"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature... And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils."
- Mark 16:15,17
Because it occurred to me today that not every Catholic knows and fully understands the implications of the Church's new decision regarding the practice of casting out evil spirits, I need to post this article.
First, I want to say that this document both infuriates me and convinces me that The End is nearer than ever.
It will also be a very interesting read for any practicing Catholics who watch shows like Paranormal State and see episcopal or Catholic priests and laypeople interacting with alleged demonic entities.
I submit that it completely changes the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples, and further, that it binds and ties the hands of the faithful, who at one point HAD the authority, in the name of the Church of Christ, to cast out evil spirits. I submit that this decision is unscriptural and is fully malicious (read: not for the good of our souls.) I recognize that this means that I am utterly disapproving of an action of a Pope I love very, very much. This disheartens me to the extreme.
For a long while I let my disgust with this action and decision govern my reactions and my ministry. I have, in the past, directly disobeyed this document and thus directly disobeyed the Holy Father. Most of the traditional Catholics I know also disregard this completely, regularly using exorcisms such as the simple exorcism of Pope Leo XIII, which a POPE told us to use regularly. Further, scripture itself is full of commands to the Demons. When we pray certain scriptures over people and situations, we command evil spirits. Surely this is what we are SUPPOSED to do.
And yet, I recently learned the hard way a lesson that I don't think many readers will understand.... at least not many non-Catholics.
I learned the importance of Obedience, even to a flawed system or governance. The pope is NOT perfect, nor does the Church teach that he is. Further, it seems to me that if the man is as wise and holy as I believe he is, somehow, some way, he must have been FORCED by the hand of darkness to sign this document and further, that it will serve a purpose for good. The thing I have learned to accept is that GOD ALLOWED THIS TO HAPPEN.
Just as He allowed Vatican II, or rather the misinterpretation of Vatican II to happen. Just as He allows Satanic Black Masses to take place. And in allowing these things to happen, our humility is tested to the extreme degree, because those of us who are convinced (as I am) that a very evil spirit lurked and presided over the events at Vatican II, and yet recognize that we must remain with the faith til The End, that we cannot leave now but rather must continue to pray, pray without ceasing and strive for holiness unaided and amid endless obstacles to our spiritual growth....the ultimate lesson here, for me, and it has been LONG in coming, is that obedience in these atrocities serves to perfect my soul, to provide the "challenge" that God's grace will overcome, and that I MUST, must must must acknowledge that if the Church is true, which I believe it is, every time the Church makes a poor decision (which is has obviously begun to do-- just look at what pathetic states our parishes have fallen into. Observe how a holy non-modernist priest who actually BELIEVES in good and evil is one in a million these days. Sit through another round of KUMBAFREAKINGYA during Communion.) GOD HAS ALLOWED IT, and if I set myself up to say: "No, this cannot be so!" then am I not playing God? Am I not telling God what His own Church may and may not do??
I do not understand, not in the slightest, how these things are allowed to happen in the Church each and every day. Why the Pope doesn't just SLAM down his mighty fist and say "BASTA!"
But just because I don't understand doesn't change the fact that it IS happening, that it HAS happened, and that while it appears that every direction I turn the Catholic Faith is in shambles and crumbling it IS STILL THERE. The proof is that there are hundreds of thousands of us wandering around going "What the heck is going on here???"
Where there is ONE person who has retained the faith, there is the Church. And just like the kingdom of God-- we must accept that it IS among us. The Church will NOT fail, and the gates of hell will not prevail against her, although they are certainly doing their darnedest. My obedience to the Church, in this matter, is destined to sanctify me, to give me much needed grace for the journey, even if it's WRONG, even if it's bad, even if it's a concession to the Evil One.
God's mercy trumps everything, and His merciful heart is pleased when we ACCEPT His divine will. I now think of the Church as if she were Job, knowing that She will be restored from this naked mess to Her perfect Glory, knowing that THIS is the struggle between good and evil that has been prophesied in scripture and through the ages by the saints and by visions from heaven. THIS. IS. OBEDIENCE.... to do the will of God, and to suffer, and to see Him in His GLORY.
