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Inde Ab Aliquot Annis
On The Current Norms Governing Exorcisms
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
September 29, 1985
Excellentissime Domine
For some years there has been an increase in the number of ecclesial gatherings which seek liberation from demonic influences, even though they are not properly and truly exorcisms. These groups, even when a priest is present, are led by lay persons.
Since the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been asked what ought to be thought about this, this dicastry is of the opinion that all other ordinaries should have the following response:
Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law declares that no one is able to legitimately undertake exorcisms of the possessed unless expressed and individual permission has been obtained from the ordinary of the place (section 1). The canon also establishes that this permission ought to be conceded by the ordinary of the place only to priests who are distinguished in piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life (section 2). Bishops are, therefore, strongly urged to see to the observance of these norms.
From these prescriptions it follows, therefore, that no member of the Christian faithful can use the formula of exorcism against Satan and fallen angels, extracted from that which was made law by Leo XIII, and even less are the able to use the entire text for exorcism. Bishops are to bring this to the attention of the faithful as it is deemed necessary.
Finally, for the same reasons, bishops are asked to be vigilant that – for even cases in which true diabolical possession is excluded, diabolical influence nevertheless seems in some way to be revealed – those who do not have the required faculty not serve in the leading of meeting where, in order to gain freedom, prayers are used which dignify demons by directly questioning them and in searching to make known their identity.
The announcement of these norm, however, ought not to keep the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they might be delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13). Finally, pastors ought to avail themselves of this occasion to recall what the tradition of the Church teaches about the proper function of sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and the saints in the spiritual fight of Christians against evil spirits.
May I take this occasion to convey my great feelings of esteem for you,
from Exorcist Tells His Story, Ibid, pp.190-91
The above-cited letter warns against any direct dealings with demons and states that their name should not be asked by those who have not been granted the specific faculty to do so. The Acts of the Apostles report a particularly fitting event … (of the consequences of acting without faculty to do so in the story of the Seven Brothers --Acts 19:11-20).
I will now explain some of that is forbidden and what is required, according to these guidelines (of Inde Ab Aliquot Annis).
First, Official exorcisms are not allowed; they are reserved exclusively for the exorcist. The same holds true for the exorcism of Leo XIII, even though it is now part of the public domain. The private use of such exorcisms is another matter; at least, this is how I understand the above-cited document.
We must avoid addressing the demon directly and to find out his name and – I add – anything else. All other considerations aside, a direct dialogue with the demon can be dangerous to anyone who dares to initiate it without the due authorization of the Church, and therefor without her protection.
At the end, the document reminds of of the importance of prayer, the sacraments, and the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints…
Dear Ian & Buzz,
What is bad is when an Evangelical ministers, like Pastor Chris Ward, makes all sorts of criticisms of the Roman Catholic Church that are not true nor do they make sense. Catholics are the Church Militant and have been for 2000 years. On the authority of our Baptisms we can and should give imperative commands in regards to ourselves & those directly under our authority.
BP
On The Current Norms Governing Exorcisms
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
September 29, 1985
Translated by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist of Diocese of Rome
Prot. no. 291/70; *** 77 (1985): 1169-70; EnchVat 9, nn. 1663-67Excellentissime Domine
For some years there has been an increase in the number of ecclesial gatherings which seek liberation from demonic influences, even though they are not properly and truly exorcisms. These groups, even when a priest is present, are led by lay persons.
Since the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been asked what ought to be thought about this, this dicastry is of the opinion that all other ordinaries should have the following response:
Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law declares that no one is able to legitimately undertake exorcisms of the possessed unless expressed and individual permission has been obtained from the ordinary of the place (section 1). The canon also establishes that this permission ought to be conceded by the ordinary of the place only to priests who are distinguished in piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life (section 2). Bishops are, therefore, strongly urged to see to the observance of these norms.
From these prescriptions it follows, therefore, that no member of the Christian faithful can use the formula of exorcism against Satan and fallen angels, extracted from that which was made law by Leo XIII, and even less are the able to use the entire text for exorcism. Bishops are to bring this to the attention of the faithful as it is deemed necessary.
