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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Binding and Casting Out of Evil Spirits	Jane	Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Question: Recently we heard that as Catholic lay people we were now only supposed to bind evil spirits, not cast them out. Is this correct? Also, in the same vein, is the phrase, "sending them to the foot of the Cross" equivalent to casting out? Thank you.
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear Jane: Sorry about the delay in answering. Laity are restricted from performing solemn exorcisms, which may be done only by a priest and only with the bishop's express permission. Simple exorcisms (what we call Deliverance) can be done by anyone. Our Holy Father, when he was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issuing further norms on this, said, "The announcement of these norms, however, ought not to keep the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they might be delivered from evil." Deliverance prayers may include binding and casting out language, but it is usually prudent to ask God to do the binding and casting rather than do it ourselves. In any event, as St. Paul tells us, all things are allowable, but not all things are prudent or beneficial. Also, under most circumstances, outside of an approved exorcism, we are not to ask demons their names or gather other information from them. The role of Deliverance minister should not be attempted by anyone who has not been trained. Deliverance work is dangerous and no soldier is sent into battle without training. The personal use of deliverance prayers in our own lives and families may be used with prudence. We have a catalog of such prayers linked at the bottom of this message. As to the "sending to the foot of the cross" language, yes, that is casting out. It is sending the demons somewhere other than where they are now. I think it is rather arrogant, however, to "send" demons to a specific place. That is not within our authority. Rather, I am more comfortable, when such prayers may be used, to "send them to wherever Jesus Christ wants them to go" which I suppose is what is meant by "sending them to the foot of the cross". Some people get far more specific, like sending them to the abyss or whatnot. That is certainly not to be done in my opinion. Rather, let Jesus send them wherever He pleases. I caution everyone, however, that the practice of deliverance among the Charismatic crowd, with a very few exceptions, is almost always done improperly. I would avoid them on this subject. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Binding and Casting Out of Evil Spirits

Jane

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Question:

Recently we heard that as Catholic lay people we were now only supposed to bind evil spirits, not cast them out. Is this correct? Also, in the same vein, is the phrase, "sending them to the foot of the Cross" equivalent to casting out?
Thank you.

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Jane:

Sorry about the delay in answering.

Laity are restricted from performing solemn exorcisms, which may be done only by a priest and only with the bishop's express permission.

Simple exorcisms (what we call Deliverance) can be done by anyone. Our Holy Father, when he was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issuing further norms on this, said, "The announcement of these norms, however, ought not to keep the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they might be delivered from evil."

Deliverance prayers may include binding and casting out language, but it is usually prudent to ask God to do the binding and casting rather than do it ourselves. In any event, as St. Paul tells us, all things are allowable, but not all things are prudent or beneficial. Also, under most circumstances, outside of an approved exorcism, we are not to ask demons their names or gather other information from them.

The role of Deliverance minister should not be attempted by anyone who has not been trained. Deliverance work is dangerous and no soldier is sent into battle without training.

The personal use of deliverance prayers in our own lives and families may be used with prudence. We have a catalog of such prayers linked at the bottom of this message.

As to the "sending to the foot of the cross" language, yes, that is casting out. It is sending the demons somewhere other than where they are now.

I think it is rather arrogant, however, to "send" demons to a specific place. That is not within our authority. Rather, I am more comfortable, when such prayers may be used, to "send them to wherever Jesus Christ wants them to go" which I suppose is what is meant by "sending them to the foot of the cross". Some people get far more specific, like sending them to the abyss or whatnot. That is certainly not to be done in my opinion. Rather, let Jesus send them wherever He pleases.

I caution everyone, however, that the practice of deliverance among the Charismatic crowd, with a very few exceptions, is almost always done improperly. I would avoid them on this subject.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.