MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Exorcists Needed: Filling the Gap According to the Catholic Church, nearly 500,000 cases of demonic possession are reported every year. It is easy to extrapolate that there are more people in need. There is a growing need for professionally trained exorcists, denominational and non-denominational included. A few years ago, the Catholic Church’s Exorcist Benigno Palilla spoke on the Vatican Radio discussing the Church’s push to train more exorcists. Palilla warned of self-taught exorcists. Therefore, the Church authorized the formation of The International Association of Exorcists (IAE) in 2014. The organization has over 200 members working on 6 continents. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church only assists Catholics. The International Catholic Association of Exorcists (ICAOE) supports ordained Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox people who are firm in their beliefs and want to combat Satan. The organization formed in 2010. It, too, has over 200 members practicing on 6 continents. The organization has helped over 38,000 people. Other non-Catholic denominations perform exorcisms. However, this is troublesome, as some feel that anyone can conduct an exorcism without any training. Exorcists do not need to be ordained in a religion. Satan works his evil on non-Catholics. Quite a few religions have their form of exorcisms. In fact, an exorcist may not be attached to any church. R.H. Stavis is a female non-denominational exorcist called to perform God’s work. Exorcists seem to be everywhere in the media. Religious affiliation is not mandatory. Experience is. More importantly, why has the need for exorcists increased? Some claim over-publicized paranormal investigation shows have contributed to the uptick. Possibly. Unfortunately, the declination of academic research has left a void. There are several paranormal professionals conducting research but face an uphill battle for legitimacy. This session will proffer working theories from the paranormal community on the need for properly trained exorcists.