This is where Claret in his mission have encountered many people who presumed that they were possessed but actually only need for spiritual directions.

1. CHAPTER IX
ON HEALING THE POSSESSED, AND ON
THE MANY FICTITIOUS CASES OF
POSSESSION

2. When I began preaching missions, I saw
a large number of people who claimed to be
possessed.

3. "It is far more necessary for you to be casting
the devil out of souls in mortal sin than it is
from bodies, even when there really are
demons there."
And so I resolved to give up
exorcisms and try another
approach…

4. Whenever people came to me claiming
to be possessed…
I demanded three things of
them…

5. That they bear all things
patiently and Never lose their
temper.
For I had noticed that some people become
hysterical as a result of their bad dispositions
and temper tantrums and that patience tends
to calm them down.

6. I forbade them to drink wine or any
other liquor, and I told them that this
was indispensable in casting out their
sort of demon.
For I had also noticed that a number
of people who drank too much tried
to put the blame for their condition
on the devil.

7. I made them say seven Our Fathers and
Hail Marys every day to the Blessed
Virgin in honor of her Seven Sorrows.
I insisted that they make a good general
confession of their whole life and
receive Communion with great
devotion.

8. In the course of missions I
have met people, converted by
the sermons, etc.…
Malice Women
&
Lady

9. This is why I finally came to adopt
the approach I have outlined above.
My God, how many thanks I owe you
for helping me understand the tricks of the
devil and of deceivers. This understanding is
a gift from your divine hand. Lord, enlighten
me so that I may never err in giving spiritual
direction.

10. I am well aware, Lord, that if anyone needs
wisdom, all he has to do is ask you for it
and you will give it to him abundantly, and
you will grant it without reminding him of
his unworthiness.
But sometimes out of pride or laziness we
neglect to ask for wisdom and so we lose it,
and this happens even to those who pass for
wise and eminent theologians.