author

Ilsa B. Reyes is a full-time Church worker called to inner healing, intercession, and media. She wrote Affirmation and Healing Treasures and Inner Child Treasures. She co-hosts Salitang Buhay over DZMM Teleradyo 630 KHz AM station, Ch. 26 Skycable, Sundays, 9 to 10 p.m. with Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD and Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, and is a facilitator of the ARISE integrative-transformative seminar-workshops. She has a Christian CD called The Treasure.


Where to Confess

For confession schedules, contact your local parish. I also recommend going to Sto. Domingo Church in QC, EDSA Shrine, Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, and Greenbelt Chapel (Sto. Nino de Paz Community)


My 'Confession'

First of all I find this little book on Confession very uplifting and I highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation of what this sacrament is really all about and in relation to one's personal struggle with sin. After reading the book, I realized that we are so blessed in the Courage community because once a month we are afforded the opportunity to go to confession via our Sacrament Sunday with our spiritual directors, and I thank the Lord for these priests who make themselves readily available to minister to our spiritual needs.

My love affair with the sacrament began sometime in 2003 when a close friend of mine told me that there was this 'good, old, and caring priest' (Fr. Greg Doherty) whom he often confesses to. It meant nothing to me at first but little did I know that God would use this priest as his instrument to call me back 'home.'

During those times and throughout my growing up years I was far from God and religion was something that I felt more of an obligation rather than a personal relationship. Back in my high school days, I can still remember how I often raised questions and objections to my religion teacher during our recitation class regarding Catholic teachings and doctrines which he explained to us well. It was not enough to convince me though as I was very close-minded. My misconceptions about the Catholic faith came from the preposterous line of reasoning and belief system that my father has subscribed on to. He was and is still very much anti-Catholic and this is one of the things that really saddens me. Whenever I reminisce about this I wonder how I managed to pass my religion subject, and how come I became like 'Saul' who persecuted the faith in my own little way. It was even more embarrassing for me because I practically was educated in a Catholic school from kindergarten to college! If there is one thing that I regret about the whole affair, it was the lost opportunity of celebrating World Youth Day in 1995 when the late Pope John Paul II came to Manila. Where was I at that time? Locking myself up inside our house watching the whole event unfold on TV while my classmates were out there having a great time meeting the WYD delegates and making friends with throngs of young people from all over the world. How alienating this experience was when they all came back from the event! I felt like a sore thumb among my peers.

On the other hand, even with my supreme ignorance at that time and my hostile attitude toward Church authorities and priests, it was a miracle of grace that I did not feel the same hostility towards Mary and the Saints as you would probably expect me to. I have always had a profound respect and admiration of Mary from the start and it must have been my saving grace.

In college and during the early years of my working life I was not living the faith, until one evening when I found myself alone in Sto. Domingo Church, feeling a heavy burden of guilt brought about by some grievous sins I committed and I was asking God for mercy. All of a sudden, I just felt a strong urge inside to approach the confessional where confession was ongoing. Suddenly, at that moment, I mustered the courage and strength to step inside the 'box' not knowing what to expect as I was a nonpracticing Catholic, and upon hearing the comforting voice of a priest I just poured everything out and found myself crying. When I stepped out of the 'box', I literally felt so light, free, and as if a very heavy load was lifted off my chest. Until now, that experience of being forgiven, even if I vaguely understand anything about it back then, is as real to me as it was years ago, and that started my journey back 'home' to the Catholic faith. The Sacrament of Reconciliation has become the doorway for me to re-enter the Church and be in full communion with her. After that experience, all my doubts and questions about the faith vanished by the grace of God and with the aid of good books that taught me about the truths of the faith. It was as if a very bright light illumined the dark corners of my mind that dispelled all ignorance and confusion away. It was a life-transforming experience indeed. By the way, I forgot to mention that the 'good, old, caring priest' who ministered to me at that precise moment in my life was no other than Fr. Greg.

I am still far from being perfect and I still have struggles until now. I will still have to approach the sacrament many times in my journey because I still fall and commit sin but one thing is for sure - that every time I step in and confess my sins to the priest, I know that Jesus in the person of the priest-confessor truly and unconditionally forgives me and welcomes me back to his fold, that healing, mercy, and grace is made available to me at that very moment. What a tremendous grace and what a gift! Thank you, Jesus, for this wonderful and beautiful sacrament.

I hope you were inspired today by my story of conversion. If you have been far away from God and are looking to find your way back, find a good priest and receive the sacrament of Confession and I can assure you that the angels in heaven will be rejoicing and that Jesus will be more than happy to welcome you back with open arms. God is always waiting for us to come back to Him.


