Sarah Mitchell
Exorcism is a practice that has been associated with the Catholic Church for centuries. The Church authorises the use of exorcism for Christians believed to be victims of demonic possession, and the ritual is performed by a priest or bishop with the permission of the local ordinary. The role of an exorcist is to pray and command the retreat of demons possessing an individual, using holy water and specific prayers. Exorcists are appointed by the diocesan bishop and work under their direction, receiving training and possessing specific qualities such as piety and knowledge. The demand for exorcisms has increased, leading to a rise in the number of trained exorcists. However, the Church emphasises that exorcism should only be considered after ruling out mental or physical illness, and confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of Exorcism | Exorcism is a sacramental but not a sacrament. It is a weapon to combat evil, expelling, cleansing, or protecting from demons, spiritual impurities, or temptations. |
| Who Performs Exorcisms? | Exorcisms are performed by priests, who are appointed to the office of exorcist by the diocesan bishop. |
| Requirements for Exorcists | Exorcists should possess piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life. They should have a solid theological and spiritual foundation. |
| Exorcism Training | The Vatican offers courses to train exorcists. Training programs have also been established by the Church. |
| Exorcism Process | The person may be restrained to prevent self-harm or harm to others. The exorcist recites prayers, uses a cross and holy water, and follows procedures listed in the Roman Ritual of Exorcism. |
| Exorcism Referral | The first step is to request an appointment with a local parish priest, who will provide pastoral guidance and prayers. If appropriate, the person is referred to the exorcism team for further assessment. |
| Exorcism Determination | The Church determines whether an individual is genuinely possessed by the devil, considering factors such as speaking unknown languages, superhuman strength, and aversion to sacred objects. |
| Exorcism Frequency | Exorcisms are increasing in frequency. In the U.S., the number of trained exorcists has grown from around 10-15 to over 150. |
| Exorcism and Mental Health | Most individuals requesting exorcisms suffer from mental health issues. The Church collaborates with psychological experts, and individuals are evaluated by doctors to rule out mental or physical illness. |
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What You'll Learn
Exorcisms are authorised by the Catholic Church
The first official rite of exorcism was sanctioned by the Catholic Church in 1614, with the publication of the manual of exorcism, 'Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications' (Latin: De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam). This was revised by the Vatican in 1999, which also issued guidelines that year stating that those claiming to be possessed must be evaluated by doctors to rule out mental or physical illness. The Vatican also offers courses to train exorcists.
The ritual text 'Exorcisms and Related Supplications' includes 'The Rite of Major Exorcism', which can only be performed by a bishop or priest with the special permission of the local ordinary. The minister of a minor exorcism is the designated authorised minister of the sacrament or blessing being celebrated. Exorcisms are typically carried out by a priest, appointed to the office of exorcist by the diocesan bishop, who they work closely under the direction of. The priest being appointed to the ministry of exorcist should possess piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life, and have been specifically prepared for this office.
The Catholic Church's definition of evil is malleable, depending on the belief system, practice, and context. Evil can take the form of a demon, a spiritual impurity, or a simple temptation. The exorcism ritual involves the priest reciting certain prayers, such as the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and the Athanasian Creed, and using a cross and holy water. The person may be restrained to prevent them from harming themselves or anyone present.
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Exorcists are trained by the Catholic Church
Exorcism has a long history within the Catholic Church, and the Church continues to train exorcists today. The Catholic Church authorizes the use of exorcism for Christians believed to be victims of demonic possession. Exorcism is considered a sacramental in Catholicism, but not a sacrament like baptism or confession. Its efficacy depends on authorization from valid Church authorities and the faith of the exorcist.
The first official rite of exorcism was sanctioned by the Catholic Church in 1614, with the publication of the manual of exorcism 'Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications' (Latin: De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam). This was revised by the Vatican in 1999, which also issued guidelines stating that anyone claiming to be possessed must be evaluated by doctors to rule out mental or physical illness. The Vatican also offers a course on exorcism, which was opened to members of other Christian denominations in 2019.
Exorcists are classically trained through an apprenticeship model, working under the direction of an experienced exorcist. In recent years, several programs have been established to foster the training of exorcists, and a solid theological and spiritual foundation is considered essential when preparing to minister as an exorcist. According to 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 priest should also have been "specifically prepared for this office".
The Rite of Major Exorcism is to be administered only by an authorized priest or bishop. The minister of a minor exorcism is the designated authorized minister of the sacrament or blessing being celebrated. Exorcisms are also divided into solemn or "major exorcisms" and simple or "minor exorcisms". The former can only be performed by a bishop or priest with the express permission of the local ordinary, and is directed at the expulsion of demons or the liberation of a person from demonic possession. The latter is found in preparations for Baptism and the Order of Baptism of Children, and in the appendix of Exorcisms and Related Supplications, which includes prayers that may be used by the faithful.
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Exorcisms are rare
The Catholic Church authorizes exorcisms for Christians believed to be victims of demonic possession. Exorcism is a sacramental practice, and its efficacy depends on authorization from valid Church authorities and the exorcist's faith. The Church's initial guidelines for exorcism, including the manual "Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications" (De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam), were issued in 1614.
The ritual text "Exorcisms and Related Supplications" includes two chapters: "The Rite of Major Exorcism" and "Various Texts." Major exorcisms can only be performed by a bishop or priest with special permission from the local ordinary. Minor exorcisms, on the other hand, are included in some blessings and the creation of sacramentals like blessed salt.
