MANILA – The Catholic Church has warned the Filipino faithful against the circulation of Satanic rosaries and religious items in the country.

Diocese of Novaliches Office of Exorcism (Libera Nox) chief exorcist Fr. Ambrosio Nonato Legaspi warned Catholics against using rosaries that may be "infested or cursed," as reported by CBCP News.

Fr. Legaspi explained that these rosaries, as well as Masonic medals that are also in circulation, are those that are distributed by Satanists, particularly a group called Illuminati. The satanic rosaries are "prayed over" by its makers, and are consecrated to evil so that evil spirits will follow those who use it.

“These were made not only to be simply given away but to deceive Catholics…so that evil spirits will haunt them,” Fr. Legaspi was quoted in the report.

Satanic rosaries, according to Diocese of Novaliches Libera Nox assistant case officer Philippe De Guzman, have odd symbols that are not easily visible to the naked eye.

The rosaries which are often made of plastic, could have a snake wrapped around the cross, a pentagram, and a sun with rays which is an insignia of the Illuminati.

Masonic medals on the other hand, look like that of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal except that the isngnia of Masons--a compass, is placed at the bottom.

Fr. Legaspi is also calling upon Catholic priests to bless religious items according to Catholic rituals and to exorcise them, especially if its owners have experienced paranormal occurrences.

“Not just a blessing, these items should be exorcised. Not just an ordinary blessing where water is just sprinkled–as most priests commonly do–but to use the Catholic ritual…that would frighten the demon away,” he said.

Fr. Legaspi also explained that exorcists should not just sprinkle holy water on cursed or infested religious items since this will not make evil spirits go away especially if Satanists carried a ritual that lasted for more than 30 minutes.

• READ: Understanding demonic possession

-- Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News