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- Exorcist Diary #237: Angelic Powers in an Exorcism
["The Fall of the Rebel Angels," Luca Giordano, 1634-1705] One of our afflicted persons has been particularly violent in sessions and needs strong restraints. At one point, he managed to break free and started to swing his arms wildly. The exorcist was justly alarmed and prayed aloud: "I ask the holy angels to restraint this man until we can secure him!" Immediately, his arms dropped to his side and remained motionless until he was restrained again. After being restrained, he again began to thrash, but was safely secured. A particularly gifted individual told us that we have at least one angel from the angelic ranks of Powers at each of our exorcism sessions. Of the nine choirs of angels, the Powers are of the middle rank, higher than guardian angels, and they "order how what has been commanded [by God] ... be carried out by others" including protecting from evil spirits. She said we have had up to eight angelic Powers present in a single session, depending on the size of the demonic cohort. At one point, we addressed these angelic Powers as "warrior angels" and we were given to understand that they prefer to be addressed as "defenders." It is demons who are the aggressors; God's holy angels are defending against these evil attacks. These Powers are naturally "all strong-willed and very protective" in the best sense. When given a vision of these powerful angels, they appear muscular, strong, imposing, and somewhat taller than a guardian angel. Their role is to protect what belongs to God and to keep out other demons that try to enter. Thus, in our exorcism sessions we explicitly pray for them to surround us and protect us. They are also actively involved in casting out the demons. For their weapons, they typically appear with lances or swords that are "the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God" or Jesus Christ (Eph 6:17). Exorcists should invoke their assistance at every session. We have been doing this explicitly with great effect using the St. Michael prayer ("St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle...") as well as the Breastplate of St. Patrick. When it comes to the section in the Breastplate: "I bind N. today to the virtue of ranks of Cherubim, in obedience of Angels, [in service of Archangels]," the Exorcist repeats this phrase many times, imploring the help of God's heavenly army. Exorcists tend to focus on the presence of demons in an exorcism since their ministry is directly to cast them out. However, good angels are present in every exorcism and their unseen presence is vital, and a consolation.
- Exorcist Diary #236: Demons Are Sore Losers
["Last Judgment", Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel] Demons are sore losers and do not accept defeat. After the liberation of a severely possessed young woman, the Team received a number of texts from the expelled demons. It was partly written in Ukrainian, a language that young woman doesn't speak, and it said: "Я йду за цією дівчиною." Google Translate rendered it: "I'm after this girl." It was signed, "666." The texts keep taunting us and telling us to give up and let her go. They want her back ... desperately. Several times the demons said it explicitly: "I want her back." Another time they texted, "I want the girl. I need her. Give her back to me soon. You can't keep this up." The Good News is that she is indeed liberated and the demonic taunts help to confirm it-- they were cast out and they want her back. We continue to assist her in living a solid Christian life. She is now able to receive the sacraments and there is a peace about her that wasn't there before. She just had a wonderful Easter with family. Even though she is liberated, the demons can still attack from the outside. This is especially true for a high value target, which she certainly is. A few days ago, I prayed with her online during such an attack and the demons were quickly expelled-- another sign that she is no longer possessed. Later, after she had gone to bed and was asleep, my phone blew up with more demonic texts. The exchange lasted about 20 minutes. Here is an excerpt: Demons: GET THE xxx AWAY FROM MY LITTLE GIRL STEPHEN. YOU'LL HURT YOURSELF. Rossetti: "May the BVM cast out the demons." [I sent a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe several times. This picture was especially effective during an exorcism against the demons of impurity.] Demons: "Why don't you go to sleep? Go to hell you xxxxx." [They then made a comment about a specific item in my room just to let me know they were watching me.] Rossetti: "May the Blessed Virgin cast out the demons. May St. Joseph terror of demons cast them out." Demons: "Don't you know she's going to be dead soon Stephen? You're wasting your time." Rossetti: "May the BVM cast out the demons." Demons: "Let the little girl come to me." Rossetti: [I again texted a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe several times.] Demons: [The demons sent crass texts and pornographic images and taunts that are not repeatable.] Rossetti: "In Jesus' name, I command you to look at the icon of Mary for five minutes and then leave." Very shortly, the text messages stopped and the demons were gone. Apparently the command to look at the icon was effective. They can't stand looking at the holy Mother of Jesus, particularly these demons of impurity. And they left. I don't engage demons in a conversation, as Pope Francis repeatedly warns against. Rather, with each taunt, I send back a prayer either in words or in pictures such as a holy icon of the Virgin Mary. Once again, the Virgin stomped on Satan's head (Gen 3:15)! Their defeat in this young woman's liberation must remind the demons that their their ultimate defeat is close at hand. When I bring up the notion that "time is short" (1 Cor 7:29) and they will be judged for all the evil they are now doing, their reaction is strong and immediate.* It is clear they do not want to face the final judgment and their inescapable punishment. But for the followers of Christ: "They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory...when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (Lk: 21:27-28). ------------- *A line in the Rite of Exorcism reminds the demons of their impending increased punishment for all the evil they are currently doing: "The longer you delay [leaving the possessed person], the heavier your punishment shall be." **Register for our free online deliverance session Monday May 8th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/may-8th-online-deliverance-prayer-session ***Msgr. Rossetti's book on prayer: When the Lion Roars is now available through Spirit Daily. Use this link to read a description and to order or: https://spiritdailyblog.com/mystics/announcing-a-new-book.
- Exorcist Diary #235: Did demons kill Jesus?
