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CATHOLIC SUPERNATURAL
READING LIST
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To aid in understanding the relationship between Catholicism
and what is commonly called the “Supernatural”
(in Catholic parlance, that word is actually reserved
for God and His doings, “preternatural” being
employed for the sorts of weird highjinx most folk think
of), I have compiled this short reading list. Not all
of the authors agree with each other on every point (nor
with me, necessarily!). But they do attempt to bring the
insights of the Faith to an admittedly strange and hard-to-define
realm.
An Exorcist Tells His Story
Fr. Gabriele Amorth
In this powerful book the renowned chief exorcist of Rome,
tells of his many experiences in his ministry as an exorcist
doing battle with Satan to relieve the great suffering
of many people in the grip of evil. The importance of
the ministry to "expel demons" is clearly seen
in the Gospels, from the actions of the Apostles, and
from Church history. Father Amorth allows the reader to
witness the activities of the exorcist, to experience
what an exorcist sees and does. He shows how real and
powerful the devil is, and how his wicked and evil influence
is so prevalent today in many people's lives. He also
reveals how little modern science, psychology and medicine
can do to help those under Satan's influence, and that
only the power of Christ can release them from their mental,
spiritual or physical sufferings. An Exorcist Tells His
Story has been a European best-seller that has gone through
numerous printings and editions. No other book today so
thoroughly and concisely discusses the topic of exorcism.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/11037.html
An Exorcist --- More Stories
Fr. Gabriele Amorth
Following up his international best-selling book, An Exorcist
Tells His Story, Fr. Amorth, the renowned chief exorcist
of Rome, expands on some of the key topics of his previous
book, covering important details about demonic or occult
issues. He uses concrete examples from his own experiences
and those of other exorcists to illustrate and substantiate
his points. Since satanic sects, occultism, séances,
fortune-tellers and astrologers are so widespread today,
Fr. Amorth asks the question why is it so difficult today
to find an exorcist, or a priest who is an expert in this
field? The example and the teaching of Christ is very
clear, as clear as the tradition of the Church. But today’s
Catholics are often misinformed. Exorcisms are reserved
for appointed priests, while all believers can make prayers
of liberation. What is the difference? What norms must
be followed? What problems are still open and unresolved
in this field? The new book by Fr. Amorth answers these
and many other questions, supporting his discourse with
a rich exposition of recent facts. A valuable, practical
and instructive manual, for priests and lay people, on
how to help many who are suffering.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/11217.html
Devotion to the nine choirs of holy angels,
and especially to the angel guardians
Fr. Henri-Marie Boudon
Long out of print, but basically the best guide-book to
the Angels and devotion thereto ever written.
CESNUR --- Center for the Study
of New Religions
A website in Italian, French, Spanish and English encompassing
research of cults and esoterica by both European and American
scholars. Informative if controversial.
http://www.cesnur.org/
Angels And Devils
Joan Carroll Cruz
This has to be the most thorough book about the Angels
yet written in modern times. Here, the bestselling author
Joan Carroll Cruz expounds upon the traditional definitions
and delineations of the Angels, asking and answering virtually
every conceivable question about them.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/11051.html
Eucharistic Miracles
And Eucharistic Phenomenon in the Lives of the Saints
Joan Carroll Cruz
The story of 36 major Eucharistic Miracles from Lanciano,
Italy in 800 to Stich, Bavaria in 1970. Details the official
investigations. Tells where some are still venerated today.
