A bunch of us went to see The Rite last night. Whew. Not for the fainthearted. See the trailer below. The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name, which is much more detailed and gives a journalistic perspective of demonic possession and the Catholic Church's rite of exorcism. The book also explains the rise in occult practices around the world, especially in western nations that have previously shunned such things. At the same time the book details the rise in cases of demonic attacks (they can take the form of infestations, obsession, or the rare possession) in the west. The book is very blunt about the state of the Catholic Church's program to train and send out exorcists, which was abominable until a few years ago. The Anchoress has done a great job of rounding up links about The Rite and the real priest on whom the book is based. I highly recommend both the film and especially the book. The film has its shortcomings, but don't believe the negative reviews from the pundits. It has merit. The major message of the film was one that goes straight to the heart of our Catholic faith -- we are not alone. Though the Devil has power, he is no match for the Lord Jesus Christ. And of course, Anthony Hopkins is wonderful in the role of the seasoned exorcist.
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