rituale romanum exorcism rite

7/25/2019 Rituale Romanum Exorcism Rite

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Rituale Romanum Exorcism Rite - TheRoman Ritual

The following special adaptation of the Roman Ritual is designed for use by other than the clergy

of the Roman Catholic Church. While altered, the ritual's substance remains intact and powerfuland still demands a solemn, sincere, and faithful deliverance such as what one should expect

from the most pious of priests. The Introductionand General Rules Concerning Exorcismare

both provided in their original forms as we believe the advice and instructions offered should be

followed closely for the protection of all parties and the successful expulsion of the evil.Deviations from these most important advisories are at great peril and ris of the gravest of

harms. ! the Editors

Exorcism

Introduction

That there is a world of demons is a teaching of revealed religion which is perfectly clear to all

who now "acred "cripture and respect and accept its word as inspired of #od. $t is part of thewhole Christian%&udaeo heritage. There are some who hold that even if revelation were not so

absolute, an inference of the existence of evil spirits can be drawn from the magnitude of evil in

the world. They say that human malice and depravity even at its worst is not sufficient to account

for it, and it must be concluded that the devil is a real person and that his sway is tremendous. s(rancois )auriac writes in his life of "t. )argaret of Cortona* +vil is "omeone, "omeone who

is multiple and whose name is legion.... $t is one thing to be in the realm of the demons, as we allare when we have lost the state of grace, and -uite another to be held and surrounded, literally

possessed by him.+

ne gets the impression that the teaching about the devil's existence is not a particularly popular

one in our time. C. ". /ewis in his +"crewtape /etters+ says something to the effect that if thelittle inexperienced novice devils, about to start out on their wor of seducing men, can convince

men that the devil does not exist, then half the battle is already won.

The first boo of the 0oly 1ible recounts the seduction of dam and ve by the 2rince ofDarness3 but it is to the last boo that we must go for his origin. +Then war broe out in heaven.)ichael and his angels had to fight the dragon3 the dragon fought, and so did his angels. 1ut they

were defeated, and a place was no longer found for them in heaven. That huge dragon, the

ancient serpent, was hurled down, he who is called the devil and "atan, he who leads the wholeworld astray. 0e was hurled down to death, and his angels were hurled down with him.+456


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Christ our /ord overcame "atan on the cross, and ever since the latter's empire is shaen. )an is

delivered from the power of darness and transferred to the ingdom of the "on. 7et the devil is

not completely van-uished or trodden underfoot once for all, and the warfare against him iscarried out by Christ and 0is Church until the end of time. Therefore, "t. 2aul is prompted to

admonish us* +2ut on all the armor that #od has forged, that you may be able to mae a stand

against the devil's cunning trics. ur wrestling is not against wea human nature, but againstthe 2rincipalities and the 2owers, against those that rule the world of darness, the wiced spirits

that belong to an order higher than ours.... With all this tae up the shield of faith, with which

you will be enabled to put out all the flaming arrows of the wiced enemy.+486

gainst these unclean spirits the Church uses as her weapons prayers, blessings, holy water, andother sacramentals to combat the ordinary power that the former wield over men. 1ut apart from

this ordinary and general power that 2rovidence allows "atan there is also a special and terrible

satanic influence called possession%%the domination by the demon over man's bodily organs andhis lower spiritual faculties. $n later Christian times the term obsession is used instead of

possession, the former connoting a lesser ind of demonic disturbance. That Christ reconed

with this satanic power in the same way that the Church has throughout her centuries is evidentfrom the 9ew Testament3 see for example )t :*;8%;


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against him. 1ut later on, especially in the /atin Church, the rites of exorcism become more and

more numerous, until in the highly imaginative )iddle ges there is actually a profusion of

them. To this period we must attribute beliefs and practices which are superstitious to anextreme. Devils are believed to exist in the guise of certain material bodies. Demonic possession

is confounded with epilepsy and other mental or psychic disorders. Rituals of this time prescribe

that the sub@ect remain in the presence of the exorcist throughout the period of exorcism, that heobserve a strict fast and limit his diet to blessed water, salt, and vegetables, that he wear new

clothes, that he abstain from the marital act. 9o less complicated are the in@unctions for the

exorcist. nd by the time we come to the fourteenth century magical practices have beenintroduced into the ceremonies.

9o doubt the present rite for exorcism will undergo improvement and revision along with the

general revision of the liturgical boos recommended by Aatican Council $$. 1ut compared to

former times the rite as given in the Roman Ritual today is characteri?ed by great sobriety. "omeminds might still discern traces of a certain naivetB, yet at any rate it has been purged of the

unfortunate accretions of a period ruled much more by human credulity than by the unadulterated

doctrine of the Church. 9o longer, for example, does the official text afford any grounds for theerroneous notion that diabolical possession is necessarily a divine retribution visited upon a

grievous sinner. #od allows this terrible evil in 0is wisdom without the afflicted person being

necessarily at fault. $t is one thing to have fallen into the slavery of sin or to be afflicted with a

bodily or mental infirmity, and -uite another to have the devil enter into a man and taepossession of him.

The general rules for exorcism that follow are a clear indication that we have come a long way

from the superstitious notions that prevailed in the era of the )iddle ges. 9oteworthy among

these rules are the ones that direct that the parties concerned should have recourse to the holysacraments, and that the sacred words of 0oly Writ should be employed rather than any forms

devised by the exorcist or someone else. The instructions given below indicate that the Churchhas carefully guarded the extraordinary power over "atan committed to her by Christ, and thatCatholic exorcism is poles removed from any form of dabbling in the spirit world which springs

from human chicanery or malice.