Covers Hosts that have bled, turned to flesh, levitated,
etc.; plus, of Saints who have lived on the Eucharist
alone.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10210.html
The Incorruptibles
A Study of the Incorruption of the Bodies of Various
Catholic Saints and Beati
Joan Carroll Cruz
The stories of 102 canonized Saints and Beati whose bodies
were found incorrupt long periods after their deaths,
many of which endured abnormally adverse conditions in
remaining intact. A fascinating and absolutely documented
study--and one which will reinforce people's faith in
the Catholic Church--the only religion that possesses
the phenomenon of bodily incorruption.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10324.html
Miraculous Images of Our Lady
100 Famous Catholic Portraits and Statues
Joan Carroll Cruz
100 true stories of approved miraculous statues, paintings
and images of Our Lady. Spans almost 2,000 years. These
images have spoken, brought cures, given off fragrance,
wept blood or tears, etc. Includes Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Akita, Pompeii, Prompt Succor, Czestochowa, Perpetual
Help, Montserrat, etc.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10458.html
Miraculous Images of Our Lord
Famous Catholic Statues, Portraits and Crucifixes
Joan Carroll Cruz
42 true accounts about miraculous manifestations of Our
Lord from various parts of the globe, richly illustrated
by actual photos. Miraculous statues, crucifixes and other
holy images. Includes The Holy Shroud, Veil of Veronica,
Infant Jesus of Prague, San Damiano Crucifix (cover photo)
from which Our Lord spoke to St. Francis, etc., etc. Shows
Our Lord's infinite love for us--causing Him to manifest
it through His venerated images.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10459.html
Mysteries, Marvels and Miracles
In the Lives of the Saints
Joan Carroll Cruz
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints! Includes
hundreds of true stories of miraculous phenomena in the
lives of the Saints: bilocation, levitation, multiplication
of food, etc.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10936.html
Relics
Joan Carroll Cruz
In Relics, Joan Carroll Cruz, author of the bestseller
The Incorruptibles, describes in vivid detail the stories,
history, and theology of Catholic belief surrounding the
veneration of many of the major and active relics that
are revered by the Catholic Church‹the Shroud of
Turin, the True Cross, the Blood of Januarius, the relics
of the Blessed Mother, and many more. The role of relics
in Catholic life and what the Church teaches about them
are revealed and carefully documented in this unique and
engrossing account.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10635.html
Fr. José Antonio Fortea Cucurull
Possession and Exorcism
A website in Spanish and English concerning the extensive
work of Fr. Fortea, a “priest and theologian specialized
in demonology. He studied theology for his priesthood
in the University of Navarre. He received the licentiate
in the field of History of the Church at the faculty of
Theology of Comillas. He is a member of the clergy in
the diocese of Acalá de Henares (Madrid). In 1998
he defended his thesis for licentiate, entitled "Exorcism
in the Present Age" under the direction of the Secretary
of the Spanish Episcopal Conference's Commission for the
Doctrine of the Faith. En October 2001, he was named dean
(or special representative of the bishop) in his diocese.
He combines his work as a theologian with his activity
as rector of the Nuestra Señora de Zulema parish,
Villalbilla (Madrid) and as administrator for the Asunción
de Nuestra Señora parish in Los Hueros.”
Covers the theological and experiential elements of the
topic.
http://www.fortea.us/english/index.htm
Raised From the Dead
True Stories of 400 Resurrection Miracles
Fr. Albert J. Hebert, S.M.
Jesus told His Apostles to raise the dead (Matt. 10:8).
This magnificent book covers Saints who raised from the
dead persons who drowned, persons with mutilated bodies,
persons who had been hanged, whose bodies had already
decayed, been reduced to skeletons, or been buried for
several years. They include children, unbaptized infants,
unborn babies still in their mother's womb who needed
to be baptized, persons executed for crimes, persons raised
to testify in criminal cases or to testify to some religious
truth, and persons who would have been condemned to Hell
had they not been called back to earth for another chance.
Also included are descriptions of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory
given by temporarily dead persons who had been privileged
to see those regions. Analyses the authenticity of resurrection
miracles according to the teaching of the Church - plus
it describes other bodily wonders of the Saints, such
as levitation, bilocation, and total abstinence from natural
food and drink. Includes a critique of "post clinical
death" experiences in the light of Catholic teaching.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10623.html
Malleus Maleficarum
Kramer and Sprenger, translated and with two excellent
introductions by Fr. Montague Summers.
The Witch-hunter’s manual; chilling and informative.
http://store.doverpublications.com/0486228029.html
Shane Leslie's Ghost Book
Sheed & Ward 1956
Sir Shane Leslie
Currently out of print, but simply the best book on ghosts
and hauntings from a Catholic perspective. Includes both
Patristic, Medieval, and Modern Church teaching on ghosts,
as well as a number of true ghost stories.
The Angels
Fr. Pascal Parente
Here is the Church's traditional teaching about the Angels.
Fr. Pascal Parente draws from the best Catholic sources--Sacred
Scripture, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church (especially
St. Thomas Aquinas), other holy writers and the official
pronouncements of the Church--to bring together into one
book just about everything that is known for sure about
the blessed spirits.
Fr. Parente describes the Angels' creation, their test,
and the fall of Lucifer and his minions; then he describes
their intelligence and free will, their language, powers
and movements; plus, he discusses how many there are,
what they do and Saints to whom they have appeared. He
sets forth the Catholic tradition on the various hierarchies
and the Nine Choirs of Angels, the famous Archangels -
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael - and on Guardian
Angels, showing there are Guardian Angels of individuals,
of churches of dioceses, of nations, etc. Finally, he
gives the history of devotion to the holy Angels.
