Michael Brooks
Exorcisms are not only performed on Catholics, but the Catholic Church does have a specific institution for exorcism. The Catholic rite for a formal exorcism is called a Major Exorcism, and it involves invoking God through the name of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in 1999, and according to their guidelines, exorcisms can be performed on Catholics, Catechumens, Non-Catholic Christians, and Non-Christian believers. The process for carrying out exorcisms is taught by the Vatican and Orthodox Monasteries. The authority of the church to which they submit has a legitimate claim to the Church established by Jesus Christ himself, which legitimizes the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sacraments | 7 |
| Who performs the sacraments? | Bishop or priest |
| Who receives the sacraments? | Catholics |
| Are sacraments only performed on Catholics? | No, non-Catholics can receive the sacraments of Baptism and Penance |
| What is a sacrament? | A specific kind of religious rite that is of particular importance to members of a religion |
| What is the purpose of a sacrament? | To create a particular relationship between an individual and Christ |
| What are some examples of sacraments? | Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony |
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What You'll Learn
- Exorcisms are performed on both Catholics and non-Catholics
- Exorcisms are not restricted to humans and can be performed on objects and places
- Exorcisms are carried out by ordained priests or higher prelates
- Exorcisms are not an emergency ritual and can take hours or days of preparation
- Exorcisms are not always successful in the first attempt and may need to be repeated
Exorcisms are performed on both Catholics and non-Catholics
The Catholic Church's guidelines for exorcisms were first issued in 1614, with the manual of exorcism 'Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications' (De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam in Latin). The Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in 1999, and the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Ecclesiastical Latin remains an option.
The Catholic Church states that exorcisms can be performed on Catholics, catechumens, non-Catholic Christians who request it, and non-Christian believers provided they have the proper disposition—meaning, they are sincere in their desire to be free of demonic possession. In the case of non-Catholics, the Diocesan Bishop must be informed.
Exorcisms are divided into two kinds: simple or minor exorcisms, and solemn or major exorcisms. The latter is a rite that can only be performed by a bishop or priest, with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness and personality disorders. The Vatican's guidelines issued in 1999 state that "the person who claims to be possessed must be evaluated by doctors to rule out a mental or physical illness".
Demand for exorcisms has been increasing. In 2013, exorcists in Mexico City reported an "unprecedented demand for their services". Globally, there was a rising demand for exorcisms in 2018, described as a “pastoral emergency” by the International Association of Exorcists.
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Exorcisms are not restricted to humans and can be performed on objects and places
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." Exorcisms are divided into two kinds: simple or minor forms, and solemn or "major exorcisms." The former is for those preparing for baptism, while the latter is a rite performed by a bishop or priest to expel demons or liberate a person from demonic possession.
The Catholic Church's official practice of exorcism is governed by the Vatican document De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam. The manual of exorcism was first issued in 1614, and the Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in 1999. Solemn exorcisms, according to Canon law, can only be performed by ordained priests with the bishop's permission and after a medical examination to rule out mental illness and personality disorders.
The Orthodox Church also believes that exorcism is not limited to humans. They hold that every Christian struggles against sin and evil, and that the whole Church has the task of an exorcist to banish sin, evil, injustice, spiritual death, and the devil from humanity.
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Exorcisms are carried out by ordained priests or higher prelates
Exorcisms are an ancient practice, predating the Catholic Church. However, the Catholic Church is the most well-known modern-day practitioner of exorcisms. The Church authorises the use of exorcism for Christians believed to be victims of demonic possession.
The Catholic Church's views on exorcism have evolved over time. In the 15th century, Catholic exorcists were both priestly and lay, as all Christians were considered to have the power to command demons. In the 20th century, exorcism was a rare phenomenon, often viewed with embarrassment by Catholic authorities. The Church regarded demonic possession as an extremely rare phenomenon that could be confused with mental illness.
In the 21st century, the Church has reversed its attitude and become more open to discussing exorcism. This shift may be due to a growing interest in the occult and the influence of popular films like "The Exorcist". The demand for exorcisms has increased, and the number of trained exorcists has grown.
According to Canon Law, solemn exorcisms can only be performed by ordained priests or higher prelates with the permission of the local bishop. The exorcist is typically assisted by several people during the ritual. The process begins with the sprinkling of holy water on the possessed person, followed by the sign of the cross and the recitation of the Litany of the Saints and scripture readings. The exorcist then addresses the demon(s), establishing rules such as revealing themselves and giving their names.
