Random Supernatural Horrors In 'Rite' Were Based On Work Of Father Gary Thomas (13 items)

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  (#7) There Are Many Different Levels Of Possession

  From the boy with nightmares to Rosaria's full possession, The Rite shows a few different levels of demonic interaction. Father Gary Thomas has been an exorcist for a number of years, and he boils demonic experiences down to four categories that increase in severity as they go on: harassment, oppression, obsession, and true possession.

  The first two categories are often manageable. With harassment, a person may only feel vaguely uncomfortable around holy objects, or they may hear things in the night. Oppression often exhibits itself as a deep depression or malaise when a clinical diagnosis cannot be found. Obsession can involve external manifestations of demonic activity, like hallucinations or physical interaction. Finally, during possession, a persons body is given over to a demon, which requires a major exorcism.
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  (#1) Father Gary Thomas Played An Active Role In The Movie's Development

  Father Gary Thomas had an integral role in the development of The Rite. At a time he spent over a week in Budapest, where most of the film was shot, offering criticism and insight to the creators. Anthony Hopkins reportedly received coaching on how to properly portray an exorcism from Father Thomas, which included everything from how to wear a stole to how to punctuate the prayers. The creative staff of The Rite was deeply interested in accuracy, according to Father Thomas.
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  (#2) The Catholic Church Really Does Have A Class For Exorcists

  Since the appointment of Pope Francis in 2013, there's been a resurgence in demands for exorcisms. In fact, it's been reported that Pope Jean Paul II issued a mandate requesting every bishop appoint and train an exorcist for their diocese. Part of this training may include a week-long training course in the Vatican, designed to prepare priests for duties as an exorcist.

  In Father Gary Thomas's case, this training ended with him tutoring under Father Carmine, a Roman exorcist, for three-and-a-half months. He observed exorcisms, helped the discernment team, and participated in the rite to gain the hands-on experience he needed to expel evil.
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  (#10) He Receives Several Requests A Week For Exorcisms

  Life is busy for an exorcist. Father Gary Thomas has gone on record stating he gets several calls for aid a week, one day even receiving five separate phone calls requesting exorcisms. This causes him to spend almost every one of his days off performing exorcisms. He says he could perform one or two exorcisms a week for minor cases of demonic attachment. With need for exorcisms increasing, however, there is a question on how long Father Thomas can keep up with the demand.
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  (#4) There Are Only Three Questions Father Gary Thomas Asks A Demon

  Communicating with demons is definitely on the Catholic Church's list of things not to do, but for an exorcist it can be unavoidable. As pointed out in The Rite, ascertaining a demon's name and purpose is the first step in asserting control. 

  For Father Thomas, this means praying for the safety of his team and then beginning a grueling interrogation into the nature of the demon involved. This interrogation always contains only three questions: "What is your name?", "How did you get in?", and "When are you leaving?" He says that obtaining answers to these questions is a sign the demon is losing strength. Once the demon's strength is depleted, he can begin casting it out with prayer.
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  (#13) Father Thomas Believes Exorcising A Non-Christian Can Be Dangerous

  The exorcisms Father Thomas performs are a Catholic sacrament, and he warns about the dangers involved for those not of Christian faith. His exorcisms revolve around calling down Jesus for intercession, and without faith that can do more harm than good. He describes exorcism as cleaning a house: the clutter may be gone, but if something (Jesus) isn't put in to replace it, the clutter will just come back. That isn't to say he's not willing to perform exorcisms on non-Christians. It is simply important to Father Gary Thomas that they understand the risks involved.

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