"It would be an illusion to want to strive for holiness in accordance with the vocation that God has given to each one of us without frequently and fervently receiving this sacrament of conversion and sanctification." - Blessed Pope John Paul II

CBCP Launches Book on Homosexuality

This is good news for us! The Filipino edition of the book 'Homosexuality and the Catholic Church' has now been officially launched and recognized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Watch this news clip courtesy of GMA-7. (Note: The news is narrated in Filipino)


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

If you want to get a copy of this book, you can inquire directly at CBCP office in Intramuros or you can contact us through this blog. Our contact details are on the sidebar. Each book costs P250. You can also browse my post on this book for more information.

Homosexuality and the Catholic Church: Book Review (Part 2)

This is a guest post by Resty Odon, a freelance writer whom I have invited to comment on this issue, regarding the much talked about book by Fr. John Harvey. We in the SSA ministry did not expect to get this much publicity from the media but we are grateful for the opportunity to present our stand on this issue from a biblical and Christian perspective.


How God Sees Same-Sex Attraction

Book Review: Harvey, John. (2007). Homosexuality and the Catholic Church: Clear Answers to Difficult Questions. West Chester, PA: Ascension Press. 167 pp.

It's a great joy to learn that a Catholic priest has specialized on a difficult subject often misunderstood even among the clergy and devout Catholics. We may have heard about Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, as the New York-based priest who is the founder of Courage (among other things), but we never knew he wrote a series of books on homosexuality. This book, Homosexuality and the Catholic Church, is his fourth and last, having passed on just late last year. And what a last book it is! It is entirely different from the many books we've read on the subject in that he raises the discourse to a whole new level by looking at the big picture.

Here, he gives us an even better perspective by attempting to marry or at least stitch together strains from subtopics under the continuum spanning behavioral science and psychology, philosophy, Christian morality, and Catholic theology. In the attempt to shed light on a confusing and highly politicized subject, the ideas covered delightfully run the gamut and come unexpectedly one after another. But in Fr. Harvey's expert hands, these thoughts and ideas come together as a fresh guiding light for a conflicted world. I say 'expert' because Fr. Harvey is not only a priest or pastor, but also a moral theologian, a spiritual director/formator, as well as a psychologist/psychotherapist and counselor. He is not just a specialist, but also an integrator of disparate ideas, and this book is a treasure trove of new hopeful and exciting finds.

Structured in the question-and-answer format, the book turns a challenging subject written in a quite intimidating level of language into one that is manageable enough to the widest possible target audience without the risk of oversimplifying complex concepts. The only requirement here, apart from a considerable facility with the language, is an open mind. One can jump from one question to the next and go back and forth without much difficulty. Each question more or less can stand alone but each section flows logically from one question to the next.

Not only are all the right questions asked; focus is also made on the hardest questions, backed up by the most reliable scientific evidence and the most credible and authoritative (i.e. Church-approved) opinions. Same-sex attraction is not only explained here psychologically, but also through sacred Scripture (which for Catholics is always interpreted in the context of Tradition).

Since same-sex attraction (now abbreviated to SSA), on the surface, is about sex, Fr. Harvey can not help but touch on matters closely related to it: masturbation, pornography, addiction/compulsion, chastity, friendship, marriage, and even contraception and same-sex adoption, plus Catholic Church's views on each of these issues since time immemorial. Entire sections have been devoted to these associated subjects in a way that is ample and not dragging.

The reader might be turned off by the heavy, i.e., nosebleed-inducing, theology, but all that is necessary, if one is to gain a better understanding. With some perseverance, the reader emerges edified, struck that the Magisterium of the Church is right all along in trusting its instinct that same-sex attraction is what it really is, an "intrinsically disordered" phenomenon often caused by childhood abuse; it is a disorder that, when acted upon, always violates natural and moral laws. I use the word 'instinct' because the Church's view is in consonance with existing views of the world's major faiths.

If "intrinsically disordered" sounds harsh, that's probably the harshest phrase one can ever find in this book. More than being informative, the book is a carefully calibrated explanation, exhibiting an amount of care and compassion I seldom come across in the other works I have perused. Fr. Harvey was so kind to avoid using words loaded with stigma. He avoids mention of neurosis, sickness, disease, or mental illness. He cautions against labeling and easy stereotyping, avoiding the usual pitfalls of politically incendiary words and phrases. Far from causing further animosities, divisions, and wars, Fr. Harvey instead enlightens with qualifications that are mind-openers without infantilizing his subject group. He offers the hope of change to those who are willing, with no one being forced to do what he or she doesn't believe in. To him, the terms 'homosexual,' 'gay,' and 'lesbian' should no longer be used because these labels tend to define the whole person suffering from same-sex attraction; he prefers the term 'same-sex attraction,' which focuses on just one aspect of a person and does not define the person in his or her totality.

