So a Catholic Exorcism Center Just Opened in Makati City
It's the first of its kind in Asia.
Published on Mar 9, 2026
(SPOT.ph) Think exorcisms only happen in horror movies? The Catholic Church in Manila just opened a facility in Makati dedicated to dealing with exactly that—cases involving alleged demonic possession, curses, and other unexplained spiritual disturbances.
The Archdiocese of Manila has established the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism, which church officials say is the first center of its kind in Asia. The facility sits inside the grounds of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary in Guadalupe Viejo, along Bernardino Street near EDSA.
The three-storey building serves as the headquarters for several church offices that handle cases involving alleged supernatural phenomena. These include the archdiocese’s Commission on Extraordinary Phenomena, which evaluates reports of possession or paranormal disturbances; the Ministry of Exorcism, which handles approved exorcism cases; and the Ministry on Visions and Phenomena, which studies claims involving visions or apparitions.
A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels is also part of the facility.
Welcome to the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism
According to Chief Exorcist (yes, that’s a thing) Jose Francisco Syquia, the Archdiocese of Manila receives multiple reports of suspected possession or spiritual disturbances every day, but most cases eventually turn out to be psychological or medical.
“Spiritual bondage today takes many forms, yet we must be precise. Not all suffering is demonic. Not all struggle requires exorcism. The Church, in her wisdom, distinguishes between psychological, social, and spiritual realities,” Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula said in his homily for the blessing of the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation.
In Catholic practice, exorcisms aren’t something priests can just perform whenever. Only priests authorized by a bishop are allowed to do the formal rite.
Most cases start with a parish priest and are then referred to the archdiocese for evaluation. Doctors and mental health professionals are usually consulted first to rule out medical or psychological causes. Many cases end up being addressed through prayer, counseling, or pastoral guidance rather than a formal exorcism.
Church officials said Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism had been planned for more than seven years before construction began in May 2022. The center also serves as a training site for clergy involved in exorcism ministry.
Also read: 10 Horror Movies With Real-Life Elements For Extra Creepy Vibes
Micah believes that writing is always political. Beyond the byline, you’ll find her bruising herself on a pole or doting on her beagle. Reach her at micah@spot.ph.