DELIVERANCE MINISTRY AND EXORCISM As interest on the occult and spirits heighten and medias sensationalizing of the paranormal not only priests but even lay peoples have to brush up their knowledge of deliverance prayer and ministry and exorcism. Exorcism should not be considered peripheral in our faith. Christ did exorcism; he broke the spell of evil spirits over hapless victims and he was even accused of casting out demons through the prince of demons(Mt.9:34) Deliverance prayer is private exorcism while the rite of exorcism performed on a subject whose possesion by a demon has been established is a public exorcism. Public exorcism is exercised by an authorized minister, an ordained one. The bishop authorizes the exorcist after due preparation and the requirements have been met. The rite is performed with a team. The prayer of deliverance can be done by anyone; it could be an exercise of the common priesthood by virtue of baptism. We must review on spiritual warfare. There are preternatural entities and powers - the so-called elemental spirits, those dark beings which inhabit trees e.g.( yes this is no folk belief) and the practice of anting-anting fortune telling, spells and charms and the like are prohibited (Lev.19, and Catechism of the Catholic Church 2117). We may not experience it intensely but assaults of demons and evil spirits we encounter through temptations. Spirits can influence and even act on our bodies when we are unprotected and weak but the teaching on spiritual warfare assures us that only through our consent can evil spirits take possesion of our wills. That is why possesions are rare. What is usual is: temptation, evils enticements for us mortals to sin; oppression i.e. tormenting souls to suffer, to experience harassment and even exorcist could be subject to retaliation by the evil ones. This could be a lengthy discussion. We suggest you read the book of Fr. Jose Francisco C. Syquia Director Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism Exorcism, Encounters with the Paranormal and the Occult We have enemies and they have powers. To be forearmed is to win half the battle.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 06:43:45 +0000
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