Rituale Romanum Exorcism Rite - The

Roman Ritual
The following special adaptation of the Roman Ritual is designed for use by other than the clergy
of the Roman Catholic Church. While altered, the ritual's substance remains intact and powerful
and still demands a solemn, sincere, and faithful deliverance such as what one should expect
from the most pious of priests. The Introduction and General Rules Concerning Exorcism are
both provided in their original forms as we believe the advice and instructions offered should be
followed closely for the protection of all parties and the successful expulsion of the evil.
Deviations from these most important advisories are at great peril and risk of the gravest of
harms. the Editors

Exorcism
Introduction
That there is a world of demons is a teaching of revealed religion which is perfectly clear to all
who know Sacred Scripture and respect and accept its word as inspired of God. It is part of the
whole Christian-Judaeo heritage. There are some who hold that even if revelation were not so
absolute, an inference of the existence of evil spirits can be drawn from the magnitude of evil in
the world. They say that human malice and depravity even at its worst is not sufficient to account
for it, and it must be concluded that the devil is a real person and that his sway is tremendous. As
Francois Mauriac writes in his life of St. Margaret of Cortona: "Evil is Someone, Someone who
is multiple and whose name is legion.... It is one thing to be in the realm of the demons, as we all
are when we have lost the state of grace, and quite another to be held and surrounded, literally
possessed by him."
One gets the impression that the teaching about the devil's existence is not a particularly popular
one in our time. C. S. Lewis in his "Screwtape Letters" says something to the effect that if the
little inexperienced novice devils, about to start out on their work of seducing men, can convince
men that the devil does not exist, then half the battle is already won.
The first book of the Holy Bible recounts the seduction of Adam and Eve by the Prince of
Darkness; but it is to the last book that we must go for his origin. "Then war broke out in heaven.
Michael and his angels had to fight the dragon; the dragon fought, and so did his angels. But they
were defeated, and a place was no longer found for them in heaven. That huge dragon, the
ancient serpent, was hurled down, he who is called the devil and Satan, he who leads the whole
world astray. He was hurled down to death, and his angels were hurled down with him."[1]

Christ our Lord overcame Satan on the cross, and ever since the latter's empire is shaken. Man is
delivered from the power of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of the Son. Yet the devil is
not completely vanquished or trodden underfoot once for all, and the warfare against him is
carried out by Christ and His Church until the end of time. Therefore, St. Paul is prompted to
admonish us: "Put on all the armor that God has forged, that you may be able to make a stand
against the devil's cunning tricks. Our wrestling is not against weak human nature, but against
the Principalities and the Powers, against those that rule the world of darkness, the wicked spirits
that belong to an order higher than ours.... With all this take up the shield of faith, with which
you will be enabled to put out all the flaming arrows of the wicked enemy."[2]
Against these unclean spirits the Church uses as her weapons prayers, blessings, holy water, and
other sacramentals to combat the ordinary power that the former wield over men. But apart from
this ordinary and general power that Providence allows Satan there is also a special and terrible
satanic influence called possession--the domination by the demon over man's bodily organs and
his lower spiritual faculties. In later Christian times the term obsession is used instead of
possession, the former connoting a lesser kind of demonic disturbance. That Christ reckoned
with this satanic power in the same way that the Church has throughout her centuries is evident
from the New Testament; see for example Mt 9:32-34, Lk 8:2, Mk 9:13 ff.
To be possessed can mean that Satan has gained mastery over the will so devastatingly that
sinfulness passes beyond ordinary depravity in the world, and its cause must be sought in a
power above the order of nature. To be possessed can mean that Satan has beclouded the
intellect, so that the light of faith cannot illuminate it. To be possessed can mean that Satan has
befuddled a person's reason; in fact, simple and superstitious folk have wrongly made lunacy
synonymous with diabolical infestation. In some instances of possession recounted in the New
Testament, molestation by the devil is manifested in various disturbances of the human body
itself, where he has gained control over a man's sight, hearing, speech, or the physical organism
in general.[3]
Christ handed down to the Church the power He once exercised over demons. The early
Christians were deeply influenced by what they had learned of their Master's dealing with evil
spirits, and there was on their part frequent use of the charismatic gifts of healing the sick and
driving out devils. But the prayers and forms used for exorcism in the first centuries have not
come down to us, outside the ones used in baptism. Exorcism became part of the baptismal rite
somewhere around 200 A.D. Thus the ancient liturgical records which date from the third
century those dealing with baptism, give us the early Christians' belief about Satan and his
intervention in the affairs of man. In the devil's hatred for God he turned on man, who is made in
God's image. In consequence of original sin men are no longer temples of the Holy Spirit but
rather the habitations of the demon. Not too much distinction is made between the possessed and
the unbaptized. Isidore of Seville puts both on the same level, and says that exorcism is the
ceremony of banishing the most wicked influence of the devil from catechumens and possessed
alike.[4]
It is difficult to fix precisely the time of origin of a special rite for exorcism. The evidence would
indicate that in the early Church acts of exorcism consisted mainly in the sign of the cross,
invoking the name of Jesus, and renunciations of Satan and adjuration's and threats uttered

