Communicating with dead loved ones

[cardonius]

I’ve had two close relatives die within the past year, and I feel as time goes on, I miss them more and more. I almost feel lost without them around.

They did not belong to any particular church, but considered themselves Christian, and I know they were both very devoted to God. Obviously, no one can be guaranteed to be in Heaven unless they are canonized, but I would like to believe that both of these people are now saints.

They both had negative views of the Catholic Church. One was much more negative than the other, and I was too afraid to ever tell this person that I was considering joining the Church. I had discussed it briefly with the other, but many years ago. One of the things that is holding me back from joining, I think, is my fear that they would not approve. I am really looking for some kind of sign that they would approve of me joining the Church.

I know this must sound silly, but is there any way a faithful Catholic can communicate with deceased loved ones? I know that we can commune with the saints, but how does this translate to signs from loved ones? I really could use a sign from them right now, especially a sign of approval of my joining the Church.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[ConstantineTG]

No there is no way. And the devil can disguise himself, trying to talk to a dead person who has not been revealed to be in heaven (saints) endangers us that we might be falling into a deception from the devil. So its best that we do not seek communication with them directly.

Why not pray to God instead?

 

[po18guy]

We are to confidently place our departed loved ones in God’s care, trusting Him in all things. From the catechism:

2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to “unveil” the future.48 Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

2117 All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service and have a supernatural power over others - even if this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another’s credulity.

For the record, some folks have indeed sought information in the spirit realm, and such information can be accurate, but it can also be a lie, since it does not come by any action of God. Such practices open the door to the demonic. Far better to simply pray in confidence to the infinite source of mercy, our Lord God in heaven.

 

[Paul_theApostle]

Pray to God for your relatives that he may grant them a good repose,and pray for their salvation and forgiveness of their sins.

Pray and focus on the Lord regarding your decision to join the Church,not your departed relatives.

(pause ,somebody just knocked at a window in my house as im writing here,the window is small and high up so it couldnt have been somebody outside)two small knocks like with a finger nail)

maybe there is your sign that theyre okay ,go ahead join the Church…

 

[Trishie]

My warm sympathy to you for the loss of two persons you deeply love.

If your relatives wouldn’t have understood while on earth, if they are with God then of course they understand now.
If they are with God, how could they for an instant, not desire what God desires.
If they regret anything, it would be that in you heart they stood in the way of your failure to respond to God’s call.

When you stand before God, it is to God, not your relatives that you will have to answer to.
I am so sorry you have lost two persons so dear to you,
but remember God comes first.

Jesus said:
’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment…[Matthew 22:36]

May God give you comfort in the community of His Church.

 

[rinnie]

I’ve had two close relatives die within the past year, and I feel as time goes on, I miss them more and more. I almost feel lost without them around.

They did not belong to any particular church, but considered themselves Christian, and I know they were both very devoted to God. Obviously, no one can be guaranteed to be in Heaven unless they are canonized, but I would like to believe that both of these people are now saints.

They both had negative views of the Catholic Church. One was much more negative than the other, and I was too afraid to ever tell this person that I was considering joining the Church. I had discussed it briefly with the other, but many years ago. One of the things that is holding me back from joining, I think, is my fear that they would not approve. I am really looking for some kind of sign that they would approve of me joining the Church.

I know this must sound silly, but is there any way a faithful Catholic can communicate with deceased loved ones? I know that we can commune with the saints, but how does this translate to signs from loved ones? I really could use a sign from them right now, especially a sign of approval of my joining the Church.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

No, you need to rely on God not your relatives. Just listen to your heart and pray for the grace of God to lead you.

Also don’t look for signs and things like that. Remember God does not work that way, He can give your signs etc. nothing is impossible for him. but just pray and he will lead you.

Also continue to pray for you relatives who have gone to their rest. Prayers are never a waste of time.