An Exorcist Tells His Story

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I read An Exorcist Tells His Story, the precursor to this book, hoping for a personal narrative from Father Amorth's experiences as an exorcist. I'm already reasonably familiar with Catholic doctrine on the subject, so I wasn't so much looking for a doctrinal introduction (which the former book ended up being) as a personal memoir of the subject. I wanted to see the doctrine in action in Amorth's experiences. The first book was disappointing in that regard, treating me instead to a work more of theology (some of which I find questionable) rather than personal history. Surprisingly, Amorth didn’t practice exorcism until 1986, when the vicar of Rome named him an apprentice to longtime Vatican exorcist Rev. Candido Amantini. He succeeded Amantini following his death in 1992, marking the start of his true tenure as the Pope’s exorcist. Father Gabriele Amorth helped create the International Association of Exorcists, which has grown to 400 members. Getty Images

As long as films like The Pope’s Exorcist continue to perpetuate the Catholic Church’s effectiveness against demonic incursion, exorcism will remain as a viable spiritual practice for the foreseeable future .Though it contained a few additional piece of information, it was so similar to the first book that I wouldn't recommend it unless you're interested in those two topics. There are other books with more information to read. This book is included in the screenplay for The Pope’s Exorcist, with Russell Crowe, which has been out in theaters about 3 weeks now. The other book is Amorth’s An Exorcist Tells His Story. As Christianity took hold across the Roman Empire, exorcism shifted from a form of charismatic lay-healing into a miracle carried out by figures of exceptional spiritual authority. From the 4th century, the liturgy of exorcism was refined as the early church assumed full authority over the ritual.

The purpose of the book, however, is to keep the problem of the devil in the discussion. Too many times there are people, including priests and bishops, who deny the actual existence of the devil. If people deny his existence, it is easier for him to do his work, because no one protects against him. This is consistent (as Fr. Amorth himself explains) with the vision granted to Pope Leo XIII. Only a few of the details are set forth in this book, and Fr. Amorth indicates how they were related to him. The vision actually took place on October 13, 1884, when the Pope had a vision of God speaking with Satan. The devil claimed he could destroy the church if given 75 to 100 years, and greater power over those who would surrender to the devil. God said that He would grant the devil such time and power. This vision, naturally parallels the book of Job, with the Church being in the place of Job. This is a very good book. I don't recall it being much different than the prequel, but I enjoyed that very much so seemingly more of the same (to me) was no problem. World's top exorcist saw the Devil in Harry Potter, yoga, and thousands of middle-aged, middle-class women". National Post . Retrieved 2023-04-13. Amorth wrote two memoirs of his time as an exorcist - An Exorcist Tells His Story and An Exorcist: More Stories. The books include references to the official Roman Catholic teachings on demonology while the main emphasis is on Amorth's experience as an exorcist. Both include references to the diagnosis and treatment of spiritual problems. The books briefly cover the topics of demonic contraction and curses. [17] He states, "A curse can originate from such things as maledictions by close relatives, a habit of blaspheming, membership in Freemasonry, spiritic or magic practices, and so on." [20]an honest (neither exaggerating nor underestimating) description about the nature of demons and demonic activities; For all those (and I know many) who make light of Ouija Boards, Seances, Fortune telling, Tarot Cards, Channeling, Wicca etc., you have no idea that all of these things are opening you and those around you up to the devil. For those who do not believe in him, you already belong to him. Wake up! Written 30 years ago by ‘the Pope’s Exorcist’, Father Amorth’s book is a long, wandering introduction to the work of exorcism. The good Father Amorth invested most of his life in caring for the oppressed and possessed. He claims to have done well over 30,000 exorcisms. Unfortunately, this book is like a poor man’s beef stew. It is watery and only has the rare piece of meat to it. The practical aspects that he promises are, sadly, few and far between. The Devil is Afraid of Me: The Life and Work of the World's Most Famous Exorcist, with Marcello Stanzione - published 2019, by Sophia Institute Press. Translated by Charlotte J. Fasi (originally published as Il Diavolo Ha Paura di Me, Tavagnacco: Edizioni Segno, 2016. [21] It gave me many insights into the devil—satan—and his minions and the various ways they work to ensnare human beings, hang on to them once they have been trapped, continue to haunt them even after they have been exorcised and all the damage they can do if an exorcism is not done properly.

Amorth, Gabriele (2002). An exorcist-- more stories. San Francisco: Ignatius Press. ISBN 0-89870-917-2. OCLC 51968861. In this powerful book, the renowned exorcist of Rome tells of his many experiences in his ministry as an exorcist doing battle with Satan to relieve the great suffering of people in the grip of evil. The importance of the ministry to expel demons is clearly seen in the Gospels, from the actions of the Apostles, and from Church history. Fr. Amorth allows the reader to witness the activities of the exorcist, to experience what an exorcist sees and does. He also reveals how little modern science, psychology, and medicine can do to help those under Satan's influence, and that only the power of Christ can release them from this kind of mental, spiritual or physical suffering. Vatican formally recognizes international association of exorcists". www.ncronline.org . Retrieved 2023-02-03.Friedkin, William (31 October 2016). "The Devil and Father Amorth: Witnessing "the Vatican Exorcist" at Work". Vanity Fair. It is true that there are many cases of mental illness. Fr. Amorth cautions against misinterpreting these cases as being cases of possession. Many cases misdiagnosed as mental illness, however, are cured by the Rite of Exorcism, which is spiritual medicine. Most of his "cures" are, therefore, commenced with prayers of blessings. One of the notable strengths of this book is the authenticity and credibility that Amorth brings to his accounts. As an esteemed exorcist within the Catholic Church, Amorth's years of practical experience and expertise shine through in his storytelling.

Exorcist". The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume V. New Advent - Catholic Encyclopedia. January 1909 . Retrieved 2007-03-03. Amorth wasn’t shy about discussing his experiences and wrote his own books, including 1999’s An Exorcist Tells His Story and 2002’s An Exorcist: More Stories which Sony Pictures says helped inspire the new film. The exorcist might also use “the imposition of hands, as well as the breathing on the person’s face (exsufflation)”. But, one the other hand, this book shows the blinkered and quite unsettling narrow-mindedness of the Church and the belief that innocuous behaviors cause an awful corruption of the soul. That Wicca, violent TV or 'punk' can cause satanic possession seems an antiquated and regressive viewpoint of societal norms and personal freedoms. I fear that in Amorth's eyes my interest in Dungeons & Dragons or my son's fascination with console games like Dark Souls would be enough to set the exorcist to prayers of liberation on my behalf.

An enduring archetype

One, to be clear, I am a spiritual person who finds truth in every religion and spiritual practice. I was raised Catholic and find so many of the Catholic traditions beautiful, meaningful, important, significant, and filled with truth. I also am a yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, have studied Buddhist meditation, astrology, mythology, and have many personal pagan practices. By those accounts, I suspect this author would happily let me know I was going to hell, despite the fact that my most meaningful spiritual practice is...