["Christ Crucified," Diego Velázquez, 1632] I was going on an overseas trip. During an exorcism session immediately before the flight, the demons threatened to kill me. They said, "We are going to crash your plane." Later, when the pilot announced that the plane had mechanical problems, it reminded me of the demons' threat. But we were never in any real danger. Our Team and the possessed are regularly threatened by demons. They will typically tell the possessed: "If you keep seeing that exorcist, we will kill you!" Then they promise,:"But if you stop praying, we will leave you alone." The former is an empty threat; the latter is a lie. A close reading of the New Testament might yield several times when the demons tried to have Jesus killed. For example, after Jesus said, "Before Abraham came to be, I AM," people picked up stones to throw at him but he slipped away (Jn 8:58-59). Or in Nazareth, Jesus criticized the townspeople for their lack of faith. "They were all filled with fury" and attempted to throw him over a hill. Again he walked away (Lk 4:28-30). Finally Jesus' hour had come and he was delivered into the hands of evil men (Lk 24:7; Mt 17:12; Mk 9:31). The Scriptures are clear that this was inspired by Satan: "The devil had already induced Judas ... to hand him over" (Jn 13:2). Some time ago, in the midst of an exorcism when I invoked the power of Jesus' resurrection, the demons jubilantly shouted, "We won! We won! He didn't rise!" The Team scoffed and I added, "This demon needs a history lesson."* Demons are not allowed to directly kill anyone, despite their blusterings and narcissistic posturing. However, they can and do inspire humans to do their bidding. This demon claimed victory when humans crucified Jesus by saying, "We won." But to the demons' eternal frustration, everything that evil does, by its very nature, is self-defeating. Their ultimate defeat is in the resurrection of Jesus which is the triumph of grace. Evil is blind to grace which they cannot see or fathom. We, too, ought to take consolation in that everything that comes our way, including the sometimes tormenting machinations of demons and their minions, will be a source of grace when delivered into the hands of God. Like Jesus we pray, "Father, thy will be done" (Lk 22:42) and "Into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Lk 23:46). ------------------------ *See Diary of an American Exorcist, p. 143. **Register for our free online deliverance session Monday May 8th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/may-8th-online-deliverance-prayer-session
- Exorcist Diary #234: Was Judas possessed?
["The Taking of Christ," Caravaggio, 1602] This week in the daily liturgy we read the Gospel accounts of Judas' betrayal. It is ugly stuff. The Scriptures say that Judas was a thief and took money from the common purse (Jn 12:6). Moreover, he conspired with the chief priests and Temple officers on handing Jesus over to them. A real opening to the demonic. But was he possessed? The Scriptures are clear and graphic: "Then Satan entered into Judas" (Lk 22:3). Moreover, John's gospel tells the exact moment in which Judas became possessed: "After he took the morsel, Satan entered him" (Jn 13:27). Some scholars believe that this refers to Judas having received the Eucharistic Body of Christ without faith and actually as a betrayer. He immediately left the Last Supper and the Gospel says, "It was night" (Jn 13:30). In a very difficult exorcism some time ago, we were faced with hundreds of demons. We went through layers and layers of demonic cohorts, each captained by a different leader. At each point, I demanded to know that cohort leader's name, which helped in casting them out. When each leader left, his entire cohort left with him. At one point, demanding the name, I was surprised to hear the response, "Judas!" I further inquired, "Are you a demon using his name or the real human who betrayed Jesus?" In a shout filled with shame, he answered that he was truly the man. Shortly thereafter, Judas was expelled. I asked how that happened, since I was not aware of him leaving. The demons said: "She cast him out." Of course, they were referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus.* While the Church has never named anyone as definitively being in hell, Jesus himself said of Judas, "It would be better for that man if he had never been born" (Mt 26:24). Apparently, Judas despaired of God's mercy and hung himself. If only he had turned to Jesus in true repentance, he would have been saved. If my experience is accurate, Judas has been lost. No one is beyond God's mercy, except those who reject it.*** Recently, a woman came to me who said that God was angry with her and would not forgive her, despite her repentance. But the voice in her head that said she could not be forgiven was really the voice Satan. During this most holy of weeks, when we gaze upon the Cross, it should convince us that God's love and mercy are without limit for the world and for each one of us. --------- *See Diary of an American Exorcist, pp. 67-68. **Register for our free online deliverance session Monday May 8th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/may-8th-online-deliverance-prayer-session ***Scrupulous people are many times irrationally tormented that they have committed the unpardonable sin and are damned. This is a demonic lie. They should do their best to reject these scrupulous thoughts and make an act of the will: "Jesus I trust in you."
- Exorcist Diary #233: Generational Curses?
["Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Paradise," stained glass, Church of Saint-Aignan, Chartres] James was a severe alcoholic. After a serious illness that almost took his life, James stopped drinking. He vowed to return to his faith after having lapsed for a decade. However, when he started going back to the Catholic Mass, he began to have strange reactions. He blacked out several times while engaged in religious practices. At night, he felt attacked by evil forces. He woke up with large bruises and scratches on his arms and legs. The scratches were in sets of threes (note: demonic scratches are often in threes as a mockery of the Trinity). Strangely, even though he had stopped drinking, bottles of alcohol would inexplicably materialize around him. His fiancée actually witnessed the bottles suddenly appear at his side as if dropping from his body. Evil forces appeared to be tempting him. His parish priest referred him to our exorcism ministry. In the initial sessions, he made great progress. In addition to attending weekly exorcism sessions, he and his fiancée said a daily rosary and frequented the sacraments, including regular confession. However, after a few weeks, he suddenly stopped going to the sessions. He stopped receiving the sacraments and said he no longer believed. It was a stunning halt with no obvious explanation. But a few short months later, he returned. He told the Exorcist that the spiritual attacks had gotten so bad that he couldn't stand it. The exorcism sessions began again and were again having noticeable benefit. The demonic attacks were getting less severe. However, it seemed to the Exorcist that there was something blocking full liberation. The sessions were not being fully effective. On an inspiration, the Exorcist asked James, "Is there any freemasonry or other cult involvement in your family background?" James responded, "My grandfather was a 33rd degree mason." So, the Exorcist took James through the prayers to lift any curses related to freemasonry plus any other generational curses. In the next session, James experienced great relief. He said it was almost like "a switch turned" and he was liberated. It has been several years now and the demons have not returned. He is happily married and practicing the faith. There is some discussion today about whether generational curses really exist. The Catholic Church has not spoken definitely about this and there is much room for disagreement and debate. However, the senior exorcists that I know all make lifting generational curses a regular part of their ministry. Some theologians disagree and suggest that the sacrament of baptism would complete eradicate any transmission of the effects of generational sins. It is true that baptism does cleanse the person from the stain of Original Sin. However, it does not wipe out all its effects. For example, suffering and death remain in our world because of Original Sin, despite the power of baptism. Others teach that we are not culpable for the sins of past generations. This is true. But the effects of their sins can and do affect us. For example, if my parents were both drug addicts, I am not responsible for their sins. But the negative effects of growing up in a drug addicted household would certainly affect me. But I have noticed that lifting generational curses seems relatively easy for most, as it was for James. Perhaps it is because the children are not culpable for the sins. On the other hand, I have found that casting out the effects of divination, such as the practice of witchcraft, if the individuals themselves had engaged in this serious sin, is not easy and takes considerable time and cleansing. We live in a broken world. The effects of sin are everywhere. We are all affected, in some way, by the temptations and actions of the Evil One. But we remain hope-filled and confident. "Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more ... through Jesus Christ Our Lord" (Rm 5:20-21). ----------------------- *Register for our Lenten deliverance retreat on Saturday April 1st at 11am-2pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7701698950683745116
- Exorcist Diary #232: Demons Are Without Remorse*
["The Monks at Confession at Toledo," after Sir David Wilkie, 1846] One of our spiritual sensitives was present in an exorcism session. The demons were tormenting and choking a possessed person. She was stunned by the demons’ complete lack of remorse or even an ounce of pity. In fact, they actually delighted in making the person suffer. This is an important insight for an exorcism team. We naturally expect people to show some compassion and to treat others with at least a modicum of respect. Demons do not. They will inflict the maximum suffering allowed. Fortunately, God greatly limits them. Nevertheless, we all need to be careful when demons are manifesting and to expect the worst. At times, sadly, we humans also make others suffer. But we have a remedy. We can confess our sins. We can ask for forgiveness from God and from those we have harmed. We can do our best to provide restitution for any damage caused. This is especially appropriate during this Lenten season. Demons are beyond hope. In their absolute and irrevocable rejection of Jesus, they have rejected God’s mercy. However, we humans are never beyond hope in this life, even at our last breath. In the end, it is only by God's mercy that any of us are saved. People often plead with me to liberate them from demons. Some are thinking I have some special prayer that will cast out their evil spirits. I can think of no greater prescription for liberation than a heartfelt confession and cleansing power of God’s mercy. ------------------ *To see a short video on confessing sins and to pray with Msgr. Rossetti for forgiveness, see this video link or: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXu7YN_DIDQ If you are Catholic, you should follow it up with the great grace of a sacramental confession. **Register for our Lenten deliverance retreat on Saturday April 1st at 11am-2pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7701698950683745116 ***Register for our free online deliverance session Monday May 8th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/may-8th-online-deliverance-prayer-session
- Exorcist Diary #231: Demons of Shame*
[Jesus The Good Shepherd, Alex Kovych] "Jane" was besieged with thoughts of shame. These thoughts portrayed her entire life as one of dismal failure. She felt like she was diseased and disgusting. She could not imagine God or anyone else loving her or even wanting to look at her. She said, "I feel like walking shame." Jane is afflicted with a severe demonic obsession. It is more than simply the negative self-talk that so many of us have. Hers is exceptionally strong and it daily torments her. It pounds away at her brain seemingly without cease. At times, the shame overwhelms her thinking and emotionally paralyzes her. True humility is rooted in the truth. Yes, we are all sinners. We are all guilty and have contributed to the crucifixion of Jesus. But this is not the same thing as shame. Shame attacks our sense of self and self-worth. We are made to think we are worthless. Some mystics say that the demons in hell torment the damned with such thoughts of shame. The demons pummel them with the charge that they are worthless and that God doesn't care. Despite our guilt and our sin, we are not worthless. Rather, we are made in God's image and are thus of inestimable value. We are infinitely loved and our sins are forgiven. We are saved by Him. Thoughts of shame and self-denigration do not come from