!Translator

ndnotes*

1. Apoc 12:7-9

2. Eph 6:12-16

3. Mk 5:1 ff.


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Chapter I: General Rules Concerning Exorcism

1. priest!one who is expressly and particularly authori?ed by the rdinary!when he intendsto perform an exorcism over persons tormented by the devil, must be properly distinguished for

his piety, prudence, and integrity of life. 0e should fulfill this devout undertaing in all

constancy and humility, being utterly immune to any striving for human aggrandi?ement, andrelying, not on his own, but on the divine power. )oreover, he ought to be of mature years, and

revered not alone for his office but for his moral -ualities.

2.$n order to exercise his ministry rightly, he should resort to a great deal more study of the

matter which has to be passed over here for the sae of brevityE, by examining approved authorsand cases from experience3 on the other hand, let him carefully observe the few more important

points enumerated here.

.specially, he should not believe too readily that a person is possessed by an evil spirit3 but he

ought to ascertain the signs by which a person possessed can be distinguished from one who is

suffering from some illness, especially one of a psychological nature.456 "igns of possession maybe the following* ability to spea with some facility in a strange tongue or to understand it when

spoen by another3 the faculty of divulging future and hidden events3 display of powers whichare beyond the sub@ect's age and natural condition3 and various other indications which, when

taen together as a whole, build up the evidence.

!.$n order to understand these matters better, let him in-uire of the person possessed, following

one or the other act of exorcism, what the latter experienced in his body or soul while theexorcism was being performed, and to learn also what particular words in the form had a more

intimidating effect upon the devil, so that hereafter these words may be employed with greater

stress and fre-uency.

".0e will be on his guard against the arts and subterfuges which the evil spirits are wont to usein deceiving the exorcist. (or oft times they give deceptive answers and mae it difficult to

understand them, so that the exorcist might tire and give up, or so it might appear that the

afflicted one is in no wise possessed by the devil.

#.nce in a while, after they are already recogni?ed, they conceal themselves and leave the bodypractically free from every molestation, so that the victim believes himself completely delivered.

7et the exorcist may not desist until he sees the signs of deliverance.

$.t times, moreover, the evil spirits place whatever obstacles they can in the way, so that the

patient may not submit to exorcism, or they try to convince him that his affliction is a naturalone. )eanwhile, during the exorcism, they cause him to fall asleep, and dangle some illusion

before him, while they seclude themselves, so that the afflicted one appears to be freed.

%."ome reveal a crime which has been committed and the perpetrators thereof, as well as themeans of putting an end to it. 7et the afflicted person must beware of having recourse on this

account to sorcerers or necromancers or to any parties except the ministers of the Church, or of

maing use of any superstitious or forbidden practice.


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&."ometimes the devil will leave the possessed person in peace and even allow him to receive

the holy ucharist, to mae it appear that he has departed. $n fact, the arts and frauds of the evil

one for deceiving a man are innumerable. (or this reason the exorcist must be on his guard not tofall into this trap.

1'.Therefore, he will be mindful of the words of our /ord )t 5F*8>E, to the effect that there is acertain type of evil spirit who cannot be driven out except by prayer and fasting. Therefore let

him avail himself of these two means above all for imploring the divine assistance in expellingdemons, after the example of the holy fathers3 and not only himself, but let him induce others, as

far as possible, to do the same.

11.$f it can be done conveniently the possessed person should be led to church or to some othersacred and worthy place, where the exorcism will be held, away from the crowd. 1ut if the

person is ill, or for any valid reason, the exorcism may tae place in a private home.

12.The sub@ect, if in good mental and physical health, should be exhorted to implore #od's help,

to fast, and to fortify himself by fre-uent reception of penance and holy communion, at thediscretion of the exorcist. nd in the course of the exorcism he should be fully recollected, with

his intention fixed on #od, whom he should entreat with firm faith and in all humility. nd if he

is all the more grievously tormented, he ought to bear this patiently, never doubting the divine

assistance.

1.0e ought to have a crucifix at hand or somewhere in sight. $f relics of the saints are available,

they are to be applied in a reverent way to the breast or the head of the person possessed the

relics must be properly and securely encased and coveredE. ne will see to it that these sacredob@ects are not treated improperly or that no in@ury is done them by the evil spirit. 0owever, one

should not hold the holy ucharist over the head of the person or in any way apply it to his body,

owing to the danger of desecration.

1!.The exorcist must not digress into senseless prattle nor as superfluous -uestions or such asare prompted by curiosity, particularly if they pertain to future and hidden matters, all of which

have nothing to do with his office. $nstead, he will bid the unclean spirit eep silence and answer

only when ased. 9either ought he to give any credence to the devil if the latter maintains that he

is the spirit of some saint or of a deceased party, or even claims to be a good angel.

1".1ut necessary -uestions are, for example* the number and name of the spirits inhabiting the

patient, the time when they entered into him, the cause thereof, and the lie. s for all @esting,

laughing, and nonsense on the part of the evil spirit! the exorcist should prevent it or condemn

it, and he will exhort the bystanders whose number must be very limitedE to pay no attention tosuch goings on3 neither are they to put any -uestion to the sub@ect. Rather they should intercede

for him to #od in all humility and urgency.

