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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5345 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Mon May 26th, 2008 02:34 am |
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Berlin, May 25, 2008 / 03:42 pm (CNA).- A radio documentary reporting that hundreds of Germans believe themselves to be possessed by demons has drawn attention to the status of exorcism in the Catholic Church and the lack of exorcists in Germany.
The Times Online explains that the state-run radio network WDR’s report on exorcism in Germany has sparked the renewed interest . The radio piece consists of interviews with several exorcists and extracts from several exorcisms that the network received permission to record.
Father Joerg Mueller, who heads a group of priests, doctors and therapists to deal with possible cases of demonic possession, told WDR that in the past year he has received requests from about 350 people who believe they are possessed by an evil spirit.
“Therapy hasn't worked for them; they want exorcism — a prayer that can free them,” said Father Mueller, who is based in a Bavarian monastery. He estimated that about 90 percent of people seeking help are mentally ill rather than possessed. Many have suffered sexual abuse as children.
“But about ten per cent of the people who approach us have some sign of demonic possession and then you have to turn to special, charismatic men and women who have the gift of being able to feel and recognize if demons have entered someone,” he said.
A Polish exorcist referred to as Father Wiktor told WDR that many people are seeking help. “I would say that every day at least one person is undergoing a full-scale exorcism,” he said.
The lack of exorcists in Germany has moved some Germans to turn to spiritual healers and priests in Switzerland and Poland. Father Adrzej Trojanowski, a Polish priest, plans to set up an exorcism center in the town of Poczernin on the Polish-German border.
The topic of exorcism has been considered taboo by many German Catholics since the death of Anneliese Michel in 1973.
The 23-year-old woman reportedly had epilepsy and suffered from hallucinations. Two priests authorized to conduct an exorcism performed the rite 67 times. She died after starving herself to a weight of 68 pounds.
The exorcists and Michel’s parents were sentenced to six-months’ suspended jail sentence for not referring her for medical treatment. Her case was the basis for the 2005 movie “The Exorcism of Emily Rose.”
The above article is reposted with permission from the Catholic News Agency.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Robert
Member
| Joined: | Mon Nov 12th, 2007 |
| Location: | Germany |
| Posts: | 118 |
| First Name: | Robert | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | The whole spectrum from black to white, now 100% Catholic! |
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Posted: Mon May 26th, 2008 09:40 am |
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The topic of exorcism has been considered taboo by many German Catholics since the death of Anneliese Michel in 1973.
There are still a lot of indications that Anneliese Michel was indeed possessed. The time period during which this tragic incident happened was anything but conducive to such an “archaic” thing as an exorcism. This was very much due to the general Left Wing / Anti-Clerical mindset that were very prevalent at the time.
Even today, the average German (whether Catholic or Protestant) does not believe in Satan as a real spiritual being, Least of all the ‘German Press and Courts.
On the other hand, those who deny Satan’s reality are the same who run off to esoteric “wellness” weekends, or go to card readers.
Most folks here believe the Evil is a man made thing, and have absolutely no idea of the power they give to Satan just by the simple act of denying his existence. As big as Germany is, it is still very provincial when it comes to public knowledge of private maters.
If, for example, an exorcism was going on and one single person took it to the local press, it would become the object of national discussion. The yellow press would bring up the A. Michel tragedy, film scenes from the Exorcist and The Exorcism of Emily Rose would be in the evening news. They would drag out Drewerman and Küng for exclusive interviews on the medieval practices of the Catholic Church.
In order to combat satanic possession the afflicted are referred to exorcists outside of Germany or to areas in Germany where the Bishop is more sensitive in his discernment of the facts.
On a personal note: because of my "dabbling" on the dark side of life, I’m very sensitive to these things and know very well that Satan is alive and well and feeding off those who deny his existence.
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Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)
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Steven Barrett
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 940 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jun 2nd, 2008 11:36 pm |
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Since exorcists are being outsourced, any chance I could get a hold of one to use on a few boneheaded politicians who want to outsource my wife's job to a private firm, thus lowering her overall benefits and freeze her wages.
What's happening to my wife and lots of people in similar straits is demonic. I've already got the names ... But I think these will be real tough cases.
I know exorcisms shouldn't be used in revenge, but this isn't. These people really have evil notions and I think an outscourced exorcist  would be their just desserts. 
PS: I just forwarded this on to my wife, and some of her fellow Lunch Ladies! Should be a morale booster!
Last edited on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 12:02 am by Steven Barrett
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For anybody interested in reading commentary from a Catholic's socially conservative/fiscally liberal viewpoint, go to my new blog at http://www.politicsramble.com/ .
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