Pentecostal exorcist Bob Larson blessed by Rome's Chief Exorcist

BobLarson.org ^ | December 28, 2005 | Bob Larson

[NYer]

December, 28, 2005

Dear Friend,

            A warm handshake, the touching of each cheek in turn (in true Italian style), and the words, “We are doing the same mission for our Lord Jesus Christ.”

            That moment bridged a gap of centuries. Five hundred years ago I would not have been standing in the Vatican and a priest might have called for my death as a heretic. But this day in December, 2005, was a day of reconciliation and embracing on common ground–the belief in waging spiritual war through exorcism, deliverance, and healing.

	St. Peter's Basilica. The largest church in the world.

	If you haven’t been tracing my steps for the past couple of weeks, let me bring you up to date. The priest who embraced me was Father Gabriele Amorth, the foremost exorcist in the Catholic church. I had been asked to come to the Vatican in Rome to meet Father Amorth, who has appeared with me in several documentaries, including the recent special on A&E.

If you haven’t been tracing my steps for the past couple of weeks, let me bring you up to date. The priest who embraced me was Father Gabriele Amorth, the foremost exorcist in the Catholic church. I had been asked to come to the Vatican in Rome to meet Father Amorth, who has appeared with me in several documentaries, including the recent special on A&E. We were also permitted to bring video cameras to record this historic meeting for inclusion in a documentary we’re producing. (We were accompanied by an interpreter–Father Amorth speaks only Italian–a cameraman, as well as our documentary producer and a director.)             Father Amorth is well-respected all over the world as the primary Catholic priest to consult when questions about exorcism arise. He is the honorary president of the International Association of Exorcists and heads up a Vatican training school for potential exorcists. He is a fearless man of God who has bravely taken on the forces of darkness. This meeting opened the door to building bridges with the one billion-strong Catholic community. I believe in the Last Days before the return of Jesus Christ that all those who believe in spiritual warfare need to join together as a worldwide spiritual army, regardless of our theological differences. That’s why this breakthrough was such an answer to prayer.             I have always expressed my appreciation for the way the Catholic Church has maintained the tradition of exorcism. Even the late Pope John Paul II performed at least three known exorcisms, one in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. While many Protestants have shied away from embracing deliverance through exorcism, Catholics have kept the practice alive.              The way that Catholics do exorcism has some differences as to style, but the basic fundamentals are the same. In fact, I have encouraged our Do What Jesus Did (DWJD) healing and deliverance teams to read the Rituale Romanum, the ancient Catholic rite of exorcism. It is filled with majestic, biblical language that boldly confronts Satan and his demons. Of course, as a Protestant and evangelical Christian, I have some theological differences with Catholics. But I’ve always made it a practice to embrace all Christians who share a common faith in Christ and a desire to defeat the works of the devil.              Our meeting with Father Amorth took place in a massive Church building that was part of an elaborate facility including beautiful grounds and landscaping. For nearly an hour Father Amorth answered our questions about deliverance and exorcism. He pulled no punches and was totally forthright, declaring that every Christian can and should battle the devil and cast out demons. He lamented that many in his own Church avoid the issue. On a brighter note, I asked him about the new Pope, Benedict XVI. Father Amorth pointed out that when Benedict XVI was a cardinal he was part of the committee that updated the current Catholic exorcism ritual. He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Every Pope has approved of exorcism and encouraged it.” (I only wish that could be said of every evangelical church leader in America!)              After more than an hour of intense discussion, Father Amorth motioned for me to follow him. In his 80s, he walks with a slow but deliberate gait. He led me from the beautiful chapel where we first met, down several long hallways. A few minutes later he opened the door to a simply furnished room. “This is my exorcism room,” he said.              I felt like I was standing on holy ground. To my knowledge no one from the outside world has ever been allowed there with TV cameras. As a gracious host he pointed out everything in the room that was so special to him. On the walls were pictures of the Archangel Michael and photos of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. He pointed to a chair. “That’s where I do most of the exorcisms,” he said. Then he turned to a bed on the opposite side of the room. “That’s where we restrain those who are violent.” He reached in a box and showed us the straps he uses to tie down people when he can’t control the demons. He lovingly cradled in his hands the crucifix and stole that are such an important part of his tradition.

