Attacks by the Devil

[Student09]

It seems, from what I have read of the saints’ lives and from the Gospels, for that matter, that when the devil cannot attack someone by means of internal temptations, he will appear to them externally and even physically attack them. It is the only way he can reach them at that point. If that is what is going on, then the attack only serves to give the person a greater faith and trust in God (although that was not the devil’s intent, of course).

Someone may see or be attacked by the devil in an external way for other reasons, such as practicing paganism. But it should not be assumed that demonic attacks are an indication that we are in mortal sin - although we all have sins and failings, even the saints while they are on this earth.

 

[fred_conty]

It is my understanding from reading that there may be a number of reasons that a person may be attacked or possessed by the devil.

1. The person encourages it. They call upon the devil for power. They use some sort of
   object known to be a tool of the devil, i.e., the oujgie board, tara cards. They join a group
   of satanists. And these have effects that are not always immediate but occur in the future.
2. The person is a holy person. Cure of Ars said the devil rattled his bed at night to
   keep him awake so that he would be tired the next day when hearing confessions. He heard confessions up to 20 hours a day. Some saints were allowed to be pestered rather violently for their spiritual gain to be tested in their faith and trust in God (Job).
3. Average person for the greater honor and glory of God, so that others would give praise to God for his power when they were delivered. Or that others might see the spiritual order as real and restore God in their lives.

I haven’t heard of any devil activity purely based on the fact that the person was a great sinner. But their might be something to that. I would think the devil would leave “well enough” alone.

Fr. Fortea, in his book “Interview With An Exorcist”, mentions that the crucifix, relics, religious images, all are powerful for they torment the devils, and they will do this whether blessed or not blessed.
Good reason to have a scapular on you and several places in the home, not to mention pictures of Jesus and Mary.

Just a few ideas.

 

[bearer]

Would you provide some specific examples of “saints” and their attacks from the devil please.

Sure, St. Pourçain was the last one I read about in the Magnificat. Seems like every month, there are two or three listed in the Saints of Today and Yesterday column who were attacked by the devil. There has been no description of what these attacks entail, hence my question.

 

[bearer]

Btw, thanks to everyone who has posted links and stories. You’ve given me a lot to read about!