My Flat is Haunted: Call the Exorcist?
(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)
Question: I believe our flat’s ceiling is spooked. We hear inexplicable footsteps, cupboard doors sounding like they are being opened, and so on. Nothing we have tried works. Can we get an exorcist to solve this trouble?
Answer: If you believe that your home is haunted, you first ought to contact your parish priest. He should guide you through the process and determine if an exorcism is necessary, or if another action might suffice as a first resort, such as a house blessing or a prayer service.
Not all cases of hauntings or spiritual disturbances are considered to be cases of demonic possession, and an exorcism may not be necessary or appropriate for every situation. Indeed, it is aways the last resort.
The Church takes exorcisms very seriously, and conducts these rarely and under great caution. Only authorised and especially trained priests are allowed to perform this sacred rite. To that end, every diocese has a designated exorcist with the proper competence.
Exorcists believe that prayer is always the first step in a situation of suspected paranormal disturbances. Some suggest that prayer can help us distinguish between disturbances that are the result of a troubled soul in purgatory — possibly trying to attract our attention for help — or of demonic activity. If everything goes silent when we begin to pray, then it’s likely a soul in purgatory; but if the disturbances increase in turbulence, it might be a demon’s response to being tormented by the prayer.
First, try a prayer like this one, from the “Night Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours”:
Lord, we beg you to visit this house and banish from it all the deadly power of the enemy. May your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace, and may your blessings be upon us always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Should the disturbances continue, the intervention of the designated diocesan exorcist may become necessary. Should he determine that a rite of exorcism can be performed, he would then ask “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authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1673).
Please know that attempting to perform an exorcism on your own or with an unauthorised person, such as a “ghosthunter”, can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged.
Asked and answered in the June 2023 issue of The Southern Cross magazine
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