Portugal’s Exorcism Fever: A Spiritual Storm Headed for Malta?
Exorcism in Portugal: A Spiritual Storm Rolling Towards Malta?
In the quiet town of Odivelas, Portugal, Father Carlos Cabecinhas has been inundated with requests for exorcisms. His phone rings off the hook, and his inbox overflows with pleas for help from those tormented by what they believe to be demonic possession. This surge in demand for exorcism services has the Catholic Church in Portugal worried, and it’s a trend that could reach Malta’s shores.
Portugal’s Exorcism Boom
The number of exorcisms performed in Portugal has skyrocketed in recent years. The country’s bishops’ conference estimates that there are around 500 cases annually, a figure that has more than doubled since 2010. The increase has been so dramatic that the Church has had to establish a national team of exorcists to cope with the demand.
Father Cabecinhas, a soft-spoken man with a gentle demeanor, is one of the busiest members of this team. He performs exorcisms in his parish church, Our Lady of the Conception, and in the homes of those who believe they are possessed. The scenes he describes are chilling: levitations, speaking in tongues, and violent outbursts that leave the possessed person exhausted and terrified.
Malta: A Potential Hotspot?
Malta, with its rich history of Catholicism and strong spiritual traditions, could be the next stop for this exorcism fever. The island nation has seen its fair share of supernatural beliefs and practices, from the ancient Maltese belief in the ‘striga’ or witch to the modern-day fascination with ouija boards and séances.
Local priests are already reporting an increase in requests for blessings and exorcisms. Father Mark Sultana, a Maltese priest and theologian, notes, “We’re seeing more people coming to us, worried about spiritual attacks. It’s a trend that’s been growing over the past few years.”
Malta’s unique cultural scene, with its blend of ancient and modern, could be a breeding ground for these beliefs. The island’s numerous churches and shrines, like the ancient Roman catacombs in Rabat or the Shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu in Għarb, could become focal points for those seeking spiritual protection or deliverance.
The Church’s Concerns
The Catholic Church is worried about this trend. While they acknowledge that genuine cases of demonic possession exist, they fear that many of these cases are misdiagnosed. Mental health issues, such as schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder, can mimic the symptoms of possession, and the Church is concerned that people are not getting the help they need.
Father Antonio Maria Martins, the Church’s chief exorcist in Portugal, warns, “We must be very careful not to confuse mental illness with demonic possession. It’s a delicate matter, and we must tread carefully.”
Malta’s Response
Malta’s Church is taking steps to address this issue. They are providing training for priests on how to discern genuine cases of possession from mental health issues. They are also encouraging people to seek help from mental health professionals before turning to exorcisms.
Dr. Joseph Casha, a Maltese psychiatrist, welcomes this approach. He says, “It’s crucial that we don’t dismiss people’s experiences, but we must also ensure they’re getting the right help. Often, what they need is psychiatric care, not an exorcism.”
As the exorcism trend continues to grow, both in Portugal and potentially in Malta, the Church faces a delicate balancing act. They must respect people’s beliefs and provide the spiritual support they need, while also ensuring they’re getting the right kind of help. It’s a complex issue, but one that the Church is determined to approach with care and compassion.
