Exorcism needs particular care

by Letters Editor · March 21, 2013

From Fr Allan Moss OMI, Pietermarizburg

I recall a schoolgirl, let�s call her by the pseudonym Angelina, coming home quite excited. There was a girl apparently possessed in one of the classrooms.�Angelina enacted the scene with the hayiza, a Zulu term for the strange noises one makes when seemingly possessed. The victim was rushed home, hopefully to be exorcised by a priest. Little Angelina did not know the word �exorcise� and so could not understand why they might call a priest.

Exorcism is a rarely used rite in the Catholic Church. Under canon law only those priests who receive permission from his bishop can perform an exorcism. A priest performing the rite wears a purple stole. A crucifix and holy water are among the religious items used in the rite. (CNS photo/Don Feria)

Exorcism is misunderstood not only by children but even by priests. It is a dimension of demonology that needs to be properly dealt with and is appropriately referred to in the Church�s teachings, sacred rites, scripture and life experiences. Apart from trying to enlighten Angelina, permit me to explain a little more.

There are different types of exorcisms which may be subdivided into simple and solemn, depending on the nature of possession. It is important for priests or exorcists to know what they are dealing with in the deliverance ministry: be it demoniacal oppression, obsession, infestation or full possession.

Saints like Alphonsus Liguori, Vincent Palotti and John Vianney recognised the different levels, dealing with them in various ways. Adolphe Tanquerey, a 20th-century spiritual writer, explains the different levels and how to be treated accordingly, as a therapist recognises different states of illnesses.

A doctor does not treat every disease in the same way. So we should be careful playing around with the devil or rushing into exorcisms. The devil is the father of lies and likes us to think we got him when in fact he gets us, especially when simony is involved and huge fees are being extorted.

If we do deal with genuine cases, how well do we prepare ourselves for the spiritual encounter? What about the personal purification of self after? To be blunt, if you deal with excrement, you will smell of it. A spirit can contaminate you, as in the famous Port Royal exorcisms in a convent in France.

Yes, we have much to teach but let us make sure we know what we are talking about. Diagnose satanic power first and exorcise according to the rites of the Church (the Church is the full embodiment of the Risen Lord who conquers all evil), which can deliver our children, be it at school, home or play.

Importantly, canon law prescribes that a solemn exorcism cannot be done without the express permission of a bishop (1172).