The Church approaches exorcism with caution and scepticism, treating it as a "nuclear weapon" to be used only when no other explanation can be found. Before performing an exorcism, the Church conducts a thorough examination, including medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations, to rule out mental illness and determine if demonic possession is present.
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Exorcisms are not an emergency ritual and can take hours or days of preparation
Exorcisms are not a simple ritual and require a great deal of preparation. In Catholicism, exorcisms are performed in the name of Jesus Christ. The ritual involves invoking God, specifically the name of Jesus Christ, as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary, saints of the Church Triumphant, and the Archangel Michael. Exorcisms are divided into two kinds: simple or minor exorcisms and solemn or major exorcisms.
A simple or minor exorcism is performed for those preparing for baptism. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the Order of Baptism of Children both call for minor exorcisms. The second kind, a solemn or major exorcism, is a rite that can only be performed by a bishop or a priest with the special and express permission of the local ordinary. This form is directed at the expulsion of demons or the liberation of a person from demonic possession.
The Catholic Church takes exorcisms very seriously and has specific guidelines in place. According to the Vatican's guidelines issued in 1999, "the person who claims to be possessed must be evaluated by doctors to rule out a mental or physical illness." Most reported cases are not seen as requiring an exorcism because twentieth-century Catholic officials regarded genuine demonic possession as extremely rare and easily confused with mental illness. The Church is cautious when evaluating alleged cases of demonic possession to ensure that individuals do not get caught up in a sensationalist mentality.
Exorcisms are not an emergency ritual and can take a significant amount of time to prepare for. Father Vince Lampert, a well-known exorcist, has stated that there is no such thing as an emergency exorcism. He emphasizes the importance of preparing himself before performing an exorcism, which can take hours or even days. The level of demonic presence in the person also influences the preparation time. Lampert has worked with people for over a year before they were freed from demonic possession.
The increase in demand for exorcisms has been attributed to various factors, including a rise in drug abuse, violence, and a trend away from mainstream religions towards the occult. However, it is important to note that the determination of whether a person is genuinely possessed by the devil is made by the Church, and exorcisms are not performed lightly.
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Exorcisms are not always successful in the first attempt and may need to be repeated
Exorcisms are not always successful on the first attempt and may need to be repeated. There are several reasons why this may be the case. Firstly, it is important to note that exorcisms are not a punishment but are regarded as a cure for the person believed to be possessed. The exorcism rituals take this into account, ensuring that there is no violence inflicted on the possessed individual.
One reason for the failure of an exorcism could be that the person performing the exorcism, or the possessed individual, lacks faith. The degree of grace received from the exorcism depends on the faith of the priest and the faith of the person being exorcised. The exorcist must also be aware of any cultural differences and regional influences that may have impacted the person requiring exorcism. This includes the places they may have visited, such as healers or psychics, and any practices they may have been involved in, such as witchcraft or Satanic worship.
Another reason for the failure of an exorcism could be the strength of the demon. Some demons may require multiple exorcisms to be expelled, especially if the possessed individual has done something to invite the demon. In some cases, the demon may have been left unchecked, allowing it to settle in a person or a house, making it harder to get rid of them.
Furthermore, it is crucial to determine whether the individual is genuinely possessed by a demon or suffering from a mental or physical illness. The Catholic Church regards demonic possession as a rare phenomenon that can be easily confused with mental illness. Therefore, the Church guidelines state that a person claiming to be possessed must be evaluated by doctors to rule out any mental or physical illness before an exorcism is performed.
It is worth noting that exorcisms can be performed on non-Catholics as well. The Catholic Church allows non-Catholic Christians and even non-Christian believers to receive exorcisms if they have the proper disposition and sincerely desire to be freed from demonic possession.
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Frequently asked questions
No, exorcisms are performed on Catholics, Catechumens, non-Catholic Christians who request it, and non-Christian believers who have the proper disposition.
Exorcisms are typically performed by ordained Catholic priests. However, some sources state that other denominations and religions also perform exorcisms, including the Orthodox Church, Baptist preachers, and non-denominational churches.
The process for performing an exorcism involves two elements: authorization from valid and licit Church authorities, and the faith of the exorcist. The exorcist recites prayers and invokes God, specifically in the name of Jesus Christ, as well as the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, saints of the Church Triumphant, and the Archangel Michael. Religious materials such as icons, sacramentals (e.g. holy water), and holy relics are also used.
According to the Vatican's guidelines, the person claiming to be possessed must be evaluated by doctors to rule out mental or physical illness. Most reported cases are not seen as requiring an exorcism, as genuine demonic possession is considered rare and can be confused with mental illness.
