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Question:
What authoritative reference can be provided that clearly and specifically says laymen who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation DO NOT have any power whatsoever to perform exorcism?
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I don't have your reference, but I'll say this:
Fr. Pfeiffer (and others) have attempted to defend Pablo's actions by bringing up PRIVATE exorcism prayers, holy water, use of the St. Michael prayer, etc.
That is all true -- laymen can make use of those sacramentals and prayers.
HOWEVER: It is Mexican superstition to put out a sign and hire yourself out! Bringing a boombox and a deck of playing cards to the home of a THIRD PARTY unrelated to yourself, with the aim of STAKING OUT the devil on a night vigil, and anticipating that the situation might go "even to hand-to-hand combat" is NOT a sane Catholic attitude towards the devil.
Pablo shows an unhealthy fascination with the devil. Period. That much is not open for debate.
He has some kind of Mexican machismo thing going on, where he and the devil are each other's personal nemesis from way-back.
A layman is well within his powers to make use of the Rosary, scapular, St. Benedict medal, St. Michael prayer, holy water, etc. to fight the devil in his own life. But when it comes to HELPING OTHERS, you can either give them the prayers/sacramentals and have them "fight the devil" themselves, or refer the matter to a PRIEST.
Catholics are not to be "Ghostbusters" with a 1-800 number offering their services to "customers" (even if those customers are not
paying customers. I don't believe Pablo charged for his services.)
Have a problem with the devil? "
Who you gonna call? PABLO!"
That is insane.I live next to the very hispanic town of Seguin (named after Juan Seguin). I often drive past a place that has a sign, "Espiritualista y protector" Mexicans seem to have more temptation against the 1st commandment -- or at least DIFFERENT temptations (namely, superstition) -- than the average anglo white guy. The average white guy doesn't go to spiritualists, "protectors", tarot readers, etc. but every Mexican area has these small shops.
White (non-hispanic) guys have other issues with the 1st Commandment -- like becoming protestant (hahaha). I'm sure many of you can see this is true.