Tagbilaran, Bohol Bishop Alberto Uy advised the faithful to have a stronger faith to keep the evil and other bad spirits away.
Bishop Uy particularly advised the faithful to observe CARES which stands for Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Eucharist, and Sacramentals in order to keep the presence of Jesus near to ward off evil spirits.
“Confession allows us to humbly ask for forgiveness and be sorry for our sins and to return to God. Adoration is also necessary as well as receiving the Eucharist in order to keep our spiritual life strong,” the Church leader said over Radio Veritas.
“Let us also make it a habit to pray the Holy Rosary as a way of following the path taken by Jesus, to reflect on His life with the help and guidance of the Blessed Mother,” he added.
Bishop Uy likewise encouraged the faithful to always keep in their possession and in their homes sacramentals such as a crucifix, medals of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Rosary, holy water, scapular and the like.
The prelate gave the advice after more than 200 students of the San Jose National High School in Talibon, Bohol collapsed while attending mass recently. Medical experts said it was a case of mass hysteria due to extreme humidity.
Known exorcist priest Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, head of the Archdiocese of Manila’s Commission on Extraordinary Phenomena said several factors may cause demonic possession in schools including occult, strong psychic energy and lack of faith in God.
Fr. Syquia encouraged parents, guardians, and school officials to pray to help deepen and strengthen the spiritual life of the young.