EXORCISM IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

 The Catholic Church authorizes the use of exorcism for those who are believed to be the victims of demonic possession. In Roman Catholicism, exorcism is a sacramental but not a sacrament, unlike baptism or confession. Unlike a sacrament, exorcism's "integrity and efficacy do not depend ... on the rigid use of an unchanging formula or on the ordered sequence of prescribed actions. Its efficacy depends on two elements: authorization from valid and licit Church authorities, and the faith of the exorcist."[The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "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authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism."

 The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, though the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Latin is allowed as an option. The ritual assumes that possessed persons retain their free will, though the demon may hold control over their physical body, and involves prayers, blessings, and invocations with the use of the document Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications.

 Solemn exorcisms, according to the Canon law of the Church, can be exercised only by an ordained priest (or higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness.[4] The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) enjoined: "Superstition ought not to be confounded with religion, however much their history may be interwoven, nor magic, however white it may be, with a legitimate religious rite." Things listed in the Roman Ritual as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge; supernatural abilities and strength; knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing; an aversion to anything holy; and profuse blasphemy and/or sacrilege.

 The first official guidelines for exorcism were established in 1614 (LiveScience), whereas grimoire were widely known and used since the Ancient period. Those guidelines were later revised by the Vatican in 1999 as the demand for exorcisms increased. In the 15th century, Catholic exorcists were both priestly and lay, since every Christian was considered as having the power to command demons and drive them out in the name of Christ. These exorcists used the Benedictine formula "Vade retro satana" ("Step back, Satan") around this time. By the late 1960s, Roman Catholic exorcisms were seldom performed in the United States, but by the mid-1970s, popular film and literature revived interest in the ritual, with thousands claiming demonic possession. Maverick priests who belonged to fringes took advantage of the increase in demand and performed exorcisms with little or no official sanction. The exorcisms that they performed were, according to Contemporary American Religion, “clandestine, underground affairs, undertaken without the approval of the Catholic Church and without the rigorous psychological screening that the church required. In subsequent years, the Church took more aggressive action on the demon-expulsion front. The practice of exorcism without consent from the Catholic Church is what prompted the official guidelines from 1614 to be amended. The amendment established the procedure that clergy members and each individual who claims to be impacted by demonic possession must follow. This includes the rule that the potentially possessed individual must be evaluated by a medical professional before any other acts are taken. The primary reason for this action is to eliminate any suspicion of mental illness, before the next steps of the procedure are taken. Since demonic possession was extremely rare, and mental health issues are often mistaken for demonic possession, the Vatican requires that each diocese have a specially trained priest who is able to diagnose demonic possession and perform exorcisms when necessary. 

WHEN AN EXORCISM NEEDED 

 According to the Vatican guidelines issued in 1999, “the person who claims to be possessed must be evaluated by doctors to rule out a mental or physical illness.”[6] Most reported cases do not require an exorcism because twentieth-century Catholic officials regard genuine demonic possession as an extremely rare phenomenon that is easily confounded with natural mental disturbances. As the demand for exorcisms has increased over the past few decades, the number of trained exorcists has also risen. In prior times, exorcists were kept fairly anonymous, and the performance of exorcisms remained a secret. Some exorcists attribute the rise in demand of exorcisms to the rise in drug abuse and violence, which leads to the suggestion that such things might work hand in hand. Many times a person just needs spiritual or medical help, especially if drugs or other addictions are present. The specially trained priest and medical professionals will be able to work together to address the patient, and be able to determine what type of illness the patient is suffering from. After the need of the person has been determined then the appropriate help will be met. In the circumstance of spiritual help, prayers may be offered, or the laying on of hands or a counseling session may be prescribed. The exorcist might not perform an exorcism if he does not know the person. 

 Signs of demonic invasion vary depending on the type of demon and its purpose, including:

 1. Loss or lack of appetite

2. Cutting, scratching, and biting of skin

3. A cold feeling in the room

4. Unnatural bodily postures and change in the person's face and body

5. The possessed losing control of their normal personality and entering into a frenzy or rage, and/or attacking others

6. Change in the person's voice

7. Supernatural physical strength not subject to the person's build or age 

8. Speaking in tongues

9.Prediction of future events (sometimes through dreams) 

10. Levitation and moving of objects / things

11.Expelling of objects / things 

12. Intense hatred/aversion and violent reaction toward all religious objects or items 

13. Antipathy towards entering a church, speaking Jesus' name or hearing scripture. 

PROCESS OF EXORCISM  

 In the process of an exorcism the person possessed may be restrained so that they do not harm themselves or any person present. The exorcist then prays and commands for the demons to retreat. The Catholic Priest recites certain prayers the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and the Athanasian Creed. Exorcists follow procedures listed in the ritual of the exorcism revised by the Vatican in 1999. Seasoned exorcists use the Rituale Romanum as a starting point, not always following the prescribed formula exactly.[7] Official practice of exorcism is governed by the Vatican document De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam. The Vatican offers a course on exorcism, which in 2019 for the first time was opened to members of other Christian denominations. [8] The course is called "Exorcism and Prayer of Liberation" and is offered by the Sacerdos Institute at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Atheneum.[9] The Gale Encyclopedia of the Unusual and Unexplained describes that an exorcism was a confrontation and not simply a prayer and once it has begun it has to finish no matter how long it takes. If the exorcist stops the rite, then the demon will pursue him which is why the process being finished is so essential.[10] After the exorcism has been finished the person possessed feels a “kind of release of guilt and feels reborn and freed of sin.” [11] Not all exorcisms are successful the first time; it could take days, weeks, or months of constant prayer and exorcisms. 

-- Willy R Reyes

(Catholic Teaching on Purgatory, Exorcism and Demonology)

 

 

PORN SITES: THE BIGGEST TOOLS OF SATAN TO TRAP PEOPLE

 Porn sites on the internet are the biggest tools of Satan to trap people and take them away from God. These sites have a devastating and horrific impact on young children who have easy access to them through mobile phones. Beware, parents. Watch out, lest they get into the grip of Satan.

 It’s fact that even a good number of adults are also addicted to porn sites. They find it difficult to come out of it. Remember, it’s a surefire way to hell. Porn sites are the baits of Satan to get people away from God. There’s no dearth of free porn sites. There’re thousands of them available for anyone just by a click. It’s a big factor in moral degradation and the minds and bodies of people become temples of Satan.

