It seems my post on yoga a week or so ago hit a raw nerve with some people - as expected. Some comments were left which were deeply insinuating, some from people who claim to be parishioners, questioning whether I should have contact with children. So far none of those claiming to be parishioners have come to me personally, but some identified themselves as practitioners of yoga. Indeed the tone of some of the comments seems to suggest a certain spirit is at work. I deleted the comments as is my right on my blog.
Being offended by what I said will not diminish the effects of yoga and other occult/New Age practices. It is a fact that exorcists working today, and in past, have to deal with people who have come under the influence of the evil one thanks to these practices. Throwing personal insults at me is not going to sanitise reality. Possession is a reality, and the suffering people endure when their lives are under the influence of the devil is real. To deny this, and to deny yoga and other occult practices can lead people into such situations is to wear rose-tinted glasses.
A couple of the objectors have said that they are going to report me to my bishop; well they can do so if they wish, the bishops need to know how serious this issue is and appoint more exorcists in Ireland to deal with what is a growing problem. And to let people know: if those who have practiced yoga and other occult practices, now need help, I can put them in touch with experienced exorcists who can assist them.
And to those who are no longer reading my blog because they did not like what I said: goodbye!
And to those who are no longer reading my blog because they did not like what I said: goodbye!
Thank you Fr John for doing your solemn duty as a priest, without fear or favour. You do not write so that people may like or approve of you. You write what is good and true. You are charged with saving souls. Rejoice when you are calumnies for speaking the truth. If a Catholic priest in Ireland today were popular, I suspect he would not be preaching the Faith. Ireland today needs Bishops (and priests) of with the great courage and loyalty to the Christ and His Church that the first Bishopd had. Blessed Michael protect you and all of us in the hour of battle.
ReplyDeleteWell said Lynda. I agree fully. A very good article on the subject in the Catholic Herald.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2012/10/01/the-southampton-priest-was-right-to-ban-yoga-classes/
"If the world hates you, just remember that it has hated me first. If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you. Remember what i told you: "No slave is greater than his master." If they persecuted me, they wil persecute you too;" (John 15:18-20)
ReplyDeletePonder these words Fr. John and no one elses. God's words are truth and they are life. God bless you and your work.
Thank you Fr. John for speaking the truth, that is what you were ordained to do.
ReplyDeleteWe pray God give you the strenght to continue regardless of the views of the minority.
An extremely well chosen valedictoy message to your detractors. Goodbye is a contraction of 'God be with you'
ReplyDeleteAnd may He be with you Father John and bless your wonderful ministry.
:-D
ReplyDeleteHere's the problem I have with what you say, Father. I don't have a problem telling Christians not to practise yoga as it's a Hindu practice. But simply equating it with the occult and therefore with Satan, does not seem to square with the respect which the Church affords to other world religions. Are you saying all Hindus are essentially devil worshippers?
ReplyDeleteThank you Fr. John for being forthright and stating the truth about the major issues facing us as Catholics in society today. I will pray for you to remain steadfast in defending the Church against the cynicism of those who have an agenda in fostering falsehood. Richard
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Fr John, for standing up for the truth. To the anonymous commenters who have been making personal attacks against Fr John: it says a lot about your character that you can not keep to the issue but get personal. Fr John has a duty to teach the truth, whether popular or not. The vicious slanderous attacks undermine the position of those who make them. Thank you, again, and God bless, Father.
ReplyDeleteI presume the "I hear you're a racist now Father" comment is meant as an amusing reference to Fr Ted episode involving Hitler and the Chinese community.
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