SJS Hosts Conference on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment

Fr. Jose Francisco “Jocis” Syquia and Fr. Winston Cabading, OP, two of the most prominent exorcists in the Philippines delivered a Conference on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment at St. Joseph Seminary on April 13, 2018. While the event was primarily intended for the Ongoing Formation of the Clergy, it drew participants composed of lay leaders, school administrators, counselors, youth leaders and seminarians.

Fr. Jocis and Fr. Winston educated the participants on common practices that provide opening for the devil to enter into one’s life. These include ascribing to superstitious beliefs, consulting occult practitioners (albularyos, mambabarang, manggagamud, etc), and other divination practices (anting-anting, palm-reading, idolatry, atang, padugo, etc.) They also warned the faithful to be very discerning about healers who appear to be good and helpful. One must make sure where their powers to heal come from because the devil is a deceiver. Elementals such as kapre, dwende, engkanto or any other-worldly creatures are minions of the devil. They categorically denounced those who claim to be possessed by the Sto. Niño or the Virgin Mary because God or the saints will never disrespect our will.

The exorcists exhorted the participants that the best weapon to fight the devil is to live a holy life by having an active prayer life, receiving the sacraments especially Confession and the Holy Eucharist. We should also give up all sinful lifestyle. The use of sacramental such as rosaries, holy water, medals and other religious articles (make sure they are blessed) are effective means to protect oneself. They urged the faithful to approach priests for healing because they are consecrated to heal spiritual sicknesses.