against him. But later on, especially in the Latin Church, the rites of exorcism become more and
more numerous, until in the highly imaginative Middle Ages there is actually a profusion of
them. To this period we must attribute beliefs and practices which are superstitious to an
extreme. Devils are believed to exist in the guise of certain material bodies. Demonic possession
is confounded with epilepsy and other mental or psychic disorders. Rituals of this time prescribe
that the subject remain in the presence of the exorcist throughout the period of exorcism, that he
observe a strict fast and limit his diet to blessed water, salt, and vegetables, that he wear new
clothes, that he abstain from the marital act. No less complicated are the injunctions for the
exorcist. And by the time we come to the fourteenth century magical practices have been
introduced into the ceremonies.
No doubt the present rite for exorcism will undergo improvement and revision along with the
general revision of the liturgical books recommended by Vatican Council II. But compared to
former times the rite as given in the Roman Ritual today is characterized by great sobriety. Some
minds might still discern traces of a certain naivet, yet at any rate it has been purged of the
unfortunate accretions of a period ruled much more by human credulity than by the unadulterated
doctrine of the Church. No longer, for example, does the official text afford any grounds for the
erroneous notion that diabolical possession is necessarily a divine retribution visited upon a
grievous sinner. God allows this terrible evil in His wisdom without the afflicted person being
necessarily at fault. It is one thing to have fallen into the slavery of sin or to be afflicted with a
bodily or mental infirmity, and quite another to have the devil enter into a man and take
possession of him.
The general rules for exorcism that follow are a clear indication that we have come a long way
from the superstitious notions that prevailed in the era of the Middle Ages. Noteworthy among
these rules are the ones that direct that the parties concerned should have recourse to the holy
sacraments, and that the sacred words of Holy Writ should be employed rather than any forms
devised by the exorcist or someone else. The instructions given below indicate that the Church
has carefully guarded the extraordinary power over Satan committed to her by Christ, and that
Catholic exorcism is poles removed from any form of dabbling in the spirit world which springs
from human chicanery or malice.
Translator
Endnotes:
1. Apoc 12:7-9
2. Eph 6:12-16
3. Mk 5:1 ff.
4. "Dictionnaire D'Archeologie Chretienne et de Liturgie," V, Pt. 1, 963 ff.

Part XIII. Exorcism

Chapter I: General Rules Concerning Exorcism

1. A priestone who is expressly and particularly authorized by the Ordinarywhen he intends
to perform an exorcism over persons tormented by the devil, must be properly distinguished for
his piety, prudence, and integrity of life. He should fulfill this devout undertaking in all
constancy and humility, being utterly immune to any striving for human aggrandizement, and
relying, not on his own, but on the divine power. Moreover, he ought to be of mature years, and
revered not alone for his office but for his moral qualities.
2. In order to exercise his ministry rightly, he should resort to a great deal more study of the
matter (which has to be passed over here for the sake of brevity), by examining approved authors
and cases from experience; on the other hand, let him carefully observe the few more important
points enumerated here.
3. Especially, he should not believe too readily that a person is possessed by an evil spirit; but he
ought to ascertain the signs by which a person possessed can be distinguished from one who is
suffering from some illness, especially one of a psychological nature.[1] Signs of possession may
be the following: ability to speak with some facility in a strange tongue or to understand it when
spoken by another; the faculty of divulging future and hidden events; display of powers which
are beyond the subject's age and natural condition; and various other indications which, when
taken together as a whole, build up the evidence.
4. In order to understand these matters better, let him inquire of the person possessed, following
one or the other act of exorcism, what the latter experienced in his body or soul while the
exorcism was being performed, and to learn also what particular words in the form had a more
intimidating effect upon the devil, so that hereafter these words may be employed with greater
stress and frequency.
5. He will be on his guard against the arts and subterfuges which the evil spirits are wont to use
in deceiving the exorcist. For oft times they give deceptive answers and make it difficult to
understand them, so that the exorcist might tire and give up, or so it might appear that the
afflicted one is in no wise possessed by the devil.
6. Once in a while, after they are already recognized, they conceal themselves and leave the body
practically free from every molestation, so that the victim believes himself completely delivered.
Yet the exorcist may not desist until he sees the signs of deliverance.
7. At times, moreover, the evil spirits place whatever obstacles they can in the way, so that the
patient may not submit to exorcism, or they try to convince him that his affliction is a natural
one. Meanwhile, during the exorcism, they cause him to fall asleep, and dangle some illusion
before him, while they seclude themselves, so that the afflicted one appears to be freed.
8. Some reveal a crime which has been committed and the perpetrators thereof, as well as the
means of putting an end to it. Yet the afflicted person must beware of having recourse on this
account to sorcerers or necromancers or to any parties except the ministers of the Church, or of
making use of any superstitious or forbidden practice.

