RESIST THE DEVIL

 

RESIST THE DEVIL

Bishop Joseph Bonnemain of the Diocese of Chur, Switzerland recently made the decision to eliminate the position of exorcist in his diocese.  He explained that he felt that it was not necessary, and that those who suffer should seek a remedy in medical, psychological, and psychotherapeutic treatments. 

No matter what a particular bishop might decide for his diocese, the Catholic Church unhesitatingly affirms the ongoing need for the rite of exorcism and for exorcists to perform it.  They must be personally approved by the bishop (also known as the “ordinary”) of the place where the ceremony takes place.  Before an exorcism is approved there must be an examination by medical and psychological experts.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness” (Catechism #1673).  Moreover, a distinction needs to be made between oppression and possession.  Someone who is oppressed may be healed by prayer, personal conversion, and the reception of the Sacraments.  The rite of exorcism may only be used to free a person who is truly possessed.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1675) teaches that “Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church.”  There are minor exorcisms and major exorcisms.  A minor exorcism, or prayer for deliverance, does not require the intervention of the bishop.  For example, in the rite of Baptism a minor exorcism is celebrated for the child before the blessing of the water.  This announces that Baptism will liberate the child from Original Sin and give him/her the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  The child will no longer be under the power of Satan.

A major exorcism may be done only by a priest who has been appointed by the local bishop.  Such a priest has received special training.  While clergy and lay people can participate in the prayers during an exorcism, they may not say the prayers which are reserved to the exorcist.  Canon Law states that “No one can legitimately perform exorcisms over the possessed unless he has obtained special and express permission from the local ordinary.  Such permission from the ordinary is to be granted only to a presbyter (i.e. priest) endowed with piety, knowledge, prudence and integrity of life” (c. 1172). 

On several occasions Pope Francis has acknowledged the need for the ministry of exorcists.  He has also warned the faithful to be aware of the wiles of the devil.  Everything that I have read on this issue indicates that the best defense against Satan is to live in a state of grace and to frequently receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist.  In most cases the devil takes possession of a person through a gradual progression during which he or she in same way gives consent, by word or action.  This cannot happen to one who is giving himself or herself to God.

Possessed persons may be prone to despair, but there is always hope.  They do not completely lose their free will and can contribute to their liberation by repentance, prayer, the reception of the Sacraments, and, as much as possible, cooperation with rite of exorcism, which might have to be celebrated many times until the possessed person is able to completely release his or her attachment to the evil spirit.  We must remember that God is the ultimate power.  But let us not foolishly pretend that the devil does not exist.  Rather, let us heed the warnings of Sacred Scripture: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9).  “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).  “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).