[EXORCISMUS] - Ordo Baptizandi - 1612

[OKKULTISMUS – EXORCISMUS – DEMONS – RITUAL – VENICE 1612]

Ordo baptizandi et alia sacramenta administrandi, ex Romanae Ecclesiae ritu
Venice, 1612

With nine woodcuts, Gregorian chant, and numerous woodcut initials.

Rare ritual book of the Roman Church that describes not only baptisms, confession, the anointing of the sick, and burial, but also the official exorcism rites against possession and dark powers. In the section “EXORCISMUS SUPER OBSESSIS” extensive formulas are printed with which priests invoke the Devil and his demons in the name of God, wrest their name from them, and compel them to leave the body of the possessed. The texts name the Evil one by name, describe his cunning and harshness, and at the same time show how the ecclesiastical ritual pushes him back step by step with prayer, holy water, the sign of the cross, and litany.

The book is richly illustrated: especially striking is the woodcut for the exorcism, in which a possessed person is overwhelmed by several surrounding priests, while in the background a demonic figure appears in a window—a scene that makes clear the fear of Evil and the dramatic power of the expulsion. Other pages show death and burial rites, visits to the sick, and confession, each with whole groups of clergy, candles, relics, and liturgical instruments; thus a cohesive picture emerges of how the Church in the 17th century fought against sin, death, and dark powers.

Printed in red and black with numerous woodcut initials and Gregorian notation (including for funeral Masses and processions). The volume combines theological doctrine, pastoral practice, and a very concrete “user’s guide” to repelling Evil. For collectors of devil and demon literature, occultism in church history, and original exorcism texts, this ritual is a particularly attractive and authentic piece.

The book is in good condition. Sturdy, very clean parchment binding. Printed in red and black. Paper somewhat browned and partly water-stained. Pages: title page + Tabula (14 pp.) + 255 pp.