The Scourge of Demons: A Classic Manual (1576) on Exorcism and Spiritual Warfare

This classic 16^th century manual on exorcism and spiritual warfare was widely read by both parish priests and the laity. It enjoyed vast popularity both in its own time and in the three centuries which followed, appearing in well over twenty editions. During this time, it served as the definitive textbook and manual for priests involved in the conduct of exorcisms. It was popular even in nations that had recently become Protestant.

Written in a relatively accessible style, readily comprehensible to the average parish priest, and firmly grounded in scholastic theology, it is an incredible resource for the Church today.

Translated by Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, with a Foreword by Fr. Cliff Ermatinger, this classic manual by Fr. Girolamo Menghi, known as the "Father of the Exorcist's Art" will open your eyes as it presents the many ways in which the enemy of our souls seeks to trap and ensnare and destroy those destined to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

This classic 16th century manual on exorcism and spiritual warfare was widely read by both parish priests and the laity. It enjoyed vast popularity both in its own time and in the three centuries which followed, appearing in well over twenty editions. During this time, it served as the definitive textbook and manual for priests involved in the conduct of exorcisms. It was popular even in nations that had recently become Protestant.

Written in a relatively accessible style, readily comprehensible to the average parish priest, and firmly grounded in scholastic theology, it is an incredible resource for the entire Church today.

The Scourge of Demons covers many practical aspects of our spiritual combat and our pursuit of virtue and holiness:

• finding the balance between devotion and superstition
• the importance of humility in avoiding the tricks of demons
• the power of music to fortify us against temptations and diabolical attacks
• the power that the Saints wield against demons
• how demons tend toward infighting and often attack each other
• the importance of avoiding curiosity on the topic of the diabolical
• and many more!

From the Foreword:

"This book was written for those who share the Catholic Faith in its entirety, for those whose hope in Christ is born of His love for us and one's trust in Him, for, as St. John says, true love casts out all fear (1 Jn 4:18).

"Fr. Menghi provides us with sound doctrine and discipline and pastoral teaching. The sagacious counsels herein contained are the fruit of a centuries-long distillation process. Worthy of mention here is Menghi's perspicacious understanding of human nature and the pitfalls that await the unvigilant soul.

"At the center of this ministry is not the demon, nor the exorcist, nor even the afflicted member of Christ's Mystical Body. At the center of it all is Jesus Christ. In all of this, the demon is forced to cooperate. As a result, the ministry of exorcism is indeed a scourge of demons."

Fr. Girolamo Menghi (1529- 1609) was a learned and devout Italian Franciscan friar, priest, and theologian, with particularly extensive experience as an exorcist. Indeed, his reputation and authority on the practice of exorcism was such that he gained the appellation "The Father of the Exorcist's Art."