Illinois bishop plans exorcism ritual as Illinois recognizes same-sex marriage
November 15, 2013
Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois has announced that he will conduct prayers of exorcism at the city’s cathedral on November 20, the date when Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will sign into law a bill recognizing same-sex marriage.
In a statement released by the Springfield diocese, Bishop Paprocki explained that the ritual of exorcism is designed not only for cases of demonic possession, but also for circumstances when the work of the devil is evident in public activities “and in various forms of opposition to and persecution of the Church.”
Quoting Pope Francis, from the days when he led a fight against same-sex marriage as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the bishop said that the redefinition of marriage is “a move of the father of lies, who wishes to confuse and deceive the children of God.” Accepting homosexual unions as equivalent to marriage, Bishop Paprocki said—again quoting then-Cardinal Bergoglio—entails “the total rejection of God’s law engrave in our hearts.”
Bishop Paprocki said it was “scandalous” that many Catholic politicians had supported the legislation redefining marriage. He said that “politicians who supported the measure are “morally complicit as cooperators in facilitating this grave sin.”
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Further information:
- Bishop To Hold 'Prayers of Exorcism' On Same-Sex Marriage (WUIS)
- Bishop Thomas John Paprocki to Offer "Prayers of Supplication and Exorcism in Reparation for the Sin of Same-sex Marriage" (Springfield diocese)
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Posted by: extremeCatholic -
Nov. 16, 2013 3:52 PM ET USA
An exorcism directed to what object? His state or his diocese? This already has been ridiculed and certainly will continue to be. What precedent is there in history for exorcising a civil law? The bishop and his predecessors could have prevented this by telling those in his flock who continue to elect into government people opposed to Catholic morality: This outcome, and worse, are guaranteed.
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Posted by: impossible -
Nov. 16, 2013 10:27 AM ET USA
Next, I suggest that he go to the White House and the U.S. Senate. Exorcism(s) crucially needed in those two pits of evil. Perhaps even the USCCB headquarters.
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Posted by: koinonia -
Nov. 16, 2013 9:38 AM ET USA
This news is ridiculous in the eyes of a great many; from a time long past filled with superstition and cerebral vacuity. Even among churchmen, churchgoers, and church prelates this news is likely to draw a wag of the head or a sigh of incredulity. This self-assured disbelief works to the benefit of the fallen angels and to the detriment of souls. Further, it animates a resolute intolerance of the "intolerant" who engage in such superstitious and "hateful" endeavors. Don't buy into it.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Nov. 15, 2013 11:11 PM ET USA
Well blessed be God for a bishop with a spinal column and nerves inside.
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Posted by: -
Nov. 15, 2013 10:06 PM ET USA
Thank you Bishop! Where sin abounds grace abounds even more.
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Posted by: -
Nov. 15, 2013 6:22 PM ET USA
Hooray! Wish more Bishops would take this stand.
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Posted by: nix898049 -
Nov. 15, 2013 5:49 PM ET USA
As a former resident of IL, I applaud the bishop. Regret having clicked on the WUIS link and comments. I feel like I've just spent a session with the Roman soldiers who scourged and tormented our Blessed Lord. No surprise really, since sadism is an accepted part of the culture of sodomy. I pray St Michael especially will protect Bishop Paprocki. I will be praying along with him on Wednesday.
