Performing rituals can lead to demonic possessions or influence.
Msgr. Frederick Kriekenbeek, a known exorcist, said the ritual performed by the students of Argao Center for Science Learning Inc. last week could be the reason why they were possessed.
“Performing rituals can please demons and they can attack you,” Msgr. Kriekenbeek told Cebu Daily News.
The ritual was performed through pushing the pit of their stomach that made the students faint and fell asleep.
The students believed that once they fall asleep, their souls will leave their bodies and travel away from the mortal world.
The students saw the ritual on a video uploaded on a website and they copied it.
He discouraged everyone from watching videos that contain demonic rituals, witchcraft, violence, and even pornographic materials as these invite demons.
Lia Chavez, the school’s principal, said in previous interviews that they had confiscated a book on voodoism which a student brought to school. They later burned and buried it in vacant lot of the school.
Msgr. Kriekenbeek said this should not be used or played with since this can invite spirits.
Aside from rituals and witchcraft books, Msgr. Kriekenbeek also said that wearing habak (amulets) and ring with dragons are discouraged.
“These can make you vulnerable to their attacks. These should not be worn,” he told CDN.
He added the four students who were believed to be possessed last Monday need deliverance.
“They should take confession, attend a mass and take the holy communion,” he said.
Msgr. Kriekenbeek also reminded the public to avoid the wrong practices during All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day.
“It is wrong to put food on the grave as dead and spirits do not eat,” he said.
Another wrong practice is the palina which is done by burning grass and other stuff in the cemetery because of the belief that the smoke will ward off the spirits.
Instead of doing rituals, Msgr. Kriekenbeek said it is better to offer prayers for the souls in purgatory and hear mass.
Related Stories:
4 students ‘possessed’
Argao school advances break