(...belatedly. We are so behind in putting up the pieces Father has written, what with bully "ushers" and whatnot.)
Worldly Dangers
In the ritual the priest uses for the conferral of the Sacraments there is a rite for the exorcism of a person and the exorcism of a place. During this time of preparation for Halloween, which means or should mean the Eve of All Hallows, All Saints, we should avoid anything that would add on to the wrong celebration of that Feast of All Saints, which is followed by the Feast of All Souls for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
Needless to say we don't want our children to have anything to do with any reference to the seeming positive help the devil gives to man. That is a sin in itself. We should have the children concentrate on something funny when they make their visits. They also should be instructed in the true meaning of All Hallows' Eve: that holiness is the only way to live.
Avoid the Onslaught of the Devil
When we are striving for holiness ourselves we see the dangers that are in the world and we take the necessary steps to avoid and conquer these temptations and teach our children how to avoid and conquer the assaults of the devil. Some people will say that to teach children about the devil will cause too much fear in them. Not if we teach them in the correct way by teaching what is an important part of our faith as Catholics. For example, the great prayer of St. Michael the Archangel should be taught to the children as soon as they can start to memorize.
Good Angels & Bad Angels
In the Book of Revelations (Apocalypse 12:17) we are shown the truth about the angels, including certain angels' rebellion against God. The obedient angels led by St. Michael cast the disobedient angels into hell, where they are permitted to tempt man in various ways.
The devil has mesmerized mankind into thinking that we don't need a strong spiritual life--that we need only go along and pursue worldly success. Get behind me, Satan!* Our Lord strengthens us by the sound teaching of the Church about the good angels and the bad angels, the devils who prowl about seeking the ruin of souls. Anyone who makes this Truth an object of ridicule or anything truly blessed like the Rosary, holy water, relics, or sacramentals will also make the adoration of Our Lord and the veneration of Our Blessed Mother to be in the same category. Perish the thought!
Praised be Jesus Christ
Now and Forever
Fr. Jerome Charles Romanowski
* "Go behind me, Satan, because thou savorest not the things that are of God, but that are of men." Mark 8:33 & "Go behind me, Satan, thou art a scandal unto me: because thou savorest not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men." Matthew 16:23
The Ongoing Assault of the Devil
Worldly Dangers
In the ritual the priest uses for the conferral of the Sacraments there is a rite for the exorcism of a person and the exorcism of a place. During this time of preparation for Halloween, which means or should mean the Eve of All Hallows, All Saints, we should avoid anything that would add on to the wrong celebration of that Feast of All Saints, which is followed by the Feast of All Souls for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
May we, along with all the saints and angels of God, rejoice and praise His Holy Name.
Needless to say we don't want our children to have anything to do with any reference to the seeming positive help the devil gives to man. That is a sin in itself. We should have the children concentrate on something funny when they make their visits. They also should be instructed in the true meaning of All Hallows' Eve: that holiness is the only way to live.
Avoid the Onslaught of the Devil
When we are striving for holiness ourselves we see the dangers that are in the world and we take the necessary steps to avoid and conquer these temptations and teach our children how to avoid and conquer the assaults of the devil. Some people will say that to teach children about the devil will cause too much fear in them. Not if we teach them in the correct way by teaching what is an important part of our faith as Catholics. For example, the great prayer of St. Michael the Archangel should be taught to the children as soon as they can start to memorize.
Good Angels & Bad Angels
In the Book of Revelations (Apocalypse 12:17) we are shown the truth about the angels, including certain angels' rebellion against God. The obedient angels led by St. Michael cast the disobedient angels into hell, where they are permitted to tempt man in various ways.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness
and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray!
and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray!
The devil has mesmerized mankind into thinking that we don't need a strong spiritual life--that we need only go along and pursue worldly success. Get behind me, Satan!* Our Lord strengthens us by the sound teaching of the Church about the good angels and the bad angels, the devils who prowl about seeking the ruin of souls. Anyone who makes this Truth an object of ridicule or anything truly blessed like the Rosary, holy water, relics, or sacramentals will also make the adoration of Our Lord and the veneration of Our Blessed Mother to be in the same category. Perish the thought!
Praised be Jesus Christ
Now and Forever
Fr. Jerome Charles Romanowski
* "Go behind me, Satan, because thou savorest not the things that are of God, but that are of men." Mark 8:33 & "Go behind me, Satan, thou art a scandal unto me: because thou savorest not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men." Matthew 16:23