Book Review - An Exorcist Tells His Story

by Fr. Gabriella Amorth

By now, everyone knows this encounter Abp. Sheen had on an airplane: Declining the in-flight meal as a fast, the woman seated next to him also declined. Asking, “Oh, are you Catholic, too?” She said, “No, I’m a witch, & I’m fasting for abortions.”

This fascinating & startling book by the chief exorcist of the diocese of Rome is not only an accounting of a priest’s battle with demonic forces, but also a plea to the Church to take seriously the ability of demons to wreck havoc on people, who are often dismissed as just psychologically disturbed. Often turned away by their local pastors, these desperate folks often turn to mediums & witches for help. Of course, asking the enemy to help dispel the enemy doesn’t work, & the situation always worsens. Trouble also comes when lay people take on this task of confronting demons by themselves, which should never, ever be done – this is a field reserved exclusively for those with Orders. However, Fr. Amorth has found that many, even most, clergy, even if they intellectually or theologically accept the dogma of demons, do not really “believe” in the reality of demonic influence & thusly implement exorcism as part of their pastoral ministry. He charges bishops, who he has also found to not take demonic activity seriously, to fulfill their role as chief exorcist in their diocese as successor of the Apostles. Fr. Amorth also recommends prayer & the prayerful use of sacramentals as effective weapons against the enemy. His writing style is not so polished, but Father speaks from the heart & the stories are riveting, in any case. The cover shows a painting of St. Francis casting out demons from a city ~ exorcism in his case being a special gift. Fr. Amorth also has a follow-up book, which I hope to read & review some time, as well as a book of Marian meditations, called The Gospel of Mary.

I find it curious that the Leonine prayers after Mass, including the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, have been suppressed in the new rite, though I always try to say them anyway. We are engaged in a spiritual war; to dismiss, diminish, or be unaware of the presence & activity of the enemy is essentially to be neutralized in the fight.

H.E. Rating: 4 aspergelum shakes