SHORT TAKES : Heavy Metal Cited in Exorcisms

Roman Catholic priests have performed two exorcisms in New York recently to banish the devil and Cardinal John O’Connor blames heavy metal rock music for popularizing satanic worship.

O’Connor said in his sermon at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday that the two exorcisms were performed in the last several months to cure demonic possession.

The cardinal did not give details of the exorcisms but when asked after the service if they were successful, he replied, “We hope so.”

Information about any exorcism is kept secret and no records are kept, much like a parishioner’s confession.

O’Conner said demonic possessions were rare and that “psychological, medical and other causes of what appears to be possession must be ruled out.”

In his sermon, O’Connor said the devil exists and cited examples of satanic worship in modern society, such as black masses, cult activity and the “family” headed by convicted murderer Charles Manson. O’Connor denounced some rock music as “pornography in sound” and warned that it can lead to demonic possession and even suicide.