Questioner: David Subject: Paranormal question Date Asked: 2010-03-30 07:45:44 Date Answered: today Question: Hey I have a friend whose house seems to be haunted. I would like to know your views on ghosts and spirits and if they are good or bad, in this case my friend and his dad strongly believe that the spirit scared away some burglars that wanted to break into the house. My friend is scared to death of the spirit (sometimes it talks to him and he even recorded his voice, I am a witness) but they don´t think it's a good idea to call someone to exorcize the house because what if the ghost is the one protecting the house? I'd like to know what u think and what is the view of catholic priests on these kind of things Answer: Hi David, In a way it does not matter what exactly is causing this phenomena. Its enough that prayer, the mass and a blessing will remove it. Its a bit like if your automobile breaks down its enough that the mechanic fix it, it usually doesn't matter that you know what caused it. I mention this because New Age folks tend to come up with all sorts of notions that come against Catholic teachings on this subject. The traditional Catholic teachings on this is that ,generally speaking this phenomena comes from two sources either a Holy Soul in purgatory seeking seeking prayers to relief their sufferings and enter heaven or, more rarely, a demon. A good modern example of souls in purgatory come visiting was Saint Padre Pio. One example was were the soul of a recent novice who died visited the chapel and started knocking over the candles to get attention. Padre Pio said that the novice ,during life had failed to keep the religious rules. Demons simply come visiting to cause mischief and harm and may come through a variety of 'door ways' such as occult practice such as Ouija boards, Satanic Sacrifice or with the permission of God to test a chosen soul. To distinguish between the two a demon will be malicious in its activities, a Holy Soul will not be; because that is what they are, Holy, destined for heaven as God's children and they are only looking help. A demon , on the other hand only intends harm, the more the merrier. Holy souls may give a little fright if we are not used to them, but that is not these poor souls intent, they are only looking help. In the case of demons, even they are on a tight leash , as far as good Christians are concerned and can only really harm those who leave themselves open to be harmed. In either case it is enough to know that are great recourse is prayer, the sacramentals, the mass and the Mnistry of the Church, through a priest...in hardened cases. As to priests some believe many do not. The ones who believe have an active prayer life the ones who do not, well pray for them as they depart from Catholic Tradition and the lessons of scripture. God Bless, I will pray for your friend. Padraig
