PALERMO (ITALPRESS) – The Sicilian Episcopal Conference has promulgated a decree on “exorcisms and prayers for healing and liberation”. According to the Bishops of Sicily “if it is objective that the practice of exorcism in recent times has decreased compared to the past, also due to growing diagnostics of a psychic and psychological nature, it is also true that there are still many who resort to this exercise”.
“Even in the eighteen Dioceses of Sicily, as now happens throughout Italy – they underline -, the practice of some priests of calling periodic meetings in which prayers are held aimed at obtaining healing from the influences and disorders caused by the Evil One has spread. . They are often associated with liturgical celebrations which are consequently improperly defined as Healing Masses.” “For these celebrations to take place, however, it is necessary that they are illuminated by precise legal-pastoral legislation that clearly outlines the possibilities for action. Furthermore – according to the Sicilian Bishops -, it is essential that whoever guides these moments, if lived in trust in the Holy Spirit, is a comfort to the tormented soul, and also knows how to limit prayer to this task without falling into the excitement of hysteria, artificiality , theatricality or sensationalism”.
Canon 1171 of the Code of Canon Law speaks of exorcisms by relating them to the “obsessed”, those cases of actual diabolical possession. In this case, an exorcist priest must act. This does not mean that we cannot act for the benefit of those who are “disturbed” even with prayers of liberation through which we ask for God’s intercession so that the “disturbed” person is freed.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has already issued, in September 2000, the rules to be followed. The text opposes “do-it-yourself exorcisms” and draws a precise reference for those who exercise the ministry, but also for those who, before referring a believer to an exorcist, are called to make a healthy discernment between real disturbance and mere suggestion. This, after twenty-four years, is accompanied by the decree signed by the bishops of Sicily.
The document highlights a situation in which the number of faithful seeking liberation from alleged possessions is large. They are caused, according to them, by curses and hexes. Responding to this request are the priests who, animated by pastoral impetus and the desire to comfort their flock, welcome and bless those who ask them for help. Despite the good will recognized to them, some priests do not act in accordance with the guidelines.
For Monsignor Antonino Raspanti, bishop of Acireale and President of CESi: “These guidelines are issued to address issues of general interest within the ecclesial community. Religious practices are important for expressing and maintaining unified praxis within communities of faith. Through common prayer, participation in the sacraments and observance of religious rituals, the faithful experience communion with other believers.”
Monsignor Giuseppe La Placa, bishop of Ragusa and Cesi delegate for Exorcistic Pastoral, adds: “Care, attention and concern towards these brothers of ours are central in this decree, which is issued by the Bishops of Sicily. who are possessed or oppressed by the devil. This is a service rendered to exorcists, to those who take care of these frail brothers of ours, but at the same time it is aimed at all the people of God. This is possible by cultivating an intense spiritual life, nourishing ourselves with the sacraments and becoming docile. listening to the Word of God”.
According to the Bishops of Sicily “all too often there is a risk of making the prayer of liberation spectacular. Reciting prayers in public gatherings in front of the solemnly exposed Eucharist and blessing with the Blessed Sacrament causes shouting, swearing and even blasphemy to occur which can disturb the faithful present, especially the weaker ones. Even worse, sometimes these prayers take place in private homes by lay people, sometimes even assisted by priests. In this climate of approximation it is necessary for the Sicilian Episcopal Conference to clarify the practice and reiterate the teaching that the Church has already given, providing provisions that reiterate the key points already established”.
“We must not feed morbid curiosity towards the prayer of liberation. We must also take care of the most fragile brothers and not subject anyone to community prayers for liberation. This is why the Bishops, rightly, intervene to regulate these points. It is clear that we must also obey, as the Gospel teaches us, these indications that are given to us for the good of all”, underlines Fra Benigno, director of the Exorcistic Pastoral.
– photo press office of the Diocese of Acireale and the Sicilian Episcopal Conference –
(ITALPRESS).
