Q & A on Exorcism

An interesting overview:

Heads spinning. Pea-soup vomit. Circus-like bodily distortions.

Hollywood has certainly offered its take on the rite of exorcism, which the church uses to free a person from demonic possession. “The Last Exorcism,” which opened in theaters Aug. 27, is no exception. In the film, a doubting charismatic Protestant pastor sets out to debunk exorcism, but instead he encounters the real presence of evil.

Exorcism isn’t only gaining attention on the big screen. In August, the Omaha-based Institute for Priestly Formation offered a four-day conference on exorcism at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago. Several archdiocesan priests attended the conference.

So, what does the church teach about exorcism and evil in general?  Are demons real, or are they products of mental illness? What should someone do if they suspect an evil spirit is affecting his or her life?

In order to address some of the most common questions people have about exorcism, The Catholic Spirit interviewed three priests of the archdiocese who have studied the matter: Father Mark Dosh, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Excelsior; Father Michael Skluzacek, pastor of St. John the Baptist in New Brighton; and Father Jon Vander Ploeg, pastor of St. Paul in Ham Lake. They explained the rite, its use and why it gets so much popular attention...

Father Michael Skluzacek suggested the following books for further reading:
» Catechism of the Catholic Church.
» “Angels and their Mission” by Jean Danielou.
» “Catholics and the New Age” by Father Mitch Pacwa.
» “Exorcism: Understanding Exorcism in Scripture and Practice” by Father Jeremy Davies.