 Children should be warned and monitored on this issue of porn sites. Adults, who are addicted to porn, should get out of this trap. It makes your mind and body sick. Porn addition makes people a different person who is away from God. Let me tell you one thing: if parents in the families are deeply rooted in prayers and stand with Jesus Christ, there’s no way that porn sites will contaminate the children and adults in the family. Prayers and life in covenant with Jesus can keep us away from porn. Seek the constant protection by St Michael the Archangel.    

 Our bodies are supposed to be temples of Holy Spirit. We can’t corrupt our bodies by watching porn sites. That’s like grieving the Holy Spirit. These porn sites are the creation of devil who wants to trap children of God. The number of people watching porn sites is millions and there are many activists who support the existence of pornography in the name of freedom and rights of citizens. Rape, drug use and attack on women are also related to porn addiction.  Priests and pastors should continuously warn people about the dangers posed by pornography.

 Pornography is an industry in many developed countries. Sadly, this industry is functioning in a legal manner in those countries but it is spread across the world through internet, poisoning the minds and bodies of people. It’s time to boycott porn sites and turn to God.   

 Pope Francis said, "the moral condemnation of the harm inflicted on minors through the misuse of new digital technologies needs urgently to be translated into concrete initiatives”. The majority of scientific studies have highlighted the profound impact of pornography on the thinking and behaviour of children. It will surely have lifelong effects on them, in the form of grave addiction, violent behaviour and deeply troubled emotional and sexual relationships”.

 Some of the countries have banned porn sites which feature child porn, the most horrible form of pornography. Still they manage to come back through different domain names. One thing parents can do is to block adult contents in the mobile phones and computers of young children. Internet has its own plus and minus. Pornography is one negative. Avoid it. Save your souls.

www.christianmonitors.blogspot.com

  

Pope Francis declares Catholic Sister Mainetti killed in satanic ritual a martyr

 VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis declared Friday that Sister Maria Laura Mainetti, an Italian religious sister killed by three teenage girls in a Satanic sacrifice, was a martyr for the Catholic faith.
 The 60-year-old Sister of the Cross was stabbed to death in 2000 by three teenage girls in a park in Chiavenna, Italy.
 Sr. Mainetti's killers were convicted and imprisoned.
 The girls knew the religious sister because she had taught them catechism. They lured her to the park by claiming that one of them needed to talk, because she had been raped and impregnated and was considering an abortion.
 The three girls originally said the murder was "for a game," but later admitted they killed her as a demonic ritual.
 In the park on the evening of June 6, 2000, the three girls made Sr. Mainetti kneel and shouted abuses at her. One girl beat the sister with a brick and another pushed her head repeatedly into a wall.
 They took turns stabbing Mainetti 19 times with a kitchen knife. They had, according to Italian media reports, intended to stab her 18 times, six times each, to form by their violence the number 666.
 Sr. Mainetti prayed throughout the attack and asked God to forgive the girls for their actions.
 Sr. Mainetti was the superior of the Sisters of the Cross convent in Chiavenna, which was devoted to helping juvenile delinquents. The girls who killed Mainetti, however, had no prior history of crime or violence.
 They confessed that they had originally planned to kill the parish priest, but decided that because he was larger, it would prove too difficult. Investigators said the girls’ notebooks were filled Satanic writings, and that they had made a blood oath some months earlier.
 The killers have since been freed from prison, and have started families — changing their names and moving to large Italian cities, according to Corriere della Serra.  
 Their victim was born Teresina Elsa Mainetti in Colico, Italy on August 20, 1939. She was the youngest of ten children; her mother died in childbirth. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross at 18 years old.
 She dedicated her life to children, young people, and families in the towns of Vasto, Rome, and Parma before moving to Chiavenna in 1984.
Sr. Mainetti was well known in her small town for her social and charitable commitment to dispossessed youth and poor people.
In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI praised Sr. Mainetti, who, he said, "with a total giving of self, sacrificed her life while praying for those who were attacking her."
 Pope Francis also advanced June 19 the causes of four other men and women on the path to sainthood.
 He approved miracles attributed to the causes of three Venerable Servants of God, who can now be beatified: Argentinian Bishop Mamerto Esquiú of the Order of Friars Minor (1826-1883); German Fr. Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan, founder of the Society of the Divine Savior (1848-1918); and Venezuelan layman and doctor Jose Gregorio Hernandez Cisneros (1864-1919).
 The pope also declared the heroic virtue of Servant of God Maria de Jesus Elizondo Garcia, superior general of the Congregation of the Catechist Missionaries of the Poor. She was born in Durango, Mexico in 1908 and died in Monterrey on December 8, 1966.

- Published by National Catholic Register 

Stop Christian genocide in Nigeria by jihadis

Why Vatican and Protestant churches are silent? UN should intervene

 While Christians are being killed in large numbers by Muslim militants in Nigeria, nobody in the western world seems to be bothered about it. A new report says that 620 Christians in Nigeria have been killed by militants so far in 2020, and around 12,000 have been killed over the course of the last five years.

 The actual figure could be more. Jihadis are going berserk in many African countries. It’s time to stop it.

 Vatican is silent. Protestant pastors are not opening their mouth – all of them are in their comfort zones, enjoying prosperity evangelism. Influential western governments have also not done anything.

 Christian villages routinely face coordinated attacks from the terrorist group Boko Haram. The group's goal is to create an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria, thus considering the large Christian population an obstacle to their plans. Similar Islamic ideologies held by the Fulani herdsmen led to daily attacks on villages that are predominantly Christian. Men, women and children have been slaughtered without hesitation.

 Christianpersecution.com says that around 50 per cent of Nigeria's population is Christian, with 75 per cent being Protestant, 24 per cent Roman Catholic, and then a small Orthodox community.

 The attacks have been increasing recently, and many groups have called it genocide.

 United Nations (UN) should intervene and send a Peacekeeping Force to Nigeria to stop this genocide. Nigeria needs global attention to eradicate this militancy. In fact, Muslim genocide of Christians is not restricted to Nigeria alone. Many African countries are facing this problem. It’s going on unchecked.

   

 

Lust cuts a person off from God… and he/ she loses the ability to correctly judge right and wrong

KENNETH HENDERSON

 I'm sure that everyone reading this article knows someone, either a friend or family member who struggles with sexual impurity. This problem is widespread and in a society that is so preoccupied with sex and sexual pleasure, many people, even good Catholics, can become ensnared in the trap of slavery to sex… through addiction. Lust in all its forms, including masturbation, pornography, promiscuity or adulterous relationships, is all a part of the attack on our society in what I call the “Trinity of Evil.” It includes abortion, homosexuality and sexual lust. All of these are intrinsically linked to the preoccupation with sex and the selfish, contraceptive mindset of our modern society; a mindset that is destroying our culture at the very foundation.

