"Exorcism is not a sacrament, so it does not function ex opere operato..."


"[E]xorcists in Italy have been using both the old and the new rites..."


Adapted from Dr. Arthur C. Sippo's book review in the New Oxford Review, November 2009, of Matt Boglio's The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist. Doubleday. 304 pages. $24.95.


"Exorcism is not a sacrament, so it does not function ex opere operato.

"The prayers for deliverance from spiritual oppression and possession may need to be repeated for many years, and the victim may not be freed entirely from demonic influence.

"Likewise, exorcism is not something that a lone priest or layman can perform on his own.

"It is an exercise of the Church's authority and so it is necessary that the ritual be performed only with the local bishop's permission, using the precise form prescribed by the Church."


Baglio's prophetical warning to Brackettville's breakaway Catholic Charismatics is grim indeed!


"Standing on one's own against Satan is foolhardy and dangerous.

"It is a serious violation of Church law.

"A traditional Rite of Exorcism in the Western Church had been in use for many centuries.

"It was always recited in Latin, the sacred language of the Roman Rite.

"It was believed by many exorcists that the use of this rite in Latin was most effective.

"A new Rite of Exorcism was developed after Vatican II and has undergone several revisions.

"The new rite can be performed in the vernacular and has several alternative parts.

"At the present time, exorcists in Italy have been using both the old and the new rites, judging for themselves which one would be most appropriate in particular cases."


"[T]he Blessed Virgin Mary can be called on to intercede..."


"It is interesting to note that in certain circumstances the Blessed Virgin Mary can be called on to intercede.

"The demons respond to her name with fear and loathing, and in some cases the possessed person may see visions of Jesus, Mary, or other saints during the ritual.

"The Scriptures promised that Mary would crush Satan's head and that he would live in fear of her heel (Gen. 3:15).

"The experience of exorcists seems to confirm this.

"Demonic possession is still a major front in the war for souls between God and Satan.

"Baglio's book does not lose sight of this. The Rite is thoroughly orthodox and conforms to Catholic teaching.

"It is both interesting and informative, and it stands [ready] to help people understand the very real demonic problems in our world as the Catholic Church understands them.

"It might [also] encourage some unfortunate souls to seek help they would otherwise not know exists..."


Way to go, professor! :)