>
> --- On Thu, 7/16/09, isouza <[email protected]>
> wrote:
But we do accept exorcism, as the
> > Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
> > (no.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 withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism.
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It is unfortunate that Fr Ivo a man of letters and reading has condoned the
practice of exorcism. Some years ago, I attended a retreat at Potta, that
center of miracles and was horrified to see a Mass of Exorcism being conducted.
The congregation was told that they were not to look at each other nor were
they to assist anyone who may seem to require their assistance.
There were in the congregation a gaggle of teenage girls. My mother and I had
seen them during the days prior, a noticeable bunch in the way, young girls
are. Two or three from this group went into convulsions during the mass.
People, as directed ignored them thinking they were being exorcised. My mother
being a nurse rushed to their help.
To me it is criminal to suggest possession by an Evil One. Most of these
extreme cases suffer from deep psychological disorders that require clinical
treatment. Others are the power of simple auto-suggestion. If indeed, in this
day and age we believe in possession, we must ask ourselves some honest
questions. Why would the Evil One inhabit puny human bodies which are in no
position to help him in his plan of world-wide dominion. Secondly, if the Evil
one inhabits bodies then the converse must also be true and a battalion of
angels can possess bodies as well. This never seems to happen.
This medieval idea of exorcisms and witch-hunts has gained some traction in our
time because it has been popularized by Hollywood in movies such as the
Exorcist. Understandably Hollywood has a buck to make by feeding into our most
primal fears but for our clergy to sell this as a bill of goods is doing
humanity a dis-service.
best,
Selma
