It is my firm belief that the Diocese of Worcester has fallen under the influence of territorial spirits. What are territorial spirits? Francis MacNutt, in his book entitled "Deliverance from Evil Spirits: A Practical Manual," quotes from C. Peter Wagner: "'Satan delegates high ranking members of the hierarchy of evil spirits to control nations, regions, cities, tribes, people groups, neighborhoods and other significant social networks of human beings throughout the world. Their major assignment is to prevent God from being glorified in their territory, which they do through directing the activity of lower ranking demons.'
The Scriptural foundation for this lies in the apostle Paul's statement about our wrestling against 'the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 6:12). We also hear Jesus talking about tying up the 'strong man' and then being free to plunder the strong man's house (Matthew 12:29). 'It would seem reasonable,' writes Peter Wagner, 'that the principle could be applied to a nation or a city or a people group [such as a Diocese, my note] as well as a house.' " )p. 255).
The Scriptural foundation for this lies in the apostle Paul's statement about our wrestling against 'the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 6:12). We also hear Jesus talking about tying up the 'strong man' and then being free to plunder the strong man's house (Matthew 12:29). 'It would seem reasonable,' writes Peter Wagner, 'that the principle could be applied to a nation or a city or a people group [such as a Diocese, my note] as well as a house.' " )p. 255).
The Diocese has promoted a "Commission for Women" with questionable ties. For years the Worcester Diocese ran the column of Rev. Richard P. McBrien, a dissident theologian, in the pages of its Diocesan newspaper The Catholic Free Press. The Diocese has struggled with the problem of sexual abuse against minors committed by a not insignificant number of its priests. This past week, the Diocese announced that 75 of its 120 parishes are in serious economic difficulty and that it has lost a million dollars.
Just recently a Catholic gentleman from Worcester County left me a comment at Facebook. He wrote, in part, "We moved up to Winchendon back in the late 90's for cheaper
land and peace and quiet. However, that has now run it's course - and I do agree, that
this area is spiritually dead. It has been for years.
A large problem up here - especially at STVDP parish [St. Vincent de Paul in Baldwinville, Massachusetts] - is the lack of faith formation. The program is lame and weak. My feeling is this is a direct reflection on the pastor. These are the crucial years for forming the faith! These children are the next generation of Church and if they aren't learning about it, then what does that tell us?! Watered down theology is running rampant and I don't know what it's going to take to start the turn around? People are becoming so desensitized with all of the 'issues' going on around us and our pastor isn't preaching to us about any of it! My wife and I try to ensure our children know the truth and talk with them regularly - as well as listen to them. I think it's terrible you never even got a response re: your letter to the Bishop expressing interest to the priesthood. I thought Bishop McManus was doing okay for a
while. However, I've been concerned over the past couple of years. One example has to be
the woman's conference board that you mentioned in one of your blogs! I mean, what is
going on here?"
The short answer, in my opinion, is the evil influence of territorial spirits. Let us all pray for the spiritual deliverance of our troubled Diocese. Especially while at Holy Mass and while praying the Holy Rosary. For this is spiritual warfare.