So, without further ado, I give you the document that breaks my heart and yet fills me with hope. I can attest from personal experience that direct disobedience to this teaching can, and will, put you at risk. Sometimes, we learn the hard way. Even if we think we are right. When the Church teaches us something, Heaven and the Church are in agreement. Peter holds the keys. Whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven. Whether we cooperate with heaven on this issue or not will decide our spiritual fate, and will expose our pride and our sinfulness -- well, in much the same way as it has mine. The very first sin, which Lucifer, God's most precious and glorious angel committed was pride. It was his setting himself up to BE Lord.
Everytime we disobey the Church, even when she is WRONG, (and again-- what I'm about to show you is simply a recommendation of the magesterium, it is NOT a doctrine or dogma... do not be confused)we are making the decision to act as our Enemy did... we are losing the war.
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Inde Ab Aliquot Annis
On The Current Norms Governing Exorcisms
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
September 29, 1985
Translated by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist of Diocese of Rome
Also see:
Comments from Father Amorth about the Document
Latin Edition of Inde Ab Aliquot Annis
Instruction on Prayers for Healing
Prot. no. 291/70; ASS 77 (1985): 1169-70; EnchVat 9, nn. 1663-67
Excellentissime Domine
For some years there has been an increase in the number of ecclesial gatherings which seek liberation from demonic influences, even though they are not properly and truly exorcisms. These groups, even when a priest is present, are led by lay persons.
Since the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been asked what ought to be thought about this, this dicastry is of the opinion that all other ordinaries should have the following response:
1. Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law declares that no one is able to legitimately undertake exorcisms of the possessed unless expressed and individual permission has been obtained from the ordinary of the place (section 1). The canon also establishes that this permission ought to be conceded by the ordinary of the place only to priests who are distinguished in piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life (section 2). Bishops are, therefore, strongly urged to see to the observance of these norms.
2. From these prescriptions it follows, therefore, that no member of the Christian faithful can use the formula of exorcism against Satan and fallen angels, extracted from that which was made law by Leo XIII, and even less are the able to use the entire text for exorcism. Bishops are to bring this to the attention of the faithful as it is deemed necessary.
3. Finally, for the same reasons, bishops are asked to be vigilant that -- for even cases in which true diabolical possession is excluded, diabolical influence nevertheless seems in some way to be revealed -- those who do not have the required faculty not serve in the leading of meeting where, in order to gain freedom, prayers are used which dignify demons by directly questioning them and in searching to make known their identity.
The announcement of these norm, however, ought not to keep the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they might be delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13). Finally, pastors ought to avail themselves of this occasion to recall what the tradition of the Church teaches about the proper function of sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and the saints in the spiritual fight of Christians against evil spirits.
May I take this occasion to convey my great feelings of esteem for you,
remaining your servant in the Lord,
Joseph Card. Ratzinger, Prefect
Translated to Italian by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist to the Diocese of Rome in his Exorcist Tells His Story, [American Edition], Ignatius Press, San Francisco (1999), (translated into English by Nicoletta V. MacKenzie), pp. 189-90
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Comments from Father Amorth Concerning Inde Ab Aliquot Annis
from Exorcist Tells His Story, Ibid, pp.190-91
The above-cited letter warns against any direct dealings with demons and states that their name should not be asked by those who have not been granted the specific faculty to do so. The Acts of the Apostles report a particularly fitting event ... (of the consequences of acting without faculty to do so in the story of the Seven Brothers --Acts 19:11-20).
from An Exorcist: More Stories, [American Edition], Ignatius Press, San Francisco: (2002), (translated into English by Nicoletta V. MacKenzie), pp. 189-90
I will now explain some of that is forbidden and what is required, according to these guidelines (of Inde Ab Aliquot Annis).
