How do we know that serious psyochological diseases are not also manifestations of an evil spirit? I believe that we lean on psychiatric medicine far too much and on God far too little. If it is not of God, isn’t it Satan?

FATHER JOE RESPONDS: Can disease come hand-in-hand with a spiritual attack? Note that Jesus forgave sins, healed bodies, and exorcised demons. I suppose if it happened before, it could happen again. The Church’s prayers ask for both physical and spiritual healing– as with the (so-called) Last Rites.

I’m very interested about this stuff and I aspire to be an exorcist someday. Later, I want to help my aunt who is currently in a mental institute. I believe that she is hyper sensitive and could see spirits. Unfortunately she got interested in astrology and my grandmother invited all sorts of spiritists in our previous house which I think might be the cause of her sickness. I pray for her sometimes and I hope that God would liberate her. Please pray for her also, she is in dire need of prayers. I also ask for your advice concerning my topic. Thank you.

FATHER JOE: I would recommend that you avoid the paranormal and seek to be something other than an exorcist. The bishop might select a priest for this role, but no one should go looking for it. I will join my prayers to yours for your aunt’s healing. God bless!

Thank you for posting this. Ironically, I just watched the movie “The Exorcisim of Emily Rose” and I thought Tom Wilkinson’s portrayal of the exorcist Fr. Moore was just wonderful and very moving.

This is something I have a small amount of familiarity with because when i was first out of school and working in the adolescent ward of a psychiatric hospital we had a patient who we came to believe had been the victim of voodoo. It is not the same thing but I witnessed the utterly wild and unimaginable behaviors that did, indeed, seem demonic. She was transferred to a higher security facility and I never did know what happened to her.

What I wonder about is how the priests who are involved in these rituals fare afterwards. I imagine it is a horrific experience for them and I wonder if their faith is so strong that they are able to recover and go on normally or if an exorcisim permanently effects the exorcist.

Thank you for your wonderful, thought-provoking blog.

Kathleen

FATHER JOE RESPONDS: The late Father Hughes who was involved with the failed exorcism in Georgetown was always haunted by what happened. You inadvertantly bring up another good point: the distinction between demonic involvement and that which is psychological. Every time there is an “exorcism movie” on television, rectory phones are buzzing with calls from mentally disturbed people who think they are possessed.

I seen the film the Excorcist, and it is one film that cemented my faith in God. This is the first time i have ever really read the true story and it is more disturbing than the film. There really is a huge battle between good and evil in this world. I think a person has to pick which side their on.

Kindest Regards and Gods blessings
Barry Fannon

i was just wondering if i could have some more information on how to get rid of and protect my self from these spirits…they frieghten me but at the same time im so intruiged by them that i cant stop readiong about them…and at nite sometimes i find it hard to fal asleep and get back to sleep after i wake up at wierd times in the night…im always paranoid about “them” being there

FATHER JOE: It is not good to be obsessed by such things. If you get scared sometimes, remember that God loves you and always answers prayers. He is far stronger than either evil spirits or men. I keep faith in Jesus and say my prayers when I am frightened or in a difficult situation. If I have dark thoughts, I seek the distraction of lighter things. Suggested prayers: OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, HAIL HOLY QUEEN, ACT OF CONTRITION, GLORY BE, GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER, PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL, etc.

I am currently doing research for a documentary on demonic possession and would love to learn a bit more about it, as well as the process of freeing the body from these demonic spirits. If you have a private email address I could contact you at I would love to correspond and ask you a few questions. Please let me know!

Best,
Sarah James

FATHER JOE: Me? All I know is what we read in the textbooks? The Holy Father came out with new directives this past week. Priests are not to utilize the consecrated host because of the risk of sacrilege, although sacramentals like holy water and the crucifix are recommended. In any case, no priest can do a formal exorcism without the authorization of his superior. Churches are good places as are hospitals for such things in dire necessity. Priests, even exorcists, are not to be alone with the subject and the popular image of a girl’s bedroom as in THE EXORCIST movie is very much frowned upon. My personal email is frjoe2000@yahoo.com

If Exorcisms are real you should give the pope and each president or Prime Minister an exorcism.The vatican is more corrupt than this country alone,if you have any thing to add e-mail me.Hell even a cardinal talks about the Devils Alter under the vatican.

FATHER JOE: Here is a perfect example of a first-class angry bigot. Nothing is explained, no argument is put forward, just unsubstantiated charges (or slurs, really).