Church official warns flock: ‘Satanic’ rosaries in Cebu?

CEBU, Philippines — The so-called “satanic rosaries” have reportedly reached Cebu – considered the cradle of Christianity in Asia – with one case reported in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City.

But Catholic leaders here were quick to allay concerns emanating from such reports, saying there was no need to fear or worry for as long as Cebuanos keep their faith strong.

Nonetheless, Monsignor Joseph Tan, media liaison officer of the Cebu archdiocese, gave a piece of advice to the Catholic faithful.

“If you have a newly acquired rosary, it always pays to have it blessed (by the priest) before you use it,” Tan told The FREEMAN.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines earlier reported that Father Ambrosio Nonato Legaspi, chief exorcist of Diocese of Novaliches Office of Exorcism, had cautioned Catholics on the circulation of satanic rosaries and other religious items reaching the country, as these may be “infested or cursed.”

This was revealed during the August 7 airing of the spiritual warfare episode of the Diocese of Novaliches’ Radio Veritas in its segment dubbed “Hello Father 911.”

In that program, Legaspi said these items are reportedly distributed by “Satanists” or members of a group called Iluminati, who pray over these rosaries to consecrate them to evil. Whoever carries it will then be allegedly followed by evil spirits.

Legaspi cited one particular infestation case of Libera Nox, where a “satanic rosary” was confiscated.

The CBCP, which posted a photo of the supposed satanic rosary, reported: “When the photo’s levels are adjusted to make it dimmer using an image editor, the supposed Iluminati insignia of the sun with its rays and the snake at the back of the Crucified Christ becomes visible to the naked eye.”

Legaspi warned the faithful about such satanic rosaries that are now in circulation the country.

He also encouraged priests to bless such religious items.

“Not just a blessing, these items should be exorcised. Not just an ordinary blessing where water is just sprinkled–as most priests commonly do–but to use the Catholic ritual…that would frighten the demon away,” Legaspi was quoted as saying in the report published on cbcpnews.net.

Legaspi explained that simply sprinkling holy water on the cursed or infested item will not make the evil spirit go away, especially if the ritual carried out by the Satanists lasted for 30 minutes, making it “a major curse.”

Here in Cebu, the archdiocese has received a lone report about the presence of such demonic rosaries in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City, according to Tan.

He did not, however, provide further details.

Tan said if a person’s faith is steadfast, then he or she will not be easily affected by these reports.

 He added that a Catholic, if baptized, will always be protected and guarded.

“But again, this is a lesson for all. It is better if new religious objects will be blessed by priests,” Tan said. (FREEMAN)