Dear Beloved Sons and Daughters,
As your spiritual father, my heart has long carried a deep concern for the healing so greatly needed among our faithful—healing not only of body and mind, but especially of the soul. Over the years, our devoted priests have done beautiful and faithful work in guiding and caring for you, and I thank God for them. Now, I feel called to open another path of spiritual support, especially for those suffering in deeper, more hidden spiritual ways.
While all Christians face the ordinary temptations of the evil one, there are times when some among us endure more intense, extraordinary attacks—what the Church recognizes as possession, oppression, or obsession. In most cases, the grace of the sacraments and the power of sacramentals bring peace and freedom. But there are times when more specialized spiritual care is needed.
To serve you better in these situations, I have established a new diocesan office dedicated to discerning and addressing extraordinary spiritual afflictions. From now on, all requests for spiritual oppressions, like exorcisms, will be received and guided through the Bishop’s office. I have appointed specific priests—those who have received both my blessing and the necessary training—to carry out this ministry on behalf of the Church. Under normal circumstances, please see a priest for spiritual healing. It is only after much discernment should you seek this ministry in the diocese.
It’s also important to remember that not everything that feels dark or heavy is necessarily demonic. Some wounds are rooted more in mental or emotional suffering, and these too deserve our care and compassion. However, that is not the particular focus of this office.
In the weeks and months ahead, more information will be made available. For now, if you or a loved one believe you may be experiencing an extraordinary spiritual attack, I invite you to begin the process by completing the confidential intake form at chaldeanchurch.org/healing-registration.
Know that you are never alone. The Church walks with you, and I hold each of you in my heart and in my prayers.
With fatherly love and blessing,
Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat
