Curanderas/healers
Can you help me understand the impact of curandera healings on those who do seek this out? My family is Mexican- American and we are Catholic, and members of my family would cure us as children with eggs when we were ill. Also, many people in my family would burn religious candles with petition and prayers underneath them, sometimes accompanied by a dime or object that was said to silence or chase away people with bad intentions. I’ve renounced participation in these practices even though I was a child, but in my adulthood, I feel guilt for not recognizing this as wrong , even though early adulthood. How do I reconcile this with God, and with my family?
Unnamed Saints
Fr. Martins, I love the book so far! God's timing is perfect! Its release date is the same as my birthday! There must be many Saints that died as martyrs that were never recognized. Is it okay to ask them to pray for us? God tells us that the lowly shall be lifted up high. So, aren't these unknown Saints ones with great influence with God, too?
Superstition vs. Faith
Hi, Father- Thank you so much for your work on the podcast. The Exorcist Files has been really faith-building for me. I am wondering if you could spend a little time unpacking superstition vs. faith, specifically as it relates to religious objects. I remember you relaying an anecdote about being in India and seeing evil eye “protectors” on the backs of taxi seats. You mentioned this obviously falls into the superstition category. How is this different from religious relics? Can people put too much faith in things like religious relics or holy water to the point where it actually become superstition? Thanks again for the great thoughts! Emily (Anglican Wife and Mom of 8)