Laity & Pope Leo XIII Prayer of Exorcism

[BluesPicker]

There has been much misinterpretation of Cardinal Joesph’s Ratzinger’s 1985 letter called “The Current Norms Governing Exorcisms.” Some even see that the Exorcism Prayer of Pope Leo XIII being on the internet as some pitfall for Catholics. Others have created a whole strange theology different from the great moral theologians.

 What is particularly bothersome is that  Pope Leo XIII wanted the faithful to pray the Rosary & then his exorcism prayer.     This would be a private rite of prayer and not a solemn exorcism.

Thomas Euteneur wrote a book called "Exorcism and the Church Militant. " Appendix E, pages 260-266 of that volume is titled “Commentary on the 1985 Letter of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith: On the Current Norms Governing Exorcisms.” Euteneur conclusions agree with Fr. Amorth concerning laity & private exorcism or prayer, & the Exorcism Prayer of Pope Leo XIII. Eutenuer goes further citing Fr. Francis Martin in the footnotes on page 263:

"Fr. Francis clarified the cardinal’s (Ratzinger’s) letter in a talk at Mundelein Seminary, and latter through personal correspondence. He stated that it is clear the restrictions in point three of Cardinal Ratzinger’s letter are to be applied to pubic assemblies. He also wrote, “When asked by Fr. Rufus Pereira concerning the third paragraph of [the] statement of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, September 29, 1984 [actually 1985] the then Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joesph Ratzinger, stated that the restrictions apply to public assemblies. While Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) clearly restricts exorcisms and prayers for exorcisms to authorized clergy, there is nothing here to prohibits the laity from using the imperative. “Exorcism” means the Rite of Exorcism not the imperative command.” (page 148)

Monsignor Andrea Gemma, former bishop of Isernia-Venafro [served 1990-2006] & once the Vatican’s Head Exorcist before being consecrated a Biship, is among the greatest exorcists living. Mons. Gemma was the Head Vatican exorcist prior to becoming a Bishop. He is famous for titles such as “The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail” & " I, Bishop Exorcist,"

The link below connects one to a Bishop Gemma interview by Gianluca Barile

www.verginedegliultimitempi.com/demonio.htm

"My experience daily - says, in fact, the prelate - tells me that the exorcism done by telephone is immediately effective, as evidenced by the reactions on the other side of the wire. Moreover, for those who are spirit local distance does not matter; has the power of prayer and exorcism, as I always say, is nothing more than a prayer that is made in the name of Christ and the Church. The devil then you can fight from a distance. Consider that the great Pius XII exorcised Hitler directly from the Vatican, although, unfortunately, in that case, without effect. " Many lay people, including most ‘charismatic’, is slowing in advancing the ministry of deliverance with the fear of breaking a rule of the Church and of falling into sin. Another legend holds that Monsignor Gemma to debunk. "If everything is done in private, the prayers of deliverance and exorcism also imperative - that of Leo XIII in Latin can be a great example - there is no sin. It is, indeed, an act of fraternal charity, of which I can personally testify to the effectiveness. " An act of charity that does not absolutely require the approval or the mandate of the diocesan bishop. "

 

[BluesPicker]

Directly below is the introduction to the “Exorcism of Leo XIII against Satan and the Rebel Angels” with instructions and commentary as presented in Fr, Gabriel Amorth’s book, “An Exorcist Tells.”

translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=3&hl=en&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.aiutonline.org/esorcismo.htm&usg=ALkJrhhBy2MuWqf6CaTUmebchDryOjR79Q

Exorcism of Leo XIII
against Satan and the Rebel Angels

From the Book of Don Gabriele Amorth
“An Exorcist tells.”
Dehoniane editions, 1995 Rome.

Premise

"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 practiced (Mk 1.25 s) is from him that the Church derives the power and the duty to exorcise. 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. In what 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. Very different is the case of illness, especially mental, whose care falls within the scope of medical science. It is important, therefore, ensure, before an exorcism is performed, which is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness "(Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1673).

Even this exorcism contained in the Ritual Romanum, is reserved to the bishop and priests expressly authorized by him and can be recited by the faithful only privately. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has drawn the observance of this rule in the letter Inde ab annis aliquot of 29 September 1985. In it is also stated that this recall “in no way away from the faithful pray as Jesus taught us, are delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13).”

Pray the exorcism (in this or in any other form) is especially recommended when you feel the action of the devil becomes more intense in us (very strong temptations), families (discord) in public life (when they are trampled rights of God and man), in the relations between states (war) in the persecutions against the Church. You should also recite diseases.