God. With those pummeled by demonic obsessions of shame, I regularly go through repeated renunciations of the "demons of shame." I lead them in saying: "I renounce the demons of shame. I reject them; I rebuke them; I renounce them. In Jesus' name, I cast them out. In his holy name, I cast them out!" It is also good for them to add: "I am a child of God and I am made beautiful in God's image. I am infinitely loved by the Father." I will then say, "May our loving God wrap his arms around you. May you know that you are infinitely loved. Know that you are willed into being by love from the first moment of your conception. You are called and destined for the Kingdom." This is my prayer for you all: May you, too, know that you were lovingly willed into being from the first moment of your conception. May the Father wrap his loving arms around you. May you feel his warmth, his love, and his peace. In the name of Jesus be healed. In the name of Jesus, be at peace. ------------------------------------- *To see a video on the Demons of Shame and to pray with Msgr. Rossetti for liberation, see this video link or: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJCMj9dmgss **Register for our Lenten deliverance retreat on Saturday April 1st at 11am-2pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7701698950683745116 ***Register for our free online deliverance session Monday May 8th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/may-8th-online-deliverance-prayer-session
- Exorcist Diary #230: Demons of Obesity
["The Seven Dead Sins and the Four Last Things," detail- Gluttony, Hieronymus Bosch, 16th Century, Museo del Prado] I was a bit surprised when “Sean” told me that he was starting to eat compulsively. He said, “I can’t stop eating. This has never happened before.” The family is locking up the refrigerator at night or else he will eat everything inside. Oddly, Sean has never had a compulsive eating problem in the past or any other compulsive behaviors. But he does have a demonic affliction and this compulsive behavior may be a symptom of the demons’ presence. I started to take even more notice of the possible reality of “demons of obesity” when another unrelated client told me of a similar problem. She, too, has compulsively started to eat, which has greatly surprised her. Like Sean, she said, “I can’t stop eating.” She, too, has a demonic affliction, in this case the result of a curse from a bitter relative. Then a third case of unexplained compulsive eating coupled with a demonic affliction recently surfaced. The details were similar: an unexplained compulsive eating problem which suddenly surfaced in the midst of a demonic affliction. Can demons induce someone, in a case of their extraordinary activity, to behave compulsively? Can they induce a compulsive eating disorder? As a licensed psychologist, I am loathe to blame demons for people’s addictive behaviors. I have spent 30 years therapeutically assisting such people in overcoming their addictions. But these three cases are different. The behavioral cases I treated in the past as a psychologist all had a normal etiology, symptomatology, and typically responded well to standard treatments. The three cases cited above were unusual and surfaced only in the light of the extraordinary presence of demons. In these unusual cases, we are “treating” them with assiduous deliverance prayers in addition to the normal therapeutic interventions as needed. There is much we do not know about the preternatural world. We are rediscovering the ministry of exorcism after many, many years of neglect. We ought to remain open to and learn from what we experience, especially when other exorcists report similar experiences. It is likewise important that we exorcists share our experiences with each other and thus advance our knowledge in the service of the afflicted. If you believe that you are suffering from the presence of "Demons of Obesity," I suggest the following prayer: In the Holy Name of +Jesus, I rebuke, I reject and I renounce the demons of obesity. In +Jesus' name, I cast them out. In his holy name, I cast them all out. (3 times)* ---------------------------------- *Note that this prayer of command should only be used over one's own body since an individual has the natural law right of authority over one's self. When praying for people over whom we do not have such authority, we use deprecatory prayers, asking God to intervene, rather than prayers of command. **Register for tonight's free online deliverance session Monday March 6th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/march-6th-online-deliverance-prayer-session ***Register for our Lenten deliverance retreat on Saturday April 1st at 11am-2pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7701698950683745116
- Exorcist Diary #229: Angels in an Exorcism
["Fall of the Rebel Angels," Luca Giordano, 17th century] The session was spinning out of control. The afflicted person, fully manifesting, amazingly broke out of the strong physical restraints. His fists started flying and the exorcist feared for everyone's safety. In a firm voice, he invoked the Angelic Powers to restrain the demons. Immediately, the energumen's arms dropped and his body went limp. The team quickly put the restraints back in place. He started to thrash again, but this time, he was even more firmly secured. Another of our priests was praying over a small group of people using deliverance and healing prayers. He invoked the nine choirs of angels by name and especially called upon Sts. Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. Then, every one of the group felt the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit and rested in a deep peace and consolation. Two of them reported physical healings- one felt a kind of fire in her arthritic knees and, so far, can now walk without pain. The other claimed to have been healed from a tumor. Becoming more cognizant of the powerful intervention of the angels in our sessions, we are regularly using the "Breastplate of St. Patrick."* When we get to the invocation of the angels, we repeat it several times to great effect: "I bind N. today to the virtue of ranks of Cherubim, in obedience of Angels, in service of Archangels...." As an exorcist, I feel close to the angels. They are our constant companions. But sometimes I forget how powerful their intercession is. Moments such as these remind us that they are given to wield God's power and the sword of the Spirit. I thank God for such powerful and beautiful friends. I will call upon them in every session. ------------------------- *The "Breastplate of St. Patrick" can be found on our app/website under "Deliverance Prayers for the Laity." **Register for our next free online deliverance session Monday March 6th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/march-6th-online-deliverance-prayer-session ***Register for our Lenten deliverance retreat on Saturday April 1st at 11am-2pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7701698950683745116
- Exorcist Diary #228: The Demonic Hour
