ONLINE DELIVERANCE SESSIONS

QUESTION? / COMMENT!

Is there anything in, writing or a video, a lecture that does not endorse online deliverance sessions? And what is the reasoning behind it?

ANSWER! / COMMENT!

Christianity is inherently incarnational—it emphasizes the importance of being physically present with Christ through the sacraments. This is akin to attending therapy or counseling via Zoom, or arguing your case in court remotely. Similarly, consider whether attending Holy Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist in person is more meaningful than simply watching Mass on your living room screen.

While God can certainly bestow grace and healing through a phone call or Zoom in urgent circumstances, such instances should be exceptions rather than the rule. Online deliverance may offer some benefit, but it lacks the essential incarnational aspect. The effectiveness of spiritual deliverance is greatly enhanced when performed in person, in the presence of a Catholic priest. There is a profound difference between a prayer session in real life and one conducted remotely; the latter cannot replicate the personal preparation and spiritual context that an in-person session provides.

One critical element missing in online deliverance is the preparation of the individual who is diabolically afflicted. A well-formed team of laypeople, under the guidance of a priest, must prepare the person for prayer—helping them establish a regular prayer routine, providing instruction and catechesis, ensuring they are in a state of grace, and encouraging strengthening virtues.

Praying deliverance prayers over the internet, especially to an audience of many, lacks this personalized preparation. A priest who does not know the individual personally may inadvertently pray over someone in a state of mortal sin, which risks unintended consequences. The name of Jesus alone can provoke demonic manifestations, and if the person begins to exhibit violent or uncontrolled symptoms—such as thrashing, growling, or eye-rolling—they could injure themselves or others if unassisted. Sometimes the person being prayed over is bound for their own protection (cf. 1998 Revised Exorcism Ritual; introduction)

While some lower-level demons may be cast out through online prayers, there is a significant absence of aftercare—critical spiritual follow-up, ongoing catechesis, and personal guidance tailored to each individual’s circumstances. The impersonal nature of mass online prayer leaves each person as just one among many, without the personalized attention necessary to address unique spiritual afflictions.

The most prudent and effective approach would be for the afflicted individual to go to confession and then receive prayer from their parish priest. Any Catholic priest has the authority to perform minor exorcism prayers and deliverance, provided that proper pastoral care and discernment are observed.

RITE OF EXORCISM (1999)

(This is the Official Rite for expelling demons from people certified as being possessed by authorized Catholic priests.)

The priest delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and implore God's help in other fervent prayers. He vests in surplice and purple stole. Having before him the person possessed (who should be bound if there is any danger), he traces the sign of the cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinkles all of them with holy water. After this he kneels and says the Litany of the Saints, exclusive of the prayers which follow it. All present are to make the responses.

From the Introduction to the ritual text:

19. The Exorcism should be performed in such a way that it manifest the faith of the Church and that no one can consider it as a magical or superstitious activity. Care must be taken that it not become a spectacle for those present. In no way may any opportunity be given to any of the media of social communication while the Exorcism is taking place, or even before the Exorcism takes place, and when it has been performed the Exorcist and those present, observing due discretion, should not divulge information about it.

How much privacy do people have when they do on line deliverance? I don’t know how many people have access to that video.