9. Sometimes the devil will leave the possessed person in peace and even allow him to receive
the holy Eucharist, to make it appear that he has departed. In fact, the arts and frauds of the evil
one for deceiving a man are innumerable. For this reason the exorcist must be on his guard not to
fall into this trap.
10. Therefore, he will be mindful of the words of our Lord (Mt 17:20), to the effect that there is a
certain type of evil spirit who cannot be driven out except by prayer and fasting. Therefore let
him avail himself of these two means above all for imploring the divine assistance in expelling
demons, after the example of the holy fathers; and not only himself, but let him induce others, as
far as possible, to do the same.
11. If it can be done conveniently the possessed person should be led to church or to some other
sacred and worthy place, where the exorcism will be held, away from the crowd. But if the
person is ill, or for any valid reason, the exorcism may take place in a private home.
12. The subject, if in good mental and physical health, should be exhorted to implore God's help,
to fast, and to fortify himself by frequent reception of penance and holy communion, at the
discretion of the exorcist. And in the course of the exorcism he should be fully recollected, with
his intention fixed on God, whom he should entreat with firm faith and in all humility. And if he
is all the more grievously tormented, he ought to bear this patiently, never doubting the divine
assistance.
13. He ought to have a crucifix at hand or somewhere in sight. If relics of the saints are available,
they are to be applied in a reverent way to the breast or the head of the person possessed (the
relics must be properly and securely encased and covered). One will see to it that these sacred
objects are not treated improperly or that no injury is done them by the evil spirit. However, one
should not hold the holy Eucharist over the head of the person or in any way apply it to his body,
owing to the danger of desecration.
14. The exorcist must not digress into senseless prattle nor ask superfluous questions or such as
are prompted by curiosity, particularly if they pertain to future and hidden matters, all of which
have nothing to do with his office. Instead, he will bid the unclean spirit keep silence and answer
only when asked. Neither ought he to give any credence to the devil if the latter maintains that he
is the spirit of some saint or of a deceased party, or even claims to be a good angel.
15. But necessary questions are, for example: the number and name of the spirits inhabiting the
patient, the time when they entered into him, the cause thereof, and the like. As for all jesting,
laughing, and nonsense on the part of the evil spirit the exorcist should prevent it or condemn
it, and he will exhort the bystanders (whose number must be very limited) to pay no attention to
such goings on; neither are they to put any question to the subject. Rather they should intercede
for him to God in all humility and urgency.
16. Let the exorcist pronounce the exorcism in a commanding and authoritative voice, and at the
same time with great confidence, humility, and fervor; and when he sees that the spirit is sorely
vexed, then he oppresses and threatens all the more. If he notices that the person afflicted is
experiencing a disturbance in some part of his body or an acute pain or a swelling appears in

some part, he traces the sign of the cross over that place and sprinkles it with holy water, which
he must have at hand for this purpose.
17. He will pay attention as to what words in particular cause the evil spirits to tremble, repeating
them the more frequently. And when he comes to a threatening expression, he recurs to it again
and again, always increasing the punishment. If he perceives that he is making progress, let him
persist for two, three, four hours, and longer if he can, until victory is attained.
18. The exorcist should guard against giving or recommending any medicine to the patient, but
should leave this care to physicians.
19. While performing the exorcism over a woman, he ought always to have assisting him several
women of good repute, who will hold on to the person when she is harassed by the evil spirit.
These assistants ought if possible to be close relatives of the subject and for the sake of decency
the exorcist will avoid saying or doing anything which might prove an occasion of evil thoughts
to himself or to the others.
20. During the exorcism he shall preferably employ words from Holy Writ, rather than forms of
his own or of someone else. He shall, moreover, command the devil to tell whether he is detained
in that body by necromancy, by evil signs or amulets; and if the one possessed has taken the
latter by mouth, he should be made to vomit them; if he has them concealed on his person, he
should expose them; and when discovered they must be burned. Moreover, the person should be
exhorted to reveal all his temptations to the exorcist.
21. Finally, after the possessed one has been freed, let him be admonished to guard himself
carefully against falling into sin, so as to afford no opportunity to the evil spirit of returning, lest
the last state of that man become worse than the former.
Endnotes:
1. From the emended text of the 1952 edition.

Chapter II: Rite for Exorcism

1. The exorcist delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or
at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and
implore God's help in other fervent prayers. He vests in surplice and purple stole. Having before
him the person possessed (who should be bound if there is any danger), he traces the sign of the
cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinkles all of them with holy water.
After this the exorcist kneels and says the Litany of the Saints, exclusive of the prayers which
follow it. All present are to make the responses...
NOTE: denotes that the Sign of the Cross is to be made: "In the Name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen," between the prayer, as indicated.
BEGIN...

Exorcist: Lord, have mercy upon us.

All: Lord, have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: Christ, have mercy upon us.
All: Christ, have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: Lord, have mercy upon us.
All: Lord, have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: O Christ, hear us.
All: O Christ, graciously hear us.
Exorcist: O God the Father of heaven.
All: Have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: O God the Son, Redeemer of the world.
All: Have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: O God the Holy Spirit.
All: Have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: O Holy Trinity, one God.
All: Have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: Holy Mary.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Holy Mother of God.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Holy Virgin of virgins.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Michael.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Gabriel.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Raphael.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Angels and Archangels.
All: Pray for us.

