The panic over cursed rosaries supposedly being distributed by “Illuminati satanists” shows no sign of dying down with 30 handed in to Cebu churches.
The idea of the diabolical plot to ensnare the faithful was first reported on the website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines this month.
Its report quoted Father Ambrosio Nonato Legaspi, who warned Radio Veritas listeners about using rosary beads that were being distributed by “Illuminati satanists”.
During a show, he urged people to hand in the items — which he said included satanic symbolism — to the church for disposal.
Last week, we reported that a woman in Palawan had handed in a rosary, claiming it was causing her misfortune and illness.
Now it has been reported that dozens of people in Cebu also believe they have been affected by evil spirits.
Father Ric Anthony Reyes of the Order of Saint Augustine said at least 30 rosaries had been handed in since September 8.
He said exorcism prayers were said over the items before they were destroyed by fire.
“We properly disposed cursed occult paraphernalia by burning them,” he said. “I recited a minor exorcism prayer which has been recommended for priests who were not appointed as official exorcist.”
‘Beware of cursed rosaries!’
It is unclear why Monsignor Fredrerick Kriekenbech, the official exorcist of the Cebu archdiocese, was unable to perform the rites.
Father Reyes reiterated the church’s belief that the rosaries were being deliberately distributed by dark forces. “If we speak of spiritual warfare, the proliferation of satanic rosaries for some time means it is really serious to Catholics who innocently used cursed religious items,” he said.
“There are really satanists who clandestinely do the manufacturing of these rosaries. The cross which has mocked signs of satanism is a potential item of demonic infestation.”
The priest also urged his flock to be cautious of any beads handed to them.
“They can know that these rosaries are not of Catholic origin because of the symbolisms not of Catholic piety,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to urge people to pray more, and go to church as often as possible.
According to the Freeman newspaper, another Cebu priest, Father Eligio Suico, was handed at least 20 rosaries by a fearful parishioner. These too were disposed of.