 We have been told by the spirit of the age, the Zeitgeist, predominately through the media, that it's what you “get,” that makes you who you are. All human beings are born into this world with certain innate needs that are instilled in us at birth. However, because of the effect of Original Sin, our broken nature, these needs can become twisted and disordered. We seek to fulfill these disordered needs with “things.” However, these things -- money, material items, food or sex -- are only an attempt to fill the emptiness in our hearts where God should be. Saint Augustine, who also struggled with promiscuity and lust before his conversion, understood this when he finally came to know the Lord and said “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in You.”

 Lust is a huge problem in our world and is probably the greatest contributor to the destruction of marriages and families. With the abundance of technological advances and media outlets, the selling of the human body has become big, big business and it feeds on the brokenness of men and women. Lust is an inordinate desire for sexual pleasure and involves engaging in the sexual act outside the context of God’s intended purpose of marital communion. Saint Augustine teaches us that when we indulge in the sins of the flesh, as with any mortal sin, the intellect becomes darkened and God cannot be seen or recognized as Truth. In fact, the allure of lust will lead people to commit a wide variety of subsequent sins.

 When a person is lost in lust, they become enslaved to this obsessive desire and their understanding of good becomes obscured. In his Summa Theologica, St. Thomas Aquinas said “this act (simple understanding) is hindered by lust, according to Daniel 13:56, ‘Beauty hath deceived thee, and lust hath perverted thy heart.’ In this respect we have ‘blindness of mind.’.” Because lust clouds even simple understanding, this blindness will affect every aspect of a person’s life.

 To illustrate this point, people often wonder how anyone could commit the sin of sexually abusing a child. But since lust cuts a person off from God and their intellect becomes blinded, that person loses their ability to correctly judge right and wrong. He (or she) acts out for one purpose -- that of sexual pleasure. As in any addiction, the addict will often neglect family, job, and any other responsibility in order to pursue the distorted desire, even when he recognizes the destructive nature of his compulsion. Simply put, lust destroys a person’s humanity.

 It is important to point out that a person enslaved to this sexual sin does not start out to become as sexual addict nor do all who lust become sexual predators. Yet, even a person who only indulges in lust occasionally can have his life and relationships negatively affected.

 To quote Catholic Pro-life speaker, Barbara McGuigan, host of the show Voices on Virtue on EWTN, “Satan, the master deceiver, loves to feed himself on the hearts of children, as well as, the hearts of young people and adults. He knows the intensity of the sexual appetite, and how sexual impurity can prevent us from seeing the truth by clouding the intellect through sensuality. The deadly sin of lust is deadly because it kills our ability to truly love. How Satan loves to corrupt a soul by lust! He knows with his angelic intellect that lust causes a blindness of understanding. Fr. John Hardon explained, ‘When man is brought down to the level of a brute beast, he no longer possesses a sense of law, or conscience, or honor, or gratitude, or fidelity or friendship. When lust quenches the light of the soul, any advice, counsel, warning, or authority of parents is disregarded. The heart becomes hardened. A person steeped in lust has a hatred of all spiritual things, such as, prayer, sacraments, the Word of God, Catholicism and all who teach how to be holy. A lustful person has a hatred of all that is holy, which leads him to infidelity. He knows longer believes in the God who loves him, in Heaven and Hell, and eternity. There is no God to judge him’.

  “It’s not hard to understand that darkness of the mind, hardness of the heart, hatred of religion, and disbelief, lead to despair and sometimes to final impenitence, which of course, is a serious sin against the Holy Spirit. Could this be why our Blessed Mother at Fatima said that ‘More souls go to hell for sins of the flesh than any other reason’?”

 And I couldn’t agree with more! The time is NOW for all True Knights to rise up and spread the saving message of Jesus Christ and His Church. Only the Catholic Church, as established by Jesus Christ himself, has the means that can truly save marriages and families from the clutches of the devil. There is only one thing that can fill the emptiness that resides in the hearts of all men and women who struggle with lust… Jesus Christ, the Truth that sets all men and women free.

 Education is the key. We cannot just sit by quietly and do nothing. Each and every Catholic needs to do what they can to learn more about this issue and what we can do about it. Just some suggestions, take a class on “The Theology of the Body” or a class on how you can protect your family from internet pornography that your diocese may offer. If no class exists, suggest it to your pastor or bishop. You can also invite speakers who specialize in this issue, like Jason Evert, Steve Wood, Christopher West or even me to come and speak to your parish, diocese, or conference. Ask your pastor to address this issue more often from the pulpit. I realize that many pastors may be uncomfortable with this, to which I would also suggest that they too seek education on the severity of this concern. Additionally, come to TrueKnights.org and learn of ways to get help. There are many articles, resources, and materials available to help educate you.

 If you suffer from addiction to lust, the first thing you need to do is go to Confession… as soon as possible. Then find an accountability partner, someone you can call for help. At True Knights we have a recovery program available called Combat Training which is personal confidential purity coaching that includes accountability. However, space is limited for personal one-on-one purity coaching. To help reach even more people who suffer from this issue we have our Purity Corps recovery groups that are just in the beginning stages of being placed in parishes around the country. Perhaps you are called to form a group in your parish. Contact us to find out more.

 The bottom line is that in this world of great darkness, it is imperative for all Christians to wake up, and by the grace of God, do what they can to bring the Truth of Christ to the world. We are called to intercede for and inform this world, a world that is so hungry for fulfillment, of God's divine and holy plan for human sexuality and destroy Satan's perverse and twisted grip on humanity. Lust is keeping many in the dark, perhaps even someone you know.

 We must shine the Light of Christ into this sick and dying world and send the devil running for cover into the pits of hell… like the nasty cockroach he is! The first move of any battle should always involve prayer. We are all called to pray, fast, offer up our sufferings and ask the communion of Saints to intercede for the lost souls of this world. Holy warriors, put on the Armor of God. Time is short and we have much work to do! Pray for God's grace, mercy and holy power in this War with eternal consequences!

https://catholicexchange.com/lust-kills-the-soul

 

EXORCISM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

EXORCISM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

Introduction 

The Latin Church Bishops of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the English translation of De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam, editio typica in November 2014. The final text of Exorcisms and Related Supplications (ERS) was confirmed by the Holy See in December 2016 and implemented in the dioceses of the United States as of June 29, 2017. In the course of the approval process, a list of frequently asked questions on exorcism and its use in the Church's liturgical life was developed by the Secretariat of Divine Worship. Answers were provided by specialists in this ministry and by experts in canon law.

