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Dr. Valter Cascioli is a psychiatrist and spokesman for the International Association of Exorcists (IAE)Â which recently met in Rome for its 12th annual conference.
CNA/EWTN News reported an interview Dr. Cascioli gave which has been largely overlooked. As his words are so important and revealing in terms of the present global situation, they are worth reflecting on here.
Dr. Cascioli noted: 'We know that in some countries of the world, there are no exorcists, and demonic activity and its consequences are spreading all over the world. It is not a socio-cultural problem, it is present all over the world, and that tells us a lot.'
Yes, that does indeed tell a lot about the current stage of Salvation History and the spiritual battle between Christ and Anti-Christ.Â
Indeed, Dr. Cascioli continued: 'So, it is truly becoming a pastoral emergency and this is why we have the necessity to combat this situation.'
Cascioli added that this rise can be attributed to decreasing faith among individuals, coupled with an increase in curiosity and participation in occult activity such as ouija and seances.
The Catholic Church does not equivocate with the occult. Cascioli warned that any involvement whatsoever, even passive participation, can be catastrophic and should always be avoided and rejected. He noted: 'It usually starts out of ignorance, superficiality, stupidity or proselytising, actively participating or just watching... The consequences are always disastrous.'
Cascioli warned that occult activity has ramifications in the spiritual, moral, physical and psychological realms. Affects can include anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, acts of self-harm, and constant thoughts of death. In severe cases, occult involvement can lead to demonic possession.Â
He also spoke of people attempting to consult the dead. 'Whether we realize it or not, whether we are aware of it or not, whether we do it for fun, for amusement or for any other reason, it does not change anything: the devastating impact of spiritism is the same.' Cascioli explained that people who think they are dealing with deceased loved ones have in reality contacted and invited demons into their lives. These spiritual entities tell them things based only partially on truth in order to trick, seduce and try to enter into the person involved.Â
In light of the gravity of this situation and its unfolding global scale, the IAE reported an increased participation at this year's conference by cardinals, bishops and priests.Â
We were saddened at the weekend to notice that our local community cinema will be screening the movie 'Ouija'. Let us then reiterate that these activities are gravely offensive to God and also underline the dangers highlighted by Dr. Cascioli. The Catechism of the Catholic Church warns against all occult activities which break the First Commandment and 'contradict the honour, respect and loving fear that we owe to God alone' (CCC 2116 ).
Please urge everyone to avoid the occult and satanic movies at all costs. If you have been involved in these things, we encourage you to repent of your sins, make a good confession and seek the counsel of a wise and orthodox Catholic priest today. In these times, we highly recommend the frequent praying of the Holy Michael prayer.
Place all your trust in Jesus Christ, the Name above all names (Philippians 2:9).
