How does a priest become an exorcist?
How does a priest become an exorcist?
Question: What is the process for a priest to become an exorcist? Can he put himself forward for the role, or is the decision made exclusively by his bishop?
— Name withheld, Cupertino, California
Answer: The Rite of Exorcism declares, “The service of driving out those who are possessed is granted through specific and explicit authorization from the local Ordinary” (De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam, No. 13).
If a priest is designated as an exorcist, the decision should originate from the bishop, and the priest should embrace it with profound humility and discretion. It is unhealthy and potentially perilous for any priest to actively pursue this role, as it often reflects arrogance. This makes him a prime target for demonic assaults and significantly diminishes his effectiveness. A general hesitance and thoughtful discernment by the priest in collaboration with his spiritual advisor and authorities is a more appropriate stance before consenting to the ministry, should the bishop extend an invitation. The Rite of Exorcism further specifies particular attributes to be sought in a priest before requesting him to take on this role: “Such permission [to be an exorcist] ought to be granted only to a priest endowed with piety, knowledge, prudence and integrity of life, who has been specifically prepared for this office. A priest to whom the office of exorcist has been committed, either stably or for a particular occasion, is to carry out this work of charity with confidence and humility under the direction of the diocesan bishop.”De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam, No. 13).
Therefore, a bishop is required to either provide instruction to the priest or select him from the group of priests who have effectively participated in exorcisms and whom another diocesan exorcist can affirm is prepared to assume the role itself. It is customary in various dioceses to designate an exorcist, along with one or more priests to support the exorcist. Local training can be conducted from these individuals. Additionally, there are chances for training available both in the United States and in Rome.
The role of an exorcist is frequently a challenging one, necessitating significant patience and spiritual dedication. Typically, he requires laypersons who are prepared to provide support. Exorcisms frequently involve physical confrontations, thus additional individuals are essential to calmly and skillfully hold the person during episodes of demonic manifestation. Regarding the exorcisms of women, it is unimaginable for priests to conduct the exorcism without the presence of other women. Lastly, it is common practice for the exorcist to maintain regular communication with specific teams of laypeople or cloistered religious individuals to participate in prayer and fasting for the ongoing case(s).
Thus, it is clear that the ministry of exorcism is best understood as a collaborative endeavor. The portrayal of a solitary exorcist performing an exorcism with anxious relatives in the backdrop on a bleak and tempestuous evening does not represent the contemporary approach to exorcism.
Atonement and the doctrine
Question: I have a pair of inquiries: 1) Is it possible to discuss and modify the penance assigned to you during the sacrament with the confessor? And 2) in light of the stunning images recently captured by the Webb telescope, should we rethink the phrasing in the Apostles Creed: “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” The Webb images suggest to me that we may not be acknowledging the full extent of God’s creation. Perhaps we could consider including language such as: “Creator of outer space, encompassing heaven and earth.”
— Jim Anderson, Rochester, New York
Answer: If a proposed penance proves to be overly challenging or if an individual’s physical or spiritual condition renders it hard to carry out, the penitent should seek the priest’s help in finding something more achievable. For instance, someone may be unfamiliar with a particular prayer they are instructed to recite, or another penitent might be unable to travel to a nearby shrine due to issues with transportation or mobility. The priest is typically willing to make modifications. Moreover, if a penitent feels that a specific penance is excessively severe or difficult to perform, he or she can also speak with a different priest during confession and request an adjustment to the penance.
Regarding the rephrasing of the creed, the entire universe is encompassed within the expression, “Creator of heaven and earth.” The word “heaven” holds at least three interpretations according to its biblical context: 1) the realm where clouds reside and birds soar, 2) the domain where the planets and stars traverse their paths, and 3) the location where God resides. Therefore, it would be unnecessary to introduce additional terms like “outer space.” God has indeed accomplished a remarkable creation! Nonetheless, “heaven and earth” encapsulates the entire cosmos.
Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.