Exorcist: All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits.

All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint John the Baptist.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Joseph.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Peter.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Paul.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Andrew.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint James.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint John.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Thomas.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint James.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Philip.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Bartholomew.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Matthew.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Simon.
All: Pray for us.

Exorcist: Saint Jude.

All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Matthias.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Barnabas.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Luke.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Mark.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Disciples of the Lord.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye Holy Innocents.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Stephen.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Lawrence.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Vincent.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint John and Saint Paul.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius.
All: Pray for us.

Exorcist: All ye holy Martyrs.

All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Sylvester
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Gregory.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Ambrose.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Augustine.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Jerome.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Martin.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Nicholas.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Bishops and Confessors.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Doctors.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Anthony.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Benedict.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Bernard.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Dominic.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Francis.
All: Pray for us.

Exorcist: All ye holy Priests and Levites.

All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Monks and Hermits.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Mary Magdalene.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Agatha.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Lucy.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Agnes.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Cecilia.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Catherine.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: Saint Anastasia.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye holy Virgins and Widows.
All: Pray for us.
Exorcist: All ye Holy, Righteous, and Elect of God.
All: Intercede for us.
Exorcist: Be thou merciful.
All: Spare us, Lord.
Exorcist: Be thou merciful.
All: Graciously hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: From all evil.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From all deadly sin.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.

Exorcist: From thine anger.

All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From sudden and unrepentant death.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From the crafts and assaults of the devil.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From anger, and hatred, and all uncharitableness.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From the spirit of fornication.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From lightning and tempest.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From the peril of earthquake, fire, and flood.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From pestilence, famine, and battle.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: From everlasting damnation.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By the mystery of thy Holy Incarnation.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By thine Advent.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By thy Nativity.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By thy Baptism and holy Fasting.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By thy Cross and Passion.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By thy precious Death and Burial.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.

Exorcist: By thy holy Resurrection.

All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By thy glorious Ascension.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: By the coming of the Holy Spirit the Comforter.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: In the day of judgment.
All: Good Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: Even though we be sinners.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to spare us.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to pity and pardon us.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to give us true repentance.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to preserve the Apostolic Lord, and to keep all orders of the
Church in thy sacred religion.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to overthrow the enemies of thy holy Church.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to bestow on all Christian kings and princes true peace and
concord.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to give to all Christian nations both peace and unity.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to restore unity to thy Church, and to lead all unbelievers into
the light of thy holy Gospel.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.

Exorcist: That it may please thee to strengthen and preserve us in true worshipping of thee.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to endue our hearts with heavenly desires.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to bestow on all our benefactors thine everlasting benefits.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to deliver from eternal damnation our souls, and those of our
brethren, kindred, and benefactors.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee to bestow upon all thy faithful departed rest eternal.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: That it may please thee graciously to hear our prayer.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: O Son of God.
All: We beseech thee to hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world.
All: Spare us, Lord.
Exorcist: O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world.
All: Graciously hear us, Lord.
Exorcist: O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world.
All: Have mercy upon us.
Exorcist: O Christ, hear us.
All: O Christ, graciously hear us.
Exorcist: Lord, have mercy upon us.
All: Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
...At the end of the litany the exorcist adds the following:
Antiphon: Do not keep in mind, O Lord, our offenses or those of our parents, nor take
vengeance on our sins. Our Father (the rest inaudibly...

who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
...until:)
Exorcist: And lead us not into temptation.
All: But deliver us from evil.
Psalm 53
1

For the leader; according to Mahalath. A maskil of David. 2 Fools say in their hearts, "There is
no God." Their deeds are loathsome and corrupt; not one does what is right. 3 God looks down
from heaven upon the human race, To see if even one is wise, if even one seeks God. 4 All have
gone astray; all alike are perverse. Not one does what is right, not even one. 5 Will these
evildoers never learn? They devour my people as they devour bread; they do not call upon God. 6
They have good reason to fear, though now they do not fear. For God will certainly scatter the
bones of the godless. They will surely be put to shame, for God has rejected them. 7 Oh, that
from Zion might come the deliverance of Israel, That Jacob may rejoice and Israel be glad when
God restores the people!
After the psalm the exorcist continues:
Exorcist: Save your servant.
All: Who trusts in you, my God.
Exorcist: Let him (her) find in you, Lord, a fortified tower.
All: In the face of the enemy.
Exorcist: Let the enemy have no power over him (her).
All: And the son of iniquity be powerless to harm him (her).
Exorcist: Lord, send him (her) aid from your holy place.
All: And watch over him (her) from Sion.
Exorcist: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
Exorcist: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Exorcist: Let us pray. God, whose nature is ever merciful and forgiving, accept our prayer that
this servant of yours, bound by the fetters of sin, may be pardoned by your loving kindness.
Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once and
for all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell, who sent your onlybegotten Son into the world to crush that roaring lion; hasten to our call for help and snatch from
ruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and
likeness. Strike terror, Lord, into the beast now laying waste your vineyard. Fill your servants
with courage to fight manfully against that reprobate dragon, lest he despise those who put their
trust in you, and say with Pharaoh of old: "I know not God, nor will I set Israel free." Let your
mighty hand cast him out of your servant, N., so he may no longer hold captive this person
whom it pleased you to make in your image, and to redeem through your Son; who lives and
reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
All: Amen.
2. Then the exorcist commands the demon as follows:
I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this
servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension of our
Lord Jesus Christ, by the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the coming of our Lord for judgment,
that you tell me by some sign your name, and the day and hour of your departure. I command
you, moreover, to obey me to the letter, I who am a minister of God despite my unworthiness;
nor shall you be emboldened to harm in any way this creature of God, or the bystanders, or any
of their possessions.
3. Next the exorcist reads over the possessed person these selections from the Gospel, or at least
one of them.
A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. John
As the exorcist says these opening words he/she signs him/herself and the possessed on the brow,
lips, and breast...
John 1:1-14 - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came to be through him, and without him
nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the
human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man
named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might
believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 9 The true light,
which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world
came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but
his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become
children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and

