Log in or Sign up

Sharing: anyone else have fear to be openly Catholic

Discussion in 'On prayer itself' started by Carmel333, Apr 25, 2013.

Page 1 of 2

Carmel333 Powers

Example, I had to overcome my fear of wearing my scapular and crucifix outside my clothing. Also,
I had to overcome the fear of being different in Church by taking Eucharist on tongue, and I also wear a head covering which was REALLY hard to do (Jesus asked me to and to offer it up). Would love to hear of anyone else who has had to overcome these kinds of fears of being openly Catholic, and maybe support each other in this.
In these days, when sin is openly "in your face" I feel its good to remind people of God....I just really don't want to be the one to do it LOL!

Carmel333, Apr 25, 2013

#1

sunburst likes this.
Fatima Guest

I don't really care what other people think, unless it is God or someone I really respect. However, I don't flant my scapular or miraculous medal that I wear exteriorly. Not because I am ashamed of them, but I don't feel it necessary to look like pop star "Madonna" who puts on an appearance of being religious. I genuflect before receiving Communion, not for show, but to give Our Lord reverence due. Same reason I receive Communion on the tongue. Maybe it is a man thing, but I really don't care what others think. Not afraid to be Catholic in public, by making the sign of the cross before eating at McDonalds. Have not allways felt this way, but age, grace and prayer make things different I guess.

Fatima, Apr 25, 2013

#2

Rae, sunburst, Mario and 2 others like this.
Carmel333 Powers

Oh yeah thats another one I had to overcome...praying over meals at restaurants...especially making the sign of the cross! I didn't start out wearing scapular outside my clothes, it just usually ends up there because of my heavy crucifix and medals. Sure hope people don't think I like to "flaunt" it...but there! there is another fear I had to overcome

Carmel333, Apr 25, 2013

#3
mothersuperior7 Powers

Fear of telling priests about visions, etc. Its hard to get over the scorn. Especially when they won't talk to you later or ignore you completely when you call or email. We always have told our children the truth about Christmas, Easter, tooth fairy etc. Family is rough. Now, some kids tell their kids the truth, some don't. Its a mixed bag. I have a crucifix on that is hidden under my shirt. When its showing it tells me my shirt is TOO LOW...LOL

I receive on my tongue as do all my children and husband. My 15 yr. old son kneels on both knees to receive the Eucharist and did it openly to the Bishop while he was serving at a Chrism Mass recently. The kid doesn't care what anyone thinks and wants to become a priest! Gotta hand it to him. He recently went to to a Christian Biology class. There was only one other Catholic boy there. The subject of religion came up and this one boy openly said he was Catholic, BUT said, "I'm not a radical catholic...like I don't pray the rosary everyday or anything..." My son spoke up and said, "I guess that makes me a radical Catholic...I DO PRAY the rosary everyday and go to Mass often and try and LIVE MY FAITH..." The other kids patted him on the back and said, "Its good you live your faith."

mothersuperior7, Apr 25, 2013

#4

Rae, sunburst, cornhusker and 2 others like this.
Carmel333 Powers

MS7 I just feel we have so much in common! I too HATE telling anyone or confessing visions and locutions. I can do it here because its anymonous, and lots of others here have them too. My scapular was such a tough one! It kept showing up outside my blouse (I DO dress modestly) and when I would put it back in there I just felt like I was denying Him. I prayed about this alot, and Jesus really always asks sweetly if I wouldn't do it for Him. How can one refuse Him when He asks. Perhaps its supposed to be a cross for me I'm not sure but He always asks me to do this kind of stuff.

Carmel333, Apr 25, 2013

#5

Rae and mothersuperior7 like this.
Carmel333 Powers

PS your son sounds wonderful! God Bless him!!

