Hello,
I will simply add and not repeat what has been said.
Integrity of life, piety, knowledge and prudence are criteria according to Canon Law for the duly appointed Exorcist.
Pastoral charity, knowledge of ascetic and mystical theology, human psychology, counselling, spiritual discernment and spiritual direction and zeal for souls are implied as well as indispensable criteria.
The bottom line is charity and mercy for suffering souls no matter what the cause of the affliction is-all forms of suffering and disease must be addressed by the physician who can always refer the patient to a specialized soul medic and psyche medic- the exorcist and other competent, non-biased secular professionals who need not have any religious affiliation at all, yet, not be tainted by anti-religious views in their assessments. The commissions for alleged miracles are similar to what is known as a Discernment Commission. Human science and Divine science working hand in hand. Jesus is True Man and True God, the approach is truly human and truly sacred, respecting the dignity of an afflicted child of God.
Many Dioceses in the US and Canada are now in the process or setting up Discernment Commissions to handle requests for Exorcisms and Deliverance. The Conference of American Bishops has done this at the instigation of Archbishop Dolan I believe last October in New York. In Canada, the Western Canadian Bishops have done this discreetly last February as well. These Commissions are usually categorized as a branch of Healing Ministry and Pastoral Care and/or Spiritual Direction and Discernment.
In this specific case of the man in Saskatoon, there is obviously a person who is afflicted and suffering with an inclination to self-harm. The man responds Catholic Prayer and Blessings by a Catholic ordained minister by changing his behavior and speech. It is not known if the man was aware that the one in his vicinity was indeed Catholic, Christian, a Priest or not, he simply responded in kind to words and gestures. This same man becomes apparently manageable, docile enough to handle and his threatening, defensive, hostile behavior and words are to the least subdued by words and gestures of the Priest present…This indicates to the least the importance of the role of a Priest or Minister in the psychological assessment of this poor man who is suffering.
We can not dismiss spiritual harassment or possession, nor limit his case to a psychological fixation or obsession, any more than not consider any combination of the two. He is suffering and responds positively to the presence of a Catholic Priest, a Priest who has already apparently aided the Police in escorting this man to an institution where he can be properly assessed and hopefully helped. The rest is to be determined for the spiritual good, health, welfare, healing, happiness and holiness of this man. He, like us, is called to be a Saint and Martyr, a Witness of Divine Truth, Love and Mercy, a tribute to the Power of the Cross.
We need to pray for courageous, willing to become competent in this field, merciful good shepherds who are not afraid of seeking the lost sheep, for fear of the prowling wolf…The Good Samaritan did not ask what will happen to me if I stop to help and respond? but rather what will happen to this man if i do not? If I help this man, perhaps the thugs will come after me! How much will it cost me to help him?! Many walk by…especially Priests as Jesus warned in His Parable. To accept the Healing Ministry of Exorcism is a calling within a call to Priesthood, and a response to Divine Mercy for it is a work of Mercy.
This is the kind of charity the world needs to rekindle the credibility of the Servants of God.
If we are unable or unwilling to get involved ourselves, charity dictates we bring it to the attention of the proper authorities, of the Local Ordinary, the Bishop.
It is true that there are few Priests and Bishops willing to deal with such incidents, and when they are recognized and handled, it is by a Priest Exorcist from far away since the local resources are limited. This is why Bishops are heeding the directives of the Holy Father to duly appoint trained Exorcists in their respective Diocese as part and parcel of their episcopal responsibility and accountability. The spiritual Father must provide for his children in all ways, always and at all levels.
Fr. Dominic