1#./et the exorcist pronounce the exorcism in a commanding and authoritative voice, and at thesame time with great confidence, humility, and fervor3 and when he sees that the spirit is sorely

vexed, then he oppresses and threatens all the more. $f he notices that the person afflicted is

experiencing a disturbance in some part of his body or an acute pain or a swelling appears in


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some part, he traces the sign of the cross over that place and sprinles it with holy water, which

he must have at hand for this purpose.

1$.0e will pay attention as to what words in particular cause the evil spirits to tremble, repeatingthem the more fre-uently. nd when he comes to a threatening expression, he recurs to it again

and again, always increasing the punishment. $f he perceives that he is maing progress, let himpersist for two, three, four hours, and longer if he can, until victory is attained.

1%.The exorcist should guard against giving or recommending any medicine to the patient, butshould leave this care to physicians.

1&.While performing the exorcism over a woman, he ought always to have assisting him several

women of good repute, who will hold on to the person when she is harassed by the evil spirit.

These assistants ought if possible to be close relatives of the sub@ect and for the sae of decencythe exorcist will avoid saying or doing anything which might prove an occasion of evil thoughts

to himself or to the others.

2'.During the exorcism he shall preferably employ words from 0oly Writ, rather than forms of

his own or of someone else. 0e shall, moreover, command the devil to tell whether he is detainedin that body by necromancy, by evil signs or amulets3 and if the one possessed has taen the

latter by mouth, he should be made to vomit them3 if he has them concealed on his person, he

should expose them3 and when discovered they must be burned. )oreover, the person should beexhorted to reveal all his temptations to the exorcist.

21.(inally, after the possessed one has been freed, let him be admonished to guard himself

carefully against falling into sin, so as to afford no opportunity to the evil spirit of returning, lest

the last state of that man become worse than the former.

ndnotes*

1. From the emended text of the 1952 edition.

Chapter II: Rite (or Exorcism

1.The exorcist delegated by the rdinary to perform this office should first go to confession orat least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy "acrifice of the )ass, and

implore #od's help in other fervent prayers. 0e vests in surplice and purple stole. 0aving before

him the person possessed who should be bound if there is any dangerE, he traces the sign of the

cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinles all of them with holy water.fter this the exorcist neels and says the /itany of the "aints, exclusive of the prayers which

follow it. ll present are to mae the responses...

)*TE: denotes that the "ign of the Cross is to be made* +$n the 9ame of the (ather and ofthe "on and of the 0oly "pirit, men,+ between the prayer, as indicated.

+EGI)...


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Exorcist:/ord, have mercy upon us.

,ll:Lord h!"e merc# $pon $s.

Exorcist:Christ, have mercy upon us.

,ll:%hrist h!"e merc# $pon $s.


,ll:Lord h!"e merc# $pon $s.

Exorcist: Christ, hear us.

,ll:& %hrist 'r!cio$s(# he!r $s.

Exorcist: #od the (ather of heaven.

,ll:)!"e merc# $pon $s.

Exorcist: #od the "on, Redeemer of the world.


Exorcist: #od the 0oly "pirit.


Exorcist: 0oly Trinity, one #od.


Exorcist:0oly )ary.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:0oly )other of #od.,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:0oly Airgin of virgins.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint )ichael.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint #abriel.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint Raphael.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy ngels and rchangels.

,ll:*r!# for $s.


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Exorcist:ll ye holy orders of blessed "pirits.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint &ohn the 1aptist.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint &oseph.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy 2atriarchs and 2rophets.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 2eter.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 2aul.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint ndrew.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint &ames.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint &ohn.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint Thomas.,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint &ames.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 2hilip.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 1artholomew.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint )atthew.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint "imon.

,ll:*r!# for $s.


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Exorcist:"aint &ude.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint )atthias.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 1arnabas.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint /ue.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint )ar.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy postles and vangelists.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy Disciples of the /ord.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye 0oly $nnocents.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint "tephen.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint /awrence.,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint Aincent.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint (abian and "aint "ebastian.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint &ohn and "aint 2aul.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint Cosmas and "aint Damian.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint #ervasius and "aint 2rotasius.

,ll:*r!# for $s.


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Exorcist:ll ye holy )artyrs.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint "ylvester

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint #regory.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint mbrose.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint ugustine.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint &erome.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint )artin.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 9icholas.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy 1ishops and Confessors.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy Doctors.,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint nthony.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 1enedict.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint 1ernard.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint Dominic.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint (rancis.

,ll:*r!# for $s.


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Exorcist:ll ye holy 2riests and /evites.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy )ons and 0ermits.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint )ary )agdalene.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint gatha.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint /ucy.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint gnes.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint Cecilia.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint Catherine.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:"aint nastasia.

,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye holy Airgins and Widows.,ll:*r!# for $s.

Exorcist:ll ye 0oly, Righteous, and lect of #od.

,ll:+ntercede for $s.

Exorcist:1e thou merciful.

,ll:,p!re $s Lord.

Exorcist:1e thou merciful.

,ll:r!cio$s(# he!r $s Lord.

Exorcist:(rom all evil.

,ll:ood Lord de(i"er $s.

Exorcist:(rom all deadly sin.



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Exorcist:(rom thine anger.


Exorcist:(rom sudden and unrepentant death.


Exorcist:(rom the crafts and assaults of the devil.


Exorcist:(rom anger, and hatred, and all uncharitableness.


Exorcist:(rom the spirit of fornication.


Exorcist:(rom lightning and tempest.


