Evil distortions, does evil exist?
The devil can also deceive mystics, sometimes impersonating Jesus and Mary—as when a vision of Mary presenting baby Jesus to Saint Faustina is distorted by an evil apparition. Mystics have written to the best of their ability about their experiences, yet some of these visions may be influenced or distorted by evil , which is more intelligent than humans. With a loving and discerning heart, however, we can distinguish what truly comes from God. Reading multiple mystics may cause confusion; for example, according to Anne Emmerich, Mary passed away in Ephesus, Turkey, whereas Mary of Ágreda states she died in Jerusalem; which makes more sense as Ephesus, according to Saint Paul in the New Testament, was in a state of idolatrous disarray. Mary's age at death is different for sister Menendez, Mary of Agreda, and Anne Emmerich as well. In my view, Mary of Ágreda’s account aligns most closely with the life of Jesus Christ, containing no statements contrary to the Gospels.
Blessed Emmerich has a few statements that dent its validity, such as: "as people sin, they get darker skin," or when Jesus went back to houses where Mary was denied entry during the flight to Egypt and Jesus would tell their owners that they had no salvation-both inconsistent with Christ’s nature of mercy and repentance. I find Sister Menendez’s prayers and loving conversations with Jesus particularly inspiring, while Anne Emmerich’s visions, despite differing church dates and other peculiarities, provide insights that illuminate the three-year ministry of Jesus.
It is essential for readers to consult multiple sources, discerning with an open heart. God’s truth will shine through because He is pure, unconditional love. Anything deviating from this love is likely from the evil one. Remember, Satan may possess intelligence, but he cannot read minds; he can only tempt us through our actions.
Book: An Exorcist Explains the Demonic: The Antics of Satan and His Army of Fallen Angels by Father Gabriele Amorth
Book: An Exorcist Tells His Story by Fr. Gabriele Amorth
Pope Francis did not recognize Medjugorje's Marian apparitions in Bosnia. While approximately 98% of the messages align with the faith, a small portion—around 2%—is presented in ways that could mislead or confuse the faithful. It is prudent to await official Vatican approval before fully embracing these apparitions. The book 'My Heart Will Triumph' offers a faithful reflection on Medjugorje and aims to strengthen devotion, highlighting Mary’s words: 'There is only one faith.' The messages themselves are filled with hope, yet Medjugorje remains unapproved because certain messages outside the book have raised concerns. A similar situation occurred in Dozule, France, in 1972. In that case, Jesus’ messages, which closely resembled those of Saint Faustina, included instructions to construct a 738-meter cross. Evil apparitions exploited these revelations to sow confusion, ultimately preventing Vatican approval. Counterfeiting and deception are among the devil’s primary tactics, especially around holy sites, with the intent of weakening faith—the very outcome he desires.
Book: My Heart Will Triumph by Soldo, Mirjana
Archbishop Fulton Sheen better explains the devil,
During a Eucharistic adoration, I mentally asked Mary why my temptations kept me from praying to her as I wished, despite my love for her. Just a minute later, a stranger approached me and handed me a beautiful picture of Mother Mary from Medjugorje, telling me to keep it—it had been blessed during his tenth pilgrimage there. Moments like this reveal how intimately Mary is connected to us. I experienced something similar in Pisa, Italy; she responds to us in the sweetest and most gentle ways. God bless our Queen Mother Mary, who listens to even our innermost prayers. This same person had felt a strong calling to visit Medjugorje during the Bosnia War, the time of the first approved apparitions. There, he witnessed, along with other pilgrims, Mary appearing above the tabernacle during adoration, her arms extended. Archbishop Fulton Sheen eloquently explains Mary’s closeness to us in daily life and the reason demons fear her presence.
My approach is to remain firmly grounded in Roman Catholic teachings while reading the writings of mystics and other religious works. Any statements that do not align with Church doctrine I set aside, while those that deepen understanding of the Holy Gospels and the Passion of Christ I retain as spiritual insight. For instance, many mystics describe visions of the Crucifixion, yet only Anne Emmerich depicts the Cross as Y‑shaped. Given that these details were not mentioned by other mystics, I would choose to ignore them as I continue reading. Because this detail is not corroborated by other mystics, I choose to disregard it while continuing my reading. It is through engaging multiple sources that a deeper truth gradually emerges—one that complements the Gospels in a beautiful and enriching way. Among these works, I consider 'The Mystical City Of God' by Mary of Ágreda to be the most accurate and spiritually fruitful. It is also one of the most Church‑approved writings outside Sacred Scripture, though regrettably, many Christians remain ignorant of these books.
I am also aware of an individual attempting to leave the practice of witchcraft who experienced disturbing manifestations—visions of demons appearing on trees and utility poles, following and taunting him. At such a moment, when faith is fragile, I believe it is through Mary’s maternal intercession that true rescue and protection can be found.
Saint Augustine (420ac) said about polytheism,
Those who engage in those polluted rites of purification, with their blasphemous ceremonies have some marvellously beautiful visions, whether of angels or of gods, after the supposed purification. ...the devil longs to ensnare men's wretched souls in the fraudulent ceremonies of all those false gods, and to seduce them from the true worship of the true God, by whom alone they are purified and healed. ...'Evil' is merely a name for the privation of good. ...God [in time] turns evil choices to good use.
Book: City of God by Augustine of Hippo
But let an exorcist summarize the above and explain the reason for the existence of hell,
The desperation people feel when confronted by demonic forces is, in some ways, vividly captured in certain rock lyrics from the 1990s. Interestingly, in these songs, Jesus is sometimes cursed, yet Mary is never attacked. These lyrics can serve as a way to illustrate the nature and influence of demons:
Sober ... Song by Tool : There's a shadow[demon] just behind me. Shrouding every step I[human] take. [demons]Making every promise empty. [demons]Pointing every finger[judgement] at me.[demons]Waiting like a stalking butler. Who upon the finger rests. Murder now the path of must we[demons]. Just because the son[Jesus] has come.Jesus, won't you fucking whistle. Something but the past and done? Jesus, won't you fucking whistle. Something but the past and done?Why can't we not be sober? Just want to start this over. And why can't we drink forever? I just want to start this over.Why? I[demonised person] am just a worthless liar. I am just an imbecile. I will only complicate you. Trust in me[demon] and fall as well. I will find a center in you. I will chew it up and leave. I will work to elevate you. Just enough to bring you down.Mother Mary, won't you whisper? Something but what's past and done. Mother Mary, won't you whisper? Something but the past and done.[demon]Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me.Why can't we not be sober? I just want to start things over. And why can't we sleep forever? I just want to start this over.Why? I want what I want. I want what I want. I want what I want. I want what I want.
Firestarter ... Song by The Prodigy: I[demon]'m the trouble starter, punkin' instigator. I[demon]'m the fear addicted, a danger illustrated. I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter. You're a firestarter, twisted firestarter. I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter.I'm the bitch you hated, filth infatuated, yeah. I'm the pain you tasted, fell intoxicated. I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter. You're the firestarter, twisted firestarter.I'm the self inflicted, mind detonator, yeah. I'm the one infected, twisted animator. I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter. You're the firestarter, twisted firestarter. I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter starter.