Random Supernatural Horrors In 'Rite' Were Based On Work Of Father Gary Thomas (13 items)

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  (#3) Father Thomas Only Performs Exorcisms In Approved Languages

  Demons can be surprisingly legalistic, according to Father Gary Thomas. He says the power of an exorcism comes from the faith of those involved but also from the approval of the Catholic church.

  Part of this approval means using the correct language to perform the rite. Latin is the traditional language of exorcisms, and the most hated language to demons, according to Father Thomas. However, in a pinch, approved translations of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese are available for use. Demons have apparently even been known to tease exorcists who do not use an approved translation. This means parishioners who speak other languages, like Father Thomas's native English, are out of luck when it comes to understanding the rite being administered to them.
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  (#5) Father Gary Thomas Was A Middle-Aged, Experienced Priest When He Became An Exorcist

  The movie The Rite follows a seminarian, Michael Kovak, who is planning on renouncing his vows after graduation to get a free education. He ends up traveling to Rome to train as an exorcist, where he finds his calling.

  In contrast, Father Gary Thomas, whom Kovak was based on, was an experienced priest of 22 years when he pursued his training as an exorcist. Already in his 40s, he says he was far from a skeptic by that point. He doesn't blame director Mikael Håfström for taking liberties with Matt Baglio's written account of his life. Father Thomas actually says he was happy for the opportunity to act as consultant for the film, making sure all the most important details were accurate.
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  (#13) Father Thomas Believes Exorcising A Non-Christian Can Be Dangerous

  The exorcisms Father Thomas performs are a Catholic sacrament, and he warns about the dangers involved for those not of Christian faith. His exorcisms revolve around calling down Jesus for intercession, and without faith that can do more harm than good. He describes exorcism as cleaning a house: the clutter may be gone, but if something (Jesus) isn't put in to replace it, the clutter will just come back. That isn't to say he's not willing to perform exorcisms on non-Christians. It is simply important to Father Gary Thomas that they understand the risks involved.
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  (#1) Father Gary Thomas Played An Active Role In The Movie's Development

  Father Gary Thomas had an integral role in the development of The Rite. At a time he spent over a week in Budapest, where most of the film was shot, offering criticism and insight to the creators. Anthony Hopkins reportedly received coaching on how to properly portray an exorcism from Father Thomas, which included everything from how to wear a stole to how to punctuate the prayers. The creative staff of The Rite was deeply interested in accuracy, according to Father Thomas.
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  (#11) Father Gary Thomas Believes "Abuse Is A Doorway" To Possession

  While Father Gary Thomas believes in all of the normal gateways to possession - Ouija board, tarot, psychics, etc. - he also believes abuse can leave someone vulnerable. He describes abuse as a "soul wound" that can attract demonic activity to a person. In the film, this is reflected in Rosaria's sexual assault resulting in her possession. 

  Its important to note Father Thomas doesn't believe all abuse leads to demonic possession, but rather that abuse is a doorway which can leave someone vulnerable to possession. He describes a situation in which someone may be tempted to find closure to trauma by dabbling in the occult - which is against Catholic doctrine - and could end up forming a relationship with Satan. Father Thomas considers this type of relationship inherently unequal, eventually leading to possession if unchecked.
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  (#6) Father Gary Thomas Was Not His Diocese's First Choice To Become An Exorcist

  Few people end up with the first job they take, and Father Gary Thomas was no exception. The father spent the first 22 years of his career as a traditional priest before his diocese suggested he become an exorcist. A detail The Rite left out was that his bishop originally requested another priest take the position, but the clergyman declined.

  Whether based on the danger involved or the stigma surrounding the profession, exorcism is unpopular work among most priests. In a turn of events not unlike the character based on him, however, Father Thomas has taken it as a calling. He claims that Satan is real - and it's up to the faithful to put themselves at the disposal of God to fight them.

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