Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 1/29/2006

Question
What is the traditional Catholic belief about demonic influence? I know that we believe in demonic possession (in rare cases) but I'm not sure where the Church stands on the issue of the demonic role in sin. I hear many evangelical and fundamentalist Protestants blaming demons for their personal sins. I realize that in the prayer of St. Michael, we mention all the wicked spirits that roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls, but I'm not sure if that squares with the extremely active role these non-Catholics ascribe to demons.  

Answer
                       Peace

Dear Johann
    Demonic influence is real. Satan is not alone when it comes to being a fallen angel. Scripture says 1/3 of the angels fell, the same day.
     Demonic influence can be slight when comes to personal sins or it can be great. There are other influences such as: desires of the body and the world.
     Possession is indeed real, as well as oppresion.
Several saints like St Anthony the Great Abbot was attacked regularly.

The following is from the "Catechism" approved by John Paul II:

414 Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan. Their choice against God is definitive. They try to associate man in their revolt against God.




1673 When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing. In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism. The solemn exorcism, called "a major exorcism," can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness.



                           in Christ,
                                  george