ShareThisIt was clear from the man's testimony that all hell was breaking loose in his life and he needed help.
However, since this man was a scientist, the Rev. Gary Thomas wasn't surprised that he was a skeptic when it came to supernatural evil.
That was fine, since one of the first things the priest learned in Rome while training to be an exorcist was to remain as skeptical as possible, as long as possible. Still, there were troubling facts in the man's story -- such as an episode when a counselor urged him to channel spirits.
Finally, the priest turned to "De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam" ("Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications"), the Vatican document released in 1998 that contains a modernized exorcism rite. He has been fighting this man's demons ever since.
"When we started, he told me, 'Wait! Can't you just take this thing right out of me?' But that's rarely how things work," said Thomas, the official exorcist in the Diocese of San Jose in Northern California.
"It's hard to get people to understand that no two exorcisms are the same. Reality isn't like the movies."
The subject of demonic possession remains controversial, as illustrated by the media storm that greeted the revised exorcism rite, which was required by a Vatican II mandate three decades earlier.
Later, the Vatican announced that Pope John Paul II had personally performed three exorcisms during his pontificate.
While the new rite warned exorcists not to confuse diabolic possession with mental illness, it also affirmed ancient teachings about the reality of spiritual warfare, as illustrated by biblical accounts of Jesus performing exorcisms.
Truth is, Thomas said, the events of Holy Week -- especially Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter -- make no sense without real demons, real temptations and a real hell. But many Catholics disagree.
"There are plenty of bishops and priests who simply do not believe in Satan and demons and they have told me so," he said. "That makes a difference. What most people do not realize is that bishops are like independent contractors and they can do whatever they damn well want to do. ... That's why we don't have many exorcists in America."
At the request of his own bishop, Thomas took a Vatican-approved course on demonic possession while living at the North American College in Rome in late 2005 and early 2006. As part of his studies, the second-career priest -- who worked in a mortuary before seeking ordination -- participated in more than 80 exorcisms with a senior Italian exorcist. These experiences form the heart of "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist," a new book written by American journalist Matt Baglio.
For the past three years, the 55-year-old priest has quietly been using the techniques he learned in Rome. He said that his teachers, from the beginning, emphasized that an exorcist must strive to remain the "ultimate skeptic," pursuing every pastoral option before turning to the exorcism rite as a last resort.
Modern exorcists are urged to work with psychiatrists, psychologists and physicians while evaluating those who are suffering. They also test to see if spiritual health can be restored through confession, healing rites and frequent participation in Mass. However, Thomas noted that these contacts with "holy things" occasionally trigger open displays of demonic powers.
It's one thing to hear the voice of a demon on a recording or to read pages of blasphemies in transcripts. Face-to-face encounters are another matter.
The classic signs of possession have been established for ages. The possessed may exhibit superhuman strength, describe private events in the life of an exorcist or possess the ability to speak languages -- such as Latin -- they have never studied. They often suffer bizarre physical reactions to contact with holy water, crosses or icons.
Most people seeking exorcisms are simply physically sick, mentally ill or emotionally distressed. Some may try to fake "Hollywood-esque symptoms" to draw sympathy or attention.
"You may see case after case in which there are other explanations for what these people are suffering," Thomas said. "But then, every now and then, you see things that let you know that you are dealing with the real thing. That's when you know that sin is real, hell is real and Satan is real. That's when you learn what the cross and the resurrection are all about."
(Terry Mattingly directs the Washington Journalism Center at the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Contact him at tmattingly(at)cccu.org or www.tmatt.net.)
ON RELIGION
Exorcist? Demons? Give me a break!
It's so sad that people believe this crap in the 21st Century. There is NO SUCH THING as demons, hell or Satan. Please go learn how to think critically, shake yourself free of some of that ignorance and learn to enjoy life without worrying about these imaginary things. You'll be happier but, more importantly, it's the TRUTH. Demons and hell and Satan are make-believe. God probably is too.
