Aspiring exorcists begin classes in Rome
A Vatican-recognized university is offering a course in exorcism and demonic possession for a second year, concerned about the devil’s lure, particularly among young Italians.
Standing in solemn prayer, about 120 priests, lay people and theology students this week began the course that is intended to clear up misconceptions and understand what makes people turn to the occult.
The opening class of the “Exorcism and Prayer of Liberation� on Thursday at the Pontifical Academy Regina Apostolorum featured lectures about liturgical and spiritual aspects of Satanism and problems related to exorcism.
“The aim of this course is to express a clear vision of the phenomenon,� said Italian Bishop Andrea Gemma, a leading exorcist who delivered the opening lecture.
“Exorcism … is an important prayer of the church to help those who believe to be, or who really are suffering from a diabolic infestation,� he told his audience.
Pope Benedict XVI welcomed a large group of Italian exorcists who visited the Vatican on Sept. 14 and encouraged them to carry on in their work “in the service of the church.�
Exorcism, the Roman Catholic rite in which demons are expelled from “possessed� persons, is usually administered by priests with the permission of a bishop.
The Rev. Gabriele Nanni, an exorcist and lecturer of the course, said there were four widely accepted signs of possession, such as “speaking in unknown languages, showing a disproportionate physical strength beyond one’s natural capacity, the repulsion to sacred things such as crucifix and prayers, and knowledge of events that have happened far away, in terms of times and places.� Some of the signs were depicted in the 1973 movie “The Exorcist.�
Students received a paper detailing a 10-point guide to recognize and prevent interest in the occult. It included a suggestion to parents to monitor whether their children wear strange pendants or T-shirts, listen to loud music on their home stereos or watch too many horror movies.
Want to participate in the course? You can register at the University web site
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