Since so much of the common perception of the nature and application of exorcism is shaped by the exaggerations of movie scripts and television programs, the Committee on Divine Worship has approved dissemination of these basic questions and answers, in hopes that clear information is brought to bear on a topic that is often shrouded in mystery or misinformation.

Questions about Exorcism

What is an exorcism? 

Exorcism is a specific form of prayer that the Church uses against the power of the devil.

What is the difference between an exorcism and the Sacrament of Penance? 

Exorcism is a prayer that falls in the category of sacramentals, that is, one of a number of sacred signs instituted by the Church "to sanctify different circumstances of life" (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 351), thus varying from the seven sacraments of the Church which were instituted by Christ himself. The Sacrament of Penance forgives our sins and reconciles us to the Church, renewing Baptism and bestowing grace to fight evil and grow in virtue. As a sacramental, exorcism prepares one for the grace of the Sacrament. 

Why does the Church need exorcisms? 

There are instances when a person needs to be protected against the power of the devil or to be withdrawn from his spiritual dominion. At such times, the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ for this protection or liberation through the use of exorcism. 

Is there a scriptural basis for exorcism? 

While the basis for exorcism is grounded in the ministry of Jesus Christ (cf. Mk 1:34, 39; Lk 4:35; Mt 17:18), there is no scriptural basis for a formal rite of exorcism apart from the use of the psalms and Gospel pericopes that were included in the rite of exorcism as it evolved.

What is clear, however, is that the Lord Jesus involved the disciples in his mission and through their commissioning continued the exorcistic work begun by Jesus himself (cf. Mt 10:8; Mk 3:14-15; 6:13; 16:17; Lk 9:1; 10:17). It was not a work they did in their own names, but in the name of the One who had bestowed it upon them. Thus the ministry of exorcism continues in the life of the Church as part of the regular pastoral care of souls.

Do the Fathers of the Church refer to exorcisms in their writings? 

Several of the Fathers of the Church, including Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, and Athanasius provide us with insights into the exorcistic practices of their day through their extant writings. Through them we gain a glimpse into the unfolding developments in the structure and form of exorcism as a rite gradually took shape. In addition to the use of Jesus' name, other elements contributed to the shape of an early ritual such as the Sign of the Cross, exsufflation (breathing on the person's face), simple adjurations containing scripture, prayer, and fasting. 

Are there different kinds of exorcisms? 

Exorcisms are divided into two kinds (or forms). Simple or minor forms of exorcism are found in two places: first, for those preparing for Baptism, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the Rite of Baptism for Children both call for minor exorcisms; secondly, the appendix of Exorcisms and Related Supplications includes a series of prayers which may be used by the faithful.

The second kind is the solemn or "major exorcism," which is a rite that can only be performed by a bishop or a by priest, with the special and express permission of the local ordinary (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 1172. . . ). This form is directed "at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation [of a person] from demonic possession" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1673).

When and how is an afflicted member of the faithful referred to an exorcist? 

It is advisable that every diocese establish a protocol to respond to inquiries made by the faithful who claim to be demonically afflicted. As part of the protocol, an assessment should occur to determine the true state of the person.Only after a thorough examination including medical, psychological, and psychiatric testing might the person be referred to the exorcist for a final determination regarding demonic possession. To be clear, the actual determination of whether a member of the faithful is genuinely possessed by the devil is made by the Church, even if individuals claim to be possessed through their own self-diagnosis or psychosis. 

May anyone receive a "major exorcism?" 

Since the rites of exorcism are categorized as sacramentals, effectively as blessings, the practice of who may receive a "major exorcism" is governed by canon 1170. . . of the Code of Canon Law. The following are able to receive this specialized blessing if it is determined necessary: 1) Catholics; 2) Catechumens; 3) Non-Catholic Christians who request it; and 4) Non-Christian believers provided they have the proper disposition—meaning, they are sincere in their desire to be free of demonic influence. In cases involving a non-Catholic, the matter should be brought to the attention of the Diocesan Bishop (cf. ERS, no. 18).

How frequently is a "major exorcism" performed? 

The frequency of exorcisms of this sort is determined by the credible need for the rite. That is why establishing a diocesan protocol is important. Through the centuries, the Church has moved cautiously when evaluating alleged cases of demonic possession. The reason for this is not to deny access to members of the faithful who are in genuine need. However, the Church is equally concerned that individuals not get caught up in a sensationalist mentality and thus create a kind of sideshow affair. Although rare, genuine cases of demonic possession should be addressed in a balanced manner with the utmost care being extended to the afflicted person. 

What is the difference between a major exorcism and a minor exorcism? 

While both forms of exorcism are directed against the power of the devil, the Rite of Major Exorcism is employed only when there is a case of genuine demonic possession, namely, when it is determined that the presence of the devil is in the body of the possessed and the devil is able to exercise dominion over that body.

Minor exorcisms are prayers used to break the influence of evil and sin in a person's life, whether as a catechumen preparing for Baptism or as one of the Baptized faithful striving to overcome the influence of evil and sin in his or her life.

Are there examples of each in the text of Exorcisms and Related Supplications? 

The ritual text Exorcisms and Related Supplications is comprised of an introduction, two chapters ("The Rite of Major Exorcism" and "Various Texts"), and concludes with two appendices. The second chapter provides a series of additional texts which serve as options in the administration of the rite itself. The first appendix contains exorcistic prayers to be used at the discretion of the diocesan bishop when a thing or place has become demonically penetrated or the Church herself faces persecution and opposition. This latter series of prayers is not to be confused with the Rite of Major Exorcism itself. Finally, the second appendix provides prayers and supplications for the private use of the faithful.

Who may perform the various kinds of exorcisms? 

The minister of a minor exorcism is the designated authorized minister of the sacrament (RCIA or Baptism for Children) or blessing being celebrated. Thus, the prayers in Appendix II, "Supplications which May be Used by the Faithful Privately in Their Struggle against the Powers of Darkness" may be offered by any member of the clergy or by the lay faithful. However, the Rite of Major Exorcism is to be celebrated only by a bishop or a priest who has obtained the special and express permission of the diocesan bishop.

How does a priest become an exorcist? 

A priest may be appointed to the office of exorcist either on a stable basis or for a particular occasion (ad actum) by the diocesan bishop. In either case, the exorcist should work closely with, and under the direction of, the bishop. 

What criteria are used for deciding which priests are given this responsibility? 

As specified in canon 1172 §2. . . of the Code of Canon Law, the priest being appointed to the ministry of exorcist should possess piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life. The Introduction to Exorcisms and Related Supplications further directs that the priest "has been specifically prepared for this office" (ERS, no. 13).

How are exorcists trained and prepared for this ministry? 

