Still Running Off at the Keyboard

"THE EVIL EYE"

Returning once again to Joshua Trachtenberg's book, JEWISH MAGIC AND SUPERSTITION, the following passage appears in a section of Chapter 4, "Man and the Demons" with a subheading that is the title of this blog.

Not a few unfortunate men are born jettatori, shedding rays of destruction about them with every glance, frequently themselves unaware of their dread influence. Some jettatori may be recognized by the peculiar and striking cast of their eyes; others pass unnoticed until sad experience unmasks them. They are to be found in all stations of life. Pope Pius IX, for one, was reputed to be possessed of the evil eye, and the women, while kneeling for his blessing as he passed, would make a counteracting sign under their skirts. (p. 54)

Nice. Why did Pope Pius IX come in for such a condemnation? Could it be because of this?

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!