Rachel Evans
Masturbation can become addictive due to the powerful hormonal and psychological components of human sexual behaviour. For Catholics, it is important to acknowledge God-given sexuality without stirring up sexual desire deliberately. To overcome masturbation addiction, several strategies are recommended, including seeking God's forgiveness and grace through prayer and confession, reciting the rosary, and calling upon patron saints for encouragement and intercession. Additionally, identifying danger zones and building structures to combat them can help. Seeking support from recovery ministries, therapists, and local parish groups can also aid in overcoming addiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prayer | Reciting the rosary, reflective prayer using a set of introspective prompts (Ignatian Examen), praying the CIR Novena |
| Saints | St. Anthony of Padua, St. Leonard of Port-Maurice, St. Alphonsus Liguori, Mary Undoer of Knots, Queen of Heaven |
| Support | Support groups at your local parish and diocesan chancery, Catholic licensed therapist Dr. Peter Kleponis |
| Apps | Laudate |
| Scripture | 2 Corinthians 4:1,16, Luke 21:19, Matthew 5:28 |
| Self-control | Making small sacrifices, such as skipping salt on your fries or seconds at a meal |
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What You'll Learn
Praying often and looking to saints for encouragement
Prayer and faith in God are powerful weapons in the fight against addiction. Praying often and looking to the saints for encouragement can provide the strength and guidance needed to overcome masturbation addiction.
The saints have also fought against discouragement, temptation, and despair. Paul the Apostle, for example, was tempted to lose heart many times, yet he wrote to fellow Christians: "We do not lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1,16). Similarly, Saint Mark Ji Tianxiang (1834-1900), a Chinese doctor, became addicted to opium after treating his stomach ailment with it, unaware of its addictive nature. Despite confessing his substance abuse many times, he was barred from receiving communion. Yet, he continued to grow in faith and holiness, praying for the gift of martyrdom as he believed it was the only way to be saved. His perseverance in the face of addiction and his dedication to his faith make him a powerful saint to pray to for encouragement and intercession.
Another saint to call upon for encouragement is Saint Augustine (354-430), a renowned theologian and philosopher. Before his conversion, he lived a promiscuous life, struggling with lust and sexual promiscuity. His feast day is August 28th, and he is a patron saint for those with sexual addictions. Additionally, St. Matthias is known for emphasizing the importance of controlling one's physical desires to attain inner peace and joy through the Holy Spirit.
Praying the CIR Novena is also recommended, which involves asking for the intercession of several patron saints for those struggling with addiction, including alcoholism, drug addiction, compulsive overeating, and pornography/sex addiction. This can be a powerful way to connect with other Catholics facing similar struggles and to find strength and encouragement in the communion of saints.
Finally, praying the rosary can be a helpful discipline, especially when facing temptation. Praying it daily can help combat temptation and protect oneself from falling into sin. Additionally, saying three Hail Marys each morning and evening is a devotion encouraged by saints such as St. Anthony of Padua, St. Leonard of Port-Maurice, and St. Alphonsus Liguori. This devotion invites Our Lady's graces to live a holy life each day.
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Using the CIR Novena
The CIR Novena is a powerful tool for those struggling with addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, including pornography and masturbation addiction. It involves asking for the intercession of several patron saints who are believed to have fought against discouragement, temptation, and despair.
To use the CIR Novena, one can sign up to receive emails over nine days, each containing a short meditation on a recovery-related saint and a prayer. This practice is believed to help individuals find peace and freedom from their addictions, as they seek God's forgiveness and grace.
Combining the CIR Novena with other spiritual practices, such as reciting the rosary daily, can be especially effective in combating addiction. The rosary can be prayed strategically during "danger zones" or times of vulnerability, such as before bed, to protect oneself from falling into sexual fantasies and masturbation. Additionally, the Laudate app can be a helpful resource, providing access to the daily Mass readings and other tools for spiritual growth.
It is important to remember that sheer willpower is often not enough to overcome addiction. Instead, spiritual weapons and armor, such as prayer and the intercession of saints, are crucial in fighting temptations and overcoming sins. By trusting in God's grace and mercy, individuals can find freedom and healing from their addictions.
> "I started the novena. I prayed to Mary, asking her to untie the chains of my pornography and masturbation addiction. I visualized those chains and Mary breaking them. After the nine days, I felt clean, at peace, and had remained sober. But I did not stop. I started the novena again and again and again. It was this novena more than good habits or tracking days or being accountable that saved me from further relapses."
