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Battling the Devil: The Role of Laity in Exorcisms

Michie

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Exorcists often call on the prayers, charisms and professional expertise of laypeople to help them in their ministry.

In the Catholic Church, only bishops or priests given permission by bishops can undertake a major exorcism to liberate a person from demonic possession. In this way, the full weight of the Church and the power of Jesus Christ acting in the person of the priest or bishop is a force that overcomes the devil.

In recent years, laypeople have become an important part of this ministry to drive out demons from people and places. Exorcists assemble a team that usually includes medical professionals to discern between spiritual and psychological issues and laypeople to offer prayer and physical support.

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti is president and founder of the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, which was established to offer help, education and training in this field to clergy, religious and laity. He also conducts exorcisms and shared some of his experiences in his book, Diary of an American Exorcist.

“The old days of the exorcist working alone are gone,” he told the Register “We work in a team with laity, deacons and priests.”

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