I often attend daily Mass at a chapel in the heart of the city that is home to many in the Spanish community. Once in a while I notice women wearing the traditional dress of their homeland in the Caribbean Islands. And I have wondered over the years: “Why do the hands of some ‘shake’ after receiving Holy Communion?” “What causes their hands to ‘tremor’ after receiving the Holy Eucharist?”
A few weeks ago, I again witnessed this “shaking or tremor” of the hands after receiving Holy Communion. And again, it was a woman wearing the traditional dress of the Caribbean Islands.
I gently approached this woman after Mass. She did not understand a word of English, but I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to touch her forehead. And when I did, the shaking (tremor) immediately stopped. As people were still exiting the chapel, I could do no more for her. I waited to speak with the pastor.
The monsignor told me that he is aware of this “shaking” and believes it to be “cultural.” He told me it also occurs during the Sacrament of Penance.
Trusting in our good relationship, I told the monsignor that even a devout Catholic woman can have an evil spirit in her body -- and that this “shaking” (this tremor of the hands) could be an evil spirit reacting to the Divine Presence in the Sacraments.
Later that day, I realized the monsignor was also correct in believing this condition to be “cultural.” His parish includes much of the Spanish community -- including immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean Islands, where Voodoo and Santeria are widely practiced!
Santeria is a system of beliefs that merges the Yoruba religion -- brought to the New World by African slaves imported to the Caribbean to work the sugar plantations -- with Roman Catholicism. Countries where Santeria is practiced today include Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, Brazil... and the United States.
Santeria is the worship of Yoruba spirits -- called Orishas. Invoking spirits and spirit possession are important parts of Santeria in Cuba.
Although the Roman Catholic Church officially condemns Santeria, this Afro-Caribbean religion is practiced by many who attend Catholic Mass. Santeria is part of their culture. It is the "fusion" of the Yoruba religion with Catholicism.
Blending of Yoruba Orishas with Catholic Saints
Santeria may appear to be the veneration of Catholic saints; however, it is actually the worship of Yoruba spirits -- called Orishas. Orishas are believed to have influence over human affairs. Each Orisha is believed to express a specific aspect of life: romantic love, money matters, passion, virility... and healing. Altars, statues and artwork are created to revere particular deities. Believers each have their own Orisha that protects and supports them throughout life -- like a guardian angel.
Divination, invoking spirits, spell-casting and spirit possession are all important parts of Santeria. And then there is the darker side of Santeria -- “Palo Mayombe” (black magic). Like practitioners of witchcraft and the Occult, practitioners of Santeria are easily possessed and in need of deliverance.
Palo Mayombe - Black Magic
A PALO MAYOMBE SITE
FOUND IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, USA
_______________