Fr. Harvey is hesitant as well to use 'sex orientation,' for he says it implies, wrongly, that it is a permanent condition (it is not; it is changeable). Furthermore, he uses 'trauma' instead of 'abuse,' which tends to presume intentionality on the part of the parent/caregiver. He uses 'subrational tendency' instead of 'neurosis' outright. Personally, I feel edified, even mortified, by the level of compassion exhibited that I am moved to contrition. This book exposes my great misunderstanding, even ignorance, of same-sex attraction.

His choice of terms can hardly be called politically correct either, because when he proceeds to explain the causes (or etiology) of SSA, he doesn't blink, covering all the bases and calling a spade a spade. He never shirks from his duty to tell the truth, using the best specialists (mostly Elizabeth Moberly and Gerard van den Aardweg) to back up his claims.

But the difference is he tells the truth without coming off hate-filled and discriminatory or ridiculing or looking down on SSA sufferers. He even inserts the essential reminder never to judge the SSA sufferer rashly, for we do not know exactly the issues he or she is dealing with (p. 16).

The book is peppered with so many insights we never saw coming. Here are my quick paraphrases: "God does not make people homosexual, but allows it for some mysterious reason" (p. 13). "Nobody ever chose to be homosexual" (p. 15). (Do gays ever really want to be gay?) "Continence is different from (interior) chastity" (p. 15). "98% of the population are not 'homosexual'" (p. 11). "Same-sex attraction per se is not pathological, but an attempt to solve one's gender identity problem. What is pathological is the defensive detachment that results in attachment loss and intensified desire to compensate for that perceived loss" (p. 5-6). "Bisexuality is really a form of homosexuality" (p. 13). The only fault I can see in this book is its numerous typographical errors. But that's a minor complaint side by side the important ideas and subtle distinctions it puts forth. I predict this book will be Fr. Harvey's long-lasting legacy.

Among other wonderful discoveries here include the use of St. Francis of Sales' principles of spiritual direction, St. Augustine's thoughts on freedom of the will and addiction (all kinds), and an unforgettable anonymous essay on the evils of pornography. The rest of the book contains invaluable information not found in other books: norms for seminary admissions, the Courage and Encourage support groups and the 12 Steps, spiritual direction for people with SSA, other organizations helping people manage or overcome SSA (with programs in support of different goals, from chastity to reorientation/reparative therapy), and the dissenting Catholic organizations (yes, there are such organizations, and they call themselves Catholic!).

This book is probably the closest we have right now on how God sees same-sex attraction.

(The Philippine edition of this book, published by the Columbans through Fr. Dave Clay, is dedicated to Joe Garcia, the first Filipino director of Courage Philippines.)

Extra Rice: Energy for Men

I just want to promote this book I bought for only P150 inclusive of a black bag from a brother in the community entitled Extra Rice: Energy For Men. You will definitely be inspired by the sharings and reflections in this book. This is available through Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon. (See contact info below)


About the Book

In Extra Rice: Energy for Men - you'll have the opportunity to read and ponder on the reflections of men who have faced challenges that made a difference in their lives. These ordinary lives used by God may challenge you to look at life in another perspective - the perspective of God. These men are ordinary people who are striving to live extraordinary lives for God. Our prayer is that through this book of reflections you, the reader, may be challenged to go beyond mediocrity and to strive, like the men in these pages, for the excellence of a life lived for the glory of God and the service of His people.


About Lingkod

Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon is a Catholic movement of single professionals and working people dedicated to winning other singles to a full commitment to Jesus Christ and to committed personal relationships with other Christians. Along with this mission, the members strive to live a lifestyle reflective of Christian values, particularly in the workplace. They seek fullness of life in Christ and, in living this life, work towards social transformation.


