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A priest skilled in martial arts who allegedly punched and kicked a 62-year-old woman parishioner to drive out demons is facing a police probe.
The black belt priest, Father Joao Jose Bezerra, 44, carried out the alleged violent attack to drive out evil spirits during a mass at the Nossa Senhora Consolata Parish in Sao Manuel, Brazil, on 7th August.
During the incident, it is alleged that the priest, who has a black belt in jiu-jitsu, said he would perform an exorcism and assaulted the woman.
According to the police report, she lay on the floor during the passage of the Blessed Sacrament, saying she was "resting in the Holy Spirit", before she began to manifest an "evil spirit" and lost consciousness.
The priest then pulled her hair, punched and kicked her, and threw her against the church pews in front of the congregation.
The Rite of Exorcism however prohibits unnecessary force and emphasises the use of prayer, scripture and blessings.
However, in the broader history of exorcism, there have been beliefs that demons are "cowards" who fear pain, leading in some traditions to the use of whipping, beating and other physical attacks.
The priest only stopped when other parishioners stepped in to protect her, according to the victim.
She said he then left the church without speaking to her or the congregation.
The woman later had to be treated at hospital for severe bruises to her face, head and right shoulder.
The case has been registered as bodily harm at the Sao Manuel Police Station and is being investigated by the Botucatu Sectional Police Station.
The Archdiocese of Botucatu said it had provisionally removed Father Bezerra from ministry and had launched an internal investigation.
It added that it is paying all the woman's medical expenses and will fully cooperate with police and judicial authorities.
Father Bezerra, a former jiu-jitsu world runner-up in 2023, was promoted to black belt after his victory and has been honoured locally for his sporting achievements.
He has not commented publicly on the allegations.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Copychecker: Angela Trajkovska
Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: São_Manuel
Subject: Humans, Legal, Crime, Religion, Sport
T4 Editor Story Rating: 9
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 7
T4 Total rating: 8