["Sermon on the Mount," Fra Angelico, 1437] James complained of demonic attacks. One fact especially caught my attention. I asked, "What time do they occur?" He responded, "3am." I thought, “Ahhh, the demonic hour.” To discern if someone is possessed, we look for the well-known major signs such as occult knowledge, superhuman strength, knowledge of unknown languages, and aversion to the sacred. But many times these classic signs do not appear until much later. In the beginning, we are attuned to more subtle signs that typically accompany the possessed, such as the characteristics of the alleged demonic attacks. Satan hates Jesus. The Evil One mocks Jesus at every turn, inverting sacred signs and truths. Jesus died on the cross at 3pm. Jesus called it, "My hour." In the Satanic inversion, Satan claims 3am as his hour. We find some of the most intense Satanic attacks on the possessed occur at that time. It is likely that, at 3am, he is at his greatest strength. Carey, too, was possessed. She also described intense demonic attacks at 3am. As the lengthy process of her exorcism continued, she was losing strength and we feared she would not be able to hold up. We were more than concerned. The demons were pummeling her at 3am. So, we decided to start praying with her at 2:30am. In addition to giving her some relief, I wanted to attack the demons at their strength. They previously controlled the night. Now, with these night sessions, we were on the offensive. For some weeks, the Team gathered at 2:30am. Carey said, "It did fend the demons off a little bit and gave me some peaceful nights after the 3am hour." At this stage, her getting some sleep was critical. Eventually, the demons realized that we would not stop praying at 2:30am. So, they started attacking her at 1am. I was surprised it took them so long to adjust. I think they were very surprised we would wake in the middle of the night to help this young woman. They probably figured we would eventually give up; but we did not. In their narcissistic world, they cannot comprehend the idea of charity and self-giving. And since the demons started attacking her at 1am, we then began to gather at 12:30am (the Team was happy to pray earlier!). So, the cat and mouse tactics continued. Happily, Carey eventually made it to the end and is now liberated. I see many signs of the Satanic inversion in our world today, especially in people’s thinking, although often not recognized. For example, Satanists claim to offer freedom from "tyrannical religious authority," but it is Satan who enslaves. They claim to promote human dignity and fulfillment, but Satan is the destroyer of humanity. Some witches claim that their spells are really the same as Christian prayers, but the only result of any magic spell is a curse. In Jesus is true freedom and the fullness of human potential. In true Christianity, we find real grace and wonderful blessings. Be on guard against Satanic inversions. Whenever you hear one, say a simple prayer: "May the light of the Holy Spirit come upon us all and reveal Him who is the Truth." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Register for our next free online deliverance session Monday March 6th at 7-8pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/march-6th-online-deliverance-prayer-session ** Register for our Lenten deliverance retreat on Saturday April 1st at 11am-2pm Eastern USA time (the same as New York City). Register here or: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7701698950683745116
- Exorcist Diary #227: Satan- Bringer of Death
Sarah was fully possessed. As a young woman, she had given herself to Satan. In subsequent years, she had become sullen, hopeless, and suicidal. While she wanted to be freed, Satan frequently reminded her that she had given herself to him. They had a contract. He regularly tempted her to suicide. Eventually, she found her way to a knowledgeable Catholic priest. He told her that the death and resurrection of Jesus cancels her contract with Satan. He urged her to trust in Jesus, practice the faith, and see the Exorcist. She is now going through a protracted exorcism; those who voluntarily give themselves to Satan typically take longer to be freed. They are the ones whom Satan is especially loathe to give up. A powerful moment in the Rite of Exorcism is the litany of the titles of Satan. They are a series of damning (literally) list of accusations describing the Evil One and the fruits of sin. They include such appellations as: inimice fidei (enemy of the faith), hostis generis humani (foe of the human race), vitae raptor (robber of life), auctor incestus (author of incest), justitiae declinator (corruptor of justice), malorum radix (root of evil), causa discordiae (cause of discord), excitator dolorum (excitor of pain and sorrow), pater mendacii (father of lies) and many more. Lucifer hates it and each one hits him like a sledge hammer. Not only is the recitation of the litany of his evil titles spiritually effective, the demons' reaction to the names is often diagnostic. In the midst of Sarah's exorcism, I began praying the list, clearly enunciating and firmly emphasizing each name. When I got to the title: mortis adductor, they reacted strongly. I had hit a button. So, I stopped and for several minutes repeated: Mortis Adductor, Bringer of Death; Mortis Adductor, Bringer of Death; Mortis Adductor, Bringer of Death. The demons began to writhe and thrash wildly. Satan and sin brought death into our world. He urgently wants to do so with Sarah. I had Sarah do her best to renounce the Demons of Death. I said to her, "Repeat after me: 'I renounce the Demons of Death. I reject them, I rebuke them, I renounce them, and in Jesus' name, I cast them out.'" She struggled to comply, but eventually was able to say it. It was an exhausting session for both of us, but very fruitful. Satan is the bringer of death. Everything about hell reeks of death. There is no water; it is black, barren, and lifeless. We see the presence of Satan in many death-dealing actions in our world today. The Satanic Temple announced that it would open a free abortion clinic in New Mexico. Perhaps it would be good for all of us to renounce the Demons of Death. Jesus has broken Satan's hold on this world and on our lives. We affirm that in Jesus we find true life (Jn 14:6). *A collection of the Titles of Satan which are used in the Rite of Exorcism can be found on our website. **Our next online deliverance session is Monday March 6th at 7-8pm Eastern time (the same as New York City). Register at www.catholicexorcism.org or here.
- Exorcist Diary #226: Financially Cursed
[Stained glass of St. Louis de Montfort, G. Freihalter] A man's cry for help to us caught my eye. He said: "I own my own business. Large amounts of money come through but I can never keep any of it. If it looks like I will have a little profit from a job, something unexpected will ALWAYS pop up and take it, like a vehicle breaking down, even though there was absolutely nothing wrong with it before. Recently a customer wanted to pay their final payment with a credit card. I have three different credit card systems, each under different companies, but the day I went to collect the payment none of them would work...." These were just a few of his examples. He had many more! A young family came to me with a similar story. The father had a good job with the government and was a fiscally responsible adult. But the family was constantly broke due to a bizarre, never-ending series of financial setbacks. It was more than a case of bad luck. Like the businessman, he felt like he was cursed. One person beset with such inexplicable financial setbacks started to find small change around his house (dimes and pennies) and sometimes in his pocket with no awareness of how they got there. The man said, "About once a week I find a dime in my left pocket. We have been struggling financially. Barely making enough to eat." It felt like demons were taunting him. Some people are not good with money and overspend. They might benefit from help in financial management. But I am running into more and more cases of what appears to be a financial curse. The first step in overcoming