You may contact us at:

Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon
30 Scout Tuason corner Dr. Lazcano Streets,
Room 203 JGS Building, Brgy. Laging Handa
Quezon City 1103 Philippines

Telefax no.: (632) 373-9870
Telephone no.: (632) 376-2709
Email: lingkod_office@yahoo.com
Website: www.lingkod.org

Homosexuality and the Catholic Church: Book Review

The Filipino edition of Homosexuality and the Catholic Church Clear Answers to Difficult Questions has finally arrived. The book is sold on Catholic bookstores (try St. Paul's) locally but is also available through Courage Philippines for only P200 (for Courage members) and P250 for outsiders. You can find our contact details on the sidebar of this blog for orders.

This book by the late Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, is a must-read for everyone struggling with SSA whether you are Catholic or not. In fact everyone including priests, religious, and the laity alike will benefit from the contents presented in a question and answer type format that is very easy to read and understand. All the major issues surrounding the nature of homosexuality are covered and presented in an objective and pastorally sensitive manner drawing from Fr. Harvey's extensive experience in ministering to people with SSA.


About the Author

Fr. John Harvey, OSFS was ordained to the priesthood in 1944. He holds a master's degree in experimental psychology and a doctorate in moral theology from the Catholic University of America, and served as a moral theologian at De Sales School of Theology for thirty eight years.

The author of The Homosexual Person, The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful, and (with Gerard Bradley) Same-Sex Attraction: A Parents' Guide, Fr. Harvey has given counsel and guidance with same-sex attraction for more than fifty years.

Fr. Harvey passed away last December 27, 2010 at the age of 92. He was the founder and national director of Courage, which is a spiritual support group for homosexual men and women. He had been director of Courage since its foundation in 1980 at the request of the late archbishop of New York, Terrence Cardinal Cooke. Meanwhile, Courage has grown from a local New York group to more than a hundred chapters throughout the world.


Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Most Rev Raymond L. Burke, DDJCD, Archbishop of St. Louis

Preface

Introduction by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, Ph.D

Chapter 1 - Homosexuality: Some Basic Questions

Chapter 2 - Helping Those with SSA Live a Chaste Life

Chapter 3 - The Pastoral Challenges of Masturbation and Pornography

Chapter 4 - Same-Sex Unions and the Health of Society

Chapter 5 - Chastity

Chapter 6 - Human Friendships: Benefits and Boundaries

Chapter 7 - Freedom of the Will and Addiction

Chapter 8 - Norms for Admission to Seminaries and Holy Orders

Chapter 9 - Courage, Encourage, and the Twelve Steps

Chapter 10 - Spiritual Direction

Chapter 11 - Other Organizations

Chapter 12 - Dissenting Catholic Organizations

Chapter 13 - An Encourage Story

Selected Annotated Bibliography

Index

About the Author


Timely message from Paciano Aniceto, D.D. Chairman of Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, CBCP:

"Chastity is not about rules and prohibitions. It is a way of life lived in grace that restores and liberates us from the slavery of our passions. I pray that our brothers and sisters who experience same-sex attraction allow the Lord to "pitch His tent" in their precious lives and see the face of the compassionate, Good Shepherd who came that we may have life and have it in abundance." (Jn 10:10)


"I have come not to condemn you, but to help you. I am the only one who truly understands you, the only one who truly loves you...up to the point of death." - Jesus Christ

Turning Controversy Into Church Ministry - A Christlike Response to Homosexuality

I have finally finished reading the book Turning Controversy Into Church Ministry - A Christlike Response to Homosexuality by Pastor W.P. Campbell. This is a book I highly recommend to everyone who is at a loss on the subject of homosexuality. I especially recommend this book to church ministers, pastors, priests, religious, and those who are into the SSA ministries. It is a sad fact that our Church has not sufficiently and effectively ministered to people struggling with homosexuality. The Church is supposed to be a place of healing and refuge for these people and when the church fails on this task these people turn to the gay lifestyle where they feel accepted and affirmed, albeit in a wrong way.


About The Book

While some churches debate the issue of homosexuality and others completely avoid it, struggling people fall through the cracks. This is a book for Christians and church leaders who want to risk above the debate and make a difference in the world by thinking, acting, and speaking in ways that express both redemptive truth and Christlike love.

Pastor Bill Campbell shares insights, tools, and practical guidelines for any congregation that wishes to see Christians positively influence how the larger culture frames the issue of same-sex attraction. He demonstrates how readers can converse in a truthful, loving, and insightful manner about such topics as the nature/nurture debate, law vs. grace, and Scripture’s call to holiness. Campbell suggests ways churches can build ministry in leadership training, preaching, support groups, mentoring/counseling, and outreach.

Turning Controversy Into Church Ministry provides the right blend of information, practical action steps, and guidelines for Christian renewal so that controversy about homosexuality can become the launching pad for vital ministry.