Reply to anonymous Exorcists
Saint Michael the Archangel, Defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him , we humbly pray; and do thou o Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, by the power of God. Cast into hell satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruination of souls. Amen
I've have been a fireman for
I've have been a fireman for a almost 14years, and at one of our calls we had a possessed person. the patient read my mind.no chance of coincidence!!!
Exorcist? Demons? Give me a break!
Give me a break! I have personally encountered a demon. Fortunately, I had my rosary in my hand to ward it off.
I carry Holy water and a rosary with me at all times from the time I was young. We lived with the ghost of my uncle that went down in the pacific ocean during WWII. He showed himself numerous times, did naughty things, touched us, sat on our beds, played with our toys, and asked my Dad to go to Guam and retrieve his remains.
We are highly educated people that DO think critically! But our eyes saw! Our Bodies felt. Some day you will Know the Truth.
What is Ashame is Scientism, which itself can not be Proven!
What is a real travesty is that people in the 21st century do NOT believe in the REAL existence of demons and the devil. Those who pride themselves on rationalistic and scientific "sophistication" fail to realize that the very rationalism and scientism they deify and use to look down on us who believe in the presence of angelic and demonic spirits is itself the real superstition! Scientism and rationalism themselves can NOT be proven. The senses do not tell you that all knowledge is sensory and scientific. So the prideful, arrogant atheist is himself a superstitious, blind believer, albeit a believer in a mere theory. I for myself will take "Pascal's wager" and bet on the existence on the supernatural, a supernatural by the way that is clearly an experienceable datum!
Nonsense?
The great French scientist Louis Pasteur was a 'critical thinker' and he had no doubts about the existence of Satan. The corollary to Satan's greatest trick (inducing mankind to think he doesn't exist) (which deluded people like yourself proclaim from the rooftops)is that 'thinking crically' and supernatural beliefs are mutually exclusive...THAT is pure delusion in itself...If Jesus Himself says there is a Hell, who are you as a mere mortal creation of the Savior to contradict Him? It is the height of ignorance, arrogance and childish pride to think that there is no God, Heaven, Hell or Satan. I pray you don't find out the HARD way, when it will be too late to recant...
make believe
I suppose you have died and come back to life and tell us what you saw, which according to you is, nothing.
Hmmmmmm.
If you didn't die and come back to life, your confidence is as risky as a sub-prime mortgage backed hedge fund. Looks good on paper, but...
You dont even know me.Why do
You dont even know me.Why do you assume,?
To Makebelieve
No,Makebelieve I never did die and come back to life.I never saw nothing either.You know very well I didnt.So why tell me my confidence is risky?What has a subprime mortage backed henge fund to do with anything?What is it you are trying to say?Could you be a little more clear?What looks good on paper and why?What is it you want to say?Please,express yourself so I can understand it ,and not have to guess around all the words like it is a little childish game.
Discernment is the answer to knowing what are foolish thoughts
And you would know all this because your knowledge spans across all concepts of time from the beginning until the end of all time and also know all Truth how foolish you are
You also say God probably is too I'm assuming imaginary What? don’t you know for certain as you do know for certian that satan is, Jesus new for certain and even spoke of him and referred to him I can also make foolish statement as yours and say 2+2 does not = 4 but how silly is that when throughout all human history has proven me wrong well Jesus has proven you wrong as Jesus is not a liar and he is not one who does not know what he is talking about
GOD BLESS
hell
I feel sorry for all those people that don't believe in hell, will end up in one. There will no return for them!!