Exorcist:(rom the peril of earth-uae, fire, and flood.


Exorcist:(rom pestilence, famine, and battle.


Exorcist:(rom everlasting damnation.


Exorcist:1y the mystery of thy 0oly $ncarnation.,ll:ood Lord de(i"er $s.

Exorcist:1y thine dvent.


Exorcist:1y thy 9ativity.


Exorcist:1y thy 1aptism and holy (asting.


Exorcist:1y thy Cross and 2assion.


Exorcist:1y thy precious Death and 1urial.



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Exorcist:1y thy holy Resurrection.


Exorcist:1y thy glorious scension.


Exorcist:1y the coming of the 0oly "pirit the Comforter.


Exorcist:$n the day of @udgment.


Exorcist:ven though we be sinners.

,ll:e /eseech thee to he!r $s Lord.

Exorcist:That it may please thee to spare us.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to pity and pardon us.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to give us true repentance.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to preserve the postolic /ord, and to eep all orders of theChurch in thy sacred religion.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to overthrow the enemies of thy holy Church.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to bestow on all Christian ings and princes true peace and

concord.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to give to all Christian nations both peace and unity.,ll:e /eseech thee to he!r $s Lord.

Exorcist:That it may please thee to restore unity to thy Church, and to lead all unbelievers into

the light of thy holy #ospel.



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Exorcist:That it may please thee to strengthen and preserve us in true worshipping of thee.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to endue our hearts with heavenly desires.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to bestow on all our benefactors thine everlasting benefits.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to deliver from eternal damnation our souls, and those of our

brethren, indred, and benefactors.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the indly fruits of the earth.


Exorcist:That it may please thee to bestow upon all thy faithful departed rest eternal.,ll:e /eseech thee to he!r $s Lord.

Exorcist:That it may please thee graciously to hear our prayer.


Exorcist: "on of #od.


Exorcist: /amb of #od, that taes away the sins of the world.

,ll:,p!re $s Lord.


,ll:r!cio$s(# he!r $s Lord.



Exorcist: Christ, hear us.

,ll:& %hrist 'r!cio$s(# he!r $s.


,ll:%hrist h!"e merc# $pon $s. Lord h!"e merc# $pon $s.

...t the end of the litany the exorcist adds the following*

,ntiphon:Do not eep in mind, /ord, our offenses or those of our parents, nor tae

vengeance on our sins. ur (ather the rest inaudibly...


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0ho !rt in he!"en

h!((o0ed /e th# n!me.

h# kin'dom come.h# 0i(( /e done

on e!rth !s it is in he!"en.

i"e $s this d!# o$r d!i(# /re!d!nd for'i"e $s o$r tresp!sses

!s 0e for'i"e those 0ho tresp!ss !'!inst $s

...until*E

Exorcist:nd lead us not into temptation.

,ll:$t de(i"er $s from e"i(.

Psalm "

5

(or the leader3 according to )ahalath. masil of David.

8

(ools say in their hearts, +There isno #od.+ Their deeds are loathsome and corrupt3 not one does what is right. ; #od loos down

from heaven upon the human race, To see if even one is wise, if even one sees #od.


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Exorcist:/et us pray. #od, whose nature is ever merciful and forgiving, accept our prayer that

this servant of yours, bound by the fetters of sin, may be pardoned by your loving indness.

0oly /ord, almighty (ather, everlasting #od and (ather of our /ord &esus Christ, who once andfor all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell, who sent your only%

begotten "on into the world to crush that roaring lion3 hasten to our call for help and snatch fromruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and

lieness. "trie terror, /ord, into the beast now laying waste your vineyard. (ill your servantswith courage to fight manfully against that reprobate dragon, lest he despise those who put their

trust in you, and say with 2haraoh of old* +$ now not #od, nor will $ set $srael free.+ /et your

mighty hand cast him out of your servant, 9., so he may no longer hold captive this personwhom it pleased you to mae in your image, and to redeem through your "on3 who lives and

reigns with you, in the unity of the 0oly "pirit, #od, forever and ever.

,ll:Amen.

2.Then the exorcist commands the demon as follows*

$ command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacing thisservant of #od, by the mysteries of the incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension of our

/ord &esus Christ, by the descent of the 0oly "pirit, by the coming of our /ord for @udgment,

that you tell me by some sign your name, and the day and hour of your departure. $ commandyou, moreover, to obey me to the letter, $ who am a minister of #od despite my unworthiness3

nor shall you be emboldened to harm in any way this creature of #od, or the bystanders, or any

of their possessions.

.9ext the exorcist reads over the possessed person these selections from the #ospel, or at least

one of them.

, esson (rom the hol Gospel according to /t. 0ohn

As the exorcist s!#s these openin' 0ords heshe si'ns himherse(f !nd the possessed on the /ro0

(ips !nd /re!st...

0ohn 1:1-1! -5 $n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with #od, and the Word was#od. 8 0e was in the beginning with #od. ; ll things came to be through him, and without him

nothing came to be. What came to be 0e was in the world, and the world

came to be through him, but the world did not now him. 55 0e came to what was his own, buthis own people did not accept him. 58 1ut to those who did accept him he gave power to become

children of #od, to those who believe in his name, 5; who were born not by natural generation

nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of #od. 5


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made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the (ather's only "on, full of

grace and truth.

