Oh I see, you mean southern Ireland, I thought it was the deep south of the USA. I have also experienced demonic attacks, they are awful. But Jesus has brought me through them. Having a heart to heart talk with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration is a good place to start. Tell him your fears and ask him for your help. You will get it! Then discern what your gifts are, we are all given special gifts. Is it teaching, being a counselor, working with the poor, working with the elderly, or just being a prayer warrior? Once you have figured out your strengths you can determine where you 'fit' in a vocation if that is your call. You might even be a good attorney, who knows? But you will know what gifts God gave you. Hope that helps. Will add you to my daily prayer list.
I have a Green Scapular in my home and started wearing it recently, Katfalls. I also found a Miraculous Medal walking down the street a few days ago! I am keeping it in my pocket.
If you found a miraculous medal walking down the street that should be a great consolation for you! It was put there for you to find it. Our mother is going to take care of you! I love her. Wear it all the time.
I'm keeping you in my prayers, Sanctus! O Mary conceived without sin, pray for Sanctus who has recourse to you!
I don’t know where to start. You are in a tough spot. Not really Joe Jerk...maybe but hard to say. Usually, he would ignore you. Let you gradually leave the church on your own. I know, with you thinking about him (joe jerk)... and the the reading material, you mentioned, it could bring anxiety. It’s normal for a lot of us to get caught up in the spiritual battle side of God. Sometimes... it leads us to focus too much on Joe Jerk. That doesn’t bring peace but anxiety. As for your vocation you are young. God waits patiently. Not sure he can wait much longer for me...but you have time to enjoy the journey. Focus on your studies. Most seminaries would rather wait til you have a Bachelor or a Masters. It just creates a well educated priest. And if marriage calls...great. Just try to find someone that shares your Catholic Faith. As for the anxiety, step one change your reading habits. If it is Joe Jerk...God is giving you grace to overcome it. As for past sins...we will always hold some guilt. All saints have...we only think saints where these great believers. The greatest saints had long and dry journeys. Yes, they had consolations (that’s what we focus on), but it was mostly a daily struggle. God Bless My Friend...God gives what you need. Don’t stress.
Thanks Katfalls. I have just started wearing it. Our Lady has got me out of some pretty bad situations in the past, so I trust she will help me with this.
I believe she told St Catherine that Rays from her hands were Graces that no one asks for--if we ask she showers them down on us. Think what grace you most need and ask her for it under her title with the orayef on the medal--O Mary conceived without sin....."
Apparently Saint John Vianney was a great promoter of wearing the Miraculous Medal. He is also the Patron Saint of Priests. Might start praying to him for help with discernment!
I remember hearing a story about a miraculous conversion of an atheist who someone dared to wear the miraculous medal. I can't remember all of it, seems like he was converted and became a Priest. Maybe from a lecture by Bishop Sheen, I will have to find that for you unless someone else has a recollection of it. My brain is getting too old!
Ok this is it, I found the link. https://www.mostholyfamilymonastery...nversion-of-alphonse-ratisbonne/#.XqTBT-uQGrU
It's a wonderful story. Alphonse Ratis bonne. He was a Jew and radically antiCatholic. A friend dared him to wear the medal and he was converted in front of Our Lady's statue. He became a priest!
Seem to be going through a dark night of the soul for quite a while too, does anyone have experience of this? It is like a feeling of being totally disconnected from God at times and can be quite heavy and even scary sometimes. Hoping someone might be able to share similar experience of the Dark Night. Hopefully some good will come from all this in time, please God. I would like to help others in the future. Have also felt guided to pray to Saint Anthony too lately, hopefully he can help.
It's tough, really tough -- have confidence in the words of Christ 'I am with you always'. You may not feel His presence but He is there. Keep regular devotions going like the Rosary - You have to grind it out -- but be kind to yourself as it is a real desert experience - you will get through it. It is God working in your soul and He will draw you closer through the experience. God Bless You.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Ps 23 Holding on to this also, Garabandal. Thanks and God bless.