About The Author

W.P. Campbell (DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He began researching, debating, and writing about homosexuality and the church over twenty years ago. Bill serves on the advisory board of OneByOne, a ministry that equips churches to bring truth and grace to those who struggle with same-sex attraction. Bill and his wife, Lin, live in western North Carolina and have three children.


Truth Meets Grace

Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the importance of combining truth and grace when ministering to people with SSA:

Jesus did not hide the truth; he called the adulteress to repentance. But neither did he insult her, condemn her, or throw her out. His grace embraced her and sent her forth to live a better life. If he had demonstrated grace without truth, he would have let her stagger down the path of personal destruction. If he had spoken truth without grace, he would have clubbed her with the law and sentenced her to stoning by the crowd.

Truth and grace – have you ever tried putting those two together without minimizing either? Without God’s help, it is a daunting task. Grace without truth hampers, confuses, and even deceives. Truth without grace cuts, wounds, and destroys. Those who approach thorny matters such as sexual addiction, homosexuality, and adultery with only truth become experts at alienation. Those who bring love into such discussions but avoid the truth are unable to confront patterns of behavior that hurt self and society. Both are important; neither can function properly without the other. Salt is essential to the body, but separated into its two elements, sodium and chloride, it can be deadly. (p. 13)

The Controversy

Much of the 'controversy' surrounding homosexuality arises from our failure to see the grand picture. Homosexuality is a multifaceted issue and in medical parlance multifactorial. Due to its complexity, the SSA condition is poorly understood even by those in the church hierarchy. As an example, the 'born gay born that way' theory is sowing so much confusion in the minds of the people out of a belief in the existence of a gay gene, which has not been scientifically documented thus far.

When dealing with homosexuals, there is a tendency to be 'overcompassionate' (gay affirming - strong in grace, weak in truth) or to be 'overbearing' (gay bashing - strong in truth, weak in grace). Others take the side of being indifferent or fearful because the issue seems too confusing, too political, and too divisive. Thus, the only way out is a Christlike response - a church whose members love the homosexuals but is at the same time firm in upholding the biblical standards of sexual morality pertaining to homosexuality. This is the kind of church we need today - a church that is strong both in truth and grace. This is what constitutes a dynamic ministry.

I like the way Pastor Campbell tackles the issue of homosexuality in a comprehensive and balanced manner. He does not only offer a sound biblical approach but he also delves into the psychological and biological aspects in an attempt to clarify widespread misconceptions and beliefs and expand our understanding of the subject. On the second half of the book, he offers us the blueprint on how we are to go about in ministering to persons with SSA. This is very important especially for us who are directly involved in the ministry. At the end of each chapter, there is a section devoted to people who have left the gay lifestyle and are now ministering in their own way to fellow SSA strugglers. Their testimonials are powerful. This is proof that change is very much possible and that God's grace is at work in transforming the lives of those who seek the truth. At the end of the book, there are questions for personal and group reflection and a list of books, websites, and other ministry resources.


The Ministry

In his book Pastor Campbell offers these ten ministry essentials:

1. The best way to avoid extremes is to follow Christ’s example.

2. Churches that blend uncompromised grace and truth are positioned for dynamic ministry.

3. Ministry begins when we connect brokenness in our hearts with brokenness in others.

4. Church leadership is about godly role models, not rights.

5. We must embrace the whole of Scripture to keep our lives whole.

6. Our genes bear the shadow of the fallen creation. They do not overshadow righteous living,
however, for those who are new creations in Christ.

7. The law leads us to Christ, who enables us to fulfill it.

8. The goal is not to move from homosexuality to heterosexuality, but from homosexuality to holiness.

9. Where sin abounds, God’s grace is greater still.

10. With God, nothing is impossible and no one is unreachable. (p. 17)


Table of Contents

Part 1

ANALYSIS: YOUR CHURCH, CHRIST'S BODY

1. The Feet: Where Your Church Stands
2. The Heart: How Your Church Cares
3. The Head: Who Your Church Follows

Part 2

APPROACH: OVERCOMING CONTROVERSY

Creation and Science: Did God Create Homosexuality?

4. The Landscape: The Grand Sweep of the Bible
5. The Source: The Genetics Question

Standards and Psychology: Which Norms Are Still Relevant?

6. The Law: Separating Temporal from Eternal
7. The Wisdom: Insights from Psychology

Compassion and the Church: Does God Really Care?

