Driving out demons from oneself or one's spouse

[Cimachol]

I did a search before posting this and couldn’t find this question specifically addressed. I understand that, generally speaking, only a bishop or priest with a bishop’s permission can perform an major exorcism. But I still have some questions:

1. What exactly is the difference between a major and minor exorcism? Can a layperson ever perform a minor exorcism, and if so, under what circumstances?
2. In the book “Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity,” the author, Father Chad A. Ripperger, states that an individual can order demons to leave one’s own body in the name of Jesus, because although one has no authority over demons, one does have authority over one’s body. Similarly, he states that one can order a demon to leave the body of their spouse, because the spouses’ bodies belong to each other, and that one can order a demon to leave one’s children alone due to parental authority. Is this accurate? Where might I look to verify this?

(The actual prayers in his book don’t seem to take this approach, however; they ask Jesus or the Holy Spirit to do the rebuking instead of ordering the demons directly, or ask Mary and other saints for intercession.)

1. I’ve been in a discussion with another Catholic who insists that it is just fine for us to order demons to leave in the name of Jesus whenever we detect their influence, but that seems to go against what I am reading elsewhere. Am I correct that we should never order demons directly as laypeople?

 

[MtnDwellar]

Very good questions! The subject of exorcism is not really standardized, terms are not standardized, and there is some disagreement between experts.

A major exorcism is performed by a bishop or a priest with faculties from the bishop. It’s a sacramental and is performed with the full authority of Church. A minor exorcism can be performed by priests without special faculties or by the laity.

The difference between deliverance prayer and minor exorcisms performed by laity is not clear - at least to me. There is a thing called spiritual hierarchy which gives a person authority over his family and of course himself. That authority gives you enhanced means to cast out demons. The Church discourages laity from performing exorcisms over those not under authority.

Use the prayers in Father Ripperger’s book. Understand that the effectiveness of prayers is related to the spiritual condition of the person praying. In the case of deliverance/exorcism the spiritual condition of the afflicted person is also relevant.

 

[umamibella]

Have this discussion with your priest. Especially in regards to what the non ordained can do, or not do,

I’ve been in a discussion with another Catholic who insists that it is just fine for us to order demons to leave in the name of Jesus whenever we detect their influence, but that seems to go against what I am reading elsewhere. Am I correct that we should never order demons directly as laypeople?

Maybe there is confusion here about sin and temptation. Its a great question for a Priest.

 

[Vico]

…

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1673) explains that simple exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism and that a major exorcism is solemn and that “before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness.”

Modern Catholic Dictionary states that “Private exorcism, which is the private adjuring of the devil from harming someone, may be performed by any priest, and also by a lay person; for example, by the use of sacramentals such as holy water or by invoking the name of Jesus.”