The Need for Exorcism

On my Facebook page, I have periodically suggested that bishops appoint more priests as exorcists to go throughout New York State and, following the example of the Celtic Saints, claim this land for Christ, casting the demons out of the state. At one point, I suggested that the bishops themselves do the work, consecrating the land to Christ.

I see now that, while that would be a good thing, it's not necessary.

An exorcist appointed by bishop is needed for cases such as depicted in the movie The Exorcist - which was based on actual events.

But, reading the Catholic Encyclopedia article on Exorcist, I came across the following passage.

The practice of exorcism was not confined to clerics in the early ages, as is clear from Tertullian (Apology 23; cf. On Idolatry 11) and Origen (Against Celsus VII.4). The latter expressly states that even the simplest and rudest of the faithful sometimes cast out demons, by a mere prayer or adjuration (Mark 15:17), and urges the fact as a proof of the power of Christ's grace, and the inability of demons to resist it. In the Eastern Church, a specially ordained order of exorcists (or of acolytes, or door-keepers) has never been established ....

This accords with the account of Christ sending out the 72 (Luke 10:1-12).  They went out preaching and teaching - as laymen, not as clergy (the apostles weren't ordained until after the Resurrection - John 20) - and they returned and reported that even the demons obeyed them.

So, we need Christians in all places - not just Catholics, not just Orthodox, but faithful Christians - to preach the Gospel according to their place in life. A factory worker needn't get atop a machine and go all Billy Graham on his coworkers; of course not!  But, by being kind, letting his co-workers know that the kindness comes from being a Christian, he preaches. By refusing to compromise his faith, he preaches.  And, if the opportunity arises, explaining the faith is preaching.

In short,
By living according to 2 Chronicles 7:14

• If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

By practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy

• Feed the hungry.
• Give water to the thirsty.
• Clothe the naked.
• Shelter the homeless.
• Visit the sick.
• Visit the imprisoned, or ransom the captive.
• Bury the dead.

By practicing the Spiritual Works of Mercy

• To instruct the ignorant.
• To counsel the doubtful.
• To admonish the sinners.
• To bear patiently those who wrong us.
• To forgive offenses.
• To comfort the afflicted.
• To pray for the living and the dead.

Obviously, nobody can do all the works of mercy at all times, but which of us can say that the opportunity to do at least one doesn't come on a daily basis.

If we do these things, and we pray for the defeat of evil, even specifying that demons are not welcome in a specific place - then we do the work of an exorcist.
Let the priests worry about individual exorcism.  That is not the calling of the laity.
But living a Christian life, which sometimes includes prayers against demonic influence?  That is the work of all Christians.