8. The Grace: Sodom Revisited
9. The Potential: Life-Changing Power

Part 3

ACTION: BUILDING MINISTRY

10. Blueprint: Six Ministry Spheres

Foundation: What Every Church Needs

11. Motivation: Prayer
12. Vision: Leadership
13. Healing: Family Values

Structure: Your Unique Ministry

14. Growth: Mentors and Counselors
15. Support: Small Group Ministry
16. Celebration: Outreach

Conclusion: The Big Picture
Questions for Personal or Group Reflection
Additional Ministry Resources
Notes.


Final Word

I want to personally thank the author of this book himself, Pastor Bill Campbell, for giving space for Courage Philippines in his book on pages 205-206 and for sending us a copy of his book which I am now reviewing. Meanwhile, please watch this short video as the author narrates why this book is a must read for Christians today.

Book Review: Shame and Attachment Loss by Dr. Nicolosi

This is a brief but insightful review of Dr. Joseph's Nicolosi's book Shame and Attachment Loss: The Practical Work of Reparative Therapy by a fellow brother in the community, Bro. X.


This book is big breaking news. To put it simply, it is a new improved explanation of homosexuality or same-sex attraction, the latest available to us, as far as I know.

Shame and Attachment Loss: The Practical Work of Reparative Therapy (2009) is written in a readable and coherent scholarly style, and it presents an even more convincing case to people who matter in addressing the problem of SSA: our therapists and counselors.

Further, the author Joseph J. Nicolosi does not debunk in any way his former model or theory of reparative therapy for gender deficit disorder, as explained and illustrated extensively in Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A Clinical Approach (1991); he builds on it by borrowing from the work of others specializing in other fields, particularly attachment theory (which deals with the child's bonding with parents and development of self-identity) and shame and grief work (particularly the work of Martha Stark). Nicolosi's reparative theory has been expanded to include these concepts of attachment loss, shame, and grief work, making this latest model the most inclusive or cohesive, to date.

To put it in layman's terms, Nicolosi says that SSA is not merely a matter of a man erotically envying another man for manly traits he doesn't have. It is about a man who has not fully formed his sense of self due to an early life trauma/s.

Because the main target audience are practitioners in the helping professions, the language can be intimidating to outsiders. However, if one is able to grasp the first book, which can be quite technical in parts, there's no reason why this new challenging text should not be welcomed. A little effort is all it takes to get past the technical terms. We have to understand that Nicolosi has to be precise and scientific or clinical with his terms for his case to be even more convincing to his peers, most of which are hostile to his ideas. Once the reader recovers from the fear of intimidating words, one discovers that Nicolosi speaks roughly the same things as the authors we've already read before: Richard Cohen, Andrew Comiskey, Don Schmierer, et al. (Nicolosi quotes these three authors in this book.) Words and phrases like unmet needs, mother wound, father wound, fatherlessness, bullying, rejection, misogyny (hatred of women), misandry (hatred of men), etc., swirl in the mind as one reads from chapter to chapter. The book is, in fact, carefully written, carefully edited, and can be manageable to the patient reader.

The main difference of Nicolosi with other authors is that he takes an even deeper approach to explaining SSA by adding yet another distinct layer to the already multi-layered problem. The good news is he seems to have finally stumbled into the real core of the problem: The root of SSA can now be safely traced to a traumatic event/s in the child's relationship with the mother or a mother figure. This trauma, which Nicolosi identifies as attachment loss (which can occur to other children who later grow up with dysfunctions other than SSA), is identified to be the one enabling the other forms of wounding that comprise the SSA syndrome: rejection by a missing or emotionally distant father, constant rejection by one's peers and social environment, rejection of oneself, self-hatred, hatred of women, hatred of men.

Nicolosi's new model neatly explains almost everything I've been through as an SSA sufferer. What specially strikes me in this book is the author's observation that, in the counseling process, care must be taken by the counselor so that the counselee doesn't feel shamed in any way. People with SSA, he says, are a specially sensitive bunch when it comes to shame. The counselor must acknowledge that feeling in his one-on-one session with the "client," or the person with SSA closes off within himself and walls off the counselor. This stage in therapy, which requires total honesty between the two, is crucial because any perceived shaming or judgment by the counselor will inevitably be interpreted by the counselee as a repetition of the traumatic shaming or wounding by his own father/father figure.

Needless to say, dealing with persons with SSA requires a patient, strong or secure, and most of all, loving counselor/therapist.

