Msgr. Rossetti

Response: It is a common problem that someone believes they are being afflicted by demons and can't get a priest to help. Some are in areas where there are no exorcists or even priests available for deliverance praying. Even in the USA, there are only about 150 exorcists for the entire country. Many countries have no exorcists at all. And often seminaries do not train their soon-to-be priests on how to do the deliverance ministry. This is why on our website (www.catholicexorcism.org) under "Resources" there are a series training videos for priests on how to do this ministry...

But most demonic afflictions do not require the direct intervention of a priest. The laity have A LOT of resources available to them and these are sufficient in probably over 80% of cases, because most people with demonic afflictions are not fully possessed and don't need a solemn exorcism, but suffer from a lesser form.

The first and primary graces of liberation come from the holy sacraments-- these are more powerful than any sacramental (and the Rite of Exorcism is not a sacrament but rather it is a sacramental). This is why every exorcist recommends those afflicted go to confession often (including closing all demonic portals and ceasing serious sins), go to Mass at least weekly, if not daily, and receive the Blessed Eucharist! With these sacraments as the foundation, the afflicted person can then liberally use deliverance prayers and sacramentals.

I bless my living quarters with deliverance prayers and holy water regularly. On our website under "Deliverance Prayers for the Laity" one can find a ritual to pray for deliverance of one's own home. I also have blessed crucifixes, holy statues, images of the BVM and the saints, and a holy water font to use when entering my house. Images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Jesus' Divine Mercy are excellent. You should use these holy sacramentals too.

In addition, we recommend you go to our website and/or youtube channel (@stmichaelcenter) and pray with the many videos of deliverance sessions. There are the short "Pray With Me" videos which focus on specific demonic afflictions and the more extensive deliverance sessions of one hour. Join us for the live monthly deliverance sessions as well. Sometimes people say to me: "I've done all that and I still am afflicted by demons." First, pray for more discernment to be sure your afflictions are really demonic. Second, the process of liberation from the Evil One is typically an extended process. For the seriously afflicted, it can take years. Be patient. Trust in Jesus. Don't give up.