ROME, SEPT. 8, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Interest in Satanism hasn’t waned.
That is why the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University and the Socioreligious Research and Information Group are offering a course on «Exorcism and the Prayer of Deliverance,» the second of its kind.
To better understand the objectives and reasons for the course, which starts Oct. 13, ZENIT interviewed one of the program’s teachers, Carlo Climati, a journalist who has written on youth Satanism.
Q: How did the idea arise to organize a second course on exorcism and Satanism, after the one already imparted in February, March and April of last year, which received unexpected coverage by the media worldwide?
Climati: There was a need to respond to the numerous requests that came from various parts of the world. The second course will be held from October 13 to February 9, 2006, with a break in mid-November and mid-January.
It is reserved for priests and students with a licentiate in theology who are preparing for the priesthood. Moreover, it will be possible to follow the course by videoconference from Bologna, Perugia, Assisi, Maddaloni and other cities around the world.
Q: What are the novelties of this second edition?
Climati: All the professors of the first course have been confirmed. To these will be added Archbishop Angelo Comastri, the Pope’s vicar general for Vatican City, and Bishop Andrea Gemma, F.D.P., of Isernia-Venafro, for the opening session, as well as several exorcists for the closing session.
Q: How has the first course been evaluated?
Climati: Optimally. A total of 127 people participated from Italy, Africa, Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Austria, Germany and Slovakia. In particular, its interdisciplinary character was very much appreciated, which allowed for a complete view of the arguments, including the scientific point of view. Without a doubt, among the objectives of the course was to remove such a difficult and delicate argument from a superficial and sensationalist approach.
Q: Did the interest of the media in the first course contribute to this result?
Climati: Undoubtedly. Newspapers, radios, magazines, news agencies and television channels from all over the world talked about our initiative with a correct and balanced language, which corresponded to the spirit of the course. Our sincere gratitude goes to all the journalists who made that course known, for the seriousness they demonstrated in their task of informing.
Q: What are the objectives of the second course?
Climati: In addition to the topic of exorcism, there will be much discussion on the problem of Satanism and sects. This second course also has the objective to give priests useful instruments for their pastoral work of information and support to families.
Some incidents mentioned by the media recently must be a sign of alarm to take seriously a problem that is still underestimated: the increase of interest in Satanism. With his solid preparation, a priest can offer an important contribution to address this problem, which can affect above all young people.
Q: How would you describe the phenomenon of youth Satanism?
Climati: Youth Satanism is, above all, domestic Satanism, «homemade.» There are increasingly more youths who admit to being fascinated by devil worship and by a world of lugubrious and dark environments. For many of them, shadows seem to be more attractive than light.
«Homemade» Satanism is an even more harmful phenomenon than sects. A sect, in fact, can be discovered and easily controlled. But the personal initiative of three or four youths gets out of control. One only succeeds in intervening when the evil has already been done.
For this reason, it is important to offer appropriate information to families. In this connection, a priest can have a determinant role and offer precious preventive action.