Especially today - with the current great resurgence of
interest in the Angels - is this present book a needed
aid to distinguish the true from the false and the known
from the unknown. The Angels, by Fr. Pascal Parente, is
a certain guide through the unseen and holy world of the
angelic spirits - a book that will truly instruct, inspire
and enthrall.
http://www.aquinasandmore.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/Store.ItemDetails/SKU/89/affiliate/catholicpage4375/T/3
Demoniality
Ludovico Maria Sinistrari, translated by Fr. Montague
Summers
Despite its fearsome name, this is actually a book on
fairies by the eminent 17th century theologian, the Dominican
Fr. Sinistrari. Presents the evidence for fairies from
a religious and anecdotal point of view. Fr. Summer’s
introduction is worth the price of admission.
http://www.addall.com/detail/0766142515.html
St. Michael and the Angels
Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood
This is perhaps the most popular book ever published on
angels. Beautiful and inspiring stories on angels taken
from the lives and writings of the saints. Tells of the
role they play in our salvation. Led by St. Michael, the
angels guard us, serve as messengers from God, surround
the altar at Mass, and bear the graces of the Mass like
incense to the altar of God on high. Explains how Mary
will send us angels at our request of her. Includes many
prayers and litanies and details on the preeminent role
of St. Michael.
http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10755.html
Geography of Witchcraft
Fr. Monatgue Summers
This present work relates in considerable detail the famous
cases of witchcraft and demonology from earliest times
to the present day. The geographical locations of these
stories is limited mainly to Greece, Rome, England, Scotland,
France, Italy and Spain. Special attention is taken with
the discussion on witchcraft in New England. This book
is a fabulous companion volume to “The History of
Witchcraft.”
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com/searchresults_orderthebook.php?Author=Summers,%20Montague
History of Witchcraft and Demonology
Fr. Montague Summers
Firmly believing in the whole paraphernalia of Satanism,
the author has a wonderfully good time describing its
nefarious orgies with a gusto which even the reader of
feeble faith is apt to catch. Contents: Introduction;
The witch - heretic and anarchist; Worship of the witch;
Demons and familiars; The Sabbat; The witch in Holy Writ;
Diabolic possession and modern spiritism; The witch in
dramatic literature; Bibliography.
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com/searchresults_orderthebook.php?Author=Summers,%20Montague
Physical Phenomena of Mysticism
Fr. Montague Summers
With special reference to the stigmata, divine and diabolic.
A collection of work revolving around mysticism, what
it means and what it contains. With topics including ecstasy,
hypnotism, demoniacal and poltergeist molestations, as
well as reference to such persons as St. Francis of Assisi,
St. Catherine of Siena, Theresa Neumann and Louise Lateau.
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com/searchresults_orderthebook.php?Author=Summers,%20Montague
Popular History of Witchcraft
Fr. Montague Summers
Contents: of the practice and profession of witchcraft,
of the contract and of the familiar; of the practice of
witchcraft, malice and mischief of witches, the devil’s
mark and the Grimoire; of witches covens and their Grand
Masters, journey to the Sabbat, Sabbat orgy; black mass
and loves of the incubi and succubi; English witchcraft
from the beginning until the repeal of the law in 1736;
English witchcraft from the passing of the Statute of
1736 until the present day. Illustrated.
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com/searchresults_orderthebook.php?Author=Summers,%20Montague
Vampire in Europe
Fr. Montague Summers
This volume collects a number of histories of vampirism
in European countries, including anecdotes told by peasants
and some occasional folklore. Contents: author’s
introduction; the vampire in Greece and Rome of old; the
vampire in England, Ireland, and in some Latin lands;
Hungary and Czechoslovakia; modern Greece; Russia, Romania,
and Bulgaria.
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com/searchresults_orderthebook.php?Author=Summers,%20Montague
The Vampire: His Kith and Kin
Fr. Montague Summers
In the present work, Fr. Summers endeavored to set forth
what might be termed the philosophy of vampirism, and
however ghastly and macabre they may appear, he felt that
here one must not tamely shrink from a careful and detailed
consideration of the many cognate passions and congruous
circumstances which, there can be no reasonable doubt,
have throughout the ages played no impertinent and no
trivial but a very vital and very memorable part in consolidating
the vampire legend, and in perpetuating the vampire tradition
among the darker and more secret mysteries of belief that
prevail in the heart of man.
