Exorcists - a thing of the past?

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What is the current situation with exorcists in North America? And in the world for that matter?

Any opinions?
 
Well, it’s not something discussed much or publicized at all, but I believe all validly ordained Catholic priests have the faculty to perform exorcisms. Since the apostles were given the authority to cast out demons in Jesus’ name, it would stand to reason that this faculty would be handed down through apostolic succession. In this day and age, it is a very long process which involves many levels of psychological and physiological testing to make sure the cause is not related to mental or organic health issues. That’s about all I know about the subject matter. Anyone else have any other information on the topic?

Peace…
 
The Code of Canon Law addresses this point specifically:

"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."

Hope that helps.
 
I’ve read that Pope John Paul II has performed at least three exorcisms since he has been Pope.

Since this is a link to an article by Zenit (the official Vatican press agency), I have to believe it is a legitimate article. JOHN PAUL II HELPS POSSESSED WOMAN IN VATICAN

Bottom line for me is if our Holy Father is performing them, then they are still real.
 
Every diocese is supposed to have a designated exorcist. Not that I believe every one does, but in theory they do. Check out the Vatican’s chief demon expeller, Fr. Gabriele Amorth.
 
Every diocese is supposed to have a designated exorcist. Not that I believe every one does, but in theory they do. Check out the Vatican’s chief demon expeller, Fr. Gabriele Amorth.
 
The bishop has the fullness of ordination and therefore only the bishop (ordinary) has the ability to perform the exorcism, or a presbyter he appoints. The above quotes from the Code are right on.

Yes they are real. Yes they still happen. Yes every diocese has one by default in their ordinary, though he may be neglecting this portion of his ministry. Yes the article from Zenit is accurate. And, sadly, the rite has been performed at an ever-growing rate over the past couple of decades. Read the book by Fr. Amorth, who is the chief exorcist of Rome under His Holiness Pope John Paul II. Especially read the intro by Fr. Groeschel before you go forward in the book, as it is very important to keep in mind!

However, oppression and curses are much more frequent than possession and physical or mental illnesses are more likely than either a curse or oppression…though that does not rule out the very reality of possession, oppression and curses. Again read the good father’s book.

Your unworthy brother in Christ and by the Grace of God a future priest,

Donnchadh
 
I have read both of Fr. Amorth’s books, and I recommend them to everyone, but one thing in there he repeats over and over again is the unwillingness of Bishops to accept the very real presence of demons. From what I understand, within his lifetime, Fr. Amorth has increased the amount of exorcists in his diocese from 30 to 300, but sadly he says, there are MANY dioceses that do not even have one. If the policy of the church is to keep the business of EXORCISMS quiet (which seems like a practical thing to do) one has to wonder about the other side of it: namely, if no one knows it still happens then either there are no more demons, or they are just a thing of the past!

Pax Christi
 
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sullivansoul:
If the policy of the church is to keep the business of EXORCISMS quiet (which seems like a practical thing to do) one has to wonder about the other side of it: namely, if no one knows it still happens then either there are no more demons, or they are just a thing of the past!

Pax Christi
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You missed one possibility…
The gates of hell will not prevail over the church, but the church is not exempt from attack from the gates of hell. The demons are there, it is still a major issue, and they are not a thing of the past. I think many bishops in the world have been blinded by the temptation to completely follow the way of scientific reasoning, and have forgotten that supernatural, evil forces are active.
I have both of Fr. Amorth’s books, I’ve read the first, haven’t gotten to the second yet.
God Bless,

Justin
 
I know a priest who performed an exorcism about 10 years ago. They still happen. But they are not publicized, and for good reason. Only a trained and pious priest can do it. Demons are not to be taken lightly. The average Joe, if he tried to perform an exorcism, would not fare well. I think the Church does not publicize them because they do not want the curious amateur trying to do one, it could lead to disaster.
 
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mikworld:
The gates of hell will not prevail over the church, but the church is not exempt from attack from the gates of hell.
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How right you are! But I was just referring to the mindset of the Catholic faithful. We are constantly being shamed for our past, for things like believing in a real personal devil, and when we see that the Bishops etc. don’t counter that thought at all, what are we to think?

God bless Fr. Amorth and all his exorcists for doing the work of Christ, and wanting to educate the faithful about it.
 
Character Zero:
I know a priest who performed an exorcism about 10 years ago. They still happen. But they are not publicized, and for good reason. Only a trained and pious priest can do it. Demons are not to be taken lightly. The average Joe, if he tried to perform an exorcism, would not fare well. I think the Church does not publicize them because they do not want the curious amateur trying to do one, it could lead to disaster.
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That’s why the average Joe has to be educated. Most people experiment on their own because they don’t know what to do in a certain situation, and what is worse, is that most catholics aren’t aware that the demonic situation could exist at all! :eek:
 
Thanks for posting that link to Fr. Armoth’s (?) interview.

Incredible. I’m especially impressed that he recommended watching “The Exorcist,” as when the remake came out, a pastoral letter recommended against our seeing it. The reasoning: we should all avoid themes with a message of evil or things that make us see the evil lest we come under the wrong influences.

Of course, the movie is about a redemptive interest, but just the same, I’m with the Fr…we do need to educate ourselves and realize that these things are real!

I have a friend who is Wiccan…and she once described to me what she saw in a movie theatre where I sat with her…“The Sixth Sense”. In the warm air outside she told me about the “dead” attracted to the movie, and had me put my hand in the spot she said one of the spirits was standing…and it was COLD although the temperature was warm elsewhere.

The scary thing about the occult is that it is REAL and I really wish I had the opportunity to speak with an exorcist about the things I’ve seen and experienced so as to know how to deal with it in the future.

We all need to understand these things because they are the enemy we pray about. I continue to pray for my Wiccan friend, that she see the truth.

And I’d really like to speak with someone about the exorcism she participated in as well! There is so much to this topic it could use it’s own forum!
 
Character Zero:
I know a priest who performed an exorcism about 10 years ago. They still happen. But they are not publicized, and for good reason. Only a trained and pious priest can do it. Demons are not to be taken lightly. The average Joe, if he tried to perform an exorcism, would not fare well. I think the Church does not publicize them because they do not want the curious amateur trying to do one, it could lead to disaster.
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I think they are also not publicized because todays media would sensationalize them. Imagine turning on CNN and hearing. Catholic Priest expels demon - film at 11:00. The privacy of the one being exorcised would be made a mockery of.
 
An Exorcism is an official blessing that can only be offered by a bishop or an appointed, validly ordained priest. The only reason exorcisms are a taboo is because the media has made it into a contreversial topic. Exorcisms actually take place in the scrutinies in the weeks leading up to Easter. It’s just a prayer asking God to deliver an individual from evil.
The privacy of an individual recieving a solemn exorcism is his/her right, just as confession is a sealed, private matter.
Anyone who hasn’t read Fr. Amorth’s first book, An Exorcist Tells His Story, should read it for more information!
God Bless,

Justin
 
My wife and I recently watched a documentary titled “In the Grip of Evil”, or something very close to that. It covers the true story behind the movie “The Exorcist”. It was scary to see the reality of Demonic Possession, but the end left me with a renewed strength in God and St. Michael. GO ST. MICHAEL!!! Check it out. It was pretty good.
 
There are lots of satanic cults and as a result some possessions in italy. exorcists are still needed there.
 
I recommend that you don’t Monkey around with the supernatural, especially the black magic stuff…

Don’t give the prince of darkness any reason to notice you… because he may see that as an opportunity, or worse yet, an invitation…

be careful, be loving, be wise, be insured… oops… sorry about that last one… 👍
 
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