FDCD Gathering reflects on the ministry of exorcism

“In addition to the ministries common to the entire Latin Church, nothing prevents Episcopal Conferences from asking the Apostolic See for the institution of others, which for particular reasons, they consider necessary or very useful in their own region. Among these are, for example, the offices of Porter, Exorcist and Catechist”. (Antiquum Ministerium 7).

Oath taking of the new members of FDCD, Fr. Joey Francisco, Fr. Romeo Axalan, Fr. Calexto Peligrino, Rev. Dan Baliano, and Fr. Francis Flores.

In response to the pressing need of our faithful today on the issue of exorcism, Fr. Dexter Veloso, Fraternity of the Diocesan Clergy of Davao animator and Parish Priest of the Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Fatima Street, deems it timely for Davao Clergy to listen to the talk of Fr. Soren Abellanosa, Parochial Vicar of Sto. Rosario Parish Toril. Together with Fr. Soren was Fr. Leonie Espana, who after having attended trainings on the said ministry, enlightened the Davao Clergy on how to handle alleged cases of demonic possessions. In the midst of many factors, it is the duty of the priest to discern whether possessions are real or not. Nevertheless, pastoral care and guidance should be given to those who are spiritually troubled.

Pope Francis encouraged that this ministry, together with the ministry of catechists be strengthened if the Bishop deems it needed. “Such ministries, apparently new but closely tied up with the Church’s living experience down the centuries, such as that of catechists… are valuable for the establishment, life, and growth of the Church, and for her capacity to influence her surroundings and to reach those who are remote from her” (Antiquum Ministerium 7).

A pose after the Eucharistic celebration.

Held at Mergrande Ocean Resort on September 9, the FDCD gathering was not only a day of sharing each other’s presence through the liturgy, meals and games but also a day of challenging each other as pastors of souls. The open forum is a witness of the desire of each one to be first strengthen one’s prayer life, so as to avoid an opening to demonic opportunities in the priestly life. Otherwise, it is difficult to minister to others without being prepared spiritually as an ordained minister.