, esson (rom the hol Gospel according to /t. ar

ar 1#:1"-1% -5G

0e said to them, +#o into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to everycreature. 5 Whoever believes and is bapti?ed will be saved3 whoever does not believe will be

condemned. 5F These signs will accompany those who believe* in my name they will drive out

demons, they will spea new languages. 5= They will pic up serpents 4with their hands6, and ifthey drin any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sic, and they will

recover.+

, esson (rom the hol Gospel according to /t. ue

ue 1':1$-2' -5F The seventy%two returned re@oicing, and said, +/ord, even the demons are

sub@ect to us because of your name.+ 5= &esus said, +$ have observed "atan fall lie lightning from

the sy.

5:

1ehold, $ have given you the power 'to tread upon serpents' and scorpions and uponthe full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 8> 9evertheless, do not re@oice because the

spirits are sub@ect to you, but re@oice because your names are written in heaven.+

, esson (rom the hol Gospel according to /t. ue

ue 11:1!-22 -5 1ut if it is by the finger of #od that 4$6 drive out

demons, then the ingdom of #od has come upon you. 85 When a strong man fully armed guards

his palace, his possessions are safe. 88 1ut when one stronger than he attacs and overcomes him,he taes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils.

Exorcist:/ord, heed my prayer.

,ll:And (et m# cr# /e he!rd /# #o$.

Exorcist:The /ord be with you.

,ll:M!# )e !(so /e 0ith #o$.

Exorcist:/et us pray. lmighty /ord, Word of #od the (ather, &esus Christ, #od and /ord of all

creation3 who gave to your holy apostles the power to tramp underfoot serpents and scorpions3

who along with the other mandates to wor miracles was pleased to grant them the authority tosay* +Depart, you devilsJ+ and by whose might "atan was made to fall from heaven lie

lightning3 $ humbly call on your holy name in fear and trembling, asing that you grant me, your

unworthy servant, pardon for all my sins, steadfast faith, and the power!supported by your


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mighty arm!to confront with confidence and resolution this cruel demon. $ as this through

you, &esus Christ, our /ord and #od, who are coming to @udge both the living and the dead and

the world by fire.

,ll:Amen.

!. 9ext he maes the sign of the cross over himself and the one possessed, places the end of the

stole on the latter's nec, and, putting his right hand on the latter's head, he says the following in

accents filled with confidence and faith*

Exorcist:"ee the cross of the /ord3 begone, you hostile powersJ

,ll:he stem of !"id the (ion of 8$d!s tri/e h!s con$ered.



Exorcist:The /ord be with you.,ll:M!# )e !(so /e 0ith #o$.

Exorcist:/et us pray. #od and (ather of our /ord &esus Christ, $ appeal to your holy name,

humbly begging your indness, that you graciously grant me help against this and every unclean

spirit now tormenting this creature of yours3 through Christ our /ord.

,ll:Amen.

Exorcism

Exorcist:$ cast you out, unclean spirit, along with every satanic power of the enemy, everyspectre from hell, and all your fell companions3 in the name of our /ord &esus Christ 1egone

and stay far from this creature of #od. (or it is 0e who commands you, 0e who flung you

headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. $t is 0e who commands you, 0e who

once stilled the sea and the wind and the storm. 0earen, therefore, and tremble in fear, "atan,you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race, you begetter of death, you robber of life, you

corrupter of @ustice, you root of all evil and viceH seducer of men, betrayer of the nations,

instigator of envy, font of avarice, fomenter of discord, author of pain and sorrow. Why, then, doyou stand and resist, nowing as you must that Christ the /ord brings your plans to nothingH

(ear 0im, who in $saac was offered in sacrifice, in &oseph sold into bondage, slain as the paschal

lamb, crucified as man, yet triumphed over the powers of hell. The three signs of the cross

which follow are traced on the brow of the possessed personE. 1egone, then, in the name of the(ather, and of the "on, and of the 0oly "pirit. #ive place to the 0oly "pirit by this sign

of the holy cross of our /ord &esus Christ, who lives and reigns with the (ather and the 0oly

"pirit, #od, forever and ever.

,ll:Amen.


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,ll:M!# )e !(so /e 0ith #o$.

Exorcist:/et us pray. #od, Creator and defender of the human race, who made man in your own

image, loo down in pity on this your servant, 9., now in the toils of the unclean spirit, now

caught up in the fearsome threats of man's ancient enemy, sworn foe of our race, who befuddlesand stupefies the human mind, throws it into terror, overwhelms it with fear and panic. Repel,

/ord, the devil's power, brea asunder his snares and traps, put the unholy tempter to flight. 1y

the sign on the browE of your name, let your servant be protected in mind and body. Thethree crosses which follow are traced on the breast of the possessed personE. Keep watch over the

inmost recesses of his herE heart3 rule over his herE emotions3 strengthen his herE will.

/et vanish from his herE soul the tempting's of the mighty adversary. #raciously grant, /ord,

as we call on your holy name, that the evil spirit, who hitherto terrori?ed over us, may himself

retreat in terror and defeat, so that this servant of yours may sincerely and steadfastly render youthe service which is your due3 through Christ our /ord.

,ll:Amen.