there is hell
This is my in response to you, take heed: Excerpt from St. Faustina diary:I, Sister Faustina, by the order of God, have visited the abysses of hell so that I might tell souls about it and testify to its existence. I cannot speak about it now; but I have received a command from God to leave it in writing. The devils were full of hatred for me, but they had to obey me at the command of God. What I have written is but a pale shadow of the things I saw. But I noticed one thing: that most of the souls there are those who disbelieved that there is a hell. When I came to, I could hardly recover from the fright. How terribly souls suffer there! Consequently, I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners. I incessantly plead God's mercy upon them. O my Jesus, I would rather be in agony until the end of the world, amidst the greatest sufferings, than offend You by the least sin. (741)
shake yourself free of some of that ignorance
It is laughable that you are guilty of the very ignorance you see in others. God, Faith are not some thing that is provable or dis-proven by the scientific method. It is erroneous to believe that the scientific method alone yields truth. Stick to your area of expertise. When it comes to the subject of the God, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Exorcist? Demons? Give me a break!
You will find out. I hope not too late!
Exorcist
First, anyone who submits remarks such as Anonymous is obviously afraid to face the truth. I am NOT an Exorcist, however, I do know the existence of the demonic and have know this since childhood. That covers about 50 years. If you had any idea what you're saying, you would recant your remarks. It is amazing how people like this will believe in UFOs or some such nonsense, or even in Bigfoot or the Boggy Creek Monster. Yet, they fail to understand that there is a supernatural existence. Even science is leaning toward this fact in some areas.
People who discount the supernatural should get themselves out of their self absorbed lives and look around. These are the same people who believe that the government is here to help.
Demons
Lucifer's primary mandate has been to convince the world that he does not exist. There are many who call themselves Christian that, at a deep level deny the darkness.
Possession, is rare, in the real world, however, there are many levels of demonic "influence" all of which are indeed unique to the victim. I applaud the caution here to apply as many methods to treatment as possible.
Additionally, the Holy Spirit is the giver of discernment and we must humbly approach the Father and ask that He grant us wisdom.
Demons are as real as the sunrise, and in these last days they are ramping up their efforts. Jesus taught us in the Gospel, but many don't want to listen.
RE: Exorcist? Demons? Give me a break!
>>> Please go learn how to
>>> think critically, shake
>>> yourself free of some
>>> of that ignorance and
>>> learn to enjoy life
>>> without worrying about
>>> these imaginary things.
My career in IT is all about thinking critically, and I've come to believe that those who deny the existence of God gloss over mysteries that science cannot explain, but criticize those having religious faith in what cannot be explained.
When you can explain with proven facts how matter and energy came into existence from nothing, then I'll be happy to engage in a discussion with you about the existence of God and fallen angels.
It's so sad that you think you're above it all exhibiting your closed mind and lack of critical thinking. You are not going to find true happiness through science.
Catholics- understand and live your faith, tune into relevantRadio.com
Adversary
The adversary exists, and if you didn't notice this fact, then you are most likely obeying him.
Exorcism
The truth is that there are things that are virulently negative in the spirit world called demons. They are the result of the intense hatred the creatures called Fallen angels have towards humanity and all life. They are evil and they will try to steal, kill and destroy us. You don't have to believe that. But if you should find yourself in that kind of trouble, Anonymous, then please remember this prayer:
Jesus save me.
That's all you have to say because "Those who call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved."
Good luck and God bless you.
Exorcist? Demons? Give me a break!
Read Fr. Gary's Book the "The Rite The Making of a Modern Exorcist" ISBN 978-0-385-52270-0
Fr. Gary has his hands full helping people troubled by evil powers that no human can control. Only the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, His blood stained cross, glorous resureection from the dead can destroy the evil works of satan and his demons. We all need to trust the Lord Jesus Christ and pray that we will all be delivered from the tricks of these evil beings.
Christ is Victor.
This stuff is real... After
This stuff is real... After you have an incounter like this... You learn to trust in God... All those who are unbelievers, you are ignoring reality.
I recommend a binding
I recommend a binding prayer.
Dear Lord, send Saint Michael to bind all evil spirits (in the world, in my house ect. or anywhere you feel oppressed or a bad feeling) by the most precious blood of Jesus Christ and bring them to the foot of the cross in Heaven where our Heavenly Father can dispose of them. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Go to confession, mass and use holy water and salt. Put a Sacred heart of Jesus picture in you home protection.
