Catholics/Catholic view on "Ghosts"

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Expert: - 11/27/2006


Question
What is the Catholic Church's belief on "Ghosts" as in, spirits that linger here on earth? More specificly in structures such as buildings. That sometimes form a silvery image of a person, with a flowing motion.

I know that some Catholics believe in the Purgatory process, I know that we pray for our dead loved ones etc..

If a ghost visits someone or a few people, gives off a non-threatening feeling, but the people feel uncomfortable enough to places a cross up in the area where the ghost appeared, then the ghost did not return, do you think it could be that the ghost wanted prayer or guidance to move on ?  

Answer
The Catholic Church does not speak authoritatively on this issue.

We ARE, though, taught the value of sacramentals.

I do not believe in "ghosts" as in the situation you describe...so I cannot agree with the conclusion that the presence of the sacramental "helped a ghost move on".

...but that being said, I am NOT diminishing the value/benefit of sacramentals: Our knowledge only scratches the surface of the value and benefit of sacramentals.

Despite that I don't believe in "ghosts", I am confident that the person or people you describe that used the cross have benefited in spirit and in mind.

...hope that's not too vague :)

Rick.

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Rick Jackson

Expertise

I can help clarify fact vs. fiction regarding the teachings of the Catholic Faith. I believe that Catholicism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith and that this can be shown with Scripture, reason and history.

I am an ecumenical apologist. I'm not interested in telling non-Catholics why they are wrong, but am happy to explain and confirm what we believe and why we; from Scripture, reason and history.

There are some issues where I will have to politely agree to disagree with my non-Catholic brother in Christ, however there is so much that we share in common, I'd prefer to clarify those first. :)

Experience

Experience in the area
As a former Protestant (Church of the Nazarene) I came to the faith by recognizing, after lengthy study, that Catholocism is the best representation of the Historic Christian Faith. Very interested in "ecumenical apologetics", and have started a website pursuing it: www.catholictruths.com

Organizations

Active member/supporter and webservant:
Biblical Archaeology Society | Diocese of Columbus Catholic Record Society | St. Gabriel Radio | Catholic Truths

Active member and/or supporter:
Catholic Answers | EWTN | Dead Theologians Society

Publications
Catholic Truths

Education/Credentials
Some College. Received religious instruction by the Dominicans. Have attended several "seminars" (or viewed via DVD) by Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid and other apologists.

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