* First, official exorcisms are not allowed; they are reserved exclusively for the exorcist. The same holds true for the exorcism of Leo XIII, even though it is now part of the public domain. The private use of such exorcisms is another matter; at least, this is how I understand the above-cited document.
* We must avoid addressing the demon directly and to find out his name and -- I add -- anything else. All other considerations aside, a direct dialogue with the demon can be dangerous to anyone who dares to initiate it without the due authorization of the Church, and therefor without her protection.
At the end, the document reminds of of the importance of prayer, the sacraments, and the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints....
Latin Version
INDE AB ALIQUOT
ACTA CONGREGATIONUM CONGREGATIO PRO DOCTRINA FIDEI
Epistula Ordinariis locorum missa: in mentem normae vigentes de exorcismis revocantur [Die 29 m. Septembris a. 1985 (AAS p. 1169-70)]Excellentissime domine, inde ab aliquot annis, apud quosdam coetus ecclesiales, conventus ad precationes faciendas multiplicantur hoc quidem proposito, ut liberatio obtineatur ab influxu daemonum, etiamsi non de exorcismis proprie dictis agatur; qui conventus peraguntur sub ductu laicorum, etiam praesente sacerdote.
Cum a Congregatione pro doctrina fidei quaesitum sit quid sentiendum de hisce factis, hoc dicasterium necessarium putat omnes ordinarios certiores facere de responsione quae sequitur:
1. Canon 1172 Codicis Iuris Canonici declarat neminem exorcismos in obsessos proferre legitime posse, nisi ab ordinario loci peculiarem et expressam licentiam obtinuerit (1), ac determinat hanc licentiam ab ordinario loci concedendam esse tantummodo presbytero pietate, scientia, prudentia ac vitae integritate praedito (2). Episcopi igitur enixe invitantur, ut observantiam urgeant horum praescriptorum.
2. Ex hisce praescriptionibus sequitur ut christifidelibus etiam non liceat adhibere formulam exorcismi contra satanam et angelos apostaticos, excerptam ex illa quae publici iuris facta est iussu summi pontificis Leonis XIII, ac multo minus adhibere textum integrum huius exorcismi. Episcopi hac de re fideles admonere curent in casu necessitatis.
3. Denique, ob easdem rationes, episcopi rogantur ut vigilent ne -- etiam in casibus qui, licet veram possessionem diabolicam excludant, diabolicum tamen influxum aliqualiter revelare videntur -- ii qui debita potestate carent conventus moderentur, in quibus ad liberationem obtinendam precationes adhibentur, quarum decursu daemones directe interpellantur et eorum identitas cognoscere studetur.
Harum normarum tamen enuntiatio minime christifideles abducere debet a precando ut, quemadmodum Iesus nos docuit, liberentur a malo (cf. Mt 6,13). Insuper pastores has oblata opportunitate uti poterunt, ut in mentem revocent quid Ecclesiae traditio doceat circa munus quod proprie ad sacramenta et ad Beatissimae Virginis Mariae, Angelorum Sanctorumque intercessionem spectat in christianorum etiam contra spiritus malignos spirituali certamine.
Hanc occasionem nactus impensos aestimationis meae sunsus tibi obtestor permanens
add.mus in Domino
Iosephus Card. Ratzinger, Praefectus
Albertus Bovone, a Secretis
L. S. In Congr. pro Doctrina Fidei tab., n. 291/70
I fully expect that most people who have read this far are thinking it's time to call the white coats. And that's OK. God and I have an understanding here. :)
Barb, you truely have acquired a patience not from this world for putting up with that. The question I pose is of course a "protestant" question i guess but, at what point does the church no longer continue to be the church?
ReplyDeleteI mean, Heaven forbid, but if enough unregenerate persons were to get in power and the RCC dictated that homosexuality was acceptable would you also submit? I cannot understand how you can take what men think above the scripture? THIS clearly contradicts one of the things Christ taught us that believers would do. It's part of our responsibility to cast out unclean and evil spirits.