made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of
grace and truth.
A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Mark
Mark 16:15-18 - 15 He said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every
creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be
condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out
demons, they will speak new languages. 18 They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if
they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will
recover."
A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke
Luke 10:17-20 - 17 The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are
subject to us because of your name." 18 Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from
the sky. 19 Behold, I have given you the power 'to tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon
the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the
spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke
Luke 11:14-22 - 14 He was driving out a demon [that was] mute, and when the demon had gone
out, the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed. 15 Some of them said, "By the power of
Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons." 16 Others, to test him, asked him for a
sign from heaven. 17 But he knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided
against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. 18 And if Satan is divided
against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out
demons. 19 If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them
out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that [I] drive out
demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man fully armed guards
his palace, his possessions are safe. 22 But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him,
he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils.
Exorcist: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
Exorcist: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.
Exorcist: Let us pray. Almighty Lord, Word of God the Father, Jesus Christ, God and Lord of all
creation; who gave to your holy apostles the power to tramp underfoot serpents and scorpions;
who along with the other mandates to work miracles was pleased to grant them the authority to
say: "Depart, you devils!" and by whose might Satan was made to fall from heaven like
lightning; I humbly call on your holy name in fear and trembling, asking that you grant me, your
unworthy servant, pardon for all my sins, steadfast faith, and the powersupported by your

mighty armto confront with confidence and resolution this cruel demon. I ask this through
you, Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, who are coming to judge both the living and the dead and
the world by fire.
All: Amen.
4. Next he makes the sign of the cross over himself and the one possessed, places the end of the
stole on the latter's neck, and, putting his right hand on the latter's head, he says the following in
accents filled with confidence and faith:
Exorcist: See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers!
All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.
Exorcist: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
Exorcist: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.
Exorcist: Let us pray. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I appeal to your holy name,
humbly begging your kindness, that you graciously grant me help against this and every unclean
spirit now tormenting this creature of yours; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

Exorcism
Exorcist: I cast you out, unclean spirit, along with every satanic power of the enemy, every
spectre from hell, and all your fell companions; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Begone
and stay far from this creature of God. For it is He who commands you, He who flung you
headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. It is He who commands you, He who
once stilled the sea and the wind and the storm. Hearken, therefore, and tremble in fear, Satan,
you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race, you begetter of death, you robber of life, you
corrupter of justice, you root of all evil and vice? seducer of men, betrayer of the nations,
instigator of envy, font of avarice, fomenter of discord, author of pain and sorrow. Why, then, do
you stand and resist, knowing as you must that Christ the Lord brings your plans to nothing?
Fear Him, who in Isaac was offered in sacrifice, in Joseph sold into bondage, slain as the paschal
lamb, crucified as man, yet triumphed over the powers of hell. (The three signs of the cross
which follow are traced on the brow of the possessed person). Begone, then, in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Give place to the Holy Spirit by this sign
of the holy cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy
Spirit, God, forever and ever.
All: Amen.

Exorcist: Lord, heed my prayer.

All: And let my cry be heard by you.
Exorcist: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.
Exorcist: Let us pray. God, Creator and defender of the human race, who made man in your own
image, look down in pity on this your servant, N., now in the toils of the unclean spirit, now
caught up in the fearsome threats of man's ancient enemy, sworn foe of our race, who befuddles
and stupefies the human mind, throws it into terror, overwhelms it with fear and panic. Repel, O
Lord, the devil's power, break asunder his snares and traps, put the unholy tempter to flight. By
the sign (on the brow) of your name, let your servant be protected in mind and body. (The
three crosses which follow are traced on the breast of the possessed person). Keep watch over the
inmost recesses of his (her) heart; rule over his (her) emotions; strengthen his (her) will.
Let vanish from his (her) soul the tempting's of the mighty adversary. Graciously grant, O Lord,
as we call on your holy name, that the evil spirit, who hitherto terrorized over us, may himself
retreat in terror and defeat, so that this servant of yours may sincerely and steadfastly render you
the service which is your due; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

