'The Rite' gets it right - Book Review

"The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist" by Matt Baglio

Mention exorcism to the average American and the first thought is likely to be about a movie. 

From "The Exorcist" in 1973 to "The Last Exorcism," issued earlier this year, Hollywood has defined exorcism in the popular imagination, sometimes by loosely basing their plot-lines on real-life examples.

Hollywood’s latest entry in the field, the forthcoming "The Rite," starring Anthony Hopkins, has a closer foundation of fact than most of its earlier efforts. 

"The Rite" is based on a book of the same name about the experiences of Father Gary Thomas, a San Jose, Calif. priest who traveled to Rome to learn to perform the ancient Church ritual of exorcism. 

While there is no telling how closely the movie will hew to the book, there is also no need to let Hollywood's version get the last word.

"The Rite," by journalist Matt Baglio, is a riveting, accessible book that educates even as it fascinates with how matter-of-factly the priests in this book deal with reality and the extraordinary activity of the Devil. 

Here’s an example:

While exorcists admit that their ministry can sometimes be a heavy burden, it would be a mistake, they say, to overstate the power of the Devil. As Father Amorth writes, "A priest who is afraid of the Devil is like a shepherd who is afraid of a wolf. It is a groundless fear." The Devil," says Amorth, is already "doing us as much harm as he possibly can."

And so rather than fear him, exorcists say, it is better to emulate saints such as Teresa of Avila, who proclaimed, "If this Lord is powerful, as I see that he is and I know that he is, and if the devils are his slaves (and there is no doubt about this because it’s a matter of faith), what evil can they do to me since I am a servant of this Lord and King? Why shouldn’t I have the fortitude to engage in combat with all of hell?"

Journalist Matt Baglio followed Father Thomas from California to Rome after he agreed to his bishop's request to become educated as an exorcist. 

Eventually Father Thomas became the apprentice of an Italian exorcist, Father Giancarlo Gramolazzo, to get some sense of exorcisms outside of the classroom lectures. 

The book charts how the young priest gradually overcomes his innate American skepticism and begins to understand the reality of demonic possession as he sympathizes for the victims.

Baglio’s reporting of the university classes takes the time to step aside and discuss Church teachings about anything to do with demonic possession — including angels, free will, God’s power, and human ailments. 

Skillfully interwoven with these discussions are Father Thomas’s experiences and thoughts about the process every step of the way, and real life stories told by people who have been exorcised of a demon.

The book helps us realize just how thoroughly our popular images of exorcism have been fashioned by Hollywood and fiction. For example, exorcisms often aren't accomplished in one fell swoop. 

Instead, the process may takes years of repetition. Here’s how Baglio handles it:

"People don't understand what we do," says Father Gramolazzo. "People come to see us expecting to be healed right away." ....

Instead, as Father Gramolazzo explains, exorcism is more akin to a journey, with the exorcist acting as a kind of "spiritual director" helping the victim to "rediscover the grace of God" through prayer and the sacraments. ...

Getting people to see it this way is not always easy for the exorcist. 

"Half the battle is to change their whole purpose so they don't see it in the light of getting rid of a problem, but see it in the light of being more fully converted or being converted at all," says English exorcist Father Jeremy Davies. 

"That's the whole aim. It's what I'm always telling people week by week. And that's the most important thing — the exorcism is secondary to that. ...

Simply put, the prayers of the exorcism weaken the power that the demon has over the person. 

The healing, however, cannot happen without the full participation of the individual. 

Victims of possession are exhorted to go to weekly confession, to recite rosary daily, and above all to receive the Eucharist. …

It is clear that Baglio is a serious journalist as he examines what popular culture takes as truth and corrects misconceptions. 

He also examines many of the logical questions raised by the idea of demons and possession in modern times. He interviews psychologists, doctors, and other specialists for information. 

What he finds is reported without ever inserting himself into the narrative. 

This allows the focus to stay on the subject and on Father Thomas, whose journey led to spiritual growth for both himself and Baglio.

In the end, Father Thomas must determine how best to conduct exorcisms in America. Although each priest must follow the ritual as prescribed by the Church, there is a certain degree of latitude. 

The reader is intrigued as Father Thomas carefully combines his Italian practical experience and American cultural differences in discerning demonic possession.

"The Rite" delivers chills that are more authentic than anything Hollywood shows in a movie, without every falling prey to emotionalism or false drama. 

As readers watch over Father Thomas’s shoulder during his apprenticeship, they realize exorcism isn’t about Hollywood special effects. 

It’s about real people, possessed by demons. 

The real thing makes a book well worth reading.

SIC: CNA/INT'L