Dear Parishioners,

Since we are coming close to Halloween, I am writing to you about something most people find scary: exorcism and possession. There is so much misunderstanding surrounding this topic that I think it is good to mention it and the misconceptions that surround it. But something you should always keep in mind is that God is all powerful and good. Therefore, we have nothing to fear.

First, the Devil is real. He was originally created to be an angel. But, then he turned against God. The exact reasoning behind this is a mystery to us. All we really need to know is that he is immaterial, personal, immensely powerful, super intelligent, and he hates us. The devil also has other fallen angels called demons that also work for our final damnation.

Second, we should not give the Devil too much credit. As powerful as he is, he is limited by God in where he can act. He cannot harm someone who is in a state of grace unless God allows him to. God would only allow it if it’s somehow helpful for the person’s sanctification.

Third, demonic possession is very rare. It requires someone to have given themselves to a demon. Most people who think they might be possessed really are not. So, when the church is called on to determine if an exorcism is required, we look for supernatural signs such as speaking in unknown languages, knowing secrets, being able to sense blessed objects and having unnatural strength. I’m told that hardly any exorcisms are as flashy as in film and they take several hours to perform. In an exorcism, the devil’s influence is weakened over the person. He is eventually forced to leave and the person is placed back under God’s rule. The sacraments are more powerful than an exorcism. But an exorcism is like a special tool that removes a specific problem.

Fourth, we should be way more concerned with the normal influences that the devil has. Instead of trying to outright possess someone, the demons spend more time influencing people to sin. If the devil can convince someone to reject God, then he has already won and there is no reason to make his presence known. That’s why we have to be on guard against temptations, mortify ourselves, and pray. It is especially good to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael who are especially powerful against demons and are known to do battle with them.

So, trust in the Lord and pray always. God bless!

Fr. Carter

P.S. Please remember that All Saints Day is this week and we are all required as Catholics to go to Church that day. Also, this Saturday’s 9 am Latin Mass will be a Requiem Mass for the Dead.