“Spiritual affliction may have origins in habits of sin, in compulsions and addictions, or be a result of dabbling in occult practices”, he explains. These, he states, are distinct from situations that require the formal Rite of (Major) Exorcism. Bishop Porteous clearly defines from the outset of his concise 78 page book that it is intended only for use by priests and for minor exorcisms involving spiritual affliction. So convinced is Bishop Julian Porteous of Sydney of this reality that he has produced a book, Manual of Minor Exorcisms – For the use of Priests, to assist clergy in their ministry with issues of spiritual affliction. “Behind the disobedient choice of our first parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to God Scripture and the Church’s tradition see in this being a fallen angel, called ‘Satan’ or the ‘Devil’”(Catholic Catechism of Catholic Church, 391). As uncomfortable as some Catholics may be with the concept of evil personified, the Church is uncompromising on this fact. Bishop Porteous has provided practical solace to lay people and priests alike with his booklets.
