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Father, in the past few days I have been looking for as much as I can on a demon(s?) called Legion. It started really in an odd way; I'm an avid movie-watcher, and I was having one of my at-home marathon type days this past Monday. Twice the phrase, "I am Legion, we are many," had been said. It was in two, completely unrelated movies, but within less than an hour of each other (the end of one, the beginning of another).
Now, this specifically is not my concern. My concern is whether or not this is a safe subject to research on my own. I've been keeping a book of everything I can find, names of books, events, little things.
I was wondering what I should and shouldn't do. Is there anything I should avoid? Or maybe anything I should look for?
I'd like to thank you in advance for your time, and look forward to your advice.
Hi, Ashley:
Happy Easter!
The phrase "I am Legion, we are many" comes from the account in the Gospels where Jesus cast out demons and put them into pigs. It is a very cryptic, enigmatic type ot phrase; and so movies about demons like to use it. Avoid getting too caught up in demonology, as you do not have the grace and office of exorcist. This can be a dangerous subject, and could open you up to influences from evil that you would do best to avoid. The way to fight the power of devils is to concentrate on fostering and deepening your relationship with Almighty God the Father through Christ in the Holy Spirit, in communion with the Church. The influence of demons is disorienting and leads the soul away from God and His Saving Power. One must be very rooted in sound and orthodox theology, as well as leading a life integrated with devotion to the Word and teaching of Christ through the Church, and a Sacramental Life of encounter with the Reddeming Power of Jesus Christ. To fight the influence of demons directly, one must also have the Grace of Office - meaning to be a Priest, under the Authority of the Apostles through the Bishop. You do not have this Grace of Office. Be careful.
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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