The parts in brackets ] are reserved for priests.

 

[DaveBj]

snip

The parts in brackets ] are reserved for priests.

There were no brackets ] in your post, only parentheses ().

With regard to the general subject of exorcisms, Jesus Himself said (Mark 16:17) that it would be “those who believe” (i.e., not limited to the Apostles or their successors) who would cast out demons.

(Full disclosure: I do not perform exorcisms :bigyikes: )

 

[MarcoPolo]

Some even see that the Exorcism Prayer of Pope Leo XIII being on the internet as some pitfall for Catholics.

The prayer should only be said by a priest and it could be dangerous for a layperson to attempt to say it to combat the powers of evil.

 

[MtnDwellar]

The statement about brackets refers to the text found by following the link ie [and trusting in the authority of our sacred ministry]

St Paul taught that it is indeed dangerous to confront evil spirits in the name of Jesus Christ - for nonbelievers.

For believers, we are commanded to expel demons. Christ does not tell us to do things that will harm us. Satan is very active. It is our duty and obligation to fight in Jesus’ name. Jesus was/is an exorcist. He is our example.

 

[DaveBj]

The statement about brackets refers to the text found by following the link ie [and trusting in the authority of our sacred ministry]

St Paul taught that it is indeed dangerous to confront evil spirits in the name of Jesus Christ - for nonbelievers.

For believers, we are commanded to expel demons. Christ does not tell us to do things that will harm us. Satan is very active. It is our duty and obligation to fight in Jesus’ name. Jesus was/is an exorcist. He is our example.

Thanks for the clarification

 

[BluesPicker]

Thanks for the clarification

Sorry Dave,

       That line is what a priest says if he is saying an  public exorcism.  He has to get permission from his ordinary; unless he is an ordinary of course.   There was a famous Franciscan  abbot named Rev. Dominic Szymanski who founded Marytown, Illinois, the national shrine of  St. Kolbe, the founder of the Army of the Immaculata.  He wrote a book  called the "Truth about the Devil" which can be found on the Net.  He died in 1952.  This book explains exorcism and dispels a lot of notions about the same that amount to nonsense.

     While deliverance is not the main focus of our Catholic Faith, Christ did order the Apostles & Disciples to preach the Gospel, Heal the Sick,  &  cast demons out.

     There are theologians who say  there is no Original Sin and many other things contrary to  Catholic Dogmatic Beliefs.   The minor order of the exorcist was abolished in 1971 because  Masonic-like modernist & humanist theologians no longer believed in the Gospels particularly in the person of Satan.  All one  has to do is trace the way the Prayers of St. Michael the Archangel were edited in the 20th Century.

 

[Bookcat]

Here is the document from the Church:

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19850924_exorcism_en.html

“From these prescriptions it follows that it is not even licit that the faithful use the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII, and even less that they use the integral text of this exorcism. Bishops should take care to warn the faithful, if necessary, of this.”

It must be understood as the Church understands it.

One may submit a dubium to the CDF for a response. I imagine if one does it will be still “no”.

And as one Bishop notes in his 2010 work on the subject regarding the exorcism of Pope Leo XIII: “It cannot be used by lay people”.

The above document concludes:

“Drawing attention to these norms, however, should in no way distance the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they may be delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13). Finally, Pastors may take this opportunity to recall what the Tradition of the Church teaches concerning the role proper to the sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Angels and Saints in the Christian’s spiritual battle against evil spirits.”

 

[BluesPicker]

Here is the document from the Church:

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19850924_exorcism_en.html

“From these prescriptions it follows that it is not even licit that the faithful use the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII, and even less that they use the integral text of this exorcism. Bishops should take care to warn the faithful, if necessary, of this.”

It must be understood as the Church understands it.

One may submit a dubium to the CDF for a response. I imagine if one does it will be still “no”.

And as one Bishop notes in his 2010 work on the subject regarding the exorcism of Pope Leo XIII: “It cannot be used by lay people”.

The above document concludes:

“Drawing attention to these norms, however, should in no way distance the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they may be delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13). Finally, Pastors may take this opportunity to recall what the Tradition of the Church teaches concerning the role proper to the sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Angels and Saints in the Christian’s spiritual battle against evil spirits.”

You state “as the Church understands it”, but is not the Head Vatican exorcist part of the Church? Don’t you think the Head Vatican Exorcist understands the ministry of deliverance & his public ministry of Exorcism?

Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, stated the restrictions apply to public assemblies only and that the laity can give imperative commands. Don’t you think he knows what he meant?