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Identifying danger zones and building structures to combat them
One strategy is to engage in activities that do not allow for being alone, such as going on dates or outings with family, friends, or a significant other. This not only helps to combat the urge to be alone and masturbate but also strengthens connections with loved ones. Additionally, one can join support groups like Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous or online forums to connect with others facing similar struggles, providing comfort and validation.
Another strategy is to incorporate prayer and spiritual practices into one's daily routine. For Catholics, this could include praying the rosary, especially during identified danger zones, such as bedtime, to protect oneself from falling into sexual fantasies and masturbation. Praying the CIR Novena and asking for the intercession of patron saints associated with addiction can also provide encouragement and support.
Additionally, taking time for daily Mass readings or utilizing apps like Laudate can help prepare for confession and provide guidance. Furthermore, reciting specific prayers, such as the Act of Contrition, can help reinforce one's commitment to refraining from the addiction and seeking forgiveness.
By recognizing danger zones and implementing these spiritual practices and support systems, individuals can build a robust structure to combat their addiction and work towards freedom and recovery.
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Using the Ignatian Examen
The Ignatian Examen is a powerful and flexible prayer that can help those struggling with masturbation addiction. The prayer involves several steps:
Placing yourself in God's presence
Begin the prayer by placing yourself in God's presence and giving thanks for His great love. This step is about encountering God and expressing gratitude for the gifts of each day.
Praying for grace
Ask God for the grace to understand how He is acting in your life. This is a request for guidance and wisdom to see His work in your life.
Reviewing your day
Take time to recall specific moments throughout your day and the feelings associated with them. Reflect on the instances where you may have struggled with addiction and how it affected your thoughts, words, and actions.
Reflecting on your actions
Consider whether your actions, thoughts, and words drew you closer to God or further away. Reflect on the choices you made and how they aligned with God's plan for your life.
Looking towards tomorrow
Think about how you can better collaborate with God's plan for your life. Be specific in your intentions and conclude this prayer with the "Our Father."
The Ignatian Examen is a tool that can help you develop self-awareness and discernment. It allows you to reflect on your daily experiences and identify areas where you may need God's guidance and strength. By committing to this prayer, you can gain insight into your addiction and work towards overcoming it with God's help. Additionally, you can also seek support from a priest who supports the Church's sexual morality and Catholic teaching on masturbation, or reach out to ministries and coaches dedicated to helping individuals with pornography and masturbation addiction, such as NewMenRising by Aaron Walter.
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Seeking support from a Catholic therapist
One such therapist is Dr. Peter Kleponis, a Catholic licensed therapist who specializes in helping people with pornography addictions. You can find support groups through your local parish and diocesan chancery, and online resources are also available.
In addition to professional support, you may also find comfort and encouragement in the stories of Catholic saints who have struggled with addiction. Praying the CIR Novena involves asking for the intercession of several patron saints for those battling addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Signing up for the CIR Novena will result in receiving emails over nine days, each containing a short meditation on a recovery-related saint and a prayer.
Another suggestion is to pray often and look to the saints for encouragement. The saints have also fought against discouragement, temptation, and despair. For example, despite facing temptation, Paul wrote to his fellow Christians, "We do not lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1,16).
Additionally, consider incorporating daily prayers and reflections into your routine. The Ignatian Examen is a form of reflective prayer that utilizes a set of introspective prompts. You can also use the Laudate app, which offers resources to help prepare for confession and access to the daily Mass readings.
Remember, with an ever-growing trust in God and by employing these strategies, you can find freedom from your addiction.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church teaches that masturbation is always morally wrong and a grave sin. Sex is intended to be an expression of love for a spouse and a means of procreation. Sex is so valuable that it should only be used within marriage. Masturbation is seen as a self-indulgent act that turns sexuality away from God.
The first step is confession and seeking forgiveness. Then, you should examine your conscience and build a prayer life. Identify the times and circumstances that make you most vulnerable and build structures to lessen their effects or avoid them. Set reachable goals for yourself, gradually increasing the time you abstain from masturbation.
Yes, there are several resources available. The Laudate app provides daily Mass readings and helps prepare for confession. You can also pray the rosary, say three Hail Marys each morning and evening, or pray the CIR Novena, asking for the intercession of saints who struggled with addiction. Additionally, seek out support groups within your local parish and diocesan chancery.
Masturbation can become a habit that is challenging to break. It may be helpful to understand the circumstances that lead to the behaviour and build strategies to combat them. It is important to recognise that willpower alone may not be enough, and spiritual weapons, such as prayer, are necessary to overcome the addiction.
In addition to prayer and confession, it is important to be mindful of what you view and read, avoiding anything that may lead to sin. Consider your friendships and distance yourself from those who encourage this vice. Make small sacrifices in other areas of your life to grow in self-mastery and gain control over your desires.
