The Ritual Itself...

Catholic Exorcism

Official Catholic exorcists in general do not undergo much specific training. Forming their own organisation in 1992 the catholic church holds meetings and delivers newsletters. This newsletter is more of a chance to tell stories about exorcisms that have been experienced by members of the Catholic church. As mentioned briefly before, the direction for the exorcism is mostly routed in a small section of the Roman Ritual. The appendix of this book specifies that the exorcist should wear a Superpelliceo et stola violacea indutus (a purple stole) before a particular part of prayer is read aloud. The priest is then instructed to make the sign of the cross over the victim and place the stole over his/her neck. The ritual also instructs the priest to place his hands on the victim, much like Jesus did in the bible, and command the devil out. The passages which are used at this point are usually from John 1:1-14, Mark 16:15-18 and Luke 1:17-20. It is important also that objects of religious importance are around at the time of the exorcism. These might include rosaries, crosses and holy water. Some also suggest that there should also be relics of the saints. The more important the saint the more powerful the relic will work against the demon. The ritual itself warns the priest to be open to the fact that the victim may try to decieve him and may dissapear for long time periods before returning. It is really up to priest at each individual exorcism how he handles the situation.

In January 1999 the Vatican issued a new version of the exorcism rite/ritual. This document describes a new and precise liturgical form which explains quite frankly that the devil does exist! It specifically speaks of angelic creatures and the personified devil with specifc prayers to drive the devil out including the psalms and reading from the gospels.

Is There An Alternative To Exorcism?

The short answer:

Ghosts: Is there an alternative to exorcism for getting rid of ghosts?

However some say that is not always appropriate for a full exorcism to take place. Many people are satisfied with some healing or a blessing from a priest instead. If a house is said to be possessed for example it is fitting that a priest should come and bless it rather than carry out a full exorcism. Although readers should be reminded that if we are to enlist the help of Reverand Starlene Joyner Burns it will cost you a fee of $150.