Exorcism banned?

[Patrick_George]

Hi everyone

Has Exorcism ever been banned in the Church? Has there ever been a decree or a law passed by the church authorities banning exorcism and why. Or perhaps it is some bishops who try to stamp it out in their dioceses, as I once read in a book written by an exorcist. I’m interested in knowing why the Church would stop the deliverance of people possessed by demons, if this is true.

Thank you

 

[fordhamstudent]

The practice of exorcism in this country was very rare even before the Second Vatican Council and actually the use of the rite of exorcism by the Church has exploded in the 21st century in spite of our modern technological age and secularization. With the development of the discipline of psychology and the science of psychiatry in the 19th and 20th centuries the Church sought mental causation of human behavior over traditional notions of negative human behavior and thought being manifested or influenced by evil forces.

The context of priestly formation after the Council was rooted in the social sciences and thus any notion of belief in an actual personified evil in any traditional sense was viewed as a pre-critical absurdity rooted in the medieval mind which the Church had consequently purged through the revision of its rites after the Council. That is why so many priests and bishops after the Council when the movie The Exorcist had come out had to do damage control–although they did not see any harm in the free publicity the Church received through the movie.

With the rise in social awareness of possession consequently the amount of alleged cases of possession rose. Possession is still rare, but temptation and obsession are not as rare and thus the Church in increasing the amount of exorcists throughout the world is moving out of the passe’ social science view of theology, and is also assisting the faithful in what is termed the Church militant to have more protection against the world, the flesh and the devil. Again, the problem with most clergy after the Council was that they were formed in a different and dare I say even more secular and modernist formation that we even have today–a formation which may have even denied most truths of the Catholic faith and most particularly the notion of an evil force lurking throughout the universe possessing human bodies to get back at God for throwing it out of heaven.

 

[Patrick_George]

Again, the problem with most clergy after the Council was that they were formed in a different and dare I say even more secular and modernist formation that we even have today–a formation which may have even denied most truths of the Catholic faith and most particularly the notion of an evil force lurking throughout the universe possessing human bodies to get back at God for throwing it out of heaven.

So in other words you are saying there has not been any formal pronouncement to stop the practice but most priests and clergy have ignored it and not spoken about it or practised it because it’s how they were trained?

 

[fordhamstudent]

Yes, it was another medieval practice that the modern clergy wanted to bury along with the Latin Mass after the Council. The Church, through Pope Paul VI, in suppressing the order of exorcist nevertheless kept the rite itself and the practice available, but it was only to be used by specialist priests who were trained in demonology and the art of exorcism. In the suppression of the order of exorcist the new theology was that the priest by ordination had the power to exorcise in the sacred character of holy orders and thus did not need a sacramental such as the rite of ordination to the minor order of exorcist to hold and exercise the power from Jesus Christ to expel demons and repulse demonic forces.

Traditionalists still affirm the necessity of the reception of the order of exorcist before the conferral of the diaconate and priesthood, but since even Eastern Catholic priests do not receive such a minor order and can still exorcise evil spirits, the sacramental of the rite of ordination of exorcists is thus deemed not needed, but the Church in the future may restore the traditional minor orders given its trend toward neo-traditionalism and conservatism as evidenced by the restoration of the Missal of Pope John XXIII.

 

[ilySHJ]

Our pastor mentioned that the bishop had called him to perform an exorcism. So one could assume it’s not currently banned.

 

[Patrick_George]

Yes, it was another medieval practice that the modern clergy wanted to bury along with the Latin Mass after the Council. The Church, through Pope Paul VI, in suppressing the order of exorcist nevertheless kept the rite itself and the practice available, but it was only to be used by specialist priests who were trained in demonology and the art of exorcism. In the suppression of the order of exorcist the new theology was that the priest by ordination had the power to exorcise in the sacred character of holy orders and thus did not need a sacramental such as the rite of ordination to the minor order of exorcist to hold and exercise the power from Jesus Christ to expel demons and repulse demonic forces.

Okay, but do you know why they wanted to suppress it and why only specialist priests are allowed and lay people no longer allowed? The idea of suppressing exorcism sounds rather scandalous to me, after all, the bible tells us that the believers would be recognized by the signs that would accompany them,such as healing, casting out demons etc… And if our priests are intentionally restricting or suppressing these practices, don’t you think this is a cause of concern.