The demand for exorcisms has been rising globally since 2018, described as a "pastoral emergency" by the International Association of Exorcists. This increase has been attributed to a rise in people believing they are possessed and a shift towards the occult and charismatic Christianity. However, according to exorcist Fr Vincent Lampert, only about 1 in 5000 people who believe they are possessed actually are.
Exorcisms are performed by ordained priests or, in rare cases, laypeople appointed by the diocesan bishop. The appointed exorcist should possess piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity and work closely with the bishop. The exorcist recites prayers, invokes God and holy figures, and uses religious materials such as holy water and relics. The person subjected to exorcism may be restrained to prevent harm to themselves or others.
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Exorcisms are not always successful
Exorcisms are a formal practice in the Catholic Church, with roots in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church authorizes the use of exorcism for Christians believed to be victims of demonic possession. Exorcisms are not always successful, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, the determination of whether an individual is genuinely possessed by a demon is a complex and nuanced process. The Church requires a thorough examination, including medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations, to rule out any mental or physical illness before declaring a person possessed. Misdiagnosis is possible, and some mental illnesses may be mistaken for demonic possession.
The practice of exorcism has ancient origins, dating back to the first millennium B.C. in Mesopotamia, where purveyors of magic called ašipu expelled demons believed to bring illness and chaos. The Catholic Church's first official rite of exorcism was sanctioned in response to the rise of heretical sects of Christianity during the 12th century. Over time, exorcism became a mechanism to free Christians from heretical beliefs. The first exorcism book, published around 1400 A.D., marked the beginning of a crisis for the Catholic Church, coinciding with the Protestant Reformation, which further emphasized the presence of demonic forces.
The increasing demand for exorcisms in the 21st century has been attributed to various factors, including a rise in drug abuse, violence, and a shift towards the occult. However, the Catholic Church emphasizes that exorcism is not always necessary and that spiritual or medical intervention may be more appropriate in some cases. The Church has also expressed caution in evaluating alleged cases of demonic possession to ensure that members in genuine need are not denied access to exorcism.
The success of an exorcism also depends on the exorcist's faith and authorization from valid Church authorities. Exorcisms are typically performed by ordained priests or bishops, and the rituals involve invoking God, Jesus, or angels and archangels, along with the use of religious materials such as icons, holy water, and relics. While exorcisms aim to cure individuals of demonic possession, they are not always successful due to the complex nature of possession and the potential for misdiagnosis.
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Exorcisms are a continuation of Jesus's work
Exorcisms are an ancient practice with roots in the first millennium BC in Mesopotamia, where magic practitioners called ašipu expelled demons that brought illness and chaos. In the Catholic Church, exorcisms are authorised for Christians believed to be victims of demonic possession. Exorcisms are not sacraments but are sacramentals, sacred signs that sanctify life circumstances. They are performed by exorcists, who are priests, appointed by the diocesan bishop.
The basis for exorcism is grounded in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Mark's Gospel portrays Jesus as a prolific exorcist, and Matthew and Luke suggest that exorcism was of central significance in understanding him. Jesus's exorcisms were both the spearhead of his defeat of Satan and an important aspect of the realisation of the kingdom of God. Through their commissioning, Jesus involved the disciples in his mission, continuing the exorcistic work he had begun. Several Church Fathers, including Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, and Athanasius, provide insights into the exorcistic practices of their day through their writings.
Jesus's exorcisms were likely influenced by the exorcism practices of his time. At one end of the spectrum were magical exorcisms, where a spiritual power was invoked to evict a spirit. Next were exorcisms performed by charismatic magicians, who used personal force, words, and actions to cure the possessed. Jesus's exorcisms resembled those of the charismatics, who relied on their personal force to cast out demons. However, Jesus attributed his power to the Spirit (or finger) of God, assuming an external power-authority similar to that of magical exorcists.
Exorcisms continue to be practised in the Catholic Church as part of regular pastoral care. The first official rite of exorcism was sanctioned by the Catholic Church in 1614, with the publication of the Rituale Romanum. This manual of exorcism, revised by the Vatican in 1999, serves as a guide for exorcists, who may adapt it to suit specific situations. The Vatican also offers a course on exorcism, which has been opened to members of other Christian denominations.
The Catholic Church's exorcism rituals involve restraining the possessed person to prevent self-harm or harm to others. The exorcist then prays and commands the demons to retreat, reciting prayers such as the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and the Athanasian Creed. They use a cross and holy water, following procedures outlined in the Roman Ritual. After the exorcism, the formerly possessed person may feel a sense of release from guilt and a rebirth, freed from sin.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, exorcists are still part of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church authorizes the use of exorcism for Christians believed to be victims of demonic possession. Exorcism is considered a sacramental but not a sacrament in Catholicism.
The Catholic Church trains exorcists to look for four signs: the ability to speak and understand languages unknown to the individual, superhuman strength, elevated perception, and knowledge about things the person should not know. If these signs are present, it may indicate demonic possession.
Exorcisms are not common, but they do occur. Most dioceses have an exorcist appointed by the bishop, and their names are typically kept secret. The demand for exorcisms has been increasing, and the number of trained exorcists has risen in response.
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