Guest Author - Kim DeLeary

An exorcism is an occult rite that is performed to cast out demons from possessed persons, places and objects. The Catholic exorcism rite is the one with which many people are familiar. Exorcism is a common theme in popular media.

If events meet certain criteria and it is found that possession is the cause for this particular sort of extreme case in paranormal phenomena, an exorcism takes place. Exorcisms take place in different cultures around the world, past and present. The Western world is familiar with the Catholic version of the rite of exorcism.

The Catholic rite of exorcism was revamped in 1998. The rite of exorcism is a liturgical or ceremonial work. A bishop must authorize the exorcism before it can be performed by a priest. The priest can use the old or new version as both have the same power. Ordering the demon to leave, the sign of the cross and the use of water all remain important elements of the Catholic ceremony. There are warnings to take care that any of the symptoms are not caused by psychological reasons or reasons of the imagination.

In the Catholic rite, the spirit is addressed as unclean spirit, transgressor and monster. Important theologian and popular author Father Malachi Martin performed many exorcisms in his thirty years as an exorcist. The late Pope John Paul II reportedly carried out at least three exorcisms as pope. The last exorcism performed by Pope John Paul II was in September of 2000 at St. Peter's Square according to the Catholic News Service.

Exorcisms remain a part of people's imagination and of popular culture. Despite how rare the average person's experiences are with demonic possession, exorcisms remain a popular subject. Examples of exorcisms can be found in the book and movie "The Exorcist" of 1973 and the movie "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" of 2005. Demons are a popular symbol in the present times and can be found on logos, clothing, toys and other items. Demons are also a common feature on television and in the movies.

Many rites and tools remain from ancient times and the Catholic rite is such an example. The rite of exorcism continues to be a relevant subject for the Catholic Church. The rarity of a true case of demonic possession does not affect the popularity of the subject of exorcism and demons.

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