 

[mdgspencer]

There has never been a decree or law in the Church banning exorcism.
I can see why the rite is limited to specialist priests, the Church fully realizing what exorcists face.
Whether priests or any bishops have tried to put exorcism into abeyance is another matter. If this has happened it is not the practice of the universal Church.

 

[Polycarp1]

Again, the problem with most clergy after the Council was that they were formed in a different and dare I say even more secular and modernist formation that we even have today–a formation which may have even denied most truths of the Catholic faith and most particularly the notion of an evil force lurking throughout the universe possessing human bodies to get back at God for throwing it out of heaven.

What truths of the Catholic Church are you talking about? I’m not aware of any changes to infallibly defined dogma.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The Church has never banned exorcism, nor has it actively suppressed it.

Every dioceses has an exorcist priest or access to one, but the use of the priest for exorcism was rare.

Recently, there has been a rise in the need of exorcisms, especially as people began dabbling in the occults.

Jim

 

[Bookcat]

Exorcism is not “banned”. It is actually even a topic of courses in Rome.

The Church does though restrict “exorcisms” to Exorcists (Priests given such authority by the Bishop).

Canon Law:

Can. 1172 §1. No one can perform exorcisms legitimately upon the possessed unless he has obtained special and express permission from the local ordinary.

§2. The local ordinary is to give this permission only to a presbyter who has piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life.

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P48.HTM

Catechism:

1673 When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing.178 In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism. The solemn exorcism, called “a major exorcism,” can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, 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.179

scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c4a1.htm

 

[BluesPicker]

Yes, it was another medieval practice that the modern clergy wanted to bury along with the Latin Mass after the Council. The Church, through Pope Paul VI, in suppressing the order of exorcist nevertheless kept the rite itself and the practice available, but it was only to be used by specialist priests who were trained in demonology and the art of exorcism. In the suppression of the order of exorcist the new theology was that the priest by ordination had the power to exorcise in the sacred character of holy orders and thus did not need a sacramental such as the rite of ordination to the minor order of exorcist to hold and exercise the power from Jesus Christ to expel demons and repulse demonic forces.

Traditionalists still affirm the necessity of the reception of the order of exorcist before the conferral of the diaconate and priesthood, but since even Eastern Catholic priests do not receive such a minor order and can still exorcise evil spirits, the sacramental of the rite of ordination of exorcists is thus deemed not needed, but the Church in the future may restore the traditional minor orders given its trend toward neo-traditionalism and conservatism as evidenced by the restoration of the Missal of Pope John XXIII.

  As much as many here would want to negate the statements of  Fordhamstudent, there is more than a bit of truth to what he says; but,  it is not the Vatican it is the interpretation of  VC II by some.  

   For example,  exorcism were more common than one may suspect but they were simple exorcisms.   Pope Leo XIII wanted lay people to pray his the Leonine exorcism prayer after they said the Rosary daily.   These instructions are still valid; but there are priests and laity alike that say "NOOOO"  because of Cardinal Ratzinger's letter in 1985. But that letter called to mind that lay people are not supposed to  attempt exorcism of  people who may be possessed nor question or engage in conversation with demons manifesting as if they were exorcist priests.   Now when the Leonine Exorcism is published in Italy  Fr. Amorth, he clarifies these points.

     Then there are many who make statements that only an exorcist priest can cast demons out and  free a possessed person.  This negates the Bible which is the foundation upon which the Catholic faith is based on.    It is not reality nor Catholic dogma.

   Padre Pio  never had the Bishop's mandate to perform the Rite of Exorcism; yet he casts demons out regularly.  He did so by virtue of his Baptism.  He never performed an official exorcism.  By virtue of his Baptism and his faith in Christ, he simple said "Go" or some other private prayer and they went.

   And while this may be my interpretation and opinion,  my statements reflect  Monsignor  Andrea Gemma &  Father Gabriele Amorth, both of whom were Vatican exorcists and latter still is. 

   One Catholic forum concerning the recitation of  the Leonine exorcism prayer proudly said we consulted  a Canon lawyer,   Deacon so and so.   So who knows better the exorcist priest that the Pope appointed  for the Diocese of  Rome & the Vatican or a Canon lawyer?   Canon lawyers may be exorcists but not all Canon lawyers are exorcists.