a financial curse is, of course, to live in a state of grace. For Catholics, this includes frequent confession, Mass and Eucharist plus avoiding serious sin. Second, one needs to close any possible portals to the demonic. In one case, a financially cursed individual had a strong family history of freemasonry. It is not surprising that someone's involvement in freemasonry would lead to financial curses, since many join in hopes of financial gain and social success. The afflicted individual was led through the ritual of renouncing freemasonic curses. Another couple with financial problems had been cursed by an angry grandparent who did not approve of their marriage. She went to a witch to invoke her black magic and cursed them saying, "You will have nothing." The antidote for them included breaking any unholy connection with the grandparent, the witch, and lifting all the curses. Because these curses came through the evil and sins of someone in one's blood line, they can take time to expunge. Consistent prayer, deliverance, holy living and trusting in Jesus are necessary. It is not always "one and done." Ultimately, liberation is in the Lord's time, and there may an extended period of financial distress. When we trust in the Lord during times of trial, there is much purification and sanctification that occurs. A powerful help to the process of liberation is consecrating one's life and goods to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This can be done in the St. Louis de Montfort consecration or in the following prayer which is the de Montfort consecration edited specifically for financial curses: A Prayer Against Financial Curses and Consecration to the BVM I invoke my natural law rights over my own property and finances. I lift any curses sent against me or my property or finances. I reject any sins that may have led to these curses coming against me and ask for God's forgiveness. I break any unholy bonds that allowed such curses to come upon me. I command the demons related to these curses to leave permanently and not be replaced by any other evil spirits. I ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to receive now the entire and full right of disposing of these goods according to God's holy will. May she cast out any and all evil spirits, sanctify them, protect them from any future evil action, and use them for the glory of God. I, N_____, a faithless sinner, renew and ratify today the vows of my Baptism; I renounce forever Satan, his pomps and works; and I give myself entirely to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom, to carry my cross after Him all the days of my life, and to be more faithful to Him than I have ever been before. In the presence of all the heavenly court I choose you, the Mother of God, this day for my Mother and Mistress. I deliver and consecrate to you, as your servant, my body and soul, my goods, both interior and exterior, and even the value of all my good actions, past, present and future; leaving to you the entire and full right of disposing of me, and all that belongs to me, without exception, according to your good pleasure, for the greater glory of God in time and in eternity. Receive, O Blessed Virgin, this little offering of my servitude, in honor of and in union with, that subjection which the Eternal Wisdom deigned to have to your maternity; in homage to the power which both of you have over this poor sinner, and in thanksgiving for the privileges with which the Holy Trinity has favored you. I declare that I wish henceforth, as your true servant, to seek your honor and to obey you in all things. O admirable Mother, present me to your dear Son as His eternal servant, so that as He has redeemed me by you, by you He may receive me! O Mother of mercy, grant me the grace to obtain the true Wisdom of God; and for that end receive me among those whom you love and teach, whom you lead, nourish and protect as your children. O faithful Virgin, make me in all things so perfect a disciple, imitator and servant of the Incarnate Wisdom, Jesus Christ your Son, that I may attain, by your intercession and by your example, to the fullness of spiritual maturity in Jesus on earth and of His glory in Heaven. Amen.
- Exorcist Diary #225: The Heart of a Spiritual Warrior
[St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, the "Little Arab," stigmatist] We have had a few cases in the recent past that have been particularly brutal. A few young women have been repeatedly brutalized by demons at night and during the sessions. They have been choked, limbs twisted, bruised and beaten, demonically raped at night, and more. Demons have threatened them, raged, cursed, and terrorized them. One experienced all the excruciating sensations of a knife being plunged into her hand by the demons, although it physically never happened. It breaks my heart to see how they suffer. Some will disbelieve, but I have seen it repeatedly. Some will wonder why God allows it. But God allows his fallen creatures, human and demonic, to inflict horrible evils on our world. We trust, as God told the mystic Julian of Norwich that, in the end: "All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well." What is striking with these young women is their courage in the face of such frightening evil and painful torture. As I told one of them recently, "God is making you into a strong Spiritual Warrior." Each of them has much needed graces and strengths for the spiritual combat. Each of them has the heart of a Spiritual Warrior. A true Spiritual Warrior is: *Fearless & Trusting. Demons can be terrifying. They threaten great tortures and evils. These women do not succumb. They trust that Jesus is Lord and that Jesus "has their backs." *Humbly obedient. Human arrogance is quickly overcome by demons. Self-direction in humans inevitably leads to disaster. These women are humbly obedient to God, the Church and the exorcist, all of which are critical for the success of an exorcism. *Calm acceptance. The demons tempt them to succumb to self-pity, resentment, and an inner rage. This path is easy to take and many in our world fall into it. But this path leads into the dark world of demons; this is Satan's hell. These women endure such torments without rancor or bitterness. They exude a sense of inner peace. *When knocked down, they get up. This is perhaps the most striking of their qualities. When the demons choke them; they continue fighting. When the demons threaten them; they keep praying. When the demons knock them down; they get back up. Being possessed is a terrible experience and some are possessed through no fault of their own. There have been many saints who suffered intense demonic attacks as victims for the salvation of souls, such as St. Mary of Jesus Crucified (the "Little Arab."). (Some suggest that, for forty days, the "Little Arab" was even fully possessed!*) It is precisely in such dark moments when we can most fully participate in the Cross of Christ. These young women exemplify the traits of a true Spiritual Warrior. Theirs is courage, fearlessness, trust, humility, obedience and perseverance in the Lord. They show us the path that we all must take. May our lives be filled with such graces and virtues. May we, too, be true Spiritual Warriors. *Sister Emmanuel Maillard, Maryam of Bethlehem: The Little Arab, Children of Medjugorje, Inc., 2011. **The next online deliverance session is Monday, January 30th, 7-8pm (New York City time). Register here or https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/online-deliverance-prayer-session-10 . All of our monthly deliverance sessions are free of charge.
