273. Exorcism

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 273

Ave Maria series

Does the Church still practice exorcism?

At every Baptism a so-called simple exorcism is performed, a prayer in which the person being baptized is taken away from the devil and is strengthened against the “principalities and powers” that Jesus overcame.  Major exorcism is a prayer offered by Jesus’ authority and in his strength through which a baptized Christian is delivered from the influence and power of the devil; the Church rarely uses this prayer, and only after the most rigorous examination. [1673]

Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France.…..273

 Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel:

“Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God restrain him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast down into hell, Satan, and all other evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.“

The depiction of “exorcism” in Hollywood films for the most part does not reflect the truth about Jesus and the Church.  It was often reported about Jesus that he drove out demons.  He had the power over evil principalities and powers and could deliver men from them.  To the apostles Jesus gave “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity” (Matthew 10:1). The Church does the same today whenever an authorized priest pronounces the prayer of exorcism over a person who requests it.  First, however, the possibility must be excluded that the phenomenon is not psychological in nature (a psychiatrist is competent in such matters).  An exorcism wards off spiritual temptation and oppression and delivers from the power of the evil one.  90-91

EXORCISM:  Exorcism (Greek exorkismos=summoning out) is a prayer by virtue of which a person is protected from the evil one or delivered from the evil one.

1673 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authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing.(Compare Mark 1:25-26; Mk 3:15; Mk 6:7, 13; 16:17.)¹⁷⁸  In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism. The solemn exorcism, called "a major exorcism," can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. 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. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, 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.(Compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1172.)¹⁷⁹  --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

Angel  Michael the Archangel