A word of caution from a friend

There are some charismatics in Great Britain who are involved in a spurious thing called healing of memories.  A friend of the usual blogger brought this to the attention of some people. Here is what wiki has to say about RMT which is not scientific. Recovered Memory Therapy has been found to be dubious, at best. Any Catholic or Christian group involved in this type of ministry may be merely New Age stuff and not reliable. Any group calling itself Catholic has no authority to do so.

There are several individuals and groups that have published guidelines, criticisms or cautions about recovered memory therapy and techniques to stimulate recall:

• In the Brandon Report, a set of training, practice, research and professional development recommendations, the United Kingdom's Royal College of Psychiatrists advised psychiatrists to avoid use of RMT or any "memory recovery techniques", citing a lack of evidence to support the accuracy of memories recovered in this way.^[28]
• In 2004, the government of the Health Council of the Netherlands issued a report in response to inquiries from professionals regarding RMT and memories of traumatic child sexual abuse.^[11]The Health Council stated that while traumatic childhood experiences were major risk factors for psychological problems in adulthood, most traumatic memories are well remembered but can be forgotten or become inaccessible though the influence of specific circumstances precludes a simple description of the relationship between memory and trauma. The report also notes that memories can be confabulated, re-interpreted and even apparently vivid or dramatic memories can be false, a risk that is increased when therapists use suggestive techniques, attempt to link symptoms to past trauma, with certain patients and through the use of methods to stimulate memories.^[11]
• The Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) issued a similar statement, for contexts where false memories of child sexual abuse may arise. The AHA acknowledges that child sexual abuse is serious, damaging and at least some memories are genuine, while cautioning that some questioning techniques and interventions may lead to illusory memories leading to false beliefs about abuse.^[29]
• The Canadian Psychological Association has issued guidelines for psychologists addressing recovered memories.^[30] Psychologists are urged to be aware of their limitations in knowledge and training regarding memory, trauma and development and "that there is no constellation of symptoms which is diagnostic of child sexual abuse". The guidelines also urge caution and awareness of the benefits and limitations of "relaxation, hypnosis, guided imagery, free associations, inner child exercises, age regression, body memory interpretation, body massage, dream interpretation, and the use of projective techniques" and special caution regarding any legal involvement of memories, abuse and therapy.

Note to Readers

Some comments were "lost", sorry. from CS.

Also, the editor and the original writer do not care that Douglas Adams was an atheist. There are many artists who did not believe in God or who were "heretics". Do we ignore Moby Dick, one of the greatest books ever written because of the odd religious beliefs of the author?

Catholics do not ignore art created by unbelievers, unless it is bad art. We are aware that God uses many people to display His Creativity.

Letters from the Monastery Two

The monastic day is harrowing. I am on a mitigated schedule, which means I get up at 5:45 instead of having to be at Nocturns. I am in the Pantry by 6:15 making porridge, putting milk on for hot milk over a double boiler, and getting the trays ready for tea break, called mixte and also for breakfast. I make porridge for two of us who have permission to eat this, instead of the home-made bread which is making me sick.

Also, I have permission to drink coffee. Thank God. The Mother General must know I would turn into a beast without coffee.

I must say that I am a bit surprised that one only has an hour a day of private prayer. My classes have been cancelled more than held, as to all the interruptions of real life.

We are studying the Gospel of John, the Rule, the history of vocations, the CCC and other wonderful things. But, I have only had one class. I am ahead of my reading, as I cheat and read at night. Mother Novice Mistress is happy to have a keen student.

to be continued...

Letters from Monastery One

I have permission to write to my son and I shall write about my experiences at Tyburn.

First of all , this is the most loving and mature congregations I have ever seen.  The nuns are normal and human and real. I have never met such mature nuns. I am happy here and love the day. The Rule of Benedict is alreay in my heart somewhat. Mother General said that one reason I am not having trouble with obedience and the day is that she thinks I have interiorized the Benedictine way.

There is a Benedictine way of doing everything and one must be very watchful and learn by doing, not hearing. There is a monastic way of holding up one's bowl for hot water, for cutting bread and so on.

I love it. I love being here. I love the entire set up.

I have had to asked forgiveness of Mother Novice Mistress or Mother General at least once a day, but no matter.

To be continued...