Bengaluru: The third International course on deliverance began here on Monday. The course started off with the inaugural Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras of Bengaluru. In his enlightening homily the Archbishop emphasized on the need for deliverance in everyone’s personal life. He pointed out how each person is overwhelmed with deliverance issues that need to effectively addressed and tackled.

The Archbishop with immense interest in the spiritual life of every person in the Archdiocese said, deliverance is often sought from evil spirits. It’s important to understand that, as Christians, we already have eternal victory over Satan and demons. But we can be delivered from their influence in our lives by using two weapons God has given us as part of our spiritual armor with which we battle “against the powers of this dark world ….” (Ephesians 6:12-17). The follower of Christ defends himself with the shield of faith and uses the offensive weapon of the Word of God. Against these two, no spirit can prevail.

Christ offers deliverance from mankind’s greatest peril—sin, evil and death. By God’s power, we are delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4) and from the power of Satan’s reign (Colossians 1:13). All aspects of deliverance are available only through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who was Himself delivered up for us (Romans 4:25) so that we would be delivered from eternal punishment for sin. Only Jesus rescues us from the “wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10), the prelate added. He hoped the course would bring deliverance to many who are in need.

Fr. Jacob Britto CSsR, the spiritual director of the Charismatic Renewal for the Archdiocese of Bangalore in his opening address to the participants focused on the emergent need in the Catholic Church to be responsive to the spiritual needs of the people requiring deliverance and healing. Fr. Britto elaborately described the different manifestations of evil as recounted in the Bible. In addition, he touched upon the symptoms of bondage such as a state of trance, extreme strength, intestinal disturbances, heightened sexuality and vocal noises. Among others include spiritual arrows of lust, doubt, guilt, jealousy, evil speech and all manner of temptations.

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name, they will cast out demons”- Mark 16:17

This scripture verse provided the impetus for organizing an international course on deliverance. Around 21 years ago, Bro. Christopher Correya (Director of the Light of Christ Community) had a personal experience when his family struggled with issues that needed deliverance. At that point of time, he ardently desired to learn more about the topic of deliverance which led him to the Vatican City to complete a course on the Ministry of Deliverance. Over the years, he and his wife Catherine have reached out to thousands of people and enabled them to break free from various bondages.

According to the organizers, the principal objectives of the course are: to create awareness about the critical need for deliverance and exorcism, to empower priests and laity to reach out to people who are suffering and in need of spiritual intervention.

Fr. Elias Vella (Chief exorcist from Malta), recognized by the Vatican is the keynote speaker for the course will conduct a two day outreach programme with the celebration of the Eucharist at St. Joseph’s School Museum Road on October 29 and 30 at 5:30 pm for healing of the family tree and liberation from bondages, the leaders of the programme said.

There was an overwhelming response this year. As many as 102 participants have registered out of which 45 priests traveled long distances from various parts of India to participate in the week long course. Archdioceses of Mumbai and Belgaum have appointed priests and lay people to attend the course in order to prepare them for the Ministry of Deliverance. Many priests reported that the inspiration to attend the course was primarily due to the rampant increase in the number of people with issues of deliverance and need for exorcism. The priests also communicated that they felt the need to study about the topic of deliverance as their seminary curriculum lacked adequate information on this important topic which requires in-depth study.

The international course on Deliverance is just the beginning of a long journey in reaching out to people who are afflicted spiritually, psychologically, physically and morally. The purpose is to ignite the minds and conquer the darkness with the light of Christ, the organizers of the course stated.

The course on Deliverance is being conducted by the Institute of World Evangelization and Light of Christ Covenant Community, Bangalore. The week-long course will close on October 30, the sources informed.