Most of the movies that have the demonic as their subject are basically grossly exaggerated. Though there may be glimpses of some the Catholic exorcism rite here and there, it is the reaction of the demoniac in the film that is rather not typical of what one encounters in the ministry. It is a lot more subdued, more of what is narrated in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Perhaps there maybe very rare instances of bizarre ones but I have not seen one, yet. Even Fr. Gabriel Amorth, the renowned exorcist of Rome, attests in his books to the ordinariness of most cases he encountered of true possessions. When I say ordinariness this is in comparison to what is in the movies.
Perhaps, in our case in the diocese, whenever we minister to a spiritually afflicted person, and specifically if they are possessed, the case officer in-charge of the client from the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism (AMOE) has already primed the person for the pray-overs. Nobody just comes in casually without real honest to goodness spiritual preparation. This is imperative in order to minimize strong and sometimes violent reactions that happen during exorcisms usually directed against the afflicted by the unclean spirits.
If the afflicted can manage, they go through a series of interviews with the case officer and at times with a priest to get into the background of the whole experience. Then they are referred to professionals --medical doctors and psychiatrists to diagnose of any natural cause of the ailment. Then they are also referred to psychologists and counselors who would help them in cases of trauma and deep psychological wounds. The exorcist only enters if it is ascertained that there is something "inexplicable" and truly spiritual in the case. At the same time these procedures are being followed, AMOE case officers and priests require them to follow strictly spiritual assignments that would be given them. These are intended to strengthen the person spiritually, loosen the grip of the devil in their person even a bit, and prepare them and their family or loved ones for battle. We include loved ones because they are involved in the whole process of healing and redemption of the spiritually afflicted. If they are willing to support and help the spiritually afflicted be truly liberated, their assistance is vital. The preparation is long, the waiting is long, and there are always follow-ups. Think of this as a person who is truly sick and needs to see the doctor, and the doctor would require an intervention, and there is preparation time and a lot of follow-ups. If the patient would not do their part then nothing can be accomplished. The same is true with spiritual liberation. Spiritual preparation is necessary. Without spiritual preparation on the part of the spiritually afflicted, the hold of the evil one on the person's soul and life would be that of enslavement. The evil one would not simply let a soul go if it is already within his domain. Hence, the afflicted must also fight for their soul and work for their salvation (Phil 2:12).
If the afflicted can manage, they go through a series of interviews with the case officer and at times with a priest to get into the background of the whole experience. Then they are referred to professionals --medical doctors and psychiatrists to diagnose of any natural cause of the ailment. Then they are also referred to psychologists and counselors who would help them in cases of trauma and deep psychological wounds. The exorcist only enters if it is ascertained that there is something "inexplicable" and truly spiritual in the case. At the same time these procedures are being followed, AMOE case officers and priests require them to follow strictly spiritual assignments that would be given them. These are intended to strengthen the person spiritually, loosen the grip of the devil in their person even a bit, and prepare them and their family or loved ones for battle. We include loved ones because they are involved in the whole process of healing and redemption of the spiritually afflicted. If they are willing to support and help the spiritually afflicted be truly liberated, their assistance is vital. The preparation is long, the waiting is long, and there are always follow-ups. Think of this as a person who is truly sick and needs to see the doctor, and the doctor would require an intervention, and there is preparation time and a lot of follow-ups. If the patient would not do their part then nothing can be accomplished. The same is true with spiritual liberation. Spiritual preparation is necessary. Without spiritual preparation on the part of the spiritually afflicted, the hold of the evil one on the person's soul and life would be that of enslavement. The evil one would not simply let a soul go if it is already within his domain. Hence, the afflicted must also fight for their soul and work for their salvation (Phil 2:12).
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