       It is because only recently has there been a revival of  instruction on exorcism that many are misled.  It is not because they are trying to lie or keep one from praying or even obtaining an exorcism  in some malicious way; rather  I  believe people just don't know.

 Now there is a big difference between  solemn public exorcism prayer,  the ones in the Roman Missal of exorcism  and   simple private exorcism prayer, such as the Our Father.    Even so,  I am like  Fr. Z in that  leave the direct conducting exorcisms on people, to priests devoted to the ministry of exorcism and deliverance.   It is best apprehended by becoming part of a deliverance team because you gain personal instruction from an exorcist priest.

 Exorcism has a vast difficult theology and it is also hard to explain.    The Leonine exorcism  is generally used  for the clearing of an area.   Since infestations are not true possessions  any priest may say it; although in some cases it might be best to ask for it.

 Also,  Christ said that some will perform Signs & Wonders  but  will never know Christ.

For example sometimes a person is suffering some demonic attacks because God has His reasons so the person may be Saved. Sorcerers or practitioners of “magick” will make some pact with demons and free a person who is possessed because of some grievous sin. They may be freed only to fall deeper in sin being freed by this evil person and lose their Soul.

Happy New Year,
BP

 

[fred_conty]

holyspiritinteractive.net/columns/guests/tomhoopes/darkbackward.asp

There are three kinds of exorcisms.

First, there’s the liturgical exorcism that is incorporated in every baptismal ceremony.

Second, there is so-called private exorcism, or simple exorcism. It can be performed by any of the faithful and can be as simple as the words, “Be gone, Satan.”

The third kind of exorcism is the solemn, “public,” or formal exorcism. This ritual is only carried out with the specific authorization of a bishop. It’s a serious matter, but it’s a sacramental, not a sacrament. That means its effect is not infallible, and it may have to be repeated more than once.

 

[BluesPicker]

holyspiritinteractive.net/columns/guests/tomhoopes/darkbackward.asp

There are three kinds of exorcisms. .

    That is right  Fred, exactly right.  The Baptismal exorcism is reserved only for priests and it is a simple exorcism.    Priests used to say simple exorcisms during confession  for people they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so.  "Spirit of Lust depart from this person in the Name of  Lord  Jesus Christ",   for example said silently.  When a priest says such a prayer for a person it is powerful and much more effective than a  lay person.  And this one sentence prayer is an exorcism, a simple exorcism.

  The devil knows that  the clergy's prayers are powerful; so he has clouded the minds of many into thinking, in the extreme cases,  angelic spirits don't exist.  So praying against the devil as in a simple exorcism is deemed medieval.   This type of thinking invaded seminaries  and eventually exorcisms. 

   At this same time, a movement  the Charismatic movement where Protestants, certain Evangelicals, and Catholics became popular.  Since official exorcisms were not being performed or hard to obtain,  possessed people  sought help in these groups.   It became popular to disregard the instructions that always accompanied the Leonine exorcism in regards to laity conducting exorcisms on  possessed people. Even with priests present  lay people began to mimic or act as if they were priests.

  We as Baptized  Christians are members of a royal priesthood.  We can pray for those under our authority, our children, and members of our family living under our roof.  Grandfathers and fathers  used to make everyone go to Mass, say Grace before meals, etc.etc.  or move out.   Families would gather together in the evening for daily prayer and say the Rosary  and some would say the Leonine Prayer as a simple exorcism per instruction of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII.  This is a private prayer and devotion said under the authority of one's Baptism,  personal faith & holiness.   

   When  lay people and even priests pray the Leonine prayer they don't say "by my priestly ministry."  A  priest has to have permission from his Bishop to say this.  These words then change the entire character of the prayer because then it becomes a public rite.   It  then carries the full  Weight and Power of the Church and can only be said in this manner  for possessed people or some instances for infestations.

   As a matter of convention today exorcism means the "official exorcism",  an official public rite.   This can lead to confusion and has.  The  exorcism prayers in the Roman Missal are not spells or incantations.  They are prayers.   The trouble begins if they are abused by saying them as if one is a priest,  an ordained priest. 

  Cardinal Ratzinger's letter was in response to people using the Leonine exorcism prayer  for people  that are possessed.   I remember when  Charismatic groups led by lay people were attempting exorcisms on people suspected of being possessed.   Full demonic possession we all agree is uncommon.   It is possible for someone to do what they were doing  for a life time and not see fully possessed person.   Unfortunately back then some did and it was a disaster.   Even the devil obeys Canon Law.  He is a liar and the author of confusion.   So these people thought the power is in the exorcism prayer; but the real Power is in the Church,  the Mystical Body of Christ. 

