The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist

Matt Baglio

Mar 2009 · Sold by Image

About this eBook

The inspiration for the film starring Anthony Hopkins, journalist Matt Baglio uses the astonishing story of one American priest's training as an exorcist to reveal that the phenomena of possession, demons, the Devil, and exorcism are not merely a remnant of the archaic past, but remain a fearsome power in many people's lives even today.

Father Gary Thomas was working as a parish priest in California when he was asked by his bishop to travel to Rome for training in the rite of exorcism. Though initially surprised, and slightly reluctant, he accepted this call, and enrolled in a new exorcism course at a Vatican-affiliated university, which taught him, among other things, how to distinguish between a genuine possession and mental illness. Eventually he would go on to participate in more than eighty exorcisms as an apprentice to a veteran Italian exorcist. His experiences profoundly changed the way he viewed the spiritual world, and as he moved from rational skeptic to practicing exorcist he came to understand the battle between good and evil in a whole new light. Journalist Matt Baglio had full access to Father Gary over the course of his training, and much of what he learned defies explanation.

The Rite provides fascinating vignettes from the lives of exorcists and people possessed by demons, including firsthand accounts of exorcists at work casting out demons, culminating in Father Gary's own confrontations with the Devil. Baglio also traces the history of exorcism, revealing its rites and rituals, explaining what the Catholic Church really teaches about demonic possession, and delving into such related topics as the hierarchy of angels and demons, satanic cults, black masses, curses, and the various theories used by modern scientists and anthropologists who seek to quantify such phenomena.

Written with an investigative eye that will captivate both skeptics and believers alike, The Rite shows that the truth about demonic possession is not only stranger than fiction, but also far more chilling.

Ratings and reviews

This book contains important information for any laypeople who do not believe in the pre-natural and supernatural. Good and Evil is a permanent juxtaposition and reality of the human life. In my case the most important information and formula needed to be spiritually protected as a catholic person is the faithful daily praying on the Holy Rosary; having a confession once a week, and receiving the Eucharistic. I highly recommend this theological investigation.

An excellent book on the rite of exorcism seen through the eyes of an American priest that was previously unaware of how real the spiritual battle between good and evil is. The book is not written in sensationalist manner and provides solid information about the rite, possession and exorcism today, and what the Church is doing to inform and combat the phenomena. Well done Mr. Baglio.

Great book and excellent follow-through.

About the author

MATT BAGLIO, a reporter living in Rome, has written for the Associated Press and the International Herald Tribune.