"The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist" by Matt Baglio
Mention exorcism to the average American and the first thought is
likely to be about a movie.
From "The Exorcist" in 1973 to "The Last
Exorcism," issued earlier this year, Hollywood has defined exorcism in
the popular imagination, sometimes by loosely basing their plot-lines on
real-life examples.
Hollywood’s latest entry in the field, the forthcoming "The Rite,"
starring Anthony Hopkins, has a closer foundation of fact than most of
its earlier efforts.
"The Rite" is based on a book of the same name
about the experiences of Father Gary Thomas, a San Jose, Calif. priest
who traveled to Rome to learn to perform the ancient Church ritual of
exorcism.
While there is no telling how closely the movie will hew to
the book, there is also no need to let Hollywood's version get the last
word.
"The Rite," by journalist Matt Baglio, is a riveting, accessible book
that educates even as it fascinates with how matter-of-factly the
priests in this book deal with reality and the extraordinary activity of
the Devil.
Here’s an example:
And so rather than fear him, exorcists say, it is better to emulate
saints such as Teresa of Avila, who proclaimed, "If this Lord is
powerful, as I see that he is and I know that he is, and if the devils
are his slaves (and there is no doubt about this because it’s a matter
of faith), what evil can they do to me since I am a servant of this Lord
and King? Why shouldn’t I have the fortitude to engage in combat with
all of hell?"
Journalist Matt Baglio followed Father Thomas from California to Rome
after he agreed to his bishop's request to become educated as an
exorcist.
Eventually Father Thomas became the apprentice of an Italian
exorcist, Father Giancarlo Gramolazzo, to get some sense of exorcisms
outside of the classroom lectures.
The book charts how the young priest
gradually overcomes his innate American skepticism and begins to
understand the reality of demonic possession as he sympathizes for the
victims.
Baglio’s reporting of the university classes takes the time to step
aside and discuss Church teachings about anything to do with demonic
possession — including angels, free will, God’s power, and human
ailments.
Skillfully interwoven with these discussions are Father
Thomas’s experiences and thoughts about the process every step of the
way, and real life stories told by people who have been exorcised of a
demon.
The book helps us realize just how thoroughly our popular images of
exorcism have been fashioned by Hollywood and fiction. For example,
exorcisms often aren't accomplished in one fell swoop.
Instead, the
process may takes years of repetition. Here’s how Baglio handles it:
Instead, as Father Gramolazzo explains, exorcism is more akin to a
journey, with the exorcist acting as a kind of "spiritual director"
helping the victim to "rediscover the grace of God" through prayer and
the sacraments. ...
Getting people to see it this way is not always easy for the
exorcist.
"Half the battle is to change their whole purpose so they
don't see it in the light of getting rid of a problem, but see it in the
light of being more fully converted or being converted at all," says
English exorcist Father Jeremy Davies.
"That's the whole aim. It's what
I'm always telling people week by week. And that's the most important
thing — the exorcism is secondary to that. ...
Simply put, the prayers of the exorcism weaken the power that the
demon has over the person.
The healing, however, cannot happen without
the full participation of the individual.
Victims of possession are
exhorted to go to weekly confession, to recite rosary daily, and above
all to receive the Eucharist. …
It is clear that Baglio is a serious journalist as he examines what
popular culture takes as truth and corrects misconceptions.
He also
examines many of the logical questions raised by the idea of demons and
possession in modern times. He interviews psychologists, doctors, and
other specialists for information.
What he finds is reported without
ever inserting himself into the narrative.
This allows the focus to stay
on the subject and on Father Thomas, whose journey led to spiritual
growth for both himself and Baglio.
In the end, Father Thomas must determine how best to conduct
exorcisms in America. Although each priest must follow the ritual as
prescribed by the Church, there is a certain degree of latitude.
The
reader is intrigued as Father Thomas carefully combines his Italian
practical experience and American cultural differences in discerning
demonic possession.
"The Rite" delivers chills that are more authentic than anything
Hollywood shows in a movie, without every falling prey to emotionalism
or false drama.
As readers watch over Father Thomas’s shoulder during
his apprenticeship, they realize exorcism isn’t about Hollywood special
effects.
It’s about real people, possessed by demons.
The real thing
makes a book well worth reading.
SIC: CNA/INT'L