Carmel333, Apr 25, 2013

#6

mothersuperior7 likes this.
Fatima Guest

Oh, I also make sure all my vehciles have a Pray the Rosary bumber sticker on it http://www.leafletonline.com/Pray-the-Rosary-Bumper-Sticker/productinfo/02925/. This is way more effective then hanging a rosary on the mirror as so many do. I recently checked out of a gas station and the young man who checked me out had a beautiful rosary around his neck and over his shirt for all to see. So I aksed him "do you pray that rosary or just wear it"? He said he just wears it because it was his brothers who died. The rosary has become a real cultural thing to wear where I live.

Fatima, Apr 25, 2013

#7

Carmel333 likes this.
"Quis ut Deus" ADMIN Staff Member

I am so glad this thread was started as I feel I can openly talk about my own experience,but it is still very difficult to express, it started when I was 24 years old I had to walk home over seven miles due to bomb scares in Belfast, when I was walking I decided to pray because I had time on my hands, whilst praying I heard a clear voice in my head “take your shoes off” I dismissed it and continued on praying and walking again I heard “take your shoes off” I kept on walking and ignoring what I presumed was slight insanity but the feeling to take my shoes off became a constant battle ,I replied Lord I can’t do what you ask because I am weak and people will see, instead I will hold my hand out to you please take hold of it and help me ,so I held my right hand out as if I was walking holding a child’s hand and continued to pray until I got home. Later that night after praying in bed I went to sleep and was awoke because my right hand was very very warm I tossed and turned but couldn’t sleep when I put my hand to my face it burned eventually I managed to get some sleep. Some weeks later my niece was staying with us and had a really bad flu feeling sorry for her I had an inner feeling of praying over her which I fought with saying to myself “wise up” who are you to pray over anyone the battle continued until I eventually put my hand on her head and said “Lord this child is sick please take this sickness from her “within ten minutes she was running about the house doing what kids do best and the sickness was gone.
Shortly after this I was invited to a Christmas party and the usual ballot was being drawn when the ballots were being called I turned to the person next to me and said go and collect your prize they laughed and said but they didn’t call my name I replied but it will be called next they looked at me startled when their name was called the person opposite me said how did you know that I shrugged my shoulders and said I don’t know but you may go and get your prize too their faced dropped when immediately there name was called, I was able to know who was next in the ballot draw before they were drawn .When they questioned me about how I knew I said I didn’t know and then one of them said “you must have seen the results before the draw started” I replied “ok you’ve got me “and laughed.
I was confused by all of the events that were happening and because I was in a prayer group I was very tempted to share what was happening but I was embarrassed. A few people had expressed in the group already about praying over people and some had already said that they had been prompted to do so, on approaching me they asked would I like them to pray over me and I kindly said no (I always was weary of who or what was being prayed over me), several times over a few months I was asked at the prayer meetings if I would like to prayed over and each time I declined, I had become friendly with one of the people who were praying over people and had gained a trust in him and I knew that he was indeed a faithful man and we got talking one day he asked why I always refused to be prayed over and why did I think it was a bad thing I couldn’t answer him without offending and said maybe “next time” well he replied there’s no time like the present but wait until I get someone to help me (they always prayed over people in two’s) so they started to pray and I closed my eyes whilst they were praying I saw a very bright light and the words” prepare the way for my second coming” kept repeating over and over in my head and became very intense then I heard the people saying to me John are you ok and being shook by the people who were praying over me, the man said with a smile” I guess you were asleep in the Spirit there” his prayer partner was looking at me and crying she took me by the hands and said “ we got it wrong you should be praying over us” to which the man agreed I joked with her and said “but sure I do pray for you” she held my hand more tightly and said that while they were praying they both felt something overwhelming from me and that I should pray about it..
About a year later I called to my local parish centre to collect my wife’s guitar, another prayer group were there praying so I walked in quietly, there was a man on a chair and people were praying over and for him I got an overwhelming desire which I can’t explain but it was quite clear in my head I was to walk over and take the monkey of his back and throw it out the door so I walked passed him in secret and extended my hand towards his back and gripped thin air walked to the door and threw the thin air out I didn’t see or feel anything it just was casual. The man in the chair didn’t see me and no one knew what I was doing. The only thing that was noticeable to all was when I closed the door all the doors in the centre shook with a bang which was strange as it was not a windy day I said “oops sorry” and left...several weeks later one of the people from the prayer group asked me did I do anything to the man in the chair I laughed and said “don’t be daft why?” she said “well that’s strange because the man in the chair had asked her”, when you praying over me a man walked in and lifted something of my back who was it “ she told him “no one took anything of your back there was a guy who walked past you to get a guitar “ he replied “no he took something heavy of my back” I looked at her and said maybe I hit him with the guitar by accident she laughed and said as she was walking away “well I would keep hitting people with the guitar that man was an alcoholic for over ten years and hasn’t touched a drink since we prayed praise Jesus”
I didn’t like this feeling of being in the limelight as I am afraid of losing sight of God and pride taking over, I also feel that I am not a good advertisement for Christ and so I kept quiet about the events. I do not pray as much as I used to but from time to time I quietly pray for someone in secret either by shaking their hand or hugging them, I have noticed that when I ask God for something it is answered but I do struggle with my faith, the sacraments and all of what I have mentioned. Please Pray for me..

