Healing of Memories/Inner Healing?

[Kristen]

Hello, all. I did a search on these terms and was unable to find anything on point, so I apologize if this is redundant. I am looking for information on inner healing, namely:

– Is belief in this or the practice of it faithful to Church teaching?

– If it is acceptable, then how does one go about it? What pitfalls should be avoided?

– Can you recommend any books or Net links that may be helpful with the above?

Some background: I am reading “Full of Grace” by Johnnette Benkovic (a great book, by the way!) and she has a rather lengthy section recommending “inner healing.” This struck a chord with me because a good friend of mine – and my eldest’s godmother – had also recommended this to me years ago. So, I’m trying to get more info. to discern whether the Holy Spirit might be prompting me to pursue this or not. I tend to be more of an “old-fashioned” Catholic and have some “gut” discomfort with charismatic things, so the connection that I am finding between inner healing and the charismatic movement is troubling me.

Like most other folks, I am struggling – and frustrated with my mostly vain efforts – to overcome past hurts. In my case, I find my recently severely strained relationship with my deceased Dad and my chronically ill Mom particularly troubling. I think that a lot of my “issues” with perfectionism, anxiety, etc. stem from that.

Thanks, in advance, for any (name removed by moderator)ut you may provide. I’ll get back on here and respond as I’m able with my little ones! God bless you all!

 

[buzzcut]

See the link I put on the other thread chastitysf.com

 

[Fr_Ben_Hawley]

The classic healing text is Healing by Francis McNutt. He and the Linn brothers have written a number of other texts on healing as part of Catholic practice. I have found their material trustworthy.

On the matter of charismatics, i have always limited myself to groups that meet on Catholic property under the authority of the church. i avoid people who call themselves healers or who are lone rangers. But I have experienced physical healing and healing of memories through prayer, including the laying on of hands, by priests and laypeople meeting under Catholic auspices. A trusted spiritual director can help guide you to discern the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any group or approach.

 

[anamchara]

Kristen, thanks for posting this. I struggle a bit in this area as well. I had not heard of “full of grace” did you like it?

 

[Shoshana]

There is also a book by Fr Hampsh on ‘Healing of the Family Tree’…carrying hurts and sins from prior generations. INHO, I find him very scholarly but holy also…met him in person!

 

[anamchara]

Kristen, thanks for posting this. I struggle a bit in this area as well. I had not heard of “full of grace” did you like it?

 

[Kristen]

Thank you for the leads you gave me to follow-up on! I’m still not too sure about all of this, but I have something to go on now.

Kristen, thanks for posting this. I struggle a bit in this area as well. I had not heard of “full of grace” did you like it?

Regarding “Full of Grace”; It is a very thoughtful presentation of faithful Catholic spirituality for women. It takes you step-by-step through our purpose on earth, prayer, sacraments, forgiveness, and other key areas of living our faith. Even if you’ve “heard it all before,” if you are a cradle Catholic, the way that Benkovic puts things is refreshing. So, I would recommend it.

 

[Pani_Rose]

The classic healing text is Healing by Francis McNutt. He and the Linn brothers have written a number of other texts on healing as part of Catholic practice. I have found their material trustworthy.

On the matter of charismatics, i have always limited myself to groups that meet on Catholic property under the authority of the church. i avoid people who call themselves healers or who are lone rangers. But I have experienced physical healing and healing of memories through prayer, including the laying on of hands, by priests and laypeople meeting under Catholic auspices. A trusted spiritual director can help guide you to discern the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any group or approach.

Welcome to the forum Fr. Hawley! :tiphat:

I was going to suggest Christian Healing Ministry by Francis and Judith McNutt when I noticed you mentioned them. Have you thought of attending their school? christianhealingmin.org/

Also, Fr. DeGrandis writes a good bit on the subject, as does with Sister Nancy Keller.

 

[Shoshana]

The classic healing text is Healing by Francis McNutt. He and the Linn brothers have written a number of other texts on healing as part of Catholic practice. I have found their material trustworthy.

On the matter of charismatics, i have always limited myself to groups that meet on Catholic property under the authority of the church. i avoid people who call themselves healers or who are lone rangers. But I have experienced physical healing and healing of memories through prayer, including the laying on of hands, by priests and laypeople meeting under Catholic auspices. A trusted spiritual director can help guide you to discern the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any group or approach.

Would Barbara Sshlemon-McNutt and Francis still be kosher even if they left the Church to marry, Father?

 

[Fr_Ben_Hawley]

the healing prayer groups of which i have been a part were all directly and unambiguously under the authority of the church, that is to say, of the local bishop. i wouldn’t participate in a group that wasn’t under this authority. members of at least one group i belonged to have used the mcnutt book and found it to describe our experience with prayer for healing. a priest i know whose ministry includes healing has used and recommended the mcnutt texts, and this priest also works unambiguously under the authority of the church. i have certainly found the mcnutt book consistent with my own experience of the Lord’s healing of me.

in all cases, of course, the bishop is the authority for these matters in any parish.

 

[Shoshana]

the healing prayer groups of which i have been a part were all directly and unambiguously under the authority of the church, that is to say, of the local bishop. i wouldn’t participate in a group that wasn’t under this authority. members of at least one group i belonged to have used the mcnutt book and found it to describe our experience with prayer for healing. a priest i know whose ministry includes healing has used and recommended the mcnutt texts, and this priest also works unambiguously under the authority of the church. i have certainly found the mcnutt book consistent with my own experience of the Lord’s healing of me.

in all cases, of course, the bishop is the authority for these matters in any parish.

Yes, I have read his books and hers also. That was before their defection. Actually I heard them speak at a Charismatic Conference in Hamilton many moons ago. The Linn Brothers were involved also, I think. It makes sense that the Holy Spirit doesn’t necessarily leave a book if written before the scandal as it were. Thank you Father for responding!

 

[Pani_Rose]

Francis McNutt was laisized.
He and his wife are in the Roman Catholic Church.

I agree I didn’t like his leaving the priesthood for marriage, but at least he did take the right action - which of course was after the fact, and came back to the Church.

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I would never reccomend anything or anyone that is not in the Church or in agreement with the teachings of the Church.***