Classically, the exorcist has trained for this specialized ministry through an apprenticeship model, working under the direction of an experienced exorcist. Additionally, in recent years, several programs have been established to foster the training of exorcists.

A solid theological and spiritual foundation is essential when preparing to minister as an exorcist. Bearing in mind the qualities already mentioned in the preceding question, the candidate must also maintain a balanced approach to this particular ministry, possess a spirituality that is grounded in the sacramental life of the Church, and be able to keep his curiosity in check. The guidance of a skilled spiritual director is critical in the life of the exorcist.

What, if any, rites in this text may be performed by the lay faithful? 

As has been mentioned previously, the Rite of Major Exorcism is to be administered only by an authorized priest or bishop (sacerdos). If it is deemed useful, members of the lay faithful may be present for the rite, supporting the work of the exorcist by their prayers either recited privately or as instructed in the rite. However, the text cautions that the lay faithful are not to recite any prayers reserved to the exorcist (ERS, no. 35), not only because the prayers are reserved to those ordained to act in the person of Christ the Head (in persona Christi capitis), but also to protect the faithful from possible spiritual harm.

When an afflicted member of the faithful is female, there should be at least one other female present for the sake of propriety and discretion. At no time should the exorcist be alone with an afflicted member of the faithful, neither during consultation nor for the celebration of the rite.

How does an exorcist determine "with moral certitude" (ERS, no. 16) that the one to be exorcized is truly possessed by demonic forces, and not merely suffering from physical ailments or psychological issues? 

Moral certainty is classically understood as falling between the two poles of absolute certainty and probability.Bearing that in mind, moral certitude is achieved through the examination of proofs which are weighed in accordance with the conscience of the one passing judgment. Therefore, the exorcist must utilize whatever resources are available to him when investigating a claim of demonic possession along with input from medical and mental health professionals.

The exorcist is instructed to employ the "utmost circumspection and prudence" before proceeding to the rite (ERS, no. 14). Throughout his ministry, an exorcist must establish a balance within his own mind between not believing too easily that the devil is responsible for what is manifesting, and attributing all possible manifestations solely to a natural, organic source.

Do afflicted members of the faithful undergo medical or psychological examination prior to the use of exorcism? 

As part of the evaluation process (which can be established in a diocesan protocol), the afflicted member of the faithful should avail himself/herself of a thorough medical and psychological/psychiatric evaluation. Frequently, individuals present themselves claiming to be afflicted in any number of ways. Historically, however, the Church has exercised caution when evaluating such individuals for fear of unnecessarily drawing attention to the machinations of the devil or giving credit where no credit is due.

How may an exorcist ensure that an exorcism is not perceived as a magical or superstitious activity? 

The exorcist himself can serve as a catechist in this matter by the way he faithfully administers the rites as provided by the Church in her wisdom. Fundamentally, the rites of exorcism are just one more way the Church tends to the pastoral care of souls, even souls that are not of her flock. However, the more obscurely and mysteriously the rite is portrayed, the more magical and superstitious the perceptions become. Given the super abundance of confusing and inaccurate information available in the public arena surrounding this particular topic, the manner in which this revised rite is announced provides for a teachable moment to believers and non-believers alike.

What ritual symbols are used in exorcisms and what do they symbolize? 

In addition to the use of the Psalms and Gospel readings and the recitation of the exorcistic prayers, a series of sacred symbols is utilized in the Rite of Major Exorcism. To begin, water is blessed and sprinkled recalling the centrality of the new life the afflicted person received in Baptism and the ultimate defeat of the devil through the salvific work of Jesus Christ. The imposition of hands, as well as the breathing on the person's face (exsufflation) by the exorcist, reaffirms the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the person as a result of his/her Baptism, confirming him/her as a temple of God. Finally, the Lord's Cross is shown to the afflicted person and the Sign of the Cross is made over him/her demonstrating the power of Christ over the devil.

Should other members of the faithful be present when an exorcism is performed? 

This text strongly recommends against the exorcist working in isolation (ERS, no. 34b). Even though in rare instances this may be unavoidable, the practice of performing an exorcism in solitude should be discouraged at all costs. 

Where should an exorcism be performed? 

The norm is to celebrate the rite of exorcism in an oratory or other appropriate place (for example, a small chapel) discreetly hidden from plain view (ERS, no. 33). It is to the advantage of the exorcist whenever possible to utilize a place that is dedicated to God's honor and not the home of the afflicted person, for instance. 

Is the use of exorcism kept confidential? 

For the integrity of the afflicted person's reputation as well as for those individuals who might be assisting, the preservation of confidentiality is important. It is also strongly suggested that the identity of the exorcist be kept secret or at most known only to the other priests of the diocese so as not to overwhelm the exorcist with random calls and inquiries.

May an exorcism be performed without the recipient's permission? 

Given the nature of the devil's workings and the afflicted person's possible complicity in the resulting demonic possession, the exorcist should ascertain the person's consent if at all possible before proceeding with the Rite of Major Exorcism.

Are exorcisms the same everywhere, or are there regional and cultural differences? 

The rites of exorcism are to be celebrated consistently following the directives (praenotanda) prescribed in the ritual. The rites are not to be altered at the discretion of the exorcist beyond the options clearly stated in the official text. However, before proceeding with the use of the rite, it is helpful for the exorcist to be aware of any cultural differences and regional influences that may have impacted the current state of the afflicted person. An evaluative instrument can assist in shedding light on such categories as: 1) the places where the person may have visited (healers, mediums, psychics); 2) the practices in which the person may have been involved (cleansings, New Age religion, Reiki); and 3) the ways that the person may have opened himself/herself directly to the dominion of the devil (magic, witchcraft, Satanic worship).

In the formulas of exorcism, what is the difference between the deprecative formulas and the imperative formulas? 

The deprecative formulas are exorcistic prayers, addressed to God, which request the liberation of the afflicted person. The imperative formulas are addressed directly to the inhabiting demonic spirit, commanding it to depart in the name of Jesus Christ.

When would each be used? 

The deprecative formulas and the imperative formulas are presented as sets in the rite of exorcism with the deprecative formula always being used first with the option of then using the imperative formula. The deprecative formulas may be used without the imperative formulas but the opposite is not permitted (ERS, no. 28).

When would the rites contained in the appendices be used, and by whom? 

The prayers of supplication and exorcism found in Appendix I ("A Supplication and Exorcism which May be Used in Particular Circumstances of the Church") may be likened to the prayers that Pope Leo XIII appended to the previous rite of exorcism in 1890. The focus of these prayers is to address and remedy any demonic influence on places and things in particular, as well as to remedy attacks against the Church in a more general way. As in the case of a "major exorcism," the ordinary minister of these prayers would be a priest appointed for this purpose or the bishop himself.

