The late Father Gabriele Amorth, who served as the Vatican’s Chief Exorcist for over three decades, held an unwavering belief in the Rosary as one of the most powerful spiritual weapons against demonic forces. A man of faith and courage, Fr. Amorth confronted the realities of evil head-on, becoming a witness to the terror that demons experience in the face of the Rosary. Through his ministry, he recorded numerous instances of demonic reactions to the Rosary, which he considered to be more than a prayer—he called it “a chain that binds Satan.” Here are three true-to-life stories from Fr. Amorth’s exorcism work, where the Rosary was key in defeating evil.
The Case of the Bound Woman
One of Fr. Amorth’s most intense encounters involved a young woman who had been oppressed by a demonic spirit for several years. She displayed a profound aversion to anything holy, particularly the Rosary. During her exorcism, Fr. Amorth held his Rosary firmly, reciting each Hail Mary and Mystery with intent. As he prayed, the woman’s demeanor changed, writhing in pain as if the words themselves burned her. When he brought the Rosary closer, the demon cried out, “That woman! That prayer burns me.”
Fr. Amorth noted how the demon’s reaction intensified with every Hail Mary, growing in agony whenever he invoked the Virgin Mary. He explained that demons hate the Rosary because it brings Mary’s purity and obedience into the spiritual space, which demons cannot withstand. By focusing on each mystery of the Rosary, Fr. Amorth gradually broke down the demon’s hold on the woman, weakening its grip until it could no longer sustain its influence. After several grueling sessions of prayer and exorcism, the demon was ultimately driven out, and the young woman was freed.
This powerful story illustrates how the Rosary, by calling upon Mary, invokes the grace and strength needed to overcome evil. Fr. Amorth believed that each bead and prayer was like a link in a chain, binding the demon’s power and ultimately leading to its defeat.
The Battle with a Legion of Demons
In another unforgettable exorcism, Fr. Amorth encountered a man who was under the influence of multiple demonic entities, collectively referring to themselves as “Legion.” This man had been severely oppressed, suffering for years with no relief. His condition worsened at the mere sight of a Rosary, triggering violent reactions whenever it was near. Understanding the demon’s hatred of Mary, Fr. Amorth used the Rosary as part of his strategy, focusing specifically on the Sorrowful Mysteries, which meditate on the passion of Christ and Mary’s presence at the cross.
As Fr. Amorth prayed, holding the Rosary in his hands, the possessed man let out guttural screams. At one point, the demon shouted through the man, “Take her away from me!” It was clear to Fr. Amorth that the demon was referring to the Virgin Mary, whose intercessory power it could not endure. Through the repetition of the Rosary, Fr. Amorth felt the spiritual weight shifting, watching as the man’s physical resistance diminished with each prayer. He later reflected that demons despise Mary because her life of pure obedience contrasts with their own rebellion against God.
Through Fr. Amorth’s steady prayer of the Rosary, the demons lost their strength. After hours of grueling prayer, the man’s torment eased, and he found peace. Fr. Amorth’s experience highlighted how the Rosary, especially the Mysteries that recount Christ’s suffering, is a powerful tool for anyone confronting evil.
The Girl Who Cursed the Rosary
Perhaps one of the most disturbing cases Fr. Amorth encountered was that of a young girl whose possession caused her to violently curse and attempt to destroy any Rosary in her vicinity. Fr. Amorth instructed the girl’s family to keep a Rosary near her at all times and to pray it daily, even if it elicited a reaction. The exorcisms were marked by moments of extreme resistance from the demon, who reacted to the Rosary as if it were physically painful.
During the sessions, Fr. Amorth would touch the girl with his Rosary, prompting fierce, rage-filled responses from the demon within her. “It’s burning me!” the demon shouted through her, recoiling every time Fr. Amorth held the Rosary in his hand. At one point, the demon revealed its hatred, calling the Rosary a “chain” that prevented it from fully possessing the girl.
Despite the demon’s violent reaction, Fr. Amorth persisted, believing that the Rosary’s presence and prayer acted as both a physical and spiritual barrier to the demon’s control. The girl’s family faithfully prayed the Rosary, as Fr. Amorth advised, until, after several months, she finally found peace. For Fr. Amorth, this case reinforced his belief that the Rosary acts as a shield, invoking Mary’s protection and grace that ultimately overcomes darkness.
Why Demons Hate the Rosary: Father Amorth’s Explanation
In his years of exorcism, Fr. Amorth came to understand that demons fear the Rosary because it combines prayer, intercession, and meditation on Christ in a way that deeply weakens their influence. Here’s why Fr. Amorth believed the Rosary was especially feared by demons:
It Invokes Mary’s Intercession: Demons fear the Virgin Mary due to her role in salvation history and her obedience to God. Her presence is painful to them because it’s a stark reminder of their ultimate defeat. By praying the Rosary, the faithful directly call upon Mary, whom the devil cannot endure.
It Focuses on the Life of Christ: Each Mystery of the Rosary walks through significant events in the life of Christ, from His birth to His resurrection. For demons, this focus on Christ’s victory over sin and death is intolerable. Fr. Amorth saw firsthand how meditating on these Mysteries filled people with grace and made them spiritually resilient.
It Creates a Spiritual Shield: Fr. Amorth often likened the Rosary to armor, a chain of prayers that surrounds believers with protection. He noted that demons would react violently to its presence, showing their inability to penetrate the shield it creates.
Through his countless exorcisms, Father Gabriele Amorth demonstrated the Rosary’s incredible power. To him, it was more than just prayer; it was a lifeline to Mary and a tool for salvation that could stand up to any evil force. In his words, “The Rosary is a powerful weapon. It is a source of grace and a constant call for help from Heaven.”
These stories serve as a testimony to Fr. Amorth’s unshakeable faith in the Rosary and its unparalleled power in spiritual warfare, offering hope and strength to all who seek peace and protection from evil.