Exorcism

Exorcist:$ ad@ure you, ancient serpent, by the @udge of the living and the dead, by your Creator,

by the Creator of the whole universe, by 0im who has the power to consign you to hell, to departforthwith in fear, along with your savage minions, from this servant of #od, 9., who sees

refuge in the fold of the Church. $ ad@ure you again, on the browE not by my weaness but by

the might of the 0oly "pirit, to depart from this servant of #od, 9., whom almighty #od hasmade in 0is image. 7ield, therefore, yield not to my own person but to the minister of Christ. (orit is the power of Christ that compels you, who brought you low by 0is cross. Tremble before

that mighty arm that broe asunder the dar prison walls and led souls forth to light. )ay the

trembling that afflicts this human frame, on the breastE the fear that afflicts this image on thebrowE of #od, descend on you. )ae no resistance nor delay in departing from this man, for it

has pleased Christ to dwell in man. Do not thin of despising my command because you now

me to be a great sinner. $t is #od 0imself who commands you3 the ma@estic Christ whocommands you. #od the (ather commands you3 #od the "on commands you3 #od the

0oly "pirit commands you. The mystery of the cross commands you. The faith of the holy

apostles 2eter and 2aul and of all the saints commands you. The blood of the martyrs

commands you. The continence of the confessors commands you. The devout prayers of allholy men and women command you. The saving mysteries of our Christian faith command

you.

Depart, then, transgressor. Depart, seducer, full of lies and cunning, foe of virtue, persecutor ofthe innocent. #ive place, abominable creature, give way, you monster, give way to Christ, in

whom you found none of your wors. (or 0e has already stripped you of your powers and laid

waste your ingdom, bound you prisoner and plundered your weapons. 0e has cast you forth


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army, into the depths of the sea. 7ield to #od, who, by the singing of holy canticles on the

part of David, 0is faithful servant, banished you from the heart of King "aul. 7ield to #od,

who condemned you in the person of &udas $scariot, the traitor. (or 0e now flails you with 0isdivine scourges, 0e in whose sight you and your legions once cried out* +What have we to do

with you, &esus, "on of the )ost 0igh #odH 0ave you come to torture us before the timeH+ 9ow

0e is driving you bac into the everlasting fire, 0e who at the end of time will say to the wiced*+Depart from me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil

and his angels.+ (or you, evil one, and for your followers there will be worms that never die.

n un-uenchable fire stands ready for you and for your minions, you prince of accursedmurderers, father of lechery, instigator of sacrileges, model of vileness, promoter of heresies,

inventor of every obscenity.

Depart, then, impious one, depart, accursed one, depart with all your deceits, for #od has

willed that man should be 0is temple. Why do you still linger hereH #ive honor to #od the(ather almighty, before whom every nee must bow. #ive place to the /ord &esus Christ,

who shed 0is most precious blood for man. #ive place to the 0oly "pirit, who by 0is blessed

apostle 2eter openly struc you down in the person of "imon )agus3 who cursed your lies innnas and "aphira3 who smote you in King 0erod because he had not given honor to #od3 who

by 0is apostle 2aul afflicted you with the night of blindness in the magician lyma, and by the

mouth of the same apostle bade you to go out of 2ythonissa, the soothsayer. 1egone, nowJ

1egone, seducerJ 7our place is in solitude3 your abode is in the nest of serpents3 get down andcrawl with them. This matter broos no delay3 for see, the /ord, the ruler comes -uicly,

indling fire before 0im, and it will run on ahead of 0im and encompass 0is enemies in flames.

7ou might delude man, but #od you cannot moc. $t is 0e who casts you out, from whose sightnothing is hidden. $t is 0e who repels you, to whose might all things are sub@ect. $t is 0e who

expels you, 0e who has prepared everlasting hellfire for you and your angels, from whose mouth

shall come a sharp sword, who is coming to @udge both the living and the dead and the world by

fire.

,ll:Amen.

".ll the above may be repeated as long as necessary, until the one possessed has been fully

freed.

#.$t will also help to say devoutly and often over the afflicted person the ur (ather, 0ail )ary,and the Creed, as well as any of the prayers given below.

*ur 3ather

Exorcist:ur (ather,Who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name3

Thy ingdom come3Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

#ive us this day our daily bread3

and forgive us our trespasses


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as we forgive those who trespass against us3

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

,ll:Amen.

4ail ar

Exorcist:0ail )ary, full of grace. The /ord is with thee.1lessed art thou amongst women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, &esus.

0oly )ary, )other of #od,pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

,ll:Amen.

The ,postle5s Creed

Exorcist:$ believe in #od,

the (ather lmighty,

Creator of 0eaven and earth3and in &esus Christ, 0is only "on, ur /ord,

Who was conceived by the 0oly "pirit,

born of the Airgin )ary,suffered under 2ontius 2ilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

0e descended into 0ell.The third day 0e arose again from the dead30e ascended into 0eaven,

sitteth at the right hand of #od, the (ather lmighty3

from thence 0e shall come to @udge the living and the dead.$ believe in the 0oly "pirit,

the holy Catholic Church,

the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

,ll:Amen.

Canticle o( *ur ad

Exorcist:)y soul glorifies the /ord3

my spirit re@oices in #od, my "aviour.


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0e loos on his servant in her nothingness3

henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

The lmighty wors marvels for me30oly is his name.

0oly is his name.0oly is his name.

0is mercy is from age to ageon those who fear him.

0e puts forth his arm in strength

and scatters the proud hearted.

0e casts the mighty from their thrones,and he raises the lowly.

0e fills the starving with good things,

sends the rich away empty.

0oly is his name.0oly is his name.

0e protects $srael his servant,

remembering his great mercy,

the mercy promised to our father,to braham and his sons forever.

lleluia, alleluia...

