exorcist

[pio_s]

I saw the exorcist for the first time yesterday, and I’m sure it is highly inaccurate in its depiction of exorcisms, however it made me wonder about real exorcisms.

What are the requirements for an exorcism, how often are they performed nowadays, also what things in the original exorcist are true and what are not?

 

[CatholicNick]

I read somewhere the priest who was an actor in the film, who performs exorcisms said that what is depicted in the Exorcist is 70% correct.

 

[puzzleannie]

the original book from the 70s was essentially accurate and based on a true story, although of course extremely sensationalized for the first movie. I know nothing about the remake. An exorcism can be performed only by a priest especially delegated by the bishop for this ministry and trained, usually in psychiatry, to detect the difference between mental illness and true demonic possession, because an exorcism may only be attempted on someone who is actually possessed. It is not a cure for psychological disturbances. There is a rite of exorcism which must be followed, the priest cannot make up his own prayers and practices.

 

[palmas85]

I saw the exorcist for the first time yesterday, and I’m sure it is highly inaccurate in its depiction of exorcisms, however it made me wonder about real exorcisms.

What are the requirements for an exorcism, how often are they performed nowadays, also what things in the original exorcist are true and what are not?

The exorcist was loosely based on a true case that occurred in St Louis I believe. Everything that happened in the movie has been documented at one time or another in exorcisms, although I don’t think they all occured in just one. Also, exorcisms can last a long time, a lot longer than in the film. Some have been documented as lasting over a year.

Since most modern thinking people including some Priests and theologians no longer believe in Hell or in the Devil for that matter, exorcisms are not as common as they once were. Many diocese no longer even have an exorcist. It is interesting to note however that the Vatican does have several assigned there.

Modern advances in the knowledge and treatment of mental illness has reduced the numbers of exorcisms as well. The requirements are very strict for receiving an exorcism and involves medical examinations as well as psychological exams and consultations and approval of the local Bishop.

 

[Potato1]

The exorcist was loosely based on a true case that occurred in St Louis I believe. Everything that happened in the movie has been documented at one time or another in exorcisms, although I don’t think they all occured in just one. Also, exorcisms can last a long time, a lot longer than in the film. Some have been documented as lasting over a year.

Since most modern thinking people including some Priests and theologians no longer believe in Hell or in the Devil for that matter, exorcisms are not as common as they once were. Many diocese no longer even have an exorcist. It is interesting to note however that the Vatican does have several assigned there.

Modern advances in the knowledge and treatment of mental illness has reduced the numbers of exorcisms as well. The requirements are very strict for receiving an exorcism and involves medical examinations as well as psychological exams and consultations and approval of the local Bishop.

It is important to note that it is still a valid, and used rite of the Church. I asisted an exorcism aout five years ago of a man in my parish. It was my uderstanding that JPII decreed that every diocees name an exorcist. (although I couldn’t name the document) It could be that very few diocees Catholics, priests maybe even Bishops know much about them.
Mother Theresa underwent that rite, and I have heard JPII did to but I don’t want to spread untruths about something I cant be sure of. A good book (by a controversial figure) on exorcisms is Hostage to the Devil by Father Malachi Martin. the five demons in this book erily mirror some new age thinking and practises believed by some parishes, churches and diocees even today. Almost as if the Demons lost the battle but are manifested in the society in which we live. Worship Earth as a diety, self loving etc.