 Padre Pio didn't break any Canon Law  but he was truly united to Jesus Christ. He performed Signs & Wonders not just to alleviate people of their ills but to reveal that Christ was the Messiah.   He was also a very humble man who obeyed and followed Christ who loved people so much that he healed and delivered people that he was beaten & tortured by the Devil. 

Now  Satanism is an official recognized religion in the USA & in Great Britain.  Many have lost their faith and have been filled with evil and do evil things.  Some asked in this forum if  I thought the world was more evil now than when Christ was crucified. Christ came to be crucified and told St. Peter "Satan get thee behind me."   God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son into the world to  be Sacrificed and Atone for all the sins of  Man, past, present, & future.   Yet the world has turned away from Christ.  The Bible tells of  a time when men will turn away from Christ and in this vacuum Satan will prevail.  One is either in the Camp of the Lord or in Satan's grip.  There is no middle ground.  

 How can one not see that not just this country but the world has fallen.  Church leaders account for the increased number of possessions  to Satanism, in it's many forms both organized and unorganized.

BP

 

[Patrick_George]

Exorcism is not “banned”. It is actually even a topic of courses in Rome.

The Church does though restrict “exorcisms” to Exorcists (Priests given such authority by the Bishop).

Canon Law:

Can. 1172 §1. No one can perform exorcisms legitimately upon the possessed unless he has obtained special and express permission from the local ordinary.

§2. The local ordinary is to give this permission only to a presbyter who has piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life.

Thank you. This clears up a lot and confirms my earlier perceptions.

At this same time, a movement the Charismatic movement where Protestants, certain Evangelicals, and Catholics became popular. Since official exorcisms were not being performed or hard to obtain, possessed people sought help in these groups. It became popular to disregard the instructions that always accompanied the Leonine exorcism in regards to laity conducting exorcisms on possessed people. Even with priests present lay people began to mimic or act as if they were priests.

I can understand why lay people aren’t allowed, but why were exorcisms in our church hard to obtain?

Every dioceses has an exorcist priest or access to one, but the use of the priest for exorcism was rare.

Recently, there has been a rise in the need of exorcisms, especially as people began dabbling in the occults.

I’m not too sure about whether every diocese has an exorcist. I read a book by Fr. Jeremy Davies on exorcism, and he states that many bishops in the UK have largely suppressed the practice, so to me it sounds a bit suspect when they say the use of it was rare, because many people could have been helped but it was hard to find help within our Church and this rise in the need of exorcisms may not necessarily be a rise but a problem that was always there but was ignored. On the other hand maybe it was rare because people in Europe and the US more or less stamped out witchcraft and all those satanic practices as they progressed technologically. So I can see why the need became rare. But I’m afraid this is not the case in most African countries. I’m from an African country and I can assure you that so many are practising witchcraft, and I’m not talking about known/trivial types like wicca, but serious sorcery which involves demonic possessions, causing pain or sickness to others, especially family members, etc… You know, the type that need major exorcisms. And the sad thing is that most priests and bishops ignore the reality and so the people affected tend to go to other “churches” that offer deliverance and healing, or turn to Charismatic priests in the church, most of whom are banned from parishes by some parish priests even though the pope has endorsed the Charismatic movement. The end result is a reduced faith in our church and a tendency to leave or to attend mass on Sunday but go secretly elsewhere to seek help.

 

[Hotgoldensun]

I read some of the recent posts and exorcisms definitely sounds like a deep theological topic. I viewed an exorcism on YouTube for the first time, and I already knew but strengthened the fact that there is NOTHING to fear about the devil . I am a sixteen year old male, and I assure you there are people from my generation that are not following the culture of death in today’s world. Your posts are correct, the world is a culture of death right now. We are here to bring hope to them though :-D! That hope is Christ, and with this hope we will continue to spread it. Remember that no matter how bad some of the clergy may be that as long as Christ is holy the Church is holy, so there is nothing to worry about . Note: I normally have mistaktes in my posts, so please correct me on anything if I am wrong. This post is off-topic, but I just wanted to notify that there are saints for every generation .

HotGoldenSun.