Exorcism
Exorcist: I adjure you, ancient serpent, by the judge of the living and the dead, by your Creator,
by the Creator of the whole universe, by Him who has the power to consign you to hell, to depart
forthwith in fear, along with your savage minions, from this servant of God, N., who seeks
refuge in the fold of the Church. I adjure you again, (on the brow) not by my weakness but by
the might of the Holy Spirit, to depart from this servant of God, N., whom almighty God has
made in His image. Yield, therefore, yield not to my own person but to the minister of Christ. For
it is the power of Christ that compels you, who brought you low by His cross. Tremble before
that mighty arm that broke asunder the dark prison walls and led souls forth to light. May the
trembling that afflicts this human frame, (on the breast) the fear that afflicts this image (on the
brow) of God, descend on you. Make no resistance nor delay in departing from this man, for it
has pleased Christ to dwell in man. Do not think of despising my command because you know
me to be a great sinner. It is God Himself who commands you; the majestic Christ who
commands you. God the Father commands you; God the Son commands you; God the
Holy Spirit commands you. The mystery of the cross commands you. The faith of the holy
apostles Peter and Paul and of all the saints commands you. The blood of the martyrs
commands you. The continence of the confessors commands you. The devout prayers of all
holy men and women command you. The saving mysteries of our Christian faith command
you.
Depart, then, transgressor. Depart, seducer, full of lies and cunning, foe of virtue, persecutor of
the innocent. Give place, abominable creature, give way, you monster, give way to Christ, in
whom you found none of your works. For He has already stripped you of your powers and laid
waste your kingdom, bound you prisoner and plundered your weapons. He has cast you forth

into the outer darkness, where everlasting ruin awaits you and your abetters. To what purpose do
you insolently resist? To what purpose do you brazenly refuse? For you are guilty before
almighty God, whose laws you have transgressed. You are guilty before His Son, our Lord Jesus
Christ, whom you presumed to tempt, whom you dared to nail to the cross. You are guilty before
the who]e human race, to whom you proferred by your enticements the poisoned cup of death.
Therefore, I adjure you, profligate dragon, in the name of the spotless Lamb, who has trodden
down the asp and the basilisk, and overcome the lion and the dragon, to depart from this man
(woman) (on the brow), to depart from the Church of God (signing the bystanders).
Tremble and flee, as we call on the name of the Lord, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to
whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and
Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabbath. The
Word made flesh commands you; the Virgin's Son commands you; Jesus of Nazareth
commands you, who once, when you despised His disciples, forced you to flee in shameful
defeat from a man; and when He had cast you out you did not even dare, except by His leave, to
enter into a herd of swine. And now as I adjure you in His name, begone from this man
(woman) who is His creature. It is futile to resist His will. It is hard for you to kick against the
goad. The longer you delay, the heavier your punishment shall be; for it is not men you are
condemning, but rather Him who rules the living and the dead, who is coming to judge both the
living and the dead and the world by fire.
All: Amen.
Exorcist: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
Exorcist: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.
Exorcist: Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the
prophets and apostles, God of the martyrs and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after
death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God
beside you, the Creator of heaven and earth, who are truly a King, whose kingdom is without
end; I humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver this servant of yours from the unclean
spirits; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

Exorcism
Exorcist: Therefore, I adjure you every unclean spirit, every spectre from hell, every satanic
power, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was led into the desert after His baptism by
John to vanquish you in your citadel, to cease your assaults against the creature whom He has
formed from the slime of the earth for His own honor and glory; to quail before wretched man,
seeing in him the image of almighty God, rather than his state of human frailty. Yield then to
God, who by His servant, Moses, cast you and your malice, in the person of Pharaoh and his

army, into the depths of the sea. Yield to God, who, by the singing of holy canticles on the
part of David, His faithful servant, banished you from the heart of King Saul. Yield to God,
who condemned you in the person of Judas Iscariot, the traitor. For He now flails you with His
divine scourges, He in whose sight you and your legions once cried out: "What have we to do
with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Have you come to torture us before the time?" Now
He is driving you back into the everlasting fire, He who at the end of time will say to the wicked:
"Depart from me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil
and his angels." For you, O evil one, and for your followers there will be worms that never die.
An unquenchable fire stands ready for you and for your minions, you prince of accursed
murderers, father of lechery, instigator of sacrileges, model of vileness, promoter of heresies,
inventor of every obscenity.
Depart, then, impious one, depart, accursed one, depart with all your deceits, for God has
willed that man should be His temple. Why do you still linger here? Give honor to God the
Father almighty, before whom every knee must bow. Give place to the Lord Jesus Christ,
who shed His most precious blood for man. Give place to the Holy Spirit, who by His blessed
apostle Peter openly struck you down in the person of Simon Magus; who cursed your lies in
Annas and Saphira; who smote you in King Herod because he had not given honor to God; who
by His apostle Paul afflicted you with the night of blindness in the magician Elyma, and by the
mouth of the same apostle bade you to go out of Pythonissa, the soothsayer. Begone, now!
Begone, seducer! Your place is in solitude; your abode is in the nest of serpents; get down and
crawl with them. This matter brooks no delay; for see, the Lord, the ruler comes quickly,
kindling fire before Him, and it will run on ahead of Him and encompass His enemies in flames.
You might delude man, but God you cannot mock. It is He who casts you out, from whose sight
nothing is hidden. It is He who repels you, to whose might all things are subject. It is He who
expels you, He who has prepared everlasting hellfire for you and your angels, from whose mouth
shall come a sharp sword, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by
fire.
All: Amen.
5. All the above may be repeated as long as necessary, until the one possessed has been fully
freed.
6. It will also help to say devoutly and often over the afflicted person the Our Father, Hail Mary,
and the Creed, as well as any of the prayers given below.

