352. What is an exorcism?
(Comp 352) When the Church asks with its authority in the name of Jesus that a
person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn
from his dominion, it is called an exorcism. This is done in ordinary form in
the rite of Baptism. A solemn exorcism, called a major exorcism, can be
performed only by a priest authorized by the bishop.
“In brief”
(CCC 414) Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen
angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan. Their choice against
God is definitive. They try to associate man in their revolt against God.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1673) When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively
in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the
power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and
from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing (Cf. Mk
1:25-26; 3:15; 6:7, 13; 16:17). In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the
celebration of Baptism. The solemn exorcism, called "a major
exorcism," can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of
the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules
established by the Church. Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or
to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which
Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a
very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science.
Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that
one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness (Cf. CIC,
can. 1172).
Reflection
(CCC 395) The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite.
He is only a creature, powerful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still
a creature. He cannot prevent the building up of God's reign. Although Satan
may act in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and
although his action may cause grave injuries - of a spiritual nature and,
indirectly, even of a physical nature - to each man and to society, the action
is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides
human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit
diabolical activity, but "we know that in everything God works for good
with those who love him” (Rom 8:28).
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