Exorcisms have been a part of the Catholic Church for centuries, with a rich and often misunderstood history. While they have been depicted in popular media as dramatic and terrifying events, the reality of exorcisms within the Church is far more complex and rooted in theological, psychological, and pastoral considerations.

The Catholic Church defines exorcism as the act of expelling evil spirits or demons from a person, place, or object, in accordance with the teachings of the Church. This ritual is based on the belief that some individuals can become possessed by demonic forces, a belief that traces its origins to both the Bible and early Christian traditions. The New Testament contains numerous references to Jesus casting out demons, and this practice was later adopted by the apostles and their successors.

The Roman Ritual, a liturgical book of the Church, contains the official guidelines for exorcism. The process is divided into two types: the minor exorcism, which is typically a prayer said during baptism, and oone which I carried out as a younger Catholic preist. Today I leave out the exorcism ritual.

Then ther is the major exorcism, which is the formal, extensive ritual performed on individuals believed to be possessed. The major exorcism is carefully structured and is conducted only by a priest who has been specifically authorized by a bishop. This is not a task taken lightly, as the Church recognizes the seriousness of the claims of possession and treats them with great caution.

Before an exorcism is performed, the Church requires a thorough investigation into the individual’s condition. This often involves medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations to rule out other causes of the behavior, such as mental illness. The Church is clear that demonic possession should not be assumed lightly, and it emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between spiritual and medical conditions. This is why exorcism is usually seen as a last resort, after other explanations have been exhausted. Only after a careful process of discernment is the decision made to proceed with the ritual.

While exorcisms remain a part of Catholic practice today, they are not as common as often depicted in movies. There is a small, specialized group of priests known as exorcists, who are specially trained in the rituals and psychology associated with the work. The Vatican has acknowledged the growing demand for exorcists in some parts of the world, leading to the establishment of training programs for clergy on how to conduct exorcisms. This training emphasizes both theological knowledge and psychological understanding, as the process can often be emotionally and physically demanding.

In contemporary practice, the Church emphasizes a pastoral approach to those who seek help for alleged possession. Many individuals who feel they are experiencing possession are struggling with deep psychological trauma, emotional distress, or spiritual crises. The Church's response to these situations, while still rooted in tradition, often involves counseling, prayer, and support, rather than an immediate rush to perform an exorcism.

There is also a growing awareness of the potential dangers of sensationalizing the practice. The Church is cautious about its portrayal in the media and works to educate the faithful on the difference between genuine spiritual need and misinterpretations of ordinary struggles as supernatural phenomena.

In conclusion, while exorcisms remain a part of Catholic practice, the Church’s approach is nuanced, cautious, and deeply grounded in its theology and understanding of the human condition. The ritual is seen not as a dramatic spectacle, but as a serious and sacred act of healing, done only with discernment, care, and a deep respect for the person involved.

When I ws 38 I was involved in my one and only major exorcism. It was frightening even though I had been prepared for months for what was to take place. When I look back I was naieve but took my sanctuary in the powers of Cathoic tradition and doctrine. Today I despise the fact that I was with others casting out demons - today I would embrace them.