As usual, Nicolosi shows, through example upon example in his clinical work, how the experience of pain in the SSA person's life is always a moment of growth, a moment of breakthrough. Pain, the anguishing kind, the kind that brings the individual into panicking as though on the verge of death, is shown to be the only kind of pain that heals. On a personal note, I have a lot of possible triggers in life to make that pain possible, but because of my fear of death, I've always chosen to medicate, to numb my pain via the big M and P. This kind of pain, after all, is the very kind of existential pain that we have repressed in childhood. Only when it is expressed and experienced can the underlying pathological shame and grief that have been controlling our lives unknowingly can be expressed and finally rooted out. Of course this is easier said than done; it is needless to say best experienced for oneself at the proper time.

Another novel thing Nicolosi adopts in his therapy sessions is the use of body work, in which he constantly uses bodily clues experienced by the patient to expose his real feelings in connection with an event. In this process, it is almost impossible for the patient to lie or deny because the body symptoms (usually all sorts of discomfort) present themselves as hard evidence. I have personally experienced such an approach in my trauma therapy sessions in UST's Psychotrauma Clinic (to which Joe referred me), and I think I have greatly benefited from it. What's more, this step is free from the usual threat of being shamed, judged, or invariably hurt, making the healing process smoother for all.

This book is, simply put, a must-read for all members of this list. (A belated thanks to the donor of this important book.)

12 Steps To Forgiveness

"What does it take to forgive?" is the question that Fr. John Monbourquette, best-selling author, priest, and psychologist, poses to each and every one of us. In life, you will surely meet individuals who will shake your spiritual foundation and values to the core (I have already reached my quota, believe me!) - those rude, pesky, annoying, despicable, and repulsive creatures who offend you big time and leave you seething in anger and revenge. How to deal with those rats?

Fr. Monbourquette suggests a 12 step-by-step guide in order for us to arrive at authentic forgiveness. In his book How To Forgive, A Step-By-Step Guide, he enumerates each of these 12 steps with a corresponding practical exercise at the end of each step. That is the second part of his book. The first part deals with the nature of forgiveness. I will enumerate the 12 steps here and some relevant quotes, but I urge you to grab a copy of this book at St. Paul's Bookstore. It will be of great help to you especially if you are struggling with unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment.

The 12 Steps to Forgiveness

Step I: Do Not Seek Revenge - Put an End to The Offending Actions.
"Violence never put an end to violence, only non-violence can."

Step II: Recognize Your Pain and Poverty
"No one who continues to deny that they have been hurt and that their inner poverty has been laid bare will be able to forgive."

Step III: Share Your Pain with Someone
"It gets complicated when offenders refuse to acknowledge what they have done or are absent, unreachable, unknown, or dead."

Step IV: Identify Your Loss Properly So You Can Grieve It
"If you do not grieve what you lost, you will not really know how to forgive."

Step V: Accept Anger and the Desire for Revenge
"To my mind, love is destroyed not by anger, but by indifference and the fear of opening up."

Step VI: Forgive Yourself
"Only by humbly forgiving ourselves will we be open to the possibility of forgiving someone else."

Step VII: Understand Your Offender
"Once we know a person's background and history, we can put ourselves in their place and understand their unusual behaviors more easily."

Step VIII: Make Sense of the Offence in Your Life
"I invite you to discover the positive meaning of the offence or give it some meaning in your life."

Step IX: Recognize That You're Worthy of Forgiveness - and Already Forgiven
"You are worthy of forgiveness; you have been forgiven many times in the past."

Step X: Stop Trying So Hard to Forgive
"Only when it comes from a heart that is free and forgiven can forgiveness spring forth."

Step XI: Open Up to The Grace of Forgiving
"While God takes the initiative in granting forgiveness, God cannot force anyone to accept it."

Step XII: Decide Whether to End or Renew the Relationship
"After a serious offence, it is impossible to resume the former relationship, for the simple reason that it no longer exists and cannot exist again."

I want to thank a community brother who gave this book to me. I am not yet finished reading the book as I must admit it is not an easy book to read. There are exercises at the end of each step and you might find yourself stuck in a particular step but that is okay. Move at your own pace and let Him guide you at each step. The book will not only guide you on how to forgive, but also on coming to terms with your personal issues, hence, a journey towards self-discovery.

How to Forgive is an honest and touching book which unlocks the liberating and transformative power of forgiveness.

Exorcism

I just bought a book on exorcism last week for P300. It is entitled Exorcism: Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult (second edition) written by Fr. Jose Francisco C. Syquia, Director of Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism (see photo above). This is related to my previous post on spiritual warfare entitled, Deliver Us From Evil.