"Quis ut Deus", Apr 25, 2013

#8

mothersuperior7, Miriam and Carmel333 like this.
Adoremus Powers

I have to admit I am still quite bad at openly speaking about my faith with people who I know don't share it. I do post things on facebook though, and was called a religious freak for doing so which I take as a compliment . The hardest thing I've experienced so far though was taking part in a pro-life float in our town's St Patrick's day parade this year. When I realised I knew many, many of the faces lining the parade personally and that many of them were looking away embarassed, ashamed, or looking directly at us with open hostility... well, there were one or two shaky-knees moments, I can tell you. But I thank God for that tiny little glimpse of his walk to Calvary. Some people were openly verbally hostile and one man grabbed the arm of one of the banner carriers and said "You shouldn't be bringing religion into this, forcing your religion on others" (Umm, sorry but isn't this SAINT PATRICK's day??). You wouldn't mind but our float was non-political, non-protest and non-religious, we carried balloons and pictures of cute babies and mothers. It's hard, is all I can say, but isn't that what we are called to do, fight the good fight? We have to put our lamps on the lampstand, not under a basin.

Adoremus, Apr 25, 2013

#9

sunburst, Carmel333, PotatoSack and 1 other person like this.
Carmel333 Powers

Quis ut Deus, thanks so much for opening up and sharing that! You have described what I too have gotten over the years that I had a hard time describing. People say "how do you know Jesus wants you to do this or that?" and yes not only do you hear His sweet voice but its like a loving pushing. Like He keeps sweetly asking until you respond with either a yes, a no, or compremise like you did with your hand.

Carmel333, Apr 25, 2013

#10
"Quis ut Deus" ADMIN Staff Member

Carmel333 said: ↑

Quis ut Deus, thanks so much for opening up and sharing that! You have described what I too have gotten over the years that I had a hard time describing. People say "how do you know Jesus wants you to do this or that?" and yes not only do you hear His sweet voice but its like a loving pushing. Like He keeps sweetly asking until you respond with either a yes, a no, or compremise like you did with your hand.
Click to expand...

Thank you Carmel,In this walk there are so many complications,confusions,fear and doubts to deal with, most certainly not an easy road.

"Quis ut Deus", Apr 25, 2013

#11
Rae New Member

Carmel333 said: ↑

Example, I had to overcome my fear of wearing my scapular and crucifix outside my clothing. Also,
I had to overcome the fear of being different in Church by taking Eucharist on tongue, and I also wear a head covering which was REALLY hard to do (Jesus asked me to and to offer it up). Would love to hear of anyone else who has had to overcome these kinds of fears of being openly Catholic, and maybe support each other in this.
In these days, when sin is openly "in your face" I feel its good to remind people of God....I just really don't want to be the one to do it LOL!
Click to expand...

