Exorcist priest: Feng shui, Catholic faith ‘contradict each other’

MANILA, Philippines - Roman Catholics cannot practice feng shui, a Chinese geomantic practice, since it can render them vulnerable to attacks by the devil, a priest said yesterday.

“If one makes use of hard work, perseverance and prayer, why would there be a need to harness the elements of nature through feng shui? Faith in God and the practice of feng shui contradict each other,” said Michell Joe Zerrudo, resident exorcist of the diocese of Cubao, Quezon City, in an interview over CBCPNews, the newsletter of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

He said feng shui and other superstitious practices that are supposed to bring good luck is a “direct offense” against the first commandment: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.

He warned the faithful that these superstitious practices to welcome the New Year might actually do more harm than good.

Zerrudo reminded Catholics about St. Paul’s warnings to the Ephesians about Satan, whom the apostle called the “prince of the power of air.” Feng shui, he noted, claims to harness the power of nature in order to bring harmony and balance, giving a person success in life.