St. Michael THE ARCHANGEL Catholic Church Understanding Demonic Activity within the Mystery of Salvation
Presentation Goal: to provide an overview of the Church s teaching on diabolical activity in light of the mystery of salvation Objectives: General Introduction Fall of the Angels Satan and his Demons Forms of Diabolical Activity Questions
General Introduction Why a presentation on diabolical activity? Sharp increase in things diabolical Virtually no training among the clergy The experience of someone possessed The desire to help & understand Attended the Course on Exorcism and Prayers of Deliverance Received authorization Multi-disciplinary approach My experience of exorcists Balanced my understanding
Fall of the Angels God created the angels Personal non-corporal beings Glorify God and administer His plan Angels have free will (irrevocable choice) They exercised this freedom in a primordial test in which a third fell under Lucifer The angelic original sin is directly related to And war our broke original out sin heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, behind the deceiver the disobedient of the whole choice world he of our first was parents thrown down lurks a to seductive the earth, voice, and his opposed angels to were God, thrown which out makes with them him. fall (Rev out 12: of 7-9) envy (CCC 391).
Satan and his Demons Demons retain their natural powers They are intelligent beings blinded by pride Their power is limited they are not: Omnipresent (all present) Omnipotent (all powerful) Omniscient (all knowing) They can only exert influence by the permissive will of God who allows evil that good may come of it Because of this, person, places and things are subject to demonic influences Moreover, because of the tendency to sin, humanity can cooperate with the demonic increasing the evil in the world
Temptation The typical way demons work A dialogue with the demonic The incitement to sin by the offer of some good or pleasure The freedom of the person being tempted remains intact Temptation is the most serious kind of demonic activity because we retain the ability to resist Forms of Diabolical Activity Diabolical activity can take many forms grouped differently by different authors The fall into two broad categories: Ordinary Diabolical Activity Temptation Confronting Temptation Avoid the near occasion of sin Frequent recourse to prayer and the sacraments Christian fellowship
Infestation Least Invasive Diabolical activity in place or object Infestation manifests in: Laughter, screams, footsteps Shadowy figures, unusual odors Unusual temperature shifts Blood-like writing on the walls Levitating objects Objects that disappear & reappear Caused by: Cult activity Heinous acts of violence Curses Confronting Infestation House blessing and Mass at house Prayers of Deliverance Extreme cases require exorcism Forms of Diabolical Activity Diabolical activity can take many forms grouped differently by different authors The fall into two broad categories: Ordinary Diabolical Activity Temptation Extraordinary Diabolical Activity Infestation Prayers of Deliverance Aimed at freeing a person, place or thing from the influence of demons of lesser strength Can be exercised by clergy & laity without bishop s permission USE EXTREME CAUTION Stop immediately if victim begins to manifest Is a form of supplication and uses the deprecatory form (begging Gary, Christ Indiana to free January the person) 2014
Oppression Unlike infestation, oppression is personal in nature Demonic activity focuses a person Manifests in physical attacks Often directed to those closest to God such as: St Catherine of Siena St. John Vianney St. Pio of Petrelcina Can be directed to others with manifestations such as: Hemography Beatings Being pushed Confronting Oppression Prayers of Deliverance Forms of Diabolical Activity Diabolical activity can take many forms grouped differently by different authors The fall into two broad categories: Ordinary Diabolical Activity Temptation Extraordinary Diabolical Activity Infestation Oppression
Obsession Often called demonic temptation Attacks the mind in an intense and persistent manner More violent and prolonged than ordinary temptation Diminishes victims free will and troubles the soul Can manifest in seductive & horrific visions luring victim in deeper relationship with the diabolical entity Takes place in the imagination Victim unable to form lasting relationships and feels helpless Forms of Diabolical Activity Diabolical activity can take many forms grouped differently by different authors The fall into two broad categories: Ordinary Diabolical Activity Temptation Extraordinary Diabolical Activity Infestation Oppression Obsession Confronting Obsession Prayers of Deliverance
Possession Occurs when Satan or one or more of his demons takes over a a person s body without consent Victim is not free or responsible Typically occurs when victim opens himself up to demons Cults, Ouija boards, tarot card certain movies and video games These provide an invitation Can also occur through curses, spells and consecration to Satan Victim can appear normal at times but aware of heavy demonic force within They withdraw and often suffer from severe depression When the demons feel threatened they manifest Forms of Diabolical Activity Diabolical activity can take many forms grouped differently by different authors The fall into two broad categories: Ordinary Diabolical Activity Temptation Extraordinary Diabolical Activity Infestation Oppression Obsession Possession Fr. Gabriele Amorth
Possession Manifestations may include: Bodily contortions Physiognomic voice changes Feats of strength and agility Speaking in unknown languages Knowledge of hidden things Move objects and levitate All designed to frighten the one threatening their possession Confronting Possession The Rite of Exorcism Only by a trained priest designated by the local bishop Must have the consent of victim The Rite done by priest and team Uses the imperative Process not an event Forms of Diabolical Activity Diabolical activity can take many forms grouped differently by different authors The fall into two broad categories: Ordinary Diabolical Activity Temptation Extraordinary Diabolical Activity Infestation Oppression Obsession Possession Jesus is the Chief Exorcist
Confronting Possession Process to undergo an exorcism (in diocese with a program) Contact local pastor Pastor contacts diocese Investigation starts Requires physical & psychological eval. Results go through review board Recommendations made to bishop Bishop appoints exorcist and team Exorcist prays the rite Exorcism a process not an event Demonic activity is not about sin and death, but Jesus victory over sin and death and the offer of Eternal Life Forms of Diabolical Activity Jesus is the Chief Exorcist
Questions & Resources Understanding Demonic Activity within the Mystery of Salvation