I am similar to you Carmel. I wear a chapel veil to church and we have a large parish. I am one of perhaps 2 or 3 women who wear one and I am probably the youngest at 44. Anyhow, my DH and I also kneel for Communion. It took awhile to stop feeling self conscious, but God helped me and the veil helps to block everyone else out.

Since I have gotten a bit ungainly in this pregnancy, my hubby and I go up now side by side and kneel together. I think the entire parish knows we kneel for communion and no one has said anything to us about it in a long time. No one ever said anything about my veil. But in the beginning, the kneeling for communion was an issue with one of the deacons. The priests had no problem with it. Now everyone is used to it. I saw a little girl a few weeks ago wearing a chapel veil. I thought that was so special.

So keep it up. You are not alone. Do what God tells you to.

God bless,
~Rae

Rae, Apr 25, 2013

#12

sunburst and Carmel333 like this.
Rae New Member

I forgot to say that my family and I also pray at meals while in public and/or at home.
That has never really been difficult. Even on a cruise ship!

God bless,
~Rae

Rae, Apr 25, 2013

#13

Carmel333 likes this.
padraig Powers

I used to be a bit careful, now I quite enjoy speaking out.

But I think you have to be Spirit led. Not argument for argument sake.

I like Michael Voris.

padraig, Apr 25, 2013

#14
garabandal Powers

I am quiet at the moment. We are still in a preparation time of conversion and deepening of faith.

But I have no doubt when the time comes God has prepared a fire in my heart to speak out the truth in love whether that is before the courts or whatever He desires.

garabandal, Apr 25, 2013

#15

sunburst likes this.
mothersuperior7 Powers

I only know four things for sure. God loves me. I love Him. I will never be petite. I will never be passive. Its good to know at least four things for sure!!

mothersuperior7, Apr 25, 2013

#16

Rae likes this.
John Walsh New Member

lovely stories quis ut deus.please pray for me and my family that they can find God again.I had a partation done with over 100 names on it to put a kneeler in our Cathedral to give the people the option to kneel if they wished to recieve the Holy EURCHARIST but our administrator refused to go with the idea.Please pray for our priest that he will change his mind.