 

[Bookcat]

You state “as the Church understands it”, but is not the Head Vatican exorcist part of the Church? Don’t you think the Head Vatican Exorcist understands the ministry of deliverance & his public ministry of Exorcism?

?

No. Whatever his role as exorcist (and I am not saying he is the “head Vatican Exorcist” --I leave that to the Church to clarify as to his role) --he is NOT part Teaching Office of the Catholic Church. He is NOT part thus of the Magisterium.

Exorcists and Theologians can disagree with one another on various topics.

Opinions on interpretation of a document is well – opinions on interpretation of a document.

For an authoritative interpretation one may send a dubium to the CDF.

You may ask ones Bishop to so it is more of an authoritative dubium.

Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, stated the restrictions apply to public assemblies only and that the laity can give imperative commands. Don’t you think he knows what he meant?

It is important to note that “asserted conversations” regarding a particular topic are “asserted conversations” (I am not saying anyone is “lying” of course…). We are not privy to the conversation (to the exact words and content). And things can be later misunderstood by others etc etc…so not always the best source of information (just think of the conversations that get reported and discussed in the media --which necessitates the Vatican to clarify that such and such is not truly the case).

For us to get an authoritative interpretation one would now goto the office that has the competency to interpret the document authoritatively --in another authoritative document.

 

[BluesPicker]

UOTE=Bookcat;10855251]No. Whatever his role as exorcist (and I am not saying he is the “head Vatican Exorcist” --I leave that to the Church to clarify as to his role) --he is NOT part Teaching Office of the Catholic Church. He is NOT part thus of the Magisterium.

Exorcists and Theologians can disagree with one another on various topics.

Opinions on interpretation of a document is well – opinions on interpretation of a document.

For an authoritative interpretation one may send a dubium to the CDF.

You may ask ones Bishop to so it is more of an authoritative dubium.

It is important to note that “asserted conversations” regarding a particular topic are “asserted conversations” (I am not saying anyone is “lying” of course…). We are not privy to the conversation (to the exact words and content). And things can be later misunderstood by others etc etc…so not always the best source of information (just think of the conversations that get reported and discussed in the media --which necessitates the Vatican to clarify that such and such is not truly the case).

For us to get an authoritative interpretation one would now goto the office that has the competency to interpret the document authoritatively --in another authoritative document.

Replying to that last sentence then we would need another authoritative document to explain the present document ad- infinitium.

It is Fr. Francis Martin, founder of the Word Proclaimed Institute, in my citation from Euteneur’s book. I forgot to write his last name.

Fr. Amorth is the senior exorcist of six at the Vatican. So he is called “head” or “Chief.”

  At least when  I  cite someone  I say there name.  Anyone can allege  a bishop in his 2010 work said this  & quote one sentence out of context.

Here is a partial list of those  teach the Theoretical-Practical course on the ministry of exorcism  at Rome''s Ateno Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, .... S. E. R. Cardinale Angelo Comastri, S. E. R. Mons.  Andrea Gemma, P. Pedro Barrajón, L.C., P. Gabriele Amorth, S.S.P., P. Giancarlo ...

Here is the email address: istitutosacerdos@arcol.org istitutosacerdos@arcol.org.

I believe if Mons. Andrea Gemma & Don Paul Gabriele Amorth are among the clergy who teach & lecture at Rome’s Sacerdos Institute that they are compentent theologians.

 

[MtnDwellar]

There is a misunderstanding of the Letter regarding norms on Exorcism.

Paragraph 1 begins:

1. Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law states that no one can legitimately perform exorcisms over the possessed unless he has obtained special and express permission from the local Ordinary

It is clearly referring to cases of possession.

Paragraph 2 states:

From these prescriptions it follows that it is not even licit that the faithful use the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels

This paragraph still concerns cases of possession

Paragraph 3 states:

those who are without the due faculty may not conduct meetings during which invocations, to obtain release, are uttered in which demons are questioned directly and their identity sought to be known.

Only during a possession will a demon be directly questioned. Paragraph 3 is about cases of possession.

This letter is only concerned with cases of possession. The laity are permitted to use this prayer to cast out demons in other circumstances.

 

[Bookcat]

Here is a partial list of those  teach the Theoretical-Practical course on the ministry of exorcism  at Rome''s Ateno Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, .... S. E. R. Cardinale Angelo Comastri, S. E. R. Mons.  Andrea Gemma, P. Pedro Barrajón, L.C., P. Gabriele Amorth, S.S.P., P. Giancarlo ...