- Exorcist Diary #224: Demonic Dreams
[Angel on the San Angelo bridge, Rome; Photo taken by the Author] A woman recently relayed to me her dream, which she thought was demonic. People often tell me that they are suffering from demonic dreams. I am always a bit skeptical. But this one caught my eye: Last night, as usual, I sprinkled holy water around my bed and room. As I was sleeping, I felt two warm creatures wrap up to me, one near my shoulder, and one below, near my waist. I reached to feel them. They had warm, soft fur, and my thought was, "How sweet" but I went to remove them and they sunk their sharp eye teeth in my arms and wouldn't let go. I tried yelling, but was so weak, so I tried to scream louder, and when I did, I woke up and they were gone. It was terrifying! I've never had a dream like that and don't want another one. As a psychologist, I know that many intense images and emotions can surface during our dreams. Many clinicians believe dreaming is a way for our minds to process the events and emotions of our lives. The mind tries to work through our inner conflicts and traumas to bring resolution and peace. As such, dreams can be full of strong emotions and frightening images, especially when our lives contain fear, pain, powerlessness, and/or abuse. But this woman's dream had signs of a true demonic encounter. First, it was a clear dream with a plot to it, rather than being a melange of images. Second, it was an intense encounter that she vividly remembered. Normal dreams tend to be forgotten quickly unless written down immediately upon waking. Third, the actions of the demonic character were typical of what demons do. In this case, they tried to seduce her into thinking they were "warm, soft fur" and thus friendly. But when she rejected them, they turned vicious, having sharp eye teeth and refused to leave. Fourth, her emotional response was one of intense fear; she said, "It was terrifying." This would be a typical emotional response to a demonic attack. What is especially interesting is that she somehow knew that she should reject them, despite feeling they were warm and soft. Likely, seeing through the demonic deception was a grace from Holy Spirit perhaps with a nudge from her Guardian Angel. It took a bit of effort for her to get rid of the demons, but when she "screamed louder", they left. So, her rejection of the demonic seduction was strong and persistent, which is critical. Her use of holy water before sleeping probably helped to spiritually protect herself against this demonic attack. I do not quickly ascribe a demonic cause to any dream that might be ugly and terrifying. But this dream fit the criteria of a true encounter with the Evil One. In fact, they are not really "dreams" at all, but rather spiritual encounters while we are asleep. But, even in such a vulnerable state, the Lord protects us. As the psalmist says: "I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Ps 4:9). *The next online deliverance session is Monday, January 30th, 7-8pm (New York City time). Register here or https://www.catholicexorcism.org/event-details/online-deliverance-prayer-session-10 . All of our monthly deliverance sessions are free of charge.
- Exorcist Diary #223: Our Friends in Heaven
Standing in the midst of a cemetery for monks, I could see about 30 simple white crosses. I knew almost all of them. For forty years, I had been coming to this monastery on retreat. Most of those who were buried here, I had known personally. As I looked at each cross, I pictured their faces and remembered them with gratitude. Each year they welcomed me as one of their own. During the night watch, I sat shoulder to shoulder with them, chanting the psalms. I found much peace there. As I stood in the cemetery, I began to pray for them, as is my custom in cemeteries. I prayed Hail Marys for their eternal repose. Requiescant in pace et lux perpetua luceat eis (May they rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon them). That particular afternoon had been a difficult one, the Evil One was oppressing me. He's not too happy I am on retreat I suspect! But the oppression was not so bad that I couldn’t visit my friends in the cemetery. As I finished my prayers for the dead and started to return to the cloister, the oppression instantly lifted. A spiritual calm ensued. At that moment, I realized that a grace had been given. I had been praying for the monks but, in reality, it was they who were interceding for me. I was standing in the midst of saints. I thought, “My friends, I thank you.” During our exorcisms, I invoke many of the great, well-known saints, as is proper. Their powerful intercession is well known. I wonder if my personal friends in heaven would help too? In the days ahead, I will ask...
- Exorcist Diary #222: The Isolation of Hell
[Illustration, Dante's Ninth Circle of Hell, Gustave Dore] Two of our exorcists were working together with a demonically afflicted person. The night before the first session, each separately had an identical, unusual experience. When they met the next morning, both described being overwhelmed during the previous night by an intense cold. They could not get warm, despite wrapping themselves in layers of clothing. They were freezing on the inside. Their experiences lasted about an hour and then dissipated. The next day, as they met and prayed with the person who was demonically afflicted, it became clear that she suffered from a number of demonic symptoms including a pervasive isolation. She had no close friends and, although she was a responsible professional, she had no real life-giving human connections. Her emotional life was "cold". Hopefully our exorcists, by experiencing her demonic isolation as "burden bearers", were a help for her carrying her burden and an assist toward liberation. Isolation is a common characteristic of the possessed. When demons are present, the afflicted typically experience something of their life in hell. In the infernal regions, there are no friendships. There is only an emotional isolation that pierces the soul. In Dante's Inferno, the ninth and lowest region of hell, where Satan himself resides, is depicted as a frozen wasteland. The road to recovery for the demonically afflicted should eventually include a reconnecting with friends, loved ones, and a community of faith. Heaven is love, unity and peace. Hell is hatred and isolation. All of us need the warmth of human connection, otherwise our life becomes a true hell.
- Exorcist Diary #217: Do Demons Always Lie?
