Q. Does each diocese maintain a trained exorcist?
A. Exorcisms have been part of the life of the Church since the beginning of Christianity.
Our Lord performed numerous exorcisms during his public ministry. Many of the Church Fathers speak of exorcisms. During the early life of the Church, exorcisms were able to be performed by any of the faithful who “possess the charismatic power” (Apostolic Constitutions). The office of exorcist was initially entrusted to those who were charged with praying what we would today refer to as deliverance prayers or minor exorcisms over catechumens and infants in preparation for baptism. As time went on the office of exorcist became one of the minor orders and eventually lost its original meaning and function, becoming simply one of the steps to ordination.
Today, only a priest who has been given explicit permission from the local ordinary (bishop) may preform a major or solemn exorcism (c. 1172 §1). This permission is only to be given to a priest who possesses “piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life” (c. 1172 §2) and who “has been specifically prepared for this office” (ERS, no. 13). The restricting of the ability to perform a major exorcism to a specially delegated priest is for the safety of all involved.
Because some mental illnesses can be confused with demonic possession, it is essential that the priest have the training to recognize the difference. He will consult with mental health professionals so as to rule out any other medical explanation for the person’s condition before seeking permission to perform an exorcism. Exorcisms themselves are difficult endeavors that require great patience and faith as well as an understanding of the demonic, which is why piety and training are so essential for an exorcist.
The Vatican and other ecclesiastical institutions offer training courses for priests to become exorcists. Pope Francis has been a strong voice calling for an increase in trained exorcists as he, along with many, many bishops and priests throughout the world, has identified that the cases of true demonic possession are increasing. Currently the Diocese of Lincoln has three trained exorcists. The identity of an exorcist is meant to be kept secret. Should a person feel that they are experiencing some form of demonic influence they should first contact their territorial pastor who can assess the situation, offer blessings and prayers and, should the situation warrant it, contact an exorcist.
This question was answered by Father Caleb La Rue, vice chancellor of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