,ll:Amen.

esser 6oxolog:Exorcist:#lory to the (ather, and to the "on, and to the 0oly "pirit* as it was

in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.

,ll:Amen.

+enedictus 7Canticle o( 8achar9

Exorcist:1lessed 1e the /ord, the #od of $sraLl, because 0e has visited and wrought

redemption for 0is people. nd has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David 0isservant, s 0e promised through the mouths of 0is holy ones, the prophets from of old*

"alvation from our enemies and from the hands of all our foes. 0e has fulfilled 0is indness toour fathers, and has been mindful of 0is holy covenant. $n the oath to braham our father, by

which 0e swore to grant us, That, delivered from the hands of our enemies, we should serve 0im

without fear. $n holiness and @ustice before 0im all our days.


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nd thou, child, shall be called the prophet of the )ost 0igh3 for thou shalt go before the /ord

to prepare 0is ways, To give 0is people nowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their

sins, 1ecause of the compassionate indness of our #od with which the rient from on high willvisit us, To shine on those who sit in darness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the

way of peace.

#lory be to the (ather and to the "on and to the 0oly #host. s it was in the beginning, is now,

and ever shall be, world without end.

,ll:Amen.

esser 6oxolog:Exorcist:#lory to the (ather, and to the "on, and to the 0oly "pirit* as it was

in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.

,ll:Amen.

,thanasian Creed

Exorcist:Whoever wills to be saved M must before all else hold fast to the Catholic faith.

,ll:n(ess one keeps this f!ith 0ho(e !nd $nt!rnished ; 0itho$t do$/t he 0i(( perish fore"er.

Exorcist:9ow this is the Catholic faith* M that we worship one #od in Trinity, and Trinity inunity3

,ll:


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Exorcist:Thus the (ather is /ord, the "on is /ord, M the 0oly "pirit is /ord.

,ll:=et there !re not three (ords ; /$t one Lord.

Exorcist:(or @ust as Christian truth compels us to profess that each 2erson is individually #odand /ord, M so does the Catholic religion forbid us to hold that there are three gods or lords.

,ll:he F!ther 0!s not m!de /# !n# po0er? ; )e 0!s neither cre!ted nor /e'otten.

Exorcist:The "on is from the (ather alone, M neither created nor made, but begotten.

,ll:he )o(# ,pirit is from the F!ther !nd the ,on ; neither m!de nor cre!ted nor /e'otten/$t )e proceeds.

Exorcist:"o there is one (ather, not three3 one "on, not three3 M one 0oly "pirit, not three.

,ll:And in this rinit# one *erson is not e!r(ier or (!ter nor is one 're!ter or (ess? ; /$t !((

three *ersons !re co-etern!( !nd co-e$!(.

Exorcist:$n every way, then, as already affirmed, M unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be

worshipped.,ll:hoe"er then 0i((s to /e s!"ed ; m$st !ssent to this doctrine of the (essed rinit#.

Exorcist:1ut it is necessary for everlasting salvation M that one also firmly believe in theincarnation of our /ord &esus Christ.

,ll:r$e f!ith then re$ires $s to /e(ie"e !nd profess ; th!t o$r Lord 8es$s %hrist the ,on of

od is /oth od !nd m!n.

Exorcist:0e is #od, begotten of the substance of the (ather from eternity3 M 0e is man, born intime of the substance of 0is )other.

,ll:)e is perfect od !nd perfect m!n ; s$/sistin' in ! r!tion!( so$( !nd ! h$m!n /od#.

Exorcist:0e is e-ual to the (ather in 0is divine nature, M but less than the (ather in 0is human

nature as such.

,ll:And tho$'h )e is od !nd m!n ; #et )e is the one %hrist not t0o?

Exorcist:ne, however, not by any change of divinity into flesh, M but by the act of #od

assuming a human nature. ll* 0e is one only, not by a mixture of substance, M but by the

oneness of 0is 2erson. (or, somewhat as the rational soul and the body compose one man, M soChrist is one 2erson who is both #od and man3

,ll:ho s$ffered for o$r s!("!tion 0ho descended into he(( ; 0ho rose !'!in the third d!#

from the de!d?

Exorcist:Who ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of #od the (ather almighty, Mfrom there 0e shall come to @udge both the living and the dead.

,ll:At )is comin' !(( men sh!(( rise !'!in in their /odies ; !nd sh!(( 'i"e !n !cco$nt of their

0orks.


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Exorcist:nd those who have done good shall enter into everlasting life, M but those who have

done evil into ever lasting fire.

,ll:A(( this is %!tho(ic f!ith ; !nd $n(ess one /e(ie"es it tr$(# !nd firm(# one c!nnot /e s!"ed.

Exorcist:#lory be to the (ather

,ll:As it 0!s in the /e'innin'.

)ere fo((o0 ! (!r'e n$m/er of ps!(ms 0hich m!# /e $sed !t the exorcists discretion /$t !re not

! necess!r# p!rt of the rite. ,ome of them occ$r in other p!rts of the @it$!( !nd !re so indic!ted?the others m!# /e t!ken from the *s!(ter. *s!(m 9? ps!(m 67? ps!(m 69? ps!(m 53? ps!(m 117?

ps!(m 3B? ps!(m 3? ps!(m 21 ps!(m 3? ps!(m 1? ps!(m 12.

