Q&A
From the September AD 2008
Our Lady of the Rosary
Parish Bulletin
Question: What is exorcism? Who can exorcize? Who or what can be exorcized? (F.L.)
Answer: We usually hear the word “exorcism” as being an attempt to break the
influence of the devil over a human being. A priest, with the permission
of the bishop, demands in the name of God that the devil relinquish his hold on
the victim. The Roman Ritual, which contains the prayers prescribed
for exorcism, refers to one “obsessed by a demon”—in English we generally
distinguish obsession as the external control by the devil, and possession as an
internal control in which the devil can control the speech and movements of the
victim. Before exorcism is attempted, every effort must be made to ensure
that the victim is not suffering from natural illness, physical or
psychological, that is being mistaken for possession.
In theory, one
receives the power of exorcism with the third of the Minor Orders, but in
practice the exorcism of individuals is delegated only to a holy and reliable
priest, “distinguished for piety, prudence, and integrity of life, who
fulfills this devout undertaking in all constancy and humility; being utterly
immune to any striving for human aggrandizement; relying, not on his own, but on
the divine power; of mature years, and revered for his moral qualities.”[i]
He should be familiar with the problems encountered by earlier exorcists as set
down in their writings The priest may be assisted by other holy people who
will pray with him and physically restrain the victim if necessary.
The Roman Ritual
also contains an exorcism of “Satan and the Apostate Angels,” which may be
employed in a location or community where diabolical activity is suspected.
It is performed by a bishop or a priest delegated by him.
There are various
other exorcisms scattered throughout The Roman Ritual, associated with
the various Sacraments and sacramentals. For example at Baptism there are
several exorcisms, including:
I exorcise thee,
unclean spirit, in the name of the + Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy +
Ghost. Come forth. Depart from this servant (handmaid) of God, N.,
for He commands thee, accursed and damned spirit; He who walked upon the sea,
and extended His right hand to Peter as he was sinking. Therefore,
accursed devil, acknowledge thy condemnation, and pay homage to the true and
living God; pay homage to Jesus Christ, His Son, and to the Holy Ghost, and
depart from this servant (handmaid) of God, N., for Jesus Christ, our Lord and
God, has called him (her) to His holy grace and blessing, and to the font of
baptism.
The salt added to
holy water is exorcized, as is the water itself. Oil used for domestic
purposes may be exorcized and blessed. The medal of Saint Benedict is
exorcized and blessed. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh are exorcized on the
Epiphany. Water and salt are exorcized before being mixed with ashes and
wine in what is called “Gregorian water” at the consecration of an altar or
an altar stone by a bishop. Any of the exorcisms in the Sacraments and
sacramentals are performed by the minister of the Sacrament without special
permission. The deacon who baptizes with permission performs the same
ceremonies as a priest, including the exorcisms, but not blessing the baptismal
salt or water.[ii]
NOTES:
[i]
Cf. Rituale Romanum, Tit. XI, cap. 1. Weller
translation
[ii]
Rituale Romanum, Tit. II, cap. 2, no. 27.