             As he concluded, the Lord impressed me to ask something the Holy Spirit prompted at that moment: “Would you bless me and my wife and share your anointing with us?” Without hesitation he rubbed his finger in anointing salve and made the sign of the cross on my forehead. Then he made the sign of the cross on my chest and put one hand on my head and the other over my heart. The room was filled with a sacred silence as his deep, tender voice invoked the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit over me and my wife, Laura.

	Rev. Bob Larson receives anointing from Father Gabriele Amorth

I felt the presence of God as Father Amorth imparted a portion of the calling on his life. Centuries of religious conflict and misunderstanding melted away in a moment. Something powerful took place in heavenly realms. Old walls came down as two proponents of spiritual warfare from the Catholic and Protestant traditions met on the common ground of the cross.              When he finished his moving prayer of blessing, Father Amorth grinned and turned to the TV cameras. “They are demon-free,” he said. “No demons around them, only angels.”              We laughed together at his pronouncement, knowing that his delightful humor was also meant to be a serious note of conclusion to our meeting. So much more happened than I have room to write about here. That’s why we’ve produced an unedited, director’s cut of the entire encounter, entitled The Miracle at the Vatican, that you can show to family and friends. In a moment I’ll share how you can have a Limited Edition copy of this historic video footage.              I was touched by the faithfulness of Father Amorth. He doesn’t have a dedicated group of spiritual warriors to help bear the burden, like I do. (We now have more than 100 Do What Jesus Did, DWJD, teams around the world.). He must strap people down because only a few nuns and elderly lay people assist him. But Father Amorth has something very important that we don’t have. He has the backing of the richest religious institution in the world to provide all his facilities and all his needs. In contrast, there isn’t a single church in America or Canada that provides support for what we’re doing to set the captives free. We depend solely on faithful friends like you to sacrificially make it possible to reach the lost and hurting.              We desperately need a place like Father Amorth has for worship, prayer, and ministry around the clock. For the last year our Spiritual Freedom Church and Center in Phoenix, Arizona has been meeting in a small office facility that is wholly inadequate to minister to the needs of those who come for healing and deliverance.              Several months ago God led us to a new location for a $1.2 million prayer and worship center and miraculously provided the initial funding. Drywall is going up, electricians and plumbers are vigorously at work, and architects are finishing the design. This will be the most unique religious facility this side of the Vatican.              When Father Amorth has financial needs, he turns to the Church. Everyone from the Pope on down is committed to the success of his spiritual calling. Our ministry turns to you to help finish this historic Center of healing and hope. Our most urgent need is to immediately raise  $120,000 between now and our opening in February. It would please the Lord to have us minister free from financial burdens, just as Father Amorth does. Will you help us do that?              Once our Church and Center are open, we can also establish a deliverance training school like Father Amorth has done. We’ll be able to have a regular schedule of healing retreats, teaching seminars, and around-the-clock prayers for deliverance. Because of our extensive secular publicity and this new connection with the Catholic Church, those who hunger to restore this much-neglected ministry will turn to us for direction and leadership. You can have great spiritual satisfaction by being a Freedom Founder, one of 1,000 to share a gift of $120 to complete the first stage of our Spiritual Freedom Church and Center.              Before I close this letter. Let me share one more instance that took place during our Vatican meeting with Father Amorth. As this humble priest led us into his exorcism room, we encountered a young woman who was already in the room, awaiting her turn for an exorcism. When she saw us and the television cameras, she covered her face in shame and bolted from the room. Through our Italian interpreter she pleaded with us not to identify her to anyone. Over and over she begged us, “Please don’t tell anyone I was here.” It took some time to convince her we wouldn’t show her image in any footage that we shot.              I understand why this woman wanted her exorcism to be secret. Unfortunately, both the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church have stigmatized exorcism. Church leaders have made seeking deliverance a hush-hush affair to be hidden, much like we used to do with mental illness and physical disabilities. Thank God, those in wheelchairs are no longer second class citizens. Those with mental illness are out of the closet and getting the professional help they deserve.              Exorcism, deliverance and inner healing must also be brought into the open so that people like that woman in Father Amorth’s exorcism room don’t have to cringe in fear. The hurting and brokenhearted who are bound by Satan must be able to find a safe place for ministry.  Our Spiritual Freedom Church and Center for Freedom will be that place!              Don’t put off being a partner with me. Get your check or credit card right now and call 1-866-910-FREE (3733) to let us know your gift is on the way. Join 999 other people by sharing a gift of $120 so the doors to our Spiritual Freedom Church & Center can open next month.              I’m praying that the moment you write that check or call in that credit card that the anointing I received from Father Amorth will flow from me to you. Let The Miracle at the Vatican be the beginning of a miracle in your own life    Doing What Jesus Did,    Bob Larson P. S. My personal meeting and interview with Father Amorth, along with the visit to his exorcism room, was all captured on video. This is remarkable, unprecedented footage and a small portion will appear in the worldwide exorcism documentary we’re producing. I want you to have the entire, unedited footage in an exclusive “director’s cut” called The Miracle at the Vatican. For your gift of $120 or more, I’ll rush this footage to you as soon as it’s available. If you have Catholic friends or family, don’t miss the chance to let them see this historic encounter. I’m praying that, as you watch it, Father Amorth’s anointing will come upon your life.              P. P. S. Even though we urgently need gifts of $120 or more, any gift of any size will be deeply appreciated. Share what you can to help establish this historic Church & Center of deliverance and freedom for those tormented by the devil.