Praer 3olloing 6eli;erance

Exorcist:lmighty #od, we beg you to eep the evil spirit from further molesting this servant of

yours, and to eep him far away, never to return. t your command, /ord, may the goodness

and peace of our /ord &esus Christ, our Redeemer, tae possession of this man womanE. )aywe no longer fear any evil since the /ord is with us3 who lives and reigns with you, in the unity

of the 0oly "pirit, #od, forever and ever.

,ll:Amen.

Chapter III: Exorcism o( /atan and the 3allen ,ngels

Whereas the preceding rite of exorcism is designated for a particular person, the present one isfor general use!to combat the power of the evil spirits over a community or locality.

The following exorcism can be used by bishops, as well as by priests who have this authori?ationfrom their rdinary.

Exorcist:$n the name of the (ather, and of the "on, and of the 0oly "pirit.

,ll:Amen.

Praer to /t. ichael the ,rchangel

Exorcist:"t. )ichael the rchangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army, defend us in the

battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darness and the spirit

of wicedness in high places. Come to the rescue of manind, whom #od has made in 0is own

image and lieness, and purchased from "atan's tyranny at so great a price. 0oly Churchvenerates you as her patron and guardian. The /ord has entrusted to you the tas of leading the

souls of the redeemed to heavenly blessedness. ntreat the /ord of peace to cast "atan downunder our feet, so as to eep him from further holding man captive and doing harm to the

Church. Carry our prayers up to #od's throne, that the mercy of the /ord may -uicly come and

lay hold of the beast, the serpent of old, "atan and his demons, casting him in chains into the

abyss, so that he can no longer seduce the nations.


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Exorcism

Exorcist:$n the name of &esus Christ, our /ord and #od, by the intercession of )ary, spotlessAirgin and )other of #od, of "t. )ichael the rchangel, of the blessed apostles 2eter and 2aul,

and of all the saints, and by the authority residing in our holy ministry, we steadfastly proceed to

combat the onslaught of the wily enemy.

Psalm #$

Exorcist:#od arises3 0is enemies are scattered, M and those who hate 0im flee before 0im.

,ll:As smoke is dri"en !0!# so !re the# dri"en? ; !s 0!x me(ts /efore the fire so the 0icked

perish /efore od.

Exorcist:"ee the cross of the /ord3 begone, you hostile powersJ

,ll:he stem of !"id the (ion of 8$d!s tri/e h!s con$ered.

Exorcist:)ay your mercy, /ord, remain with us always.,ll:For 0e p$t o$r 0ho(e tr$st in #o$.

Exorcist:We cast you out, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every onslaught of theinfernal adversary, every legion, every diabolical group and sect, in the name and by the power

of our /ord &esus Christ. We command you, begone and fly far from the Church of #od, from

the souls made by #od in 0is image and redeemed by the precious blood of the divine /amb.

9o longer dare, cunning serpent, to deceive the human race, to persecute #od's Church, to strie#od's elect and to sift them as wheat. (or the )ost 0igh #od commands you, 0e to whom

you once proudly presumed yourself e-ual3 0e who wills all men to be saved and come to the

nowledge of truth. #od the (ather commands you. #od the "on commands you. #od the

0oly "pirit commands you. Christ, the eternal Word of #od made flesh, commands you, whohumbled 0imself, becoming obedient even unto death, to save our race from the perdition

wrought by your envy3 who founded 0is Church upon a firm roc, declaring that the gates of hellshould never prevail against her, and that 0e would remain with her all days, even to the end of

the world. The sacred mystery of the cross commands you, along with the power of all

mysteries of Christian faith. The exalted Airgin )ary, )other of #od, commands you, who

in her lowliness crushed your proud head from the first moment of her $mmaculate Conception.The faith of the holy apostles 2eter and 2aul and the other apostles commands you. The blood

of martyrs and the devout prayers of all holy men and women command you.

Therefore, accursed dragon and every diabolical legion, we ad@ure you by the living #od, by

the true #od, by the holy #od, by #od, who so loved the world that 0e gave 0is only%begotten "on, that whoever believes in 0im might not perish but have everlasting life3 to cease

deluding human creatures and filling them with the poison of everlasting damnation3 to desist

from harming the Church and hampering her freedom. 1egone, "atan, father and master of lies,enemy of man's welfare. #ive place to Christ, in whom you found none of your wors. #ive way

to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which Christ 0imself purchased with 0is blood.

1ow down before #od's mighty hand, tremble and flee as we call on the holy and awesomename of &esus, before whom the deni?ens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Airtues and


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2owers and Dominations are sub@ect, whom the Cherubim and "eraphim praise with unending

cries as they sing* 0oly, holy, holy, /ord #od of "abbath.




,ll:M!# )e !(so /e 0ith #o$.

Exorcist:/et us pray. #od of heaven and earth, #od of the angels and archangels, #od of the

patriarchs and prophets, #od of the apostles and martyrs, #od of the confessors and virgin #odwho have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil3 for there is no other #od than you,

nor can there be another true #od beside you, the Creator of all things visible and invisible,

whose ingdom is without end3 we humbly entreat your glorious ma@esty to deliver us by yourmight from every influence of the accursed spirits, from their every evil snare and deception, and

to eep us from all harm3 through Christ our /ord.

,ll:Amen.

Exorcist:(rom the snares of the devil.

,ll:Lord de(i"er $s.

Exorcist:That you help your Church to serve you in security and freedom.

,ll:We beg you to hear us.

Exorcist:That you humble the enemies of your holy Church.

,ll:e /e' #o$ to he!r $s.

The surroundings are sprinled ith hol ater.

rituale romanum exorcism rite

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