Exorcists discuss cases, emphasize essential role of sacred music and the Virgin Mary in exorcisms

About 120 exorcist priests gathered in Sacrofano, Italy, from September 21 to 25 for the 15th Italian National Conference of the International Association of Exorcists. The meeting focused on pastoral experiences, including specific cases of demonic possession and the roles of sacred music and the Virgin Mary during exorcisms.

Father Benigno Palilla, an exorcist from the Archdiocese of Palermo, described a young woman who was freed from possession after two and a half years. The International Association of Exorcists noted that her suffering, which included aggression and suicidal thoughts, was often linked to atheism, occult practices, spiritist sessions, and the cessation of receiving the sacraments. Palilla stated her liberation occurred on the liturgical memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

Father Angelo Barra, an exorcist from the Diocese of Salerno, shared the case of a young woman experiencing domestic violence who began suffering severe pain during Mass. The association reported that a priest reading passages from Acts 16 triggered an intense spiritual reaction. Her liberation followed blessings and spiritual support from two Catholic communities in Africa.