The prayers and invocations that comprise Appendix II ("Supplications which May be Used by the Faithful Privately in their Struggle against the Powers of Darkness") are intended for general the use of the clergy and of the lay faithful in combatting the temptations of sin or spiritual attacks by the devil.

When would a bishop or pastor appropriately recommend Appendix II to a member of his flock? 

When it is learned through such avenues as pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, or the Sacrament of Penance that a member of the faithful is experiencing assaults by the devil, the prayers and invocations found in Appendix II may be recommended. (Appendix II is available as a separate publication in both English and Spanish from USCCB Communications.)

source: 

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/sacramentals-blessings/exorcism.cfm

We kill 87 unborn children per minute. Stop this mass murder. It's a satanic act

 We kill nearly 4 to 5 crore (40-50 million) unborn children, or human beings, through abortions every year. It’s planned murder inside the mother’s womb. Remember, Coronavirus has killed only 414,000 lakh people this year so far. But we’re scared of this virus.

 According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 125,000 abortions are done per day. This means 5,200 abortions happen every hour. That’s 87 abortions per minute. There’s no compunction or remorse about the killing of human beings in the mothers’ womb. They are gifts from God. Yes, God’s creation. We the people need to repent for this massacre. We need to stop this murder of unborn human beings. There’s no justification for mass abortions across the world. We will have to give an account for the abortions before Him.

 Strangely, only human beings kill their unborn children. Animals don’t do it.

 In the USA, where nearly half of pregnancies are unintended and four in 10 of these are terminated by abortion, there are over 3,000 abortions per day. Twenty-two per cent of all pregnancies in the USA (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion.

 According to WHO’s Worldometer, 18.8 million (1.8 crore) abortions have already happened across the globe in 2020. It’s a big sin before the Lord. If we stop abortions, God will abundantly shower His blessings and grace on the people. We’re surrendering to Satan through the murder of unborn children in mothers’ womb.

 Many countries have legalized abortions (the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death). An abortion can occur spontaneously due to complications during pregnancy (miscarriages) or can be induced. It’s satanic act.

DEATHS IN 2020

57,46,265: Communicable disease deaths this year

215,643: Seasonal flu deaths this year

33,64,553: Deaths of children under 5 this year

18,822,954: Abortions this year

136,816: Deaths of mothers during birth this year

41,855,902: HIV/AIDS infected people

744,110: Deaths caused by HIV/AIDS this year

36,35,392: Deaths caused by cancer this year

414,000: Death caused by Coronavirus this year

China under Xi Jinping: Party decides what you preach, Christians persecuted

 In China, without the permission of the party apparatchiks, you can’t organize a Bible study. And if you do get permission, you’d better hold it in a Party-approved religious venue, at a Party-approved time, with a Party-approved leader and using the new Party-approved Bible, which contains quotations from Confucius and, of course, Chinese supremo Xi Jinping.

  Yes, the only religion allowed is faith in the Chinese Communist Party.

 On February 1, 2020, new restrictions on all forms of religious activity came into force. The 41 new rules called “Control measures for religious group” introduced by China, deal with everything from the holding of rites and rituals, to the selection of leaders and annual meetings to the hiring of staff and the handling of funds. All of these must be reported — in advance, no less — to the comrades at the “Religious Affairs” office for their approval.

 Article 17 says, "religious organizations must spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as national laws, regulations, rules to religious personnel and religious citizens, educating religious personnel and religious citizens to support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, supporting the socialist system, adhering to and following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics ... "

The Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Christians in China. Activities, rallies, programs of religious communities must have the approval of the Religious Affairs Office.  Religious organizations must "spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party" by educating "religious staff and religious citizens to support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party".

 “Religious groups must also report to the appropriate government authorities any and all other matters that should be reported,” say the new rules. The “Control Measures” are part of Xi Jinping’s New Cultural Revolution, one goal of which is to stamp out all religious groups that the Communist Party cannot co-opt and control. “A religious group cannot carry out any activities without registration with the Civil Affairs office and the approval of the Religious Affairs office of the people’s government.”

 Catholic churches were demolished, crosses and statues were denuded. Images of the Madonna and Child replaced with President and undisputed leader Xi Jinping. Banners of the Ten Commandments were painted over with quotes from Xi.

 The text of the "Administrative measures for religious groups" consists of six chapters and 41 articles dealing with the organization, functions, offices, supervision, projects and economic administration of communities and groups at both a national and local level.  Every aspect of the life of religious communities - from formation, gatherings to annual and daily projects - is subject to approval by the government's religious affairs department.

 In addition to widespread control of all community activities, the new measures require religious personnel to support, promote and implement total submission to the Chinese Communist Party among all members of their communities.

May 31: Pentecost Day

On this day, nearly 2,000 years ago, Holy Spirit, our helper, guide, comforter and healer filled the Church with power

 This year, Pentecost will be on May 31, 2020, observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter (April 12).
 Modern Christians observe Pentecost as a holiday, not to celebrate a wheat harvest, but to remember when the Holy Spirit invaded the Church in Acts 2 of Bible.
 The Holy Spirit filled the Church with power and added 3,000 new believers. The account in Act 2 reports that, after Jesus ascended into heaven, Jesus’ followers were gathered together for the Feast of Harvest (aka Pentecost), and the Holy Spirit “filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). 
 This strange occurrence drew a large crowd, and Peter stood up to speak to them about repentance and the gospel of Christ (Acts 2:14). By the end of the day that the Holy Spirit came, the Church grew by 3,000 people (Acts 2:41). This is why Christians still celebrate Pentecost.
John Gill expresses the significance in his commentary: “Through this baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, the apostles became more knowing, and had a greater understanding of the mysteries of the Gospel, and were more qualified to preach it to people of all nations and languages.”
 The Holy Spirit was prophesied in the Old Testament and promised by Jesus.  Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in John 14:26, who would be the Helper for his people.
 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
This New Testament event is also significant because it fulfills an Old Testament prophecy in Joel 2:28-29. “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”

 Historical Insights into Pentecost
 There are three things you need to know about Pentecost that will help you understand Acts 2.
1. Pentecost was a pilgrim festival. That meant that according to Jewish Law, all the adult Jewish men would come from wherever they were living to Jerusalem and personally be in attendance during this celebration.
2. Pentecost was a holiday. No servile work was to be done. School was out. The shops were closed. It was party time.
3. There were certain celebrations and sacrifices and offerings which were prescribed in the Law for the day of Pentecost. On Pentecost, the High Priest was to take two loaves of freshly baked wheat bread and offer them before the Lord. The wheat bread was made from the newly harvested wheat.
 In short, Pentecost in the time of the Apostles was a great and grand harvest celebration. The streets of Jerusalem were clogged with thousands of pilgrims who had come from every point of the compass to celebrate the goodness of God and the bringing in of the wheat harvest.
Source: www.christianity.com
 

Church not doing enough exorcism; Vatican, bishops & priests must step up fight against devil

 Catholic Church doesn’t seem to be doing enough exorcism to stop the devil or demons from taking people away from God. Many from the laity and even clergy still doubt whether exorcism is given its due importance in the Catholic Church.

