EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT EXORCISM BUT DIDN'T KNOW QUITE WHOM TO ASK

SpiritDaily ^ | July 9, 2010 | Father Thomas J. Euteneuer

[NYer]

The new and highly informative book by U.S. exorcist Father Thomas J. Euteneuer might be called "everything you wanted to know about exorcism but didn't know who to ask."

Its actual title is Exorcism and the Church Militant, and in it the priest, who also heads Human Life International, covers most major aspects of deliverance from evil spirits -- the difference between a possession and an infestation, the role of laity in deliverance, development of the Church's exorcism rituals, how demons enter, the way they hide from the priest, how dioceses handle such cases, and so forth.

Want to know if during an exorcism a demon can jump from one person to another?

"Except for true victimization by people practicing evil, demons can only enter a person with his permission," writes Father Euteneuer. "That is to say, demons can be sent into other people through deliberate victimization, which is usually the result of some form of targeting of vulnerable people by others practicing the occult arts; but demons do not jump from one person to another, even in extraordinary exorcism. The exorcist must always instruct his team never, under circumstances, to invite the devil to come out of a person and into himself because it never actually helps the original victim."

We may add a caution: without proper preparation -- especially fasting -- even a priest can be vulnerable. Demons can extend their wickedness to others, for sure, and we have seen cases where priests practicing exorcism or preaching spiritual warfare themselves became infected. Usually, it can be traced to pride (which weakens our bubble of protection). All of us must be careful of that. As Father Euteneuer says, "We must always avoid the two extremes: that of believing that we are invulnerable to them and that of attributing too much power to them."

Can demons hide?

"In fact," he says, " it is rare when demons do not try to hide from the exorcist."

Should an exorcist taunt the demon?

Never.

What does the Church teach?

There is so much about that in this book that it's unfair to synopsize.

Properly presented to a bishop, claims Father Euteneuer, most requests for a solemn exorcism are granted.

The problem: many dioceses are without exorcists or have priests who believe more in a psychological explanation.

Father actually reprints the 1614 Rite of Exorcism.

Like so many others, he warns of special harm caused by contact with the occult -- and here we all need to realize that it can enter subtly through horoscope and "fun" things like fortunetellers and computer games or movies or novels.

Can practicing Christian have a demon? Yes. How many exorcists are there? As Father Jeffrey Grob of the Chicago Archdiocese has lamented in a doctoral dissertation on the subject: "It is staggering to realize that there are no more than seventeen officially appointed exorcists working in the United States. Seven dioceses have exorcists working on a case by case basis in various parts of the country."

Staggering -- or terrifying?

Jesus cast out demons constantly. Obviously, there are many, although, granted, also obviously, many cases are one of "deliverance" more than full possession necessitating solemn exorcism.

But still!

As for the tools the Church grants us:

"Sacraments and sacramentals undoubtedly protect us from the power of evil but not because they are magic," opines Father Euteneuer. "They are, rather, spiritual fountains which confer grace, provided that the recipient of these marvelous gifts uses or receives them with faith. The protection of the Church’s spiritual resources can be likened to an electrified fence around a house."

[NYer]

Ping!

[mountn man]

We need an exorcism in the White House.

[evets]

What is a demon?

Where do they come from?

[GladesGuru]

‘What is a demon?

Where do they come from?’

Check your nearest Democratic Party headquarters, union hall, Teachers Union office. They are everywhere.

The best exorcism is defunding.

Defunding has been demonstrated to transform demonic parasites into productive humans.

[The Sons of Liberty]

On January 20, 2013, the first thing, after ordering the borders secured, the White House will need an exorcism and a fumigation.

[lastchance]

I am very fortunate. Father will be speaking at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach, Fl tonight.

[mountn man]

I’d say do the exorcism and fumigation first. An extra million mexicants won’t make a difference. But every second of demon possesion on the leadership of this nation is crucial.

[TSgt]

[Paved Paradise]

I have been telling people for years not to mess with stuff like horoscopes and so on. I wonder if reading vampire books might allow an entry for demons.

[mlizzy]

We need an exorcism in the White House.

You might enjoy Fr. Thomas J. Euteneuer's letter to Obama ... We Don't Believe You Mr. President if you haven't read it already.

[agere_contra]

What is a demon?

Good question. They are fallen Angels: beings who were created as good and pure as any Angel in Heaven, but who chose - of their own Free Will and in possession of all the facts - to reject God and to attack his creation.

It is dangerous to dwell on these profoundly evil beings. Their hatred and fury is greater than anything we can imagine: we hear an echo of it in the sickest ravings of the Left, but no human psychopath can compare to them.

Better to pray to Christ that we shall never know nor see them. Christ is our sure defense against their malice.

St Michael, leader of the Heavenly host, do thou by the power of God thrust down to Hell Satan and all his evil spirits who roam the world to the ruin of souls.

[mlizzy]

Fr. Euteneuer ... and am praying for him daily ... (ty NYer)

[mlizzy]

I have been telling people for years not to mess with stuff like horoscopes and so on. I wonder if reading vampire books might allow an entry for demons.

Yes, indeed, says Fr. Euteneuer (and Michael D. O'Brien suggests it as well) ... Link.

[small voice in the wilderness]

It is dangerous to dwell on these profoundly evil beings. Their hatred and fury is greater than anything we can imagine: we hear an echo of it in the sickest ravings of the Left, but no human psychopath can compare to them.

Evil can also be transformed into light. We like to think that evil is ugly and can be readily identified.

"For such are false apostles,deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the minister of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Cor. 11:13-15).

[agere_contra]

Yes. These evil beings can certainly wrap themselves in glamor and the appearance of goodness, wonder, joy and fulfillment - no doubt about that.

They can also speak to us in, or impersonate our own internal mental monologue. And so prompt us towards acts of evil. Though as beings with Free Will our decisions are always ours.

I’d better stop there. FRiend, I want to be careful and not reflect any more upon these beings today. The same way I don’t pick at healed wounds, I’m sure you understand.

+ The Cross of Christ be between us and all danger. +

[Desdemona]

I may need to read the book to see what he has to say even though we really shouldn't go seeking this information. BE CAREFUL!!!! Frequent Mass and Penance as well as Rosaries and wearing sacrimentals, particularly a Crucifix, should be part of a routine if anyone is considering reading up on or researching exorcism. What demons will try to do and do do has no limits.

As for all the warnings: a demon cannot enter without permission. Remember that. It's when you take the actual demonic, not just the play, seriously is when you get into massive trouble. I'd still avoid the Ouiji Board. That's just creepy.

[Desdemona]

Another thing to remember is that a lot of times manifested evil disguises itself as something good and wholesome. And, no, I’m not talking about Harry Potter.

[small voice in the wilderness]

yes, and that's why it's so important to stay in God's Word.

"Wherefore take unto the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with TRUTH, and having on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS: And your feet shod with the preparation of the GOSPEL OF PEACE; Above all, taking the shield of FAITH, wherewith yeah shall be able to to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is THE WORD OF GOD:" (Eph. 6:13-17).

[Desdemona]

I’ve seen evil wrap itself in the Word, so you have to be careful.