Exorcism boom: there are 800 priests performing it in the world

Far from the exorcisms shown in the films, which are full of possessed people screaming and turning, this liberation ritual is an increasingly professional practice thanks to almost 800 priests practicing it around the world.

“The devil seeks astonishing, to intimidate by saying‘ I am capable of doing such great things ’, but on the part of the Christian faith there is a very humble response,” explains the Spanish theologian and expert on the sect Luís Santamaría, giving his knowledge of course in exorcism which takes place today in Rome.

More than a hundred priests, nuns and laityamong them teachers and psychiatrists, gather in the Italian capital to discuss the existence of Evil in the “XVI Course on exorcism and prayers for liberation”, one of the best known in the world, organized by the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum.

COURSE OF 6 DAYS AND PAYMENT OF 500 DOLLARS

Within six days and at a price of 500 dollarsattendees will learn about the existence of demons, life exorcist, the dangers of social networks and satanic occultism, all with the aim of putting aside the mythology caused by cinema and literature in this matter.

“Although the devil may amaze you a lot to watch, it is just to get the attention and not serve the person well,” said Father Luís Ramírez, who as the coordinator of the course stressed that an exorcism is more yet in the last ritual.

To fight Satan’s distractionsthe course devotes a whole block to the role of psychiatrists in exorcism, a figure that helps priests distinguish between a case of possession or a person with psychological problems.

“Regardless of knowing whether an exorcism needs to be performed, a full path of understanding must also be followed so as not to confuse it with depression or a psychiatric illness, which is probably caused by something other than spiritual, “said the Mexican theologian. .

SOME CASES

This was the case in “most” cases, and it was shared by some priests who were present at the opening of the course, who explained that, in the years they had been practicing, they had only met. some cases of ownership, where those affected showed symptoms of having supernatural powers or understanding of ancient languages.

Others are “troubled people” who simply need spiritual guidance to “lead them on the path of faith.”

However, Santamaría stressed that the problems that weigh on many are that “people cling to anything that gives them a hint of peace and inner healing,” with rituals that deviate from the faith such as witchcraft, spiritism or others. more work “to stay away. from”.

In addition to the more formal aspects, those interested will see firsthand the rituals performed in regions such as Latin America, where an increasing number of participants come from, especially from Colombia and Mexico: “Latin American bishops have become open to the subject and to training their people over the years,” Ramírez said.

The Mexican coordinator welcomed the fact that more and more religious people are becoming professionals in this area, nearly 800 priests around the world, most of Italy and Spain, with 290 and 37 exorcists, according to the latest data from a single study on the matter.

However, some priests criticized the lack of communication and support within the diocese itself and from the clergy, a situation that “excludes the exorcist,” said the authors of this study led by the Institute of Priest .

This also happens, according to Santamaría, because exorcism is a practice that, although it is not under the secret of confession, “requires confidentiality and determination on the part of the exorcists” in order to protect the sufferers and the religious themselves, which may be rejected by their environment.

The course wants to solve this problem by fostering dialogue between Catholics, but also with other branches of Christianity and other religions, which, contrary to what may be imagined, are also conducting this ritual.

Therefore, the course will sit an Orthodox, an Anglican and a Pentecostal to share their experiences, as well as an expert on exorcism from Sunni Islam: “It will be a bridge to another reality where the phenomenon exists and the ceremony is effective,” said the Mexican theologian.

EFE Agency.

GML