 However, that’s not the case in many denominations. “In some denominations of the 
Protestant church, exorcisms are still practiced frequently and fruitfully,” wrote late Fr Gabriele Amorth, the official exorcist of Rome, in one of his books.

 Satan or devil or demon is not a concept. It’s an active force, a living, spiritual being that is perverted and that perverts others. It is a terrible reality, mysterious and frightening. We must destroy them to save souls for God.

  While the people – including Christians -- across the world are swimming in a sea of sins, there’s hardly any exorcism done in parishes or dioceses. Priests general avoid talking about the manipulations done by Satan in their sermons. There’s a general reluctance to accept the fact that devil is active in the world, the latest example being the coronavirus pandemic raging across the world. “I must point out that too many churchmen are totally disinterested in these problems (created by Satan), and so they leave the faithful defenseless,” Fr Amorth wrote.

 Whatever exorcism is done happens in Catholic retreat centres where charismatic preachers cast out devil from people. Catholic Church can do much more, especially at a time when more and more people are rampantly indulging in a sinful life.

 However, there are priests who refuse to believe that devil or Satan is a spiritual being with a personality. Their argument is that devil is just an evil power. All this shows that Catholic seminaries should ramp up their curriculum and empower priests in a better way to loosen the grip of Satan/           

 Devil does exist and he’s moving around like a roaring lion. If you give him millimeter of space to him, he will barge in and destroy you and take you away from God. In Bible, we can find several instances when Jesus Christ cast out demons from people. Jesus has given that right to His Apostles, and through them to the priests over centuries.   

 Vatican should spread the message about the need to eliminate the growing influence of devil on people. Bishops across many countries haven’t done anything to strengthen the ministry of exorcism. “Bishops must realize that this ministry is entirely entrusted to their care; it’s only they who can practice or delegate and exorcism. Sadly since most bishops have never performed an exorcism, they are seldom aware of the extent of the need,” said Amorth who performed thousands of exorcism over several decades.

 The first Pope to write about the danger posed by Devil in recent times is Pope Paul VI. “We know that this dark disturbing being exists and that he is still at work with his treacherous cunning; he is the hidden enemy who sows errors and misfortunes in human history… This matter of the Devil and of the influence he can exert on individuals as well as on communities, entire societies or events, is a very important chapter of Catholic doctrine which should be studied again, although it is given little attention today,” Pope Paul VI wrote in 1972.

 “The Christian must be a militant; he must be vigilant and strong; and he must at times make use of special ascetical practices to escape from certain diabolical attacks,” he says.

  It’s very important to get an awareness of evil if we are to have a correct Christian concept of the world, life and salvation. We see this first in the unfolding of the Gospel story at the beginning of Jesus Christ’s public life. Who can forget the highly significant description of the triple temptation of Christ?

 Vatican should lead from the front. Let’s hope and pray that Pope Francis will enlighten and empower people in the fight against devil and demons. Bishops and priests across the world should become warriors of the Lord and increase the awareness among people about the traps being laid by the evil ones. Let’s hope that they will step up their fight against the evil ones and lead people to salvation.

     

Coronavirus: Time to stop death dance of Satan

 Is the world largely out of the protective cover of God? There’s reason to believe it, especially looking at the way Coronavirus pandemic is raging across the world. Who brings death? Satan.

 Who gives life? God.

  When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, showers blessings and grave on people, there can’t be death in such a scale as is happening now. How does a person or place or country go out of the protective cover of God? It happens when sins increase. Naturally. When God’s blessings disappear, Satan takes over. Satan is a killer, liar and manipulator. No wonder, devil is having his macabre dance now in the form of coronavirus.

 Has sin increased in the world? Yes, without doubt. People across the world are swimming in a sea of sins, knowingly or unknowingly that they are being trapped by Satan through different ways.

 Sin happens through different forms. Go through the Ten Commandments. All are being violated rampantly and without any fear of God. From atheism, idolatry (in the form of money, property and people), abortion, sacrilege of the marriage, adultery, homosexuality/ same sex marriage, alcoholism, drug use, amassing of wealth, slander to murders/ killings, sins have multiplied across the world.

 When people sin, God can’t act or shower His blessings unless they seek forgiveness, reconciliation and repentance. Satan knows it very well. The world belongs to Satan as Bible also tells us. Unless we repent and reconcile with God, the death dance of Satan will continue.

  Satan goes berserk when sins increase and more and more people are getting into that trap. Sorry to say sins have multiplied in the so-called Western countries and the US where Coronavirus is taking a huge toll on human lives. God’s grace and blessings are urgently needed in these regions and for that, people will have to repent and turn away from sins. Sin means death. A sinless life with Jesus Christ means eternal life in glory.    

 In Old Testament, we come across many instances when God destroyed cities and regions through flood, fire and pandemics. How can we come out of the crisis? New Testament gives the answer. Follow His words. There’s no other way.

 All these thoughts leave a big question: Has the church lived up to expectations? Doubtful. Church has largely failed in evangelizing the world. Church hasn’t done much to stop the macabre dance of Satan. Church leaders spent more time in institutionalizing the church. Clericalism is at its peak. It has adopted a corporate culture.        

 Church is gripped by a web of obsessions and procedures. “If something should rightly disturb us and trouble our consciences, it is the fact that so many of our brothers and sisters are living without the strength, light and consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ, without a community of faith to support them, without meaning and a goal in life,” says Evangelii Gaudium.

 It’s time to seek God. It’s time for repentance. We must keep Satan and his minions out of our lives. Don’t give them control over lives. Satan has tightened his grip now: coronavirus is one example. We don’t know whether anything more is in store. But we can stop Satan’s death dance. As St John the Baptist said, turn away from sins and repent. It’s time now. There’s no other option.

 While each person individually will have to take efforts to come back to Jesus Christ like the prodigal son, church should lead from the front. Go all out against the evil one. Pope, bishops, preachers and priests have a big role to play in this battle. Let’s win this battle. That’s what God wants.

