Archdiocesan Exorcist urges the faithful to use Sacraments

Zimbabwe’s Archdiocese of Harare Exorcist, Fr Robert Igo OSB has this week urged the faithful attending the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Day of prayer at Holy Name Parish in Marlborough to use Sacraments for protection.

Fr Robert Igo OSB, a clinical therapist based at the Benedictine Monastery in Macheke, which is one of the four commissioned pilgrimage centres with Doors of Mercy in the Archdiocese of Harare, was the main speaker teaching the congregants on exorcism and the Catholic teaching.

In his explanation of the practice of exorcism, Fr. Igo said the practice takes from Jesus’ ministry when he commanded demons, with authority, to come out of possessed persons.

“Exorcism is when a priest who is mandated, who is given the authority, says in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to go out,” said Fr Igo.

“I command, not because I am a special power, not because I am good, not because I am clever… but I absolve with Sacramental power just like when you go to confession,” he explained.

“I have no special powers but all I have is the authority from the Archbishop.” He urged all Catholics to have faith and stand firm in their use of the Sacraments.

“We have to be careful that we don’t see the devil behind every strange noise… The best protection you and I have are the Sacraments of our Church,” he said. Fr Igo encouraged congregants to self-introspect and pray for the renewal of heart and mind.

“The biggest problem we have,  my brothers and sisters, is not Satan; the biggest problem that you and I have to face is ourselves…if you and I are going to change there has to be a renewal of our hearts and minds,” he said.

“If you want to be healed you don’t have to roam around different places of worship or bring Fr Robert from Monte Cassino to say he has got some special treat. The Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist is our source of healing," said Fr Igo OSB.

In the Catholic Church, an Exorcist is usually a priest appointed by the Bishop. Such a priest has the mandate and special permission to perform exorcisms. The dignity of the Sacramental and the nature of an exorcism require a special and explicit permission of a Bishop of the diocese.  

(Jesuit Communications Zimbabwe –Mozambique)

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