Exorcist gives tips on how to ward off evil

By Jocelyn R. Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Want to ward off nightmares or strange occurrences at home? Go back to the basic sacramentals, like wearing a scapular or using holy water and exorcised oil and salt.

A Rome-based theologian and exorcist, Fr. Joseph Iannuzzi, advised Filipino Catholics that these were some objects present-day believers could use to protect themselves from evil that usually goes unnoticed but is too common.

“The devil has been able to roam undetected even to the point that we don’t believe he exists,” the CBCPNews, the official news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), quoted Iannuzzi as saying.

The Italian priest, who has been assisting for years Fr. Gabriel Amorth, one of the chief exorcists in the diocese of Rome, gave a series of talks to Filipino audiences during his visit to the country over the weekend.

Iannuzzi of the Gregorian Pontifical University of Rome, also gave a theological presentation on the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a nationwide consecration to the Virgin held on Saturday in different churches.

Someone to devour

Iannuzzi explained how diabolical activities were more commonplace than people liked to believe.

“Any sense of fear or anxiety is an evil spirit… As St. Peter said in his letter, the devil roams the earth, looking for someone to devour,” the theologian said, noting that even nightmares might be the doing of the devil.

Stressing how potent sacramentals can be, Iannuzzi said these objects—such as holy water, exorcised oil and salt, scapulars and the Benedictine cross—should be used for protection against evil.

The Catholic Church defines sacramentals as sacred objects, actions or blessings that communicate grace to believers through the prayers of the Church. Exorcised salt and oil are special sacramentals blessed with exorcism prayers by a priest.

Weapon vs nightmares

Iannuzzi advised Catholics to sprinkle their homes with holy water should they experience “strange happenings.” The holy water—available in churches—is also powerful to combat nightmares, he said, advising the faithful to bless themselves with it before going to bed.

Iannuzzi also recommended using exorcised oil, whose effects last longer. But only olive oil can be used for such purpose, he pointed out.

But Iannuzzi was quick to add that the faithful must not overdo these holy practices. “I am not saying be scrupulous, [like] if anyone bothers you, throw [holy water] in their faces,” he explained.

For those who have been using the sacramentals to ward off evil, they must not complain if they don’t feel any differently, Iannuzzi said.

“Often, the proof is precisely that nothing happens,” he said. “This is what is keeping your family safe, believe it or not.”