Topics/Contents of the Book

I. The Church and the Devil

II. The Parapsychological Dimension

III. Catholicism and Philippine Folk Religiosity

IV. The Secrets of the New Age Movement: Notebook 1

V. The Secrets of the New Age Movement: Notebook 2

VI. Foundations

VII. Ministering to Those Under Extraordinary Demonic Assault

VIII. Confrontation between God and the Devil

IX. The Catholic in the Midst of Love and War

X. The Scars of Battle

XI. The Defensive Armor and Offensive Weapons

XII. The Exorcist

XIII. Haunted Houses: Notebook 1

XIV. Haunted Houses: Notebook 2

Conclusion: Only Jesus and Always Jesus

Appendix A: More on Philippine Folk Religiosity

Appendix B: Personal Spiritual Warfare

Appendix C: A Concise Handbook on Exorcism and Deliverance

Appendix D: A Pastoral Approach to Infested Homes

Appendix E: How to Handle an Emergency Case of Grave Oppression and Possession

Appendix F: Rules from the Roman Ritual of Exorcism

Appendix G: Manual of Prayers


What Others Say About the Book:

"I opened the book out of curiosity. Reading it enriched me theologically and widened my pastoral outlook. I encourage my fellow pastors of souls to read this book." - Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, D.D., Bishop of Balanga

"Speaking from personal experience of haunted houses, demon possession, ghosts, and true-to-life, scientifically unexplainable paranormal activity, Fr. Jocis will show you the incomparable power of God over spirits. In the end, his mind-blowing stories will not make you fear the devil as much as they will make you love God more." - Bo Sanchez, Catholic Lay Preacher and Bestselling Author

"For those who take their interior life seriously and desire to fully advance their prayer life, the experience of battling with the common enemies which are the world, the flesh, and the devil is ordinary, daily fare. Your book helps in shedding light on the nature of this spiritual warfare." - Sr. Mary Bernard Cam, OCD, Mother Prioress Carmelite Monastery of St. Therese


My Experiences of the Paranormal

Growing up I have had my share of the paranormal. I still remember being brought to an "albularyo" many times as a kid when doctors couldn't pinpoint the source of my physical maladies or whenever I experience some unexplainable sickness. This "albularyo" handles cases such as those who are "nakulam", "nabarang", "na-dwende", "na-engkanto" and "nasapian". He uses another person as a medium where he can communicate directly to the spirits. I also used to wear some sort of "anting-anting" called "dignum" before to protect me from these evil attacks.

Not only did I get exposed to the occult, I also got drawn to some forms of New Age practices out of ignorance most notably horoscopes, Silva mind control program, feng shui, lucky charms and prosperity bracelets, crystals, and even a book on how to make "gayumas"! I also remember reading some New Age literature and novels such as the vampire chronicles of Anne Rice (Thank God she is now a Catholic convert), Harry Potter books, and writings of Jimmy Licauco (a well-known parapsychologist). My main motivation for engaging in these activities was basically to find a short-cut in achieving prosperity and happiness in life, believing somehow that through some unknown mysterious forces in the universe that I can manipulate I would be able to attract it by wearing this or that, rearranging the furnitures at home so that everything is aligned and in harmony with the cosmic energy that make up for a balanced "chi", or descending to the "alpha" state of mind in order for my visualizations to become a reality in the physical plane.

But of course the Lord is continuously renewing me and I have given up subscribing to all these New Age nonsense. As difficult as it can be at times, I now place my entire trust and confidence in God's providence. No more baguas, beckoning cat, frog figurine with a golden coin, wind chimes, lucky charms and bracelets, etc.


Against the First Commandment

The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly states the following precepts with regards to divination and magic (CCC 2115-2117):

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. Improvidence, however, can constitute a lack of responsibility.

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.

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.

In Fr. Syquia's book, he enumerated the following practices as belonging to the occult or the New Age. Check out if you are into these things or not: - angel guides, angelic channeling astral projection, astrology, aura work, automatic handwriting, amulets, channeling, crystal healing, crystal divination, crystal balls, dousing, fortune-telling, out-of-body work, past-life regression therapy, psychic development, psychic healing, rebirthing, shamanism, Silva mind control, soul travel, Ouija board, spellcraft, spirit of the glass, spirit guides, spiritualism, spiritism, transcendental meditation, seances, tarot cards, trance-mediums, trance work, and Wicca (witchcraft).

Fr. Jocis Syquia's book is available in all National Bookstore branches.


"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4