Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

As the observances of All Souls and All Saints approach, the topic of spiritual warfare has come to the forefront for many in the Catholic community. Pope Francis addressed this concept during his Angelus address on September 27, 2020, describing spiritual warfare as “Battling for good; battling so as not to fall into temptation; doing for our part what we can, to arrive at living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes.”

Father Fernando Gil, a canon lawyer, and Father Anthony Aarons, a Missionary of Mercy, offered perspectives on this ongoing struggle. Father Gil cited St. John Paul II’s teaching from August 13, 1986: “With the highly evocative phrase: ‘I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning’ (Lk 10:18), the Lord affirms that the proclamation of the Kingdom of God is always a victory over the devil, but at the same time…a condition of struggle…since we are exposed to the attacks of the spirit of evil.” He also referenced Ephesians 6:12 regarding this battle being against spiritual forces rather than people.

Father Gil noted that references to demonic forces appear over five hundred times in the New Testament. He said these forces aim to divert believers from salvation won by Jesus Christ. According to him, modern challenges such as family breakdowns, societal divisions, wars, violence cycles, addictions, and other serious issues create conditions where negative influences can thrive.

However, he emphasized hope through faith. “The great news is that Jesus has come to defeat the kingdom of darkness,” he said.

Father Gil explained that Catholics receive support through their faith and sacraments: “We have been sealed twice by the Holy Spirit: sealed in Baptism as sons and daughters of God and consecrated to God as Temples of the Holy Spirit; sealed in Confirmation as witnesses of Christ,” he stated. He described participation in Mass and receiving communion as strengthening believers with what he called “the real presence of Jesus.”

He also discussed other sacraments such as Penance and Anointing of the Sick as means for forgiveness and comfort during hardship. Father Gil encouraged devotion to Mary through prayer—particularly citing her role via tradition—and recommended fasting for its spiritual benefits.

Father Aarons focused on Jesus’s centrality: “The first tool is Jesus himself,” he said. He pointed out that participation in church life and sacraments connects individuals directly with Christ’s presence. “The Sacraments are the living presence of Jesus in our midst. And therefore, when we participate in the Sacraments, we are participating in the life of Jesus. And that is where we get our strength to face what lies ahead,” Father Aarons explained.

Scripture was also highlighted by Father Aarons who mentioned how Jesus used biblical truth when tempted by Satan according to Gospel accounts: “He was actually quoting words from Scripture, and therefore He knew the power that He had was based on Scripture,” he said.

“Jesus has the power to protect us from evil,” added Father Aarons—emphasizing trust rather than fear.

Both priests underscored maintaining faith through regular sacramental life and prayerful practice rather than succumbing to anxiety about evil influences or adversity.

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968. It includes Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties with oversight currently provided by Bishop James Noonan. The diocese consists of 79 parishes along with missions and schools throughout Central Florida.