Saints PHYSICALLY ATTACKED by Demons - Catholic Priest Reveals Shocking Battle Footage

Have you ever felt as though there’s more to our everyday struggles than what meets the eye? What if there was a realm just beyond the visible, where battles are fought not with swords or bullets, but with courage, faith, and the quiet armor of virtue? This is not the stuff of fantasy novels—it's a tradition as old as civilization and as real as the battles we fight every day within ourselves. Welcome to a world of spiritual combat, where the stakes are nothing less than the soul.

Stepping Into the Spiritual Battlefield

Throughout history and across cultures, people have sensed that good and evil contend for more than nations or territories—they clash within the human heart. The episode from "Things Visible and Invisible,” featuring Paul—a devoted Catholic author and scholar—dives deep into this unseen war, drawing upon ancient scripture, the wisdom of the Church, and the inspiring yet harrowing stories of saints who faced evil head-on.

Paul reminds us that this battle is not new. As recorded in scripture, it began at the dawn of creation, when the first humans fell prey to the serpent's temptations, setting the pattern for a cosmic struggle between God's goodness and rebellious forces. He explains that this narrative isn’t simply symbolic—it’s a drama that repeats itself in each generation, and in each life.

Understanding the Nature of Spiritual Combat

Unlike the conflicts fought on battlefields in history, spiritual warfare doesn’t rely on physical strength. Instead, it plays out in the realm of thought, choice, and temptation. Angels—pure spirits without bodies—both good and fallen, are part of this story. Paul shares how, according to Catholic teaching, some angels, out of pride, rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. They now seek to attack God’s beloved creation, humanity, through deception, temptation, and even, in rare cases, physical disturbance.

Most often, Paul notes, spiritual warfare is ordinary and subtle. Temptation seeps into our thoughts or our environment, making wrong choices appear attractive. But at times, the attacks can intensify to extraordinary phenomena: from unexplained physical disturbances to full demonic possession—stories which, as Paul points out, aren’t confined to medieval legend, but appear in the verified lives of modern saints.

Defending the Soul: Weapons for the Invisible War

What hope do we have against such a cunning enemy? Paul is quick to remind readers that we are not left defenseless. The Catholic tradition overflows with strategies and spiritual "armor." Chief among these are the sacraments—baptism, confession, the Eucharist—which fortify the soul and mend our relationship with God. Alongside these, prayer and fasting are powerful tools, as illustrated by Jesus’s words to his disciples: “This kind only comes out by prayer and fasting.”

The Church also offers sacramentals: blessed objects such as crucifixes or medals which, through faith, serve as reminders and channels of spiritual protection. Beyond these outward defenses, the virtues—like humility, faith, hope, and righteousness—act as armor against spiritual attacks. Paul tells the story of an ancient desert monk whose humility was so profound that even when flattered by a demon appearing as an angel, he remained unaffected, his virtue a shield more potent than steel.

When Assault Becomes Tangible: Saints in the Crosshairs

One of the more gripping revelations is how the saints—those regarded as spiritual “veterans”—were sometimes subject to direct, even physical, assaults. St. Anthony of the Desert, St. John Vianney, and modern figures like Padre Pio all endured terrifying experiences: bruises, beatings, harrowing noises by night, and uncanny deceptions designed to terrify or break their spirit. But far from destroying them, these experiences refined their character and strengthened their spiritual resolve.

Paul explains that, paradoxically, God allows such trials not to harm, but to "refine the silver" of the soul. Every temptation faced with courage and faith adds iron to our character, preparing us for even greater battles—and victories—down the line.

The Tactics of Darkness: Deception, Doubt, and Enticement

So how does the enemy operate? According to Paul and the Church’s long tradition, the primary tactics are deception—twisting truth, sowing doubt about God’s love or existence, and enticing us with things that appear good but lead us away from what is truly good. Whether by stirring up anger, envy, or lust, or by offering shortcuts to happiness that bypass virtue, the goal remains the same: to separate us from our source of life and joy.

Saints are not immune to these tactics. In fact, the more they strive for holiness, the more creative and cunning the attacks can become. Paul recounts stories where demons took on the appearance of friends, mentors, or even sacred figures, all in a bid to lure the saint into pride, despair, or disobedience. Their steadfastness, ability to laugh off the tricks, and return always to humility and trust in God point the way for ordinary people facing their own everyday battles.

Strength in Community and Perseverance

Another vital defense that Paul emphasizes is community. We are not meant to fight alone. Praying for one another, sharing our struggles, and holding each other accountable are forms of mutual defense. As St. Paul the Apostle wrote, we are to "put on the full armor of God," and that includes looking out for one another.

The Battle Is Real—And So Is Victory

While stories of physical assaults, levitating objects, or dramatic exorcisms can easily become fodder for movies, the heart of spiritual warfare is found in daily decisions to choose good over evil, hope over despair, humility over pride. These aren’t just the struggles of the saints—they’re ours, too.

As the episode closes, the message is clear: don’t underestimate the reality of this invisible battle, but also, don’t overestimate the power of darkness. With faith, the sacraments, the virtues, and the support of others, victory is not just possible—it’s promised to those who endure.

So if you find yourself facing temptations, moments of doubt, or invisible struggles, remember: you are not alone, and the resources of faith have stood the test of centuries. The saints have walked this path. Their stories are not meant to frighten, but to inspire, showing us that the soul’s battleground is where true courage is forged—and where the ultimate victory can be won.

If you enjoyed this exploration of the unseen realms and the wisdom of those who have braved its mysteries, consider sharing your own journey, fortifying your soul, and supporting others as they seek light in a world full of shadows.

📕 Guest: Dr. Paul Thigpen

Dr. Paul is a retired professor of historical theology, best-selling author of over 60 books, and a leading Catholic thinker on the intersection of faith and science. His notable works include "Extraterrestrial Intelligence and the Catholic Faith."

📘Book publisher: https://tanbooks.com/authors/dr-paul-thigpen