What is true in exorcism movies

“The ritual of exorcism is a celebration where the elder asks God for the liberation of an individual’s evil,” says Father João Ramiro, an exorcist two years ago. “There are two types: the smaller or simple, and the largest or solemn.”

Most of the time, the ritual shown in films is the largest or solemn, when, imperatively and provided with sacrament, such as crucifix, holy water and holy oil, the exorcist orders the demon to release the body of possessed.

“The celebration cannot be made publicly. It should be performed in a sacred place, such as chapel or church. It can even be performed in a room, but needs to be blessed and only used for this purpose,” he says.

If the possession is sick, exorcism can be performed at home. For safety, it should be accommodated in an armchair, in the lighter cases, or in a bed, in the most serious. During the ritual, the exorcist may be helped by lay people. Some will help the priest hold the possession. Others, to pray the Holy Rosary and to invoke the intercession of the saints. None of them, however, should address the word to the demon.

“The Church prohibits the ritual to be recorded or photographed. The goal is to ensure the privacy of those involved,” says Monsignor Zani.

The ritual of exorcisms and other supplications, Portuguese version of the Ritual Romanumpublished by Pope Paul 5th in 1614, establishes some symptoms of possession, such as speaking unknown languages, manifesting hidden facts, and demonstrating huge strength.