Michael Shadbolt was ordained as a priest in 1964. He ministered overseas and as a chaplain to migrants from Latin America before becoming parish priest In Melbourne. In 2011, he was appointed as an exorcist in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, becoming increasingly convinced of its efficacy. In Exorcism, he shares his ideas on how best to exercise this ministry while maintaining proper standards and safety. Primarily for priests and bishops, the book is also for anyone interested in the subject, especially anyone wishing to refer someone to a properly authorised priest exorcist.
It seems clear that from the earliest days of his public life, Jesus of Nazareth exercised a ministry we now call exorcism, with many references throughout the Gospels that record Jesus confronting and expelling evil spirits within people he encountered.
Most Catholics have little understanding of this ministry even though it has been used (and occasionally abused) within the Church throughout its existence when 'the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion' (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1673).
The author was the officially appointed exorcist for ten years within the Archdiocese of Melbourne and while primarily written for priests, his book offers a remarkable and informed introduction to the ministry - its nature and purpose, the processes involved, the problems, the successes, practical approaches, personal and spiritual challenges, necessary qualifications - that all Catholics will welcome for its basic description of a ministry within the Christian tradition.
