European Priests Resume Exorcism Rituals with Certified Training
In a revival of centuries-old practices, European priests are undergoing certified training to conduct exorcism rituals once again. The exorcism ritual, popularized in European churches during the 17th century, continues to draw significant attention, with over a thousand rituals performed annually at a monastery in Belgium. Let's delve into the details of this intriguing practice.
When we think of exorcism rituals, the stories depicted in Hollywood's "The Exorcist" often come to mind.
The narrative is familiar; a person is possessed by a demon, and others try to exorcise it. But what if this practice becomes a taught event in daily European life?
The Catholic Church in Vatican City has been offering "exorcism training" to priests since 2005. In a course held in 2018, 200 priests from 50 countries participated and received certification in exorcism training.
These priests undergo lessons from theologians, psychologists, physicians, criminologists, and church historians, and upon approval from the bishop, they commence their duties.
Exorcism rituals were quite prevalent in European churches during the 17th century.
However, offering it as a course has brought it back into Europe's agenda. Nowadays, this practice is most common in Belgium. At the Averbode Monastery, which has become the country's foremost 'exorcism point,' over a thousand rituals are performed annually.
According to reports, a priest known by the pseudonym Geert stated in an interview with VRT:
'There's not a single day we don't perform an exorcism ritual. Both I and other priests in churches cannot keep up with the demands. Our rituals are very different from those in 'The Exorcist' film. We don't have as exaggerated scenes as in the movies.'
Why do people feel the need for exorcism?
Geert responds to this question by saying, 'People who seek exorcism feel stuck in life, unable to progress further. They don't have many branches to hold on to. They attribute this stagnation to the existence of a supernatural power. Through exorcism rituals, they feel more liberated and better about themselves.'
"Women show the most interest in rituals."
Historian Kristof Smeyers from Leuven University in Belgium commented, 'Exorcism rituals haven't changed much since the 17th century. Those who apply for these rituals at the church are either those who believe they are possessed or are perceived as such by others around them. What caught my attention is that women show the most interest in these rituals. I believe this trend stems from a dominant theory about women's inclination towards sin and evil.'
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