-- George Mathew

 

Lessons From Fr Gabriele Amorth’s First Exorcism

 Fr Gabriele Amorth’s very first exorcism remained especially impressed in his mind. He spoke of it in various interviews and in his book The Last Exorcist: My Battle against Satan, in which he narrates in depth what happened with so many other important exorcisms. (Fr Amorth was an exorcist of the Diocese of Rome who performed thousands of exorcisms over his sixty plus years as a Catholic Priest).

 His first solo exorcism was very particular, because he immediately clashed with Satan himself. After having as­sisted Father Candido Amantini for many years, he exorcised a simple man. The man was very young and slim and came accompanied by a priest and a third person, a translator.

 Initially, Father Amorth did not understand the reason for the translator, so the priest explained to him that when the demoniac was under possession, he spoke in English, and therefore it would be useful to have the translator present in order to understand what he was saying.

 Once the exorcism began, the young peasant did not com­municate with words or gestures; it was as if nothing affected him, not even when Father Amorth invoked the help of the Lord. But after the invocation, when the exorcist priest asked specifically for the help of Jesus, the young man fixed his gaze on him and began to yell in English.

 His curses and threats were aimed solely at the exorcist; then he began spitting at him and preparing to attack him physically; only when Father Amorth arrived at the prayer Praecipio tibi (I command you), did the demon seem to placate himself a bit. But then, screaming and howling, the de­mon burst forth and looked straight at him, drooling saliva from the young man’s mouth. The exorcist, at that point, continued with the rite of liberation, asking and ordering the demon to tell him his name and reveal who he was. Because this was his first exorcism,

 Father Amorth did not expect to receive such a ter­rifying response: “I am Lucifer.”

Thus, with great stupor, Father Amorth discovered that who he had in front of him in those moments was Lucifer in person, but at that point, he certainly could not give up or end the exorcism, so he engaged himself even more. He was convinced that he had to keep going as long as he had the strength.

 So, while he continued with the prayers of liberation, the demon resumed his shrieks, making the possessed turn his head back and his eyes roll; and he remained like this with his back arched for a quarter of an hour. Who could imagine what Father Amorth felt in those moments? Changes also occurred in the environment. All of a sudden, the room became extremely cold and ice crystals formed on the windows and the walls. The exor­cist, refusing to give up, ordered Lucifer to abandon the peasant. But almost in response, the young man’s body stiffened so much that he became hard and at a certain point began to levitate; and for several minutes, he remained hovering three feet in the air. Meanwhile, the exorcist continued with the prayers of liberation. Then, at a certain point, the possessed fell down onto a chair, and a little before disappearing, Lucifer announced the day and the exact hour that he would leave the body of the peasant.

 Father Amorth continued to exorcise the young man each week until the fatal day arrived. Then he let another week pass, and he rescheduled him. Upon his arrival, the young man seemed very tranquil, and in the course of the exorcism, he did not make any objections to the liberations, and indeed, he prayed tranquilly. Father Amorth asked him to explain how Lucifer left him, and he replied that on the day and at the hour that the devil had indicated he would leave, he began to howl like never before. Then, at the end of this, he felt new and light.

Father Amorth Speaks of the Good Angels

 Since exorcism must also be understood in the context of the good angels, Father Amorth wrote one of his columns in the weekly Credo on the good angels:

The angelic creatures who chose to remain faithful to their nature and to the goal for which they were cre­ated — that is, to praise God eternally — did a very simple thing: they remained obedient. They accepted being submissive to God the Creator, and they made their choice in the just view, not the diabolical view of feeling humiliated by this act of submission. To the contrary, in choosing to remain faithful to God, the angels were true to their nature and their end. It was an act of fidelity to the truth for which they were created by God, which is to love Him. This attitude does not humiliate them, because it does not infer a lack of something; rather, it reflects a fullness. 

 The angels have continued to be faithful to their nature, which refers them directly to God the Creator, the one who has inscribed in creation the laws that He considers best for the good of the creature. Thus, the way we read it in the book of Revelation (12:7 and further on) is the way it occurred. There was a giant war between the angels who remained faithful to God and those who rebelled against Him; in other words, the [good] angels against the demons. In those passages, the Bible tells us that the Archangel Michael led the angels into battle, and the rebel angels were guided by the dragon (the devil) and at the end were defeated. As a result, and I cite from memory, “for them there was no longer a place in heaven.”

 Something happened here that the Bible does not declare, but that I have no reason to doubt: the demons created hell — that is, they put themselves in a situation, in a state, that placed them in opposition to God, and in doing so, harmed themselves. Their new condition, known in the Bible as “hell,” means that the dev­ils are forever excluded from paradise — that is, the vision of God, and the goals of enjoyment and eternal happiness for which they were created.

 Therefore, the demons are definitively condemned; for them, there is no longer any possibility of salvation. Why? Because their intelligence, which is much superior to ours, since they are pure spirits, makes their choice definitive, because it was done with full awareness and is therefore not retractable. But the demons do not wish to take back such a choice.

 The same is true, but to the contrary, for the angels who have chosen God and enjoy Him in eternity; and it is also true for the saints, those who are already admitted to the eternal vision of God. And this is true also for us, who are called to sanctity here on earth and, if necessary, in purgatory.

How the Demon Enters Souls

 The journalist Marco Tosatti asked Father Amorth which are the paths preferred by the devil when entering the soul of men. Amorth responded:

 There are four methods the demon utilizes to enter souls; one regards saints, and two are extremely rare. When the demon tempts a person who seems holy, he attempts to make him renounce his godly ways. This case is extremely rare. The other extremely rare case is that of leading a person into a complex of extremely serious sins in a way that is nearly irreversible. In my view, this was the method [that Satan used] with Judas Iscariot. . . . The most frequent case — and I put it at 90 percent — is that of the evil spell. It happens when someone sustains an evil caused by the demon that has been provoked by some person who has turned to Satan or someone who has acted with satanic perfidy.

 The remaining, 10 to 15 percent — I do not have an exact number — regard persons who have participated in occult practices, such as séances or satanic sects, or have contacted wizards and fortune-tellers. These forms of Satanism are widely diffused, and I think that today they are spread by stars and celebrities who have a huge following… I have nothing against rock music; it is very respectable music; I am against satanic rock.

--  Fr Marcello Stanzione

 Published in www.catholicexchange.com

 This article is adapted from Fr. Stanzione’s introduction to a chapter in The Devil is Afraid of Me: The Life and Work of the World’s Most Popular Exorcist. It is available as an ebook or paperback from Sophia Institute Press.