Evil is real. I have witnessed evil spirits for the past 10 years. Prayer warriors know all to well evil exists. Stay safe and God bless.
Yes,the devil is very,very
Yes,the devil is very,very real.How sad so many bishops and priests believe he is not.Alot of people could be helped through the rites of exorcism.Why are so many Catholics ashamed to admit the truth?Why be embarrassed about it?How come he was so real 50 years ago and all of a sudden he no longer exists?
They should not be in the church
If you ask further - they (bishops and priests) will admit they don't believe in Jesus Christ. They don't believe in Adam and Eve.
I have been a nurse for 27
I have been a nurse for 27 years and have worked with the dying. Many have seen angels and some have seen the devil. The sceptic can blame these visions on whatever makes one deny their existense. But when I prayed with them, the dark spirits left and a peaceful demeanor occurred with a subsequent peaceful death.
Jesus won the battle!
A Christian that is sealed with the Holy Spirit, who works towards being filled with the Holy Spirit, every day, by staying in God's Word and remaining in communion with the Body of Christ (a bible believing church) cannot be possessed by the devil.
While I believe in the existence of the devil and of demons, they are rendered powerless by the Holy Spirit that resides in a believer, a follower of Jesus. Ephesians Chapter 6 gives us the Armour of God, telling us how to protect ourselves, daily.
Bottom line: we are either "of God", abiding in Jesus, or "of your father, the devil". If Italy is 85% Roman Catholic and they have such a huge problem, it proves that the clergy is not doing a good job of preaching and teaching = their main role in the church.
Fr. Gary should put his patients in a good bible study class. When they have the Word of God inside of them, what ails them will vanish. "Be transformed, by the renewing of your mind." "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
"He who is in you is stronger than he who is in the world."
Instead of American priests going to Rome to become exorcists, the pope should demand all clergy have continuing education in Scripture.
I don't mean reading commentaries about the Scriptures, or studying theologians that love to confuse simple concepts.
Priests just need plain old bible study classes. They can study in groups in their own rectories.
Then Protestants can stop pitying Catholics, for their collective ignorance of the Word.
A bonus is it would eliminate the "need" for exorcists. A biblically literate Christian that's harrassed by the devil need only say "flee" and the devil flees. That is a promise of God. The devil will then scour the world, looking for someone else (easier) to devour.
This all reminds me of the quote about the subject of temptation. It is: "I can't stop a bird from flying over my head, but I can sure stop it from making a nest in my hair!"
The devil is real. The Holy Spirit is stronger. The pope and priests need to focus on His Word about this.
Satan and demons
A priest trained in Rome to be an exorsist says, "There are plenty of
bishops and priests who simply do not believe in Satan and demons and
they have told me so." This makes one wonder what else these bishops
and priests don't really believe in. Specifically, their sacraments
are not valid if they don't have the right intentions! This results
in a real absence of grace in those thinking they have it. This leads
to making the real fight against evil for the Church Militant more
difficult.
well,well,well satan doesn't
well,well,well
satan doesn't exist?
pick up today's paper
sunday school teacher killed child
still don't believe in demons?
will be praying for all nonbelievers
I got to thinking...
When I first began reading this page I was a believer in Jesus.Now,I think the belief in devils really IS silly.The whole thing about Hell is plain ridiculous.Jesus did not rise from the dead.He said he was going to come back but never returned.Its been 2000 years and he never came back.Silly me to think demons were real,anyway.I say all that stuff about exorcism is nonsense!
He never came back
If you believe in demons it is the fear of them that causes harm.they just dont exist.People believe in them and they suffer.Hell is another imaginary place,like heaven.God is imajinary.Its all made up silly stories that got distorted as they were handed down from generation to generation during the years after this person jesus died.