Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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POSSESSION, DEMONIC

The inner control by the devil of the actions of the body in a human being. The victim's liberty of soul always remains intact. Possession can be continual or intermittent, and the victim need not have culpably brought on the devil's control. There is an official exorcism provided by the Church for possessed persons. Public exorcisms must be authorized by ecclesiastical authority.