It’s October which means that all around us our culture has begun its month-long celebration of Halloween. In every yard and supermarket aisle, you’ll see plastic skulls, gravestones, and ghosts.
There’s a lot we could talk about when it comes to Halloween (Halloween is traditionally a deeply holiday!) but today let’s focus on those pesky ghosts you may see hanging off trees in your neighborhood.
Can Catholics believe in ghosts? Well, the word “ghost” has so many connotations that we need to strip it down to its original meaning before we can answer that question. It comes from an Old English word, geist, which means “spirit.”
Ghosts, properly understood, are disembodied souls, and disembodied souls belong to human beings who have died—since death results when the soul separates from the body.
The Catholic Church has not offered an official teaching on the subject of ghosts, although her theologians have discussed the matter for centuries. St. Thomas Aquinas had this to say:
“…according to the disposition of divine providence, separated souls sometimes come forth from their abode and appear to men . . . It is also credible that this may occur sometimes to the [souls of the] damned, and that for man’s instruction and intimidation they be permitted to appear to the living.”
So yes, it seems that what people call “ghosts” are departed souls.
Of course, not every claim of ghostly activity is genuine. Most paranormal reports can be attributed to natural causes.
Furthermore, demons are capable of pretending to be departed souls; so not all “ghosts” are from purgatory.
This quote from the popular Catholic book Hungry Souls is helpful to understanding the distinction between departed souls and demons:
“Some apparitions that present themselves as souls of the dead may indeed turn out to be demons in disguise, seeking to deceive the credulous…[S]o-called manifestations of the dead during…magic or occult sessions…are by no means the departed persons they pretend to be, but hoaxes or demonic imposters.” –Gerard J. M. van den Aardweg, Ph.D., Hungry Souls
So, now that we understand a little bit more about what ‘ghosts’ actually are, do you want to hear a ghost story?
Real ghost stories are not things to be afraid of but can actually be beautiful examples of the Body of Christ and the Communion of Saints in action!
Let’s take a look at one such example that can be found in Hungry Souls. The life of Eugenie von der Leyen (1867–1929). Eugenie was a holy woman chosen by God to be a source of grace for those in purgatory. She had many encounters with the faithful departed, all of whom were in varying stages of purification.
The souls that appeared to her were not clearly visible at first; but as prayers and sacrifices were offered, and their purification advanced, the features of their faces became more recognizable.
Here is an example from her diary, recounting an experience with the soul of a Dominican religious who came to her. It was several days before she recognized him.
September, 5. …face was still wholly unrecognizable, a grey lump. He is rather quiet, but mutters incomprehensible words, it seems Latin.
September, 10. The Dominican is not frightening, but very often around.
September, 13. The Dominican is a father I have known well, a Frenchman. Was a long time with me, nodded assent when I started praying.
September, 17. I was very sad about something this night and cried. Then a hand was laid on my head. I looked up, it was the Dominican. He said: “Why do you weep?” I: “Because I am not content with myself.” …He: “Have confidence and be humble!” I: “How can I help you then?” He: “By mortification.”
Eventually, Eugenie stopped receiving visits from her Dominican as he joined the ranks of the Saints in Heaven! You see, ghost stories can be joyful things filled with hope!
You can read more about supernatural visits and how we can all do our part in praying for the souls in Purgatory in Hungry Souls. More than just a collection of “Catholic ghost stories,” Hungry Souls also discerns from these accounts important truths about the afterlife, God’s mercy, and ultimately, the urgent need to pray and perform sacrifices for our brothers and sisters in purgatory. Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