[NYer]

Enjoy!

[pissant]

I've seen this guy on TV. He strikes me as phonier than a 3 dollar bill. I'm suprised the Catholic Church would have anything to do with him.

[Nihil Obstat]

Five hundred years ago I would not have been standing in the Vatican and a priest might have called for my death as a heretic.

Wow, how old is this guy?

[B-Chan]

American League or National League -- it's all Baseball.

[Titanites]

I wonder if Father Amorth knew he was going to be used for raising money.

[pissant]

I have nothing against Pentecostals, just most televangelists. I think it might be the hair plugs. LOL

[NYer]

I wonder if Father Amorth knew he was going to be used for raising money.

Doubtful he expected that his generosity would be repaid in this manner. Were Larson a Catholic, he would be headed to Confession to apologize for exploitation.

I take it you're not investing $120 for a copy of his video? (/sarcasm)

[pissant]

ROFL. He may believe he's the cat's meow when it comes to these things, but I think Charlatan.

[Jaded]

Yeah, and you can be ordained by mail or over the web for free.

While there IS a need for exorcists, john smith should really, really be careful. Most people have no idea what they are up against. I don't think a $70 d-i-y exorcism kit would do the trick.

[Alex Murphy]

Bob Larson? Bob Larson????

[Corin Stormhands]

and said anyone can do it from their own couch.

I don't have much of a problem with demons, but I'd pay $70 for something that would keep the cookie crumbs and cat hair off the couch...

[topcat54]

Larson's an exorcist and he can't even discern being in the lair of the antichrist? Odd.

[PetroniusMaximus]

This guy has some serious problems.

Beware.

[NYer]

Larson's an exorcist and he can't even discern being in the lair of the antichrist?

You've got that backwards.

[PleaseNoMore]

It's been a while since I have heard anything about Larson, but I remember he used to have a late night radio show in the 80's.

I do believe there are some believers who are equipped in the deliverance ministry, however; dealing with demons and warfare with the same isn't something to be taken lightly. A 70.00 kit won't do you much good when the demons you are exorcising don't recognize your authority over them.

This is definately a case of "buyer beware".

[DallasMike]

I have 2 books on demon oppression by Fr. Amorth. He's the real McCoy, though I do think that the Roman rite in general relies too much on the strength of the priest and not on the strength of the Holy Spirit. That's better than most evangelicals (of which I am one) who so often pretend that demons can't oppress Christians. Don Dickerman has an excellent deliverance ministry if you live in the Texas-Oklahoma area.

Bob Larson is a sensationalist who divorced his wife and married a staffer many years his junior.

Demons are real, and every Christian who has put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) has the authority to cast them out.

[PleaseNoMore]

That's better than most evangelicals (of which I am one) who so often pretend that demons can't oppress Christians.

I had to chuckle at that statement. My baptist BIL once told me the devil/demons can't "touch" Christians. I asked him to whome was the bible written if not to believers and if demons couldn't "touch" Christians why did Jesus warn us (believers) so often in His word about them.

I am of the belief it is a very dangerous thing to believe "you" are immune from the devil's wiles.

Sorry to be OT.