Once the decision is made to perform the exorcism, the bishop must give approval. Martin states that in all cases that he is aware of when the parish priest did exorcisms without approval, they failed.
The exorcism is done in the home of the possessed, usually in the bedroom. The exorcist is in full charge. He must be obeyed without question no matter how absurd his commands are. The other rule is that no one talks to the possessed, even via explanation. Usually, there is an assistant priest who is appointed by the diocese. Most often, a doctor will be present because there is always a threat of physical injury during an exorcism. There may be other lay people. Usually, there are four participants.
Doors and windows are nailed down. All except for a Bible and, perhaps a religious relic and articles are removed from the room because of the potential for violence.
It is the Roman Exorcism Ritual that is performed. This ritual was written in its final form in the 1600s. The demon is adjured and expelled in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
As with possession, there are stages to the exorcism.
When all are in the room, the Presence is felt. It is all pervasive, cloying and evil. During the Presence, the demon tries to hide behind the possessed. It can be highly intelligent or grossly stupid. It can appear so pitiful that all present, including the exorcist, feels that he is the villain. The demon reveals the deepest and darkest secrets of those present. It is highly dangerous and very vulnerable. It must be forced to reveal itself for what it is. As it breaks down, the possessed's behavior normally increases in repulsiveness and violence.
The next stage is Breakpoint which is hallmarked as total confusion and happens when the Pretense has collapsed. The participants' senses are affected. Eyes smell and ears see. The Voice appears, disturbing and babbling and must be silenced.
The Clash is the next stage, which must be provoked by the exorcist. There is a tremendous battle of wills. The demon has found a place to exist within the victim's body and does not want to be expelled.
