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Bishop Bans Hypnotist from Catholic High Schools

WINDSOR, January 16, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a letter to school board directors, Bishop Ronald Fabbro expressed his apprehension about the fact that some schools were inviting hypnotists to entertain students. "This has become a matter of concern for some, including myself," he said.

The Catholic Church does not oppose the use of hypnotism for legitimate reasons, such as for weight loss or to help quit smoking, "But for entertainment, it's a serious violation of our human dignity. It takes away our freedom and our capacity to make sound choices," Reverend Larry Brunet, pastor of the Catholic board said.

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., in his book The Modern Catholic Dictionary (Doubleday & Company, Inc.), says that "According to Catholic principles, hypnotism is not wrong in itself, so that its use under certain circumstances is permissible. But since it deprives the subject of the full use of reason and free will, a justifying cause is necessary for allowing it to be practiced. Moreover, because hypnotism puts the subject's will in the power of the hypnotist, certain precautions are necessary to safeguard the subject's virtue, and to protect him or her and others against the danger of being guilty of any injurious actions.

When asked about following the wishes of Bishop Fabbro, Helaina Gaspard, a student trustee who attends Cardinal Carter, said "We fully understood. Obviously when there are circumstances such as that, when the presentation itself counters some aspects or values of the Catholic Church, as a Catholic school, we obviously have to adhere to them and support the Bishop in his instructions."

Read National Post coverage at:

http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=d5346bd2-10cd-49a...

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