Rome's International Conference of Exorcists Highlights the Role of Sacred Music and the Virgin Mary in Exorcisms

The International Association of Exorcists (AIE) held its 15th Italian National Convention, gathering practitioners to focus on pastoral care, ongoing formation, and the theological foundations of the ministry. Alternating biennially with international gatherings, this year's conference emphasized the lived experiences of exorcist priests and addressed modern challenges related to occult practices and the digital or cultural vulnerabilities of younger generations.

Location: Fraterna Domus – Sacrofano (Rome)

Dates: September 21–25, 2026

Attendees: Approximately 120 exorcist priests and assistants

Key Highlights & Presentations

• Opening Remarks: Led by AIE President Msgr. Karel Orlita, Vice President Fr. Francesco Bamonte, and Italian Secretariat Coordinator Fr. Piermario Burgo. Discussions reaffirmed the association's commitment to supporting bishops and priests through training, discernment, and proper execution of the liturgical rite.

• Case Studies on Youth and the Occult:

  • Fr. Benigno Palilla (Palermo) shared the successful two-and-a-half-year liberation of a young woman suffering from severe isolation, suicidal thoughts, and demonic oppression stemming from atheism, withdrawal from sacraments, and involvement in séances. Liberation was achieved on the feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

  • Fr. Angelo Barra (Salerno) recounted the case of a young domestic abuse victim freed through prayer and international Christian support after falling prey to ritual consecration by a foreign sect.

  • Fr. Michele Tenzon discussed a South American woman freed from a generational spirit-cult legacy, highlighting how authentic Christian life and Marian devotion shield against occult attacks.

• Commemoration of Fr. Gabriele Amorth: Marking the tenth anniversary of the AIE founder's passing, speakers including Fr. Francesco Bamonte and Fr. Marcello Lanza reflected on his legacy. They stressed the importance of pairing episcopal mandates with rigorous ongoing training—likening an untrained exorcist to an "inexperienced surgeon"—and anchoring the ministry firmly within spiritual theology.

• Theological and Pastoral Insights:

  • Fr. Piermario Burgo reminded attendees that exorcism is an official ecclesiastical office granted by a bishop, serving as a tangible manifestation of Christ's saving mercy.

  • Fr. Giuseppe Grassi explored how sacred music, Gregorian chant, and traditional hymns prefigure heavenly liturgy and can support the atmosphere of the rite.

  • Fr. Salvatore Perrella delivered a theological address on the Blessed Virgin Mary as the "woman of agony against the devil" and an essential ally and shield for exorcists.

  • Fr. Mario Imperatori and criminologist Beatrice Ugolini examined the intersection of modern cults, ritual violence, international abuse networks, and occult consecrations, noting how youth are frequently targeted by these dangerous movements.

Liturgical Celebrations

Daily Eucharistic liturgies and homilies were presided over by prominent figures who provided spiritual encouragement to the participants:

• Cardinal Baldo Reina (Vicar of Rome) spoke on the exorcist as an instrument of divine mercy.

• Msgr. Mario Vaccari (Bishop of Massa-Carrara) emphasized priestly poverty and humility modeled after Saint Francis and Saint Pio.

• Msgr. Andrea Bruno Mazzoccato (Archbishop Emeritus of Udine) reflected on human fragility and the ongoing spiritual battle for the human soul.

• Source - https://www.aieinternational.it/comunicato-stampa-xv-convegno-nazionale-italiano-dellassociazione-internazionale-esorcisti/