I’ve been reading and studying spiritual warfare on my own for several years now. I deeply admire Filipino exorcists such as Fr. Jose Syquia and the Dominican exorcist Fr. Winston Cabading. My library also includes books by well-known American exorcists such as Fr. Chad Ripperger, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, and Fr. Carlos Martins, as well as the works of the late Vatican exorcist Fr. Gabriele Amorth.
Spiritual warfare is very real. Today, we can clearly see the many ways evil is at work in our world. As Roman Catholics, we have been blessed with the sacraments and sacramentals that the Church provides to strengthen us in our spiritual battle.
As shown in the photo, these sacramentals have long been treasured by the Church and are powerful aids in our spiritual life when used with faith and devotion. Above all, they remind us to remain close to Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of holiness, with special devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary, the Queen of Angels, and to St. Michael the Archangel.
The Rosary – Often called the "prayer of roses," the Holy Rosary is one of the most powerful prayers in the Church. It has long been regarded as a mighty weapon against evil and a source of grace through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.
The Brown Scapular – I received my Brown Scapular from a Carmelite brother. It is made of cloth, as the traditional Brown Scapular should be. It is a beautiful sign of consecration to Our Lady and a reminder to live a faithful Christian life.
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary – This beautiful devotion honors the Seven Sorrows of Our Blessed Mother. It is one of my favorite devotions and is also recommended by Fr. Chad Ripperger, especially for those engaged in spiritual warfare and for praying for exorcist priests.
The St. Benedict Medal – The St. Benedict Medal has been used by the Church for centuries and is well known for its prayers of protection against evil. As a Benedictine Oblate, I wear it every day together with my Miraculous Medal.
The Miraculous Medal – As a little girl, I asked Our Blessed Mother to adopt me as her daughter. Having studied in a school run by the Vincentian Fathers and the Daughters of Charity, the Miraculous Medal has always held a very special place in my heart.
The St. Michael Stone from Mt. Gargano, Italy – This stone comes from the Sanctuary of St. Michael on Mt. Gargano, where, according to Catholic tradition, St. Michael the Archangel appeared. It is sometimes associated with exorcism because of the shrine's long spiritual history. This stone is very precious to me because it is not easy to obtain. St. Michael, the leader of the heavenly armies, is the archangel who defeated Satan and continues to protect the faithful through his powerful intercession.
Prayers for the Laity – Every Catholic should have a collection of sound and Church-approved deliverance prayers. These prayers help us seek God's protection and resist the influence of evil while remaining within the proper role of the laity. I highly recommend Deliverance Prayers for the Laity by Fr. Chad Ripperger. I also keep and regularly use Fr. Jose Syquia's Deliverance Prayer Book, which contains beautiful Catholic prayers for protection, healing, and spiritual warfare. Both are valuable resources for strengthening one's spiritual life and trust in God's power.
