Priests receive training for exorcisms

A number of Catholic priests have been specifically trained to carry out exorcisms in response to a growing demand from parishioners around the country.

At least three practising clergymen have been taught how to perform the ancient ritual on people who believe they have been possessed by demonic spirits, according to a spokesman for the Catholic Church.

Fr Fiontán O Monacháin&, secretary to the Archbishop of Tuam, has lifted the lid on the secretive world of exorcists in a new documentary, which will be screened on TG4 tomorrow night.