It's what seperates us from the world. We have power over demons not through the protection of the church, but by the blood of our Messiah, our King who reigns. It's His name, and not a big group of people who know that name, that drives demons out.
Also, i've been wanting to ask you, how does the RCC explain Clergy and Laity? This concept is totally NOT biblical. There are positions and offices of leadership for training in the church, but what happened to the "preisthood of all believers?" That we each have access to the Holy Throne of God because of Jesus our Christ. That we need not go through any man, prophet, teacher, priest, or pope, but that the veil has been torn for ever....?
I understand what you are saying about submission, but submission and obedience are 2 different things. Look to the story of David and Saul. David sumbitted to Saul, but he did not obey him. God honors submission. And yes, if your rebellions even to corrupt authority God will punish you. But obeying corrupt authority holds us accoutable for our actions as well as them.
I think about St John of the Cross, who was one of the founders of the Reform of the Carmelite Order of which I am a member. He, at the hands of his superiors, who were monks, who were vowed to a life of holiness, suffered incredible abuse. Physical and emotional abuse that went Waaaaaay beyond anything that you or I have ever undergone. At that point, I think, he prayed, and God told him to remain where he was. Then, at the right time, God told him to flee. And flee he did... in a miraculous manner, he escaped out an impossible window and somehow made his way to the convent of the co-foundress of the Reform.
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of times, in scripture, where we see one of the apostles, even Jesus Himself, "fleeing the scene." There are other times where they must stand their ground. The only consistent response here among these people is that they always obeyed the promptings of the Holy Spirit- so that's the first thing I would say... at no point, ever, do we stop heeding the Holy Spirit. The second thing I will say is that is the Catholic FAITH which remains True, and the Catholic CONCEPT of CHurch which remains true, even if the entire magesterium were to go astray. Because one of the most interesting things about being Catholic is that even if you are there, alone, without a priest, but you BELIEVE, the Church is there. I'm sitting here looking around at all these churches and the way they make liturgical decisions and the way they are run and I'm going... that's not even CATHOLIC. But as long as there is at least one of me sitting in the pews knowing that it isn't Catholic- Woop! There's the Church. You see what I mean? The Catholic Faith is built on 2000+ years of Sacred Tradition. Nothing can ever be said or done to it that changes the original beliefs and practices, it's exactly the same now as it was back then. Which means that while cultures change and liturgical practices come and go, the "deposit of faith" or the accepted truths of doctrine will never change-- they are the Word of God, which stands forever. That's how, even though I KNOW like a solid fact that the antichrist will probably sit on the throne of the Pope one day, the Catholic CHurch itself will NOT fall. We may be undercover or hiding, we may be the minority, we may be many things... but Catholic we will remain. Does that make sense?
The way I see it, none of this negates the fact that I am commanded by Christ to go into spiritual battle. It only emphasizes that fact. And it did seem to me like it gives the enemy the upper hand, but little by little I'm learning that actually, it gives ME the upper hand to submit to something like this because in obedience there is great power. At the end of the day, I have to ask myself: Did God allow this to happen? Yes. Then who am I to disagree with it? I will submit to the will of God, which is that I submit to the Church WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE and understanding that this is wrong / that I'm called to more. This puts me in the place to secure a blessing and not a curse-- I am not playing God or telling Him what to do ,I'm doing what's directly in front of me, recognizing that I must obey those He has placed over me.
HE is God. He wants me to win the battle over Satan. He will come to my aid as needed. I don't need to use His power, He already has the situation under perfect control. Does that make sense? If I disobey, then, I am saying: "No, God. I don't accept what you have allowed to take place here. I know better than you what is good for me and mine."
RE: the clergy and laity question I will respond asap but right now it's 9:41 and I'm SOoo ready for bed!!! haha. Will talk more with you about it in the AM.