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com/searchresults_orderthebook.php?Author=Summers,%20Montague
Werewolf
Fr. Montague Summers
Firmly convinced of the literal and enduring reality of
the werewolf, the late Reverend Montague Summers has a
wonderful time recounting the fantastic European history
of “that most terrible and depraved of all the bond
slaves of Satan.” Illustrated. Contents: Introduction;
Werewolf: lycanthropy; Werewolf: his science and practice;
Werewolf in Greece and Italy, Spain and Portugal; Werewolf
in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland; Werewolf in
France; Werewolf in the North, in Russia and Germany;
Note on the werewolf in literature; Bibliography; Witch
ointments, by Dr. H. J. Norman.
http://www.kessinger-publishing.com/searchresults_orderthebook.php?Author=Summers,%20Montague
Occult Phenomena In the Light of Theology
Alois Wiesinger, O.C.S.O.
Church teaching on the occult? Surprisingly nuanced To
learn all about ESP, clairvoyance and other "paranormal"
phenomena, people once turned to this distinguished theologian
As the rapid spread of New Age beliefs and other forms
of pagan superstition has led, in turn, to widespread
fascination with the occult, some Catholics have mistakenly
met the challenge by promoting a simplistic Protestant
view of the subject‹i.e., that all "paranormal"
phenomena are either fraudulent or of the devil. But as
Abbott Alois Wiesinger demonstrated half a century ago,
Catholic teaching on the occult is far more complex‹and
interesting‹than that. Now his groundbreaking study
is back in print. Abott Wiesinger, a Cistercian theologian
who conducted extensive research into the paranormal,
demonstrates that while many so-called psychic happenings
can be dismissed, others can be explained by "vestigial"
powers of the human soul left over from its pre-fallen
state: "Theology teaches us that in Paradise man
possessed powers which were afterwards lost to him. The
question is, which powers were lost completely, which
were merely weakened, and whether certain of these powers,
which may have remained latent, might... be capable of
revival." Wiesinger explores the entire range of
paranormal phenomena, including: Clairvoyance * "Prophetic"
dreams and visions * Extra-sensory perception (ESP) *
Ghosts and hauntings * "Second sight" * Telekinesis
(movement of objects) * Telepathy ("mind-reading")
* Teleacoustic phenomena (e.g., ghostly rapping) * Spiritualism
(communication with the dead) * Fortune-tellers * Somnambulists
* Levitation of objects * Materializations * Divining
* Healings * Hypnosis * Mental suggestion * Precognition
* Prophecy * Speaking in tongues * Transmission of dreams
* Crystal-gazing Which of these phenomena are‹or
may be‹genuine? How can they best be explained in
the light of Catholic theology? How might they attest
to the existence of God, and of other spiritual realities
taught or implied by Catholic doctrine? Some of Abbott
Wiesinger's fascinating answers: * Links between the action
of pure spirits and the results of occult phenomena *
How the soul is organized. The relationship of its purely
spiritual element to its other elements * How abnormal
states of mind can temporarily free the soul to act, and
receive knowledge, after the manner of pure spirits *
St. Thomas on the higher powers of the soul when it is
"partly freed" from the body * Preternatural
powers of knowledge and will possessed by our first parents,
Adam and Eve. Similarities of these powers to those of
pure (angelic) spirits * How the soul's vestigial powers
can, in certain extraordinary circumstances, act directly
on matter * How dreams or visions may accurately foretell
certain events. How this differs from genuine prophecy
* Powers and characteristics of the human soul after it
has become separated from the body in death * Why Catholics
must admit the possibility of ghosts, but reject the claims
of spiritualists to summon the spirits of the dead * Two
characteristics of pure spirits that are also found in
our subconscious * How the Catholic concept of "spirit,"
and Catholic explanations for occult phenomena, differs
from those of pagan spiritualists * False approaches to
the spiritual -- e.g., yoga and astrology * How paranormal
gifts differ from true mysticism.
http://www.marianland.com/romancatholicbooks/occultphenomena.html
FICTION
The two cited books here by William Biersach mingle, as
Supernatural thrillers, a great deal of accurate Catholic
teaching and authentic folklore. The plots are gripping,
the timing intense, and yet there is a great deal of humor
mixed in!
The Endless Knot
The Darkness Did Not
http://www.tumblarhouse.com/
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2004
© Charles Coulombe
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