I believe if Mons. Andrea Gemma & Don Paul Gabriele Amorth are among the clergy who teach & lecture at Rome’s Sacerdos Institute that they are compentent theologians.

No matter what the credentials of the persons involved may be – It still remains the case that –

Exorcists and Theologians can disagree with one another on various topics.

Opinions on interpretation of a document is well – opinions on interpretation of a document.

For an authoritative interpretation one may send a dubium to the CDF.

You may ask ones Bishop to so it is more of an authoritative dubium.

It is important to note that “asserted conversations” regarding a particular topic are “asserted conversations” (I am not saying anyone is “lying” of course…). We are not privy to the conversation (to the exact words and content). And things can be later misunderstood by others etc etc…so not always the best source of information (just think of the conversations that get reported and discussed in the media --which necessitates the Vatican to clarify that such and such is not truly the case).

For us to get an authoritative interpretation one would now goto the office that has the competency to interpret the document authoritatively --in another authoritative document.

 

[Bookcat]

Replying to that last sentence then we would need another authoritative document to explain the present document ad- infinitium.

No it would not.

Otherwise there would never be such documents. And there are-- and it works out fine on the whole.

That is what a dubium is for.

I would look something like this:

CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS PROPOSED

on the validity of Baptism conferred with the formulas

«I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier»
and «I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Liberator, and of the Sustainer»

QUESTIONS

First question: Whether the Baptism conferred with the formulas «I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier» and «I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Liberator, and of the Sustainer» is valid?

Second question: Whether the persons baptized with those formulas have to be baptized in forma absoluta?

RESPONSES

To the first question: Negative.

To the second question: Affirmative.

The Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI, at the Audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved these Responses, adopted in the Ordinary Session of the Congregation, and ordered their publication.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, February 1, 2008.

William Cardinal Levada
Prefect

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20080201_validity-baptism_en.html

 

[Bookcat]

U

  At least when  I  cite someone  I say there name.  Anyone can allege  a bishop in his 2010 work said this  & quote one sentence out of context.

Hopefully I am known well enough here to establish that I am not pulling anyones leg.

 

[Bookcat]

Replying to that last sentence then we would need another authoritative document to explain the present document ad- infinitium.

Something like this would be rather clear:

Thus it could look like my fake one here:

Dubium

First question: Whether the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII can be used privately by the laity in cases where possession is not evident.

Second question: Whether the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII can be used at all by the Faithful (Laity) privately.

RESPONSES

To the first question: Negative.

To the second question: Negative.

Bookcat
Titular Archbishop of Sila
Secretary

The Supreme Pontiff --(the Pope at the time of the Dubium), at the Audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved these Responses, adopted in the Ordinary Session of the Congregation, and ordered their publication.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, February 35th 2083

 

[Bookcat]

Replying to that last sentence then we would need another authoritative document to explain the present document ad- infinitium.

.

Something like this would be rather clear:

Thus it could look like my fake one here:

Dubium

First question: Whether the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII can be used privately by the laity in cases where possession is not evident.

Second question: Whether the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII can be used at all by the Faithful (Laity) privately.

RESPONSES

To the first question: Negative.

To the second question: Negative.

Bookcat
Titular Archbishop of Sila
Secretary

The Supreme Pontiff --(the Pope at the time of the Dubium), at the Audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved these Responses, adopted in the Ordinary Session of the Congregation, and ordered their publication.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, February 35th 2083

 

[BluesPicker]

Dear Bookcat

  I hope it would be sooner than 2083.   But  why the attention to this  particular prayer and not the other  composed around the time of the Council of Trent?   I really like the way you framed the questions. 

  Now the big one and the one topic that never has been discussed thoroughly: What is a private rite of prayer.     I believe that it is a prayer said solely on one's personal holiness.   It can be said with others present, in Church or outside of Church.  All types of exorcism except public exorcism with the Bishop's mandate are private rites of prayer.  "By my priestly ministry"  are the words a priest with the Bishop's mandate or their equivalent makes it a public exorcism. 

   
  Pope Leo XIII wanted  Bishops to pray this prayer for their dioceses & parish priests to pray this prayer for their parishes.   He also wanted families to pray the Rosary and then recite the prayer he composed.   The long version of  the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel consists of quotes from Holy Scripture strung together.  He composed these prayers after his famous vision at the altar after Mass which lasted 10 minutes. I believe these prayers were divinely inspired.

