Observations placeholder
Dominic of Jesus Maria - When rising in the air was caught hold of by a sceptical witness
Identifier
024215
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Friar Herbert Thurston was a Catholic priest, a member of the Jesuit order and an historian. He wrote extensively on Catholic mysticism and psychic phenomena and was a member of the Society for Psychical Research. He was also widely read on this subject. He is described as ‘an honest skeptic’., and once said ‘the role of Devil’s advocate is a thankless one and does not make for popularity’.
A description of the experience
Friar Herbert Thurston - The Physical Phenomenon of Mysticism
Dominic of Jesus Maria … is said to have been raised above the ground in the presence of King Philip II of Spain and his Queen, and in that state of ecstasy to have complied with the mental commands of His Majesty, to whom the Saint's superior temporarily committed his own authority.
On another occasion the same holy Carmelite when rising in the air was caught hold of by a sceptical witness who believed these ecstasies to be a trick. The critic was carried up along with the Saint, and becoming afraid, loosed his hold, so that he fell to the ground and was severely injured.