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PR writes: "About ten years ago, my daughter who had some signs of autism was referred for Tomatis Therapy by her Speech Therapist. We had her in this type of therapy, as well as auditory integration therapy for several months. The therapy did terrible things to her brain, and we eventually stopped. (Ialso did some kind of sound therapy, which I realize now I should not have done). Is this a type of New Age practice? I am so thankful to EWTN and your program. I have always tried to be a faithful Catholic, but It is almost impossible without the proper resources.  This is not information we typically get from our parish priests.  Thank you for any information you can give me on this."

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Exorcism was once a secretive rite that priests rarely mentioned and the faithful only learned about from scary movies. But an uptick in the need for exorcisms, along with increasing scientific recognition of spirit possession, appears to be bringing this ancient rite into the mainstream.

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CD asks: “Our parish has started a group under the Cursillo Movement. I am trying to discern if this is something that would enhance my faith and life at as a catholic.I know that Cursillo is a Spanish word for Short Course as the membership begins with a 3 day weekend retreat (ie short course) and the rest of the movement is focused on  living the 4th Day.  The last Ultreya( regional group reunion) I attended was very uplifting. It is so wonderful to meet so many beautiful souls who love our Lord and strive to grow in His love.  Can you shed some light on this Movement as I have not heard much about it.  . . . I wish to grow in my faith and walk with our Lord in my vocation as a wife and mother of 3 sons aged 17, 19 and 25.”

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Between the price gouging and scandalous profit margins, Big Pharma has become the most loathed industry in America. Their sins have not only driven millions into the alternative market where consumers are being exposed to a whole new slate of misdeeds, but they have also spawned a phenomenon known as the Big Pharma Conspiracy Theory. Just how much of this theory is fact, how much is fiction, and how should Catholics regard it?

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SDM writes: "We have been in California for several months and we have heard this ‘new age’ idea that Jesus was a Buddhist! Do you know who started this absurdity? What would you say to the people that really believe this?"

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DV writes: "What did the Pope mean when he said in the Letter to the Bishops on Some Aspects of Christian Meditation that body positions coupled with breathing and meditation could lead to a kind of mental schizophrenia which could also lead to psychic disturbances and, at times, to moral deviations.  I would like a deeper understanding of what he was warning about."  

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EO writes: "My grandfather was a member of the masons, and my mother was a member of Eastern Star. Are there ramifications to the soul for belonging to those organizations? Also, is there any truth to the idea that their descendants would suffer because of their affiliation with organizations not in line with God?"

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ML asks: Many of my friends are into pilates and I'd like to get involved too but many of these moves look very much like yoga. Are the two related in any way?

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RG writes: “At my (Roman Catholic) church today, some women in the narthex were promoting a "prayer shawl ministry" and handed me a brochure promoting this website: http://www.shawlministry.com/. Overall, it sounded like a good idea - providing comforting prayer shawls for the homebound and hospitalized. I thought it odd that there was a reference to "applied Feminist Spirituality." So when I went home, I checked out the website. There are a few troubling non-Christian things discussed there such as where they talk about "chakras" under Symbolism --> Aroma therapy. They also talk about a "mothering God" which sounds a bit New Age-like to me. By the way, they are willing to teach people how to knit and crochet, and I would like to learn (learned as child, but forgot). I just don't want some New Age agenda pushed on me or to do anything contrary to my Christian faith. Would like your comments.”

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KK asks: "I noticed on your website that you have a new age section and was wondering if you considered Anthony DeMello and his book Awareness to be new age?" 

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