   Simple exorcisms are said to curb demonic influence.  They are said in all cases but not possession.  Since public exorcism had all but died certain prayer groups began attempting solemn exorcism and some lay people were laying hands on the possessed & questioning the demon while ordained clergy looked on as observers.  You can refer to the picture of events depicted in the  CDF letter.    Both the 1917 Pio-Benedictine Code of Canon Law and the 1983 Code of Canon Law have Canons  that  govern exorcisms.   In fact the older one seems more restrictive than the 1983 Code.

  Canon 1151 of the 1917 Code: Can. 1172 §1 No one may lawfully exorcise the possessed without the special and express permission of the local Ordinary.

§ 2. This permission may be granted only by the Ordinary, the priest, piety, prudence and integrity of life: he that is not to proceed to the exorcisms, until after it has determined that a diligent search for ways of exorcizing with prudence and wisdom is in fact obsessed by a demon. (Bad translation from Latin).

   Can. 1172 of the 1983 Code : §1 No one may lawfully exorcise the possessed without the special and express permission of the local Ordinary.

§2 This permission is to be granted by the local Ordinary only to a priest who is endowed with piety, knowledge, prudence and integrity of life.

 The restrictions are almost word for word identical.  Fr. Amorth complains of the instructions with the New Rite of Exorcism.   If someone would get a good translation of  Section 2 of  Canon 1151  one  could get a better idea but  I believe the instructions for the actual New Rite of Exorcism contains a restriction similar to Section 2 of the old 1917 Code.

   What lay people were doing that inspired the CDF's 1985 letter was illicit under both the old Code & the new Code.  It is not the text but how the text of  Pope Leo XIII's Exorcism is used & the circumstances.

     By definition a lay person can not say a public exorcism anymore than say a licit Mass.   It was a mockery of prayer.  And believe it or not what ever is bound on earth is bound in Heaven  &  Satan  will pounce on such an atrocity.

   Reciting the prayer after the Rosary as instructed by the Holy Father is not a solemn exorcism.   It is a simple exorcism to curb the influence of  Satan over the family or one's self.

   Some people believe praying prayers of  auto-liberation for oneself  & the family as a whole will cause troubles.  This most definitely is not the case prayer is not a curse. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

   After exorcism of those who became possessed or oppressed after séances or use of a Ouija board,  stuff  that related to the occult,  it takes a long time to break this off.

One Exorcist suggests:

The occasional participation in séances, in esoteric practices, the use of wizards, inconsiderate use of the pendulum or the horoscope order in our business, and the like, can easily make connections. If it is these strong bonds shall be dissolved with the prayer of deliverance or exorcism, but if they are weak because they have not engaged the person, then they can be resolved privately by the same person:

a) with the explicit renunciation in these practices and links;

b) with the rededication to Christ the Lord;

c) with the continued use of sacramentals;

d) with the recitation of personal exorcism of Leo XIII or other formula of exorcism.

The self-liberation, for all these cases, poses a serious change of life and a constant practice of the Christian virtues and personal prayer.

   Then  there are situations that arise where parish priests are confronted with places that are demoniacally infested.   Unlike what is shown on cable TV (for the first time in my life I have cable TV & have been studying all these "paranormal or haunted & space alien" shows). as I said unlike what is put forth on these shows  I know of no bona fide  Catholic exorcists  who asks a  spirit supposedly in a house to tell him their name.

    Particularly disturbing is many countries have similar shows.  It is as if the whole world has forgotten their good senses & have turned to superstition.

     In six months,  I have seen only one show and Adam Blai who is a psychologist devoted to deliverance made any true sense.  Adam participates in exorcisms as  mental health worker & he  assists in helping the priests.  He is recognized by his bishop & has been examined.   I have never met him; but  the priest I worked with acknowledged Adam.

 

[Bookcat]

Dear Bookcat

  I hope it would be sooner than 2083.   But  why the attention to this  particular prayer and not the other  composed around the time of the Council of Trent?   I really like the way you framed the questions. .

Because that is the question The Dubium if one wished to submit such to the CDF.

It is not the text but how the text of Pope Leo XIII’s Exorcism is used & the circumstances.

“… it is not even licit that the faithful use the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII, and even less that they use the integral text of this exorcism. Bishops should take care to warn the faithful, if necessary, of this”

It is not even licit (permitted) that the faithful (lay persons) to use (to use ) that formula.

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19850924_exorcism_en.html

 

[Bookcat]

Hence to seek authoritative clarity (aside from the various opinions of some exorcists or theologians–which can differ from one another) --one could submit the dubium (or better yet have a Bishop do so --so it will be more a more authoritative response)