Our Father
Exorcist: Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
All: Amen.

Hail Mary
Exorcist: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
All: Amen.

The Apostle's Creed

Exorcist: I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven,
sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
All: Amen.

Canticle of Our Lady

Exorcist: My soul glorifies the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

He looks on his servant in her nothingness;

henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
The Almighty works marvels for me;
Holy is his name.
Holy is his name.
Holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age
on those who fear him.
He puts forth his arm in strength
and scatters the proud hearted.
He casts the mighty from their thrones,
and he raises the lowly.
He fills the starving with good things,
sends the rich away empty.
Holy is his name.
Holy is his name.
He protects Israel his servant,
remembering his great mercy,
the mercy promised to our father,
to Abraham and his sons forever.
Alleluia, alleluia...
All: Amen.
Lesser Doxology: Exorcist: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was
in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
All: Amen.

Benedictus (Canticle of Zachary)

Exorcist: Blessed Be the Lord, the God of Isral, because He has visited and wrought
redemption for His people. And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His
servant, As He promised through the mouths of His holy ones, the prophets from of old:
Salvation from our enemies and from the hands of all our foes. He has fulfilled His kindness to
our fathers, and has been mindful of His holy covenant. In the oath to Abraham our father, by
which He swore to grant us, That, delivered from the hands of our enemies, we should serve Him
without fear. In holiness and justice before Him all our days.

And thou, O child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for thou shalt go before the Lord
to prepare His ways, To give His people knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their
sins, Because of the compassionate kindness of our God with which the Orient from on high will
visit us, To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the
way of peace.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
All: Amen.
Lesser Doxology: Exorcist: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was
in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
All: Amen.

Athanasian Creed
Exorcist: Whoever wills to be saved * must before all else hold fast to the Catholic faith.
All: Unless one keeps this faith whole and untarnished, * without doubt he will perish forever.
Exorcist: Now this is the Catholic faith: * that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in
unity;
All: Neither confusing the Persons one with the other, * nor making a distinction in their nature.
Exorcist: For the Father is a distinct Person; and so is the Son, * and so is the Holy Spirit.
All: Yet the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit possess one Godhead, * co-equal glory, co-eternal
majesty.
Exorcist: As the Father is, so is the Son, * so also is the Holy Spirit.
All: The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, * the Holy Spirit is uncreated.
Exorcist: The Father is infinite, the Son is infinite, * the Holy Spirit is infinite.
All: The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, * the Holy Spirit is eternal.
Exorcist: Yet they are not three eternal's, * but one eternal God.
All: Even as they are not three uncreated, or three infinite's, * but one uncreated and one infinite
God.
Exorcist: So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, * the Holy Spirit is almighty.
All: Yet they are not three almighties, * but they are the one Almighty.
Exorcist: Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, * the Holy Spirit is God.
All: Yet they are not three gods, * but one God.

Exorcist: Thus the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, * the Holy Spirit is Lord.
All: Yet there are not three lords, * but one Lord.
Exorcist: For just as Christian truth compels us to profess that each Person is individually God
and Lord, * so does the Catholic religion forbid us to hold that there are three gods or lords.
All: The Father was not made by any power; * He was neither created nor begotten.
Exorcist: The Son is from the Father alone, * neither created nor made, but begotten.
All: The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son, * neither made nor created nor begotten,
but He proceeds.
Exorcist: So there is one Father, not three; one Son, not three; * one Holy Spirit, not three.
All: And in this Trinity one Person is not earlier or later, nor is one greater or less; * but all
three Persons are co-eternal and co-equal.
Exorcist: In every way, then, as already affirmed, * unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be
worshipped.
All: Whoever, then, wills to be saved * must assent to this doctrine of the Blessed Trinity.
Exorcist: But it is necessary for everlasting salvation * that one also firmly believe in the
incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All: True faith, then, requires us to believe and profess * that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of
God, is both God and man.
Exorcist: He is God, begotten of the substance of the Father from eternity; * He is man, born in
time of the substance of His Mother.
All: He is perfect God, and perfect man * subsisting in a rational soul and a human body.
Exorcist: He is equal to the Father in His divine nature, * but less than the Father in His human
nature as such.
All: And though He is God and man, * yet He is the one Christ, not two;
Exorcist: One, however, not by any change of divinity into flesh, * but by the act of God
assuming a human nature. All: He is one only, not by a mixture of substance, * but by the
oneness of His Person. For, somewhat as the rational soul and the body compose one man, * so
Christ is one Person who is both God and man;
All: Who suffered for our salvation, who descended into hell, * who rose again the third day
from the dead;
Exorcist: Who ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, *
from there He shall come to judge both the living and the dead.
All: At His coming all men shall rise again in their bodies, * and shall give an account of their
works.