Finally, for the same reasons, bishops are asked to be vigilant that – for even cases in which true diabolical possession is excluded, diabolical influence nevertheless seems in some way to be revealed – those who do not have the required faculty not serve in the leading of meeting where, in order to gain freedom, prayers are used which dignify demons by directly questioning them and in searching to make known their identity.
The announcement of these norm, however, ought not to keep the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they might be delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13). Finally, pastors ought to avail themselves of this occasion to recall what the tradition of the Church teaches about the proper function of sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and the saints in the spiritual fight of Christians against evil spirits.
May I take this occasion to convey my great feelings of esteem for you,
remaining your servant in the Lord,
Joseph Card. Ratzinger, Prefect
Translated to Italian by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist to the Diocese of Rome in his Exorcist Tells His Story, [American Edition], Ignatius Press, San Francisco (1999), (translated into English by Nicoletta V. MacKenzie), pp. 189-90
Comments from Father Amorth Concerning Inde Ab Aliquot Annisfrom Exorcist Tells His Story, Ibid, pp.190-91
The above-cited letter warns against any direct dealings with demons and states that their name should not be asked by those who have not been granted the specific faculty to do so. The Acts of the Apostles report a particularly fitting event … (of the consequences of acting without faculty to do so in the story of the Seven Brothers --Acts 19:11-20).
I will now explain some of that is forbidden and what is required, according to these guidelines (of Inde Ab Aliquot Annis).
First, Official exorcisms are not allowed; they are reserved exclusively for the exorcist. The same holds true for the exorcism of Leo XIII, even though it is now part of the public domain. The private use of such exorcisms is another matter; at least, this is how I understand the above-cited document.
We must avoid addressing the demon directly and to find out his name and – I add – anything else. All other considerations aside, a direct dialogue with the demon can be dangerous to anyone who dares to initiate it without the due authorization of the Church, and therefor without her protection.
At the end, the document reminds of of the importance of prayer, the sacraments, and the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints…
Dear Ian & Buzz,
Code:
Buzz, I don't want to trifle with your feelings and I don't want to kill your spirit. We must conform to Church Law.
As Catholic lay people and even priests who don't have faculties from their Bishop under pain of mortal sin must not address demons directly. Furthermore, lay people can't say solemn exorcisms where the person is possessed. Solemn exorcisms are for possessed people. Private exorcisms are to curb influence, oppression & obsession attacks of the devil where there is no possession. It can be the same prayer even but we are forbidden to imprecatory commands, like " Go to Hell" directly to the devil unless we have authority over a place or person. Imprecatory prayer curses or commands to go to Hell, literally.
The Bishop can say to the devil "Go to Hell Satan" in his diocese because God has given him over this locality. Diocesan Bishops & Archbishops are princes of the Church. They wield the Power of the Whole Church over their diocese. And they can delegate to a priest this Power to pray in the Full Authority of the Church. When a priest requests permission to say a solemn exorcism the Bishop delegates this Authority and Power to him. Solemn exorcisms
EWTN has an exorcism article where in the body the author confuses imprecatory for imperative. All direct commands are imperative commands. Not all direct commands are cursing one to Hell. However at the beginning of the article he says it is OK to say "Begone Satan." I sure that was an oversight but many people are confused. I asked 3 exorcists about this & the Economy of Authority, and all said the same thing.
Bro. Ignatius Mary of the St. Mike's website saw that error that article on EWTN at picked up on that mistake. The exorcist priests of course see that too; but they are so busy, not often do they have time to answer questions and give advice. All humans can make mistakes, few have the integrity to admit that or pay for their mistakes. But I haven't read Catholic Culture's website.
Code:
When I was growing up the priest's here all said the Exorcism Prayer of Pope Leo XIII especially during Lent after Mass was over. The Leoine prayers were said more often. And things sure were easier then. And the Church Laws have been the same regarding exorcisms since the Council of Trent. The Exorcism of Nicole Aubrey was what motivated the Church to formulate and compose those beautiful prayers of exorcism.
