Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Primary task of exorcist?: to proclaim the Gospel

Italian Exorcists Dispel Misconceptions

Evangelization Seen as Main Task

COLLEVALENZA, Italy, SEPT. 23, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The primary task of the exorcist is to proclaim the Gospel, said a congress of the Association of Italian Exorcists.

"The Exorcist in the New Evangelization" was the theme of the eighth meeting of Italian exorcists held in Collevalenza, in the province of Perugia, attended by 180 members of the association.

In statements to the Italian newspaper Avvenire, Father Giancarlo Gramolazzo, president of the International Association of Exorcists, said: "There is much disinformation today on the role of the exorcist; sadly, the media shows this figure as something other than what he really is."

"With his apostolate," he said, the exorcist "leads to the faith, persons who are possessed, vexed or obsessed by the devil."

"Essentially," said Father Gramolazzo, "the exorcist is a catechist who undertakes a journey of faith with a person, also involving the family. The Gospel also teaches this -- Mark 9:14-29 -- when we read, for example, the case of the possessed child whom Jesus heals by helping the father to have faith."

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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 12:47 AM