Exorcist: And those who have done good shall enter into everlasting life, * but those who have
done evil into ever lasting fire.
All: All this is Catholic faith, * and unless one believes it truly and firmly one cannot be saved.
Exorcist: Glory be to the Father
All: As it was in the beginning.
Here follow a large number of psalms which may be used at the exorcist's discretion but are not
a necessary part of the rite. Some of them occur in other parts of the Ritual and are so indicated;
the others may be taken from the Psalter. Psalm 90; psalm 67; psalm 69; psalm 53; psalm 117;
psalm 34; psalm 30; psalm 21, psalm 3; psalm 10; psalm 12.
Prayer Following Deliverance
Exorcist: Almighty God, we beg you to keep the evil spirit from further molesting this servant of
yours, and to keep him far away, never to return. At your command, O Lord, may the goodness
and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, take possession of this man (woman). May
we no longer fear any evil since the Lord is with us; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
All: Amen.

Chapter III: Exorcism of Satan and the Fallen Angels

Whereas the preceding rite of exorcism is designated for a particular person, the present one is
for general useto combat the power of the evil spirits over a community or locality.
The following exorcism can be used by bishops, as well as by priests who have this authorization
from their Ordinary.
Exorcist: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Exorcist: St. Michael the Archangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army, defend us in the
battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness and the spirit
of wickedness in high places. Come to the rescue of mankind, whom God has made in His own
image and likeness, and purchased from Satan's tyranny at so great a price. Holy Church
venerates you as her patron and guardian. The Lord has entrusted to you the task of leading the
souls of the redeemed to heavenly blessedness. Entreat the Lord of peace to cast Satan down
under our feet, so as to keep him from further holding man captive and doing harm to the
Church. Carry our prayers up to God's throne, that the mercy of the Lord may quickly come and
lay hold of the beast, the serpent of old, Satan and his demons, casting him in chains into the
abyss, so that he can no longer seduce the nations.

Exorcism
Exorcist: In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, by the intercession of Mary, spotless
Virgin and Mother of God, of St. Michael the Archangel, of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul,
and of all the saints, and by the authority residing in our holy ministry, we steadfastly proceed to
combat the onslaught of the wily enemy.
Psalm 67
Exorcist: God arises; His enemies are scattered, * and those who hate Him flee before Him.
All: As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; * as wax melts before the fire, so the wicked
perish before God.
Exorcist: See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers!
All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.
Exorcist: May your mercy, Lord, remain with us always.
All: For we put our whole trust in you.
Exorcist: We cast you out, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every onslaught of the
infernal adversary, every legion, every diabolical group and sect, in the name and by the power
of our Lord Jesus Christ. We command you, begone and fly far from the Church of God, from
the souls made by God in His image and redeemed by the precious blood of the divine Lamb.
No longer dare, cunning serpent, to deceive the human race, to persecute God's Church, to strike
God's elect and to sift them as wheat. For the Most High God commands you, He to whom
you once proudly presumed yourself equal; He who wills all men to be saved and come to the
knowledge of truth. God the Father commands you. God the Son commands you. God the
Holy Spirit commands you. Christ, the eternal Word of God made flesh, commands you, who
humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, to save our race from the perdition
wrought by your envy; who founded His Church upon a firm rock, declaring that the gates of hell
should never prevail against her, and that He would remain with her all days, even to the end of
the world. The sacred mystery of the cross commands you, along with the power of all
mysteries of Christian faith. The exalted Virgin Mary, Mother of God, commands you, who
in her lowliness crushed your proud head from the first moment of her Immaculate Conception.
The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and the other apostles commands you. The blood
of martyrs and the devout prayers of all holy men and women command you.
Therefore, accursed dragon and every diabolical legion, we adjure you by the living God, by
the true God, by the holy God, by God, who so loved the world that He gave His onlybegotten Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life; to cease
deluding human creatures and filling them with the poison of everlasting damnation; to desist
from harming the Church and hampering her freedom. Begone, Satan, father and master of lies,
enemy of man's welfare. Give place to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. Give way
to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which Christ Himself purchased with His blood.
Bow down before God's mighty hand, tremble and flee as we call on the holy and awesome
name of Jesus, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and

Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending
cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabbath.
Exorcist: Lord, heed my prayer.
All: And let my cry be heard by you.
Exorcist: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.
Exorcist: Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the
patriarchs and prophets, God of the apostles and martyrs, God of the confessors and virgin God
who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you,
nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of all things visible and invisible,
whose kingdom is without end; we humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver us by your
might from every influence of the accursed spirits, from their every evil snare and deception, and
to keep us from all harm; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Exorcist: From the snares of the devil.
All: Lord, deliver us.
Exorcist: That you help your Church to serve you in security and freedom.
All: We beg you to hear us.
Exorcist: That you humble the enemies of your holy Church.
All: We beg you to hear us.
The surroundings are sprinkled with holy water.