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An incident has come to light near ‘Fatima Shrine’, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Portugal, which has shaken the entire Catholic world. In the basement of a shopping center, 27-year-old youth Francisco Marques was running a black business of superstition by calling himself an ‘exorcist’. Now the Vatican and the local church administration have taken strict cognizance of the game of this so-called Tantrik, who dresses up as a priest and hypnotizes people and sells ‘holy’ salt and water.
Illegal ‘ghost exorcism’ camp used to run in the basement
Wearing the long black cassock and Roman collar of Catholic priests, Francisco Marques looks exactly like a real priest. On Saturdays, when more than 100 people gather there, he places his hands on the foreheads of people one by one. As soon as he places his hands, the women present there suddenly start falling backwards, who are caught by his assistants posted there. Church officials have termed it as mental and financial exploitation of people, especially women, in the name of religious faith.
Church distanced itself, called it ‘illegal and suspicious’
The Catholic Church has clarified its position on this entire matter and said that this retreat has nothing to do with the Vatican or any official institution of the Church. The bishop and the church administration clarified that the practice of ‘exorcism’ (exorcism of evil spirits) is certainly acceptable in the Catholic religion, but it requires very strict rules and special permission. Only authorized priests have the right to conduct it. The Church has warned the general public not to go to such illegal camps where people are being cheated under the guise of religion.
Earning in the name of ‘magical’ salt-water and Abhishek
This game of Francisco Marques is not limited to just prayer. He also encourages visitors to his ‘chapel’ to purchase ‘consecrated’ salt, consecrated water and special oil for anointing. Marques is supported by Salvatore Micallef, an Italian national who describes himself as his ‘bishop’. Micallef claims that the Marquess has the ‘divine power’ to drive away evil spirits, which Portugal’s religious administration completely denies.
Exploitation in the name of faith: What do experts say?
Exorcism is a very sensitive and ancient practice. Although some Catholic communities still believe in it, religious leaders say that people like Marques are taking advantage of the mental weakness of innocent and helpless people. This basement operation going on near the Fatima Shrine has not only attracted the attention of local security agencies, but the echo of this matter is being heard till the Vatican. After the strict warning from the Church, now the possibility of legal action against these so-called Tantrics has also increased.