Interviews with an Exorcist
Fr. Amorth, leading ExorcistI just found a recent interview with Fr. Amorth, the Church's leading exorcist. It is truly a fascinating read - even if you must skim over the technical language surrounding episcopal intrigue. In this interview Fr. Amorth details some of the problems with the New Rite of exorcism given to exorcists as part of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Fr. Amorth finds it entirely ineffective in combating the Devil.
In another interview printed on a clearly pagan website Fr. Amorth talks more explicitly about the things that fascinate people (and movie makers) about exorcism - the incredibly confrontations, signs, and the superhuman strength of demons.
It seems to me that the Church, in trying to be relevant, has de-emphasized belief in angels and demons alike. This is precisely the wrong thing to do, not just because, if Catholic doctrine is believed, unbelief in these will lead to incredible danger, but also because it is precisely these beliefs that attract people to the Church.
Lately the Church presents itself as an institution meant to inspire people to lead "better" lives. This is a profoundly boring and unnecessary thing. We have sitcoms from the 1980s in syndication that can inspire us to lead better lives. Even scoffers, I think, prefer a Church riddled with these sorts of "superstitions".
Michael Brendan Dougherty
in Religion
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The new Rite, by contrast, categorically states that it is prohibited to perform exorcisms in these cases. That is just absurd. This evildoing is by far the most frequent cause of demonic possession and other evils procured by the Devil – no fewer than 90 per cent. It’s like telling exorcists to retire. Then, Point 16 solemnly states that exorcisms must not be carried out unless the presence of the Devil is ascertained. This is a masterpiece of incompetence because we can only ascertain if the D -
lean towards Father Amorth. "And are you sometimes frightened?" I ask. He looks incredulous. "Never. I have faith. I laugh at the demon and say to him, 'I've got the Madonna on my side. I am called Gabriel. Go fight the Archangel Gabriel if you will.' That usually shuts them up."
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