Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
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RE: lou gentile? | Omar | Saturday, July 28, 2007 |
Question: Thanks for your reply Joe, very helpful indeed. I noticed you labeled the Amityville Horror case as controversial. What, if I may ask, are yours and brother Ignatius's take on whether that case actually involved demonic activity, or if it was a hoax as some now believe? Did the Catholic Church ever investigate that case officially? If not; have any Catholic exorcists given any insight into the case? Thanks and God Bless. |
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Question Answered by Mr. Joe Meineke
Dear Omar, It is good to hear from you again. I cannot speak for Brother Ignatius, but as for me I personally believe that Amityville was a true diabolical infestation (I will explain why later). However, I also belive that much controversy was born when the involved parties tried to turn a profit on the story. Once the motivation became money, all sorts of half-truths and fabrications were born to make the story more saleable. Author Jay Anson used much poetic license when he wrote the book. The controversy and debate over whether or not this was a real case arose from the deviations from fact in the book (and later, the subsequent movies) and continues to this day. To further complicate the matter, there was a good deal of conflict between the two groups who originally investigated the home; namely, Ed and Lorraine Warren and Stephan Kaplan. The Warren's explain it this way on their website: "As far as the Warrens can tell, he [Mr. Kaplan] hated them because Mr. Lutz, the owner of the Amityville Horror home called Mr. Kaplan prior to calling the Warrens, and asked him to investigate the situation. Mr. Kaplan came to the home to “investigate” with 6 witches and the Channel 7 news team, and Mr. Lutz threw Mr. Kaplan off the property---and then called the Warrens. This started a 20 year vendetta of Mr. Kaplan against the Warrens." As you can probably imagine, under these circumstances, ANY true diabolical infestation would, in all likelihood, quickly be labeled a hoax. I strongly believe that this is exactly what happened with Amityville. As for your question, "Did the Catholic Church ever investigate that case officially?" No, they did not. The investigation of the home was carried out by Ed and Lorraine Warren. However, there was a priest who was alleged to have come out to bless the house. A reference on the internet claims that Newsday interviewed the priest, Father Ralph J. Pecoraro (now deceased), and that he allegedly stated that when he went to bless the house he heard something say, “Get out!” As for me ever hearing of any Catholic exorcists who have commented on the case, no, I have not. Part II - Why I Believe First, let me state that this is my subjective personal opinion based on observations and my own knowledge of demonic infestations.
God bless you, Joe Meineke For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.
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