John Walsh, Apr 25, 2013

#17

Rae and sunburst like this.
RoryRory Perseverance

"Quis ut Deus" said: ↑

I am so glad this thread was started as I feel I can openly talk about my own experience,but it is still very difficult to express, it started when I was 24 years old I had to walk home over seven miles due to bomb scares in Belfast, when I was walking I decided to pray because I had time on my hands, whilst praying I heard a clear voice in my head “take your shoes off” I dismissed it and continued on praying and walking again I heard “take your shoes off” I kept on walking and ignoring what I presumed was slight insanity but the feeling to take my shoes off became a constant battle ,I replied Lord I can’t do what you ask because I am weak and people will see, instead I will hold my hand out to you please take hold of it and help me ,so I held my right hand out as if I was walking holding a child’s hand and continued to pray until I got home. Later that night after praying in bed I went to sleep and was awoke because my right hand was very very warm I tossed and turned but couldn’t sleep when I put my hand to my face it burned eventually I managed to get some sleep. Some weeks later my niece was staying with us and had a really bad flu feeling sorry for her I had an inner feeling of praying over her which I fought with saying to myself “wise up” who are you to pray over anyone the battle continued until I eventually put my hand on her head and said “Lord this child is sick please take this sickness from her “within ten minutes she was running about the house doing what kids do best and the sickness was gone.
Shortly after this I was invited to a Christmas party and the usual ballot was being drawn when the ballots were being called I turned to the person next to me and said go and collect your prize they laughed and said but they didn’t call my name I replied but it will be called next they looked at me startled when their name was called the person opposite me said how did you know that I shrugged my shoulders and said I don’t know but you may go and get your prize too their faced dropped when immediately there name was called, I was able to know who was next in the ballot draw before they were drawn .When they questioned me about how I knew I said I didn’t know and then one of them said “you must have seen the results before the draw started” I replied “ok you’ve got me “and laughed.
I was confused by all of the events that were happening and because I was in a prayer group I was very tempted to share what was happening but I was embarrassed. A few people had expressed in the group already about praying over people and some had already said that they had been prompted to do so, on approaching me they asked would I like them to pray over me and I kindly said no (I always was weary of who or what was being prayed over me), several times over a few months I was asked at the prayer meetings if I would like to prayed over and each time I declined, I had become friendly with one of the people who were praying over people and had gained a trust in him and I knew that he was indeed a faithful man and we got talking one day he asked why I always refused to be prayed over and why did I think it was a bad thing I couldn’t answer him without offending and said maybe “next time” well he replied there’s no time like the present but wait until I get someone to help me (they always prayed over people in two’s) so they started to pray and I closed my eyes whilst they were praying I saw a very bright light and the words” prepare the way for my second coming” kept repeating over and over in my head and became very intense then I heard the people saying to me John are you ok and being shook by the people who were praying over me, the man said with a smile” I guess you were asleep in the Spirit there” his prayer partner was looking at me and crying she took me by the hands and said “ we got it wrong you should be praying over us” to which the man agreed I joked with her and said “but sure I do pray for you” she held my hand more tightly and said that while they were praying they both felt something overwhelming from me and that I should pray about it..
About a year later I called to my local parish centre to collect my wife’s guitar, another prayer group were there praying so I walked in quietly, there was a man on a chair and people were praying over and for him I got an overwhelming desire which I can’t explain but it was quite clear in my head I was to walk over and take the monkey of his back and throw it out the door so I walked passed him in secret and extended my hand towards his back and gripped thin air walked to the door and threw the thin air out I didn’t see or feel anything it just was casual. The man in the chair didn’t see me and no one knew what I was doing. The only thing that was noticeable to all was when I closed the door all the doors in the centre shook with a bang which was strange as it was not a windy day I said “oops sorry” and left...several weeks later one of the people from the prayer group asked me did I do anything to the man in the chair I laughed and said “don’t be daft why?” she said “well that’s strange because the man in the chair had asked her”, when you praying over me a man walked in and lifted something of my back who was it “ she told him “no one took anything of your back there was a guy who walked past you to get a guitar “ he replied “no he took something heavy of my back” I looked at her and said maybe I hit him with the guitar by accident she laughed and said as she was walking away “well I would keep hitting people with the guitar that man was an alcoholic for over ten years and hasn’t touched a drink since we prayed praise Jesus”
I didn’t like this feeling of being in the limelight as I am afraid of losing sight of God and pride taking over, I also feel that I am not a good advertisement for Christ and so I kept quiet about the events. I do not pray as much as I used to but from time to time I quietly pray for someone in secret either by shaking their hand or hugging them, I have noticed that when I ask God for something it is answered but I do struggle with my faith, the sacraments and all of what I have mentioned. Please Pray for me..
Click to expand...

Hi I have a feeling since you posted this, to ask you to pray for my son and his wife for addictions for their marriage and for all the demons attacking them. Could you pray and ask for healing for them in body,mind and spirit--in all the ways they need healing. I will also keep you in my prayers that you will be strengthened, RoryRory

RoryRory, Apr 28, 2013

#18
RoryRory Perseverance

"QUIS ut DEUS" message above-afraid you may miss it,

RoryRory, Apr 28, 2013

#19
padraig Powers

John, I think sometimes it is better to be quiet about things.

Sometimes ,again, it is better to speak out.

The problem is to discover when to speak and when to keep quiet....

but the Holy Spirit hears our prayers and ,if we let Him, both opens and seals our mouths.

I think this is one of the quiet places were He leads people to open their mouths in praise and thanksgiving with no harm and much good done.

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

padraig, Apr 28, 2013

#20

(You must log in or sign up to reply here.)

Page 1 of 2

Share This Page