["What is truth?" Christ and Pilate, Nikolai Ge, 1890] One of our deacon team members has been doing a great job in defending against demonic attacks directed at him and assisting the liberation of a possessed person. He received his training from one of the best demonologists in the country. The demons sent him this message: "He tricked you; you didn't learn s... from him!" I translated the demonic lie for him: "Your teacher nailed it and taught you a lot. The demons are angry about that." Demons lie and, in their very lies, there is often a kernel of truth. In this case, the demons are angry that the deacon is so effective and they blame his teacher. Do demons ever tell the truth directly? Sometimes.... Sometimes God makes them tell the truth, especially when you hear the demons admitting anything holy such as "Jesus is Lord". Second, they will use a true statement if they think they can diss someone with it. For example, they will occasionally call out someone's sins or mention past missteps in attempt to damage their self-image. Thirdly, we exorcists, invoking the authority of the Church in the midst of an exorcism, command the demons to tell the truth. We do this only to learn important information in casting them out, such as demons' names. But we are careful with whatever we hear, since the demons will continue to lie if they can. Satan is "a liar and the Father of lies" (Jn 8:44). Jesus is "the way and the truth" (Jn 14:6). I have begun to read some of the comments on social media posted in response to our videos. Sadly, some of them contain demonic lies. One person said, "Satan loves you for who you are." Another wrote, "I am a witch and I can control the demons." They are listening to demonic lies. The antidote is Jesus who is the Truth. I implore the many who are dabbling in the dark world to turn to the Truth. Satan's lies only lead to death. ------------------------ *We invite you to join Msgr. Stephen Rossetti on our next online deliverance webinar on Monday, November 28, 2022, from 7pm to 8pm Eastern USA time. Please register if you wish to attend. **Msgr. Stephen Rossetti will lead an online Advent Deliverance Retreat from 11am to 2pm Eastern USA time (same as New York City) on Saturday December 10th. This retreat is designed for those who want to know more about spiritual warfare and who want a deeper personal experience of deliverance and healing. Register here. Or register at: www.catholicexorcism.org. ***Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for daily content that will hopefully help you in your spiritual journey. May our Blessed Mother and St. Michael watch over our content and bring it to those who need it the most.
- Exorcist Diary #221: "It's all good, Father"
[Mary Magdalene in Penitence, El Greco, 1578] Poor Kate. She gets beaten up and sexually assaulted nightly by a large pack of demons. She regularly wakes up with scratches, bruises and demonic symbols etched into her skin. During our exorcism sessions, demons threaten her, assault her and choke her. As we get close to full liberation, she vomits up large black globs, a sign that demons are being expelled. It is not her fault she is possessed. Her parents gave her over to Satan at birth, as they themselves had willingly subjugated themselves to the Dark World. Life for Kate has never been fair. But I have not heard her complain about her parents. Between sessions especially after a rough time, I check on her: "How are you doing Kate?" Her answer is always: "It's all good, Father." Exorcism sessions are intense and sometimes brutal. In the midst of these, when she comes back to herself for a brief moment, I ask: "How are you doing Kate?" She always bounces back and says, "It's all good, Father." And so we continue. These days, whenever I find myself a bit beleaguered by the Evil One or during any sort of trial, I find myself spontaneously saying, "It's all good. It's all good." I got that from Kate. She inspires me. *The next monthly online deliverance session is Monday, January 30th, 7-8pm Eastern time (the same as New York City). Register here.
- Exorcist Diary #220: Satan the Great Accuser
["Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery," Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, 1752] One of our exorcists recently said, "I woke up this morning and was mentally pounded with self-accusatory thoughts of how bad I am and with the thought that I am not forgivable. It was very ugly." Interesting, he had been working that week with an afflicted person who was struggling with demonic obsessions, especially the mental torment of self-hatred. In the Bible, Satan is called, "The Great Accuser" (Rev 12:10). One of Satan's most common tactics is to incessantly hound people with their sins. His goal is to destroy their sense of self-worth and bring them to despair. Satan hates humans. He envies God's predilection for them. He rejects God for His humble incarnation in humanity. In accusing humanity of its sinfulness, Satan futilely tries to strike back at God. Sometimes in exorcisms, we directly experience "The Great Accuser." Demons may call out our failings. They taunt me when I make mistakes. They especially like to point out times when they appear to have the upper hand in the battle. My defense? None. My response is: "Indeed, I am a sinner." Then I add: "But I am not your problem. Jesus is. In his holy name, I cast you out!" When our exorcist woke up to a barrage of self-accusatory thoughts, the circumstances suggest that he was acting as a "burden bearer." We trust that his sacrifice was a grace for the afflicted person and perhaps for others similarly afflicted as well. Many, many people suffer from demonic mental torments. Sometimes they are simply of a psychological origin. But more times than people realize, Satan is directly attacking their sense of self-worth and hope. Our response as fallen human beings is simple, "I am a sinner. But my hope is in Jesus."
- Exorcist Diary #219: Tattoo as a Demonic Portal
[Miraculous Medal chapel, National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, WashDC] When the Deacon poured the holy water on her tattoo, she howled, "It's burning me!" The water was actually cold. Again and again, he poured holy water on the tattoo as I repeatedly read the prayer of "Decommissioning Tattoos."* After months of deliverance prayers, including exorcizing this tattoo, it was finally over. The tattoo is now benign and the demons connected to it are gone. Surprisingly, it is just a tattoo of some roses, but it became a huge demonic portal, and a major focus of the exorcism. It was connected to her past as a stripper and carried sexual overtones. With the help of her parents, she found her way out of the clubs into a regular job, and into the confessional. At one point, some of Satan's minions had targeted her and were trying to entice her back into the clubs and/or force her into the sex trade. Several of them had tattoos of demons on their bodies, including Baphomet and Aka Manah (a demon of sensual desire). Thankfully, her parents again came to her rescue and protected her. People ask me what I think of tattoos. I don't recommend them. With a demonic tattoo, the person has bonded the self to the demonic entity. Even if the image does not depict something evil, if it is connected to sinful behaviors, as with this young woman, it can be a big problem. Moreover, some parlors have been known to curse the ink or inscribe magic symbols inside the images. I believe that some tattoos are spiritually benign. For example, someone showed me a small tattoo of a strawberry on her ankle. Some people even desire to tattoo religious symbols on their bodies such as crucifixes or holy images. However, I recommend instead wearing a blessed crucifix on a chain or lapel. Or wearing a blessed brown scapular or miraculous medal around the neck, as I do. The Mother of Jesus promised "great graces" to those who wear her medal with confidence. It is true. I hope that tattoos are a fad whose time is rapidly passing. *For the laity's version of the prayer to decommission tattoos, use this link.