Penulis: Montague Summers

Ludovico Maria Sinistrari was born in Ameno, Italy on February 26th, 1622 and died in 1701 at the age of 79. A Roman Catholic priest, theologian and prominent exorcist of his time, Rev. Father Sinistrari wrote a number of influential books on demonology and served as an advisor to the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition. After studying in Pavia, he entered the Franciscan Order in 1647 and eventually taught philosophy and theology. He achieved notoriety with his books, which delved into the intricate details of copulation with demonic forces and every type of sexual sin. As an exorcist, he postulated that demons were corporeal and were able to reproduce with human beings. He also claimed that demons had souls that could be saved. As an exorcist, he was often exposed to demonic possession and related first hand accounts of exorcisms. A trained academic and herbalist, he often experimented with formulas of herbs in conjunction with elements and bodily humors, to counter demonic activity. Rev. Father Sinistrari was notable for his attempts to use deductive reasoning, scripture, mythology and his knowledge of the natural world, in order to cure the demonic phenomena plaguing his community.