Fr. Chad Alec Ripperger, born on October 11, 1964, in Casper, Wyoming, is an American Catholic priest and exorcist widely recognized for his expertise in spiritual warfare. His extensive education and experiences have made him a sought-after speaker and a prominent figure in certain Catholic circles.
Education and Ordination
Fr. Ripperger's academic journey began in Casper, Wyoming. He then pursued higher education, earning two bachelor's degrees from the University of San Francisco, one in Theology and the other in Philosophy. His pursuit of knowledge continued with a Master’s in Philosophy from the Center for Thomistic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX.
Following this, he attended seminary and completed a Master’s in Theology at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. He then joined the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), which sent him to Rome, where he completed his Doctorate in Philosophy at the University of the Holy Cross.
He was ordained a Catholic priest on June 7, 1997, by Edward Slattery for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter. After ordination, he spent a year in a parish in Omaha, Nebraska. Subsequently, he was assigned to St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Nebraska, the diocesan seminary for the Diocese of Lincoln, NE.
Teaching and Ministry
After teaching for four years at the diocesan seminary, Fr. Ripperger taught for six years at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, NE, which is the main seminary for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter in the United States. He also served as a pastor in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, for three years.
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From 2012 to 2016, he served as an exorcist for the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Later, he moved to the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado. Ripperger left the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter to found the new priestly community of the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother (the Doloran Fathers). Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver instituted the Society as a public association of the faithful, currently housed in Keenesburg, Colorado.
Expertise in Spiritual Warfare and Exorcism
Fr. Ripperger is a leading expert in the area of spiritual warfare and exorcism. His education and first-hand experience make his presentations highly informative and interesting. He has gained significant attention in recent years, making regular appearances on far-right Catholic YouTube shows and podcasts, and granting interviews to reactionary public figures.
Despite the seriousness of his demeanor and the delicate nature of his ministry, Fr. Ripperger has a long history of controversial statements and claims, including but not limited to dissent from the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Controversies and Criticisms
Some of Fr. Ripperger's views have been subject to criticism and debate. For instance, his teachings on demon hierarchy have been described as deviating from traditional views. Additionally, his views on mental health, particularly regarding bipolar disorder, have sparked controversy.
Specifically, Fr. Ripperger is quoted at length regarding his personal interactions with people who had been previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, wherein he explains that those he has seen who have been diagnosed as bipolar he was able to “straighten out” after a few weeks or months of a certain prayer regimen. Fr. Ripperger attributes much of the bipolar diagnosis to a contradiction in the life of the patient and says that a demon can latch onto the contradiction and exacerbate the matter.
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In a 2022 interview with Dr. Taylor Marshall, Fr. Ripperger said, “They [demons] can mimic or cause every psychological illness. Doesn’t mean every psychological illness is-in fact a majority of them are not-caused by demons.”
Critics argue that attributing mental health conditions to demonic influence dismisses scientific understanding and discourages individuals from seeking appropriate medical treatment.
THE TRUTH ABOUT EXORCISMS
Views on Non-Catholics
Fr. Ripperger's views on non-Catholics have also been a point of contention. Some argue that he contradicts Church teaching on whether it is permissible to pray with Protestants and other non-Catholic Christians.
In response, it's been noted that the entire answer Fr. Ripperger gave to the question about praying with Protestants was built on the perennial teaching of the Church through the Holy Office, which has given a definitive answer to this very question.
Publications
Fr. Ripperger has authored several books, including:
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- Introduction to the Science of Mental Health (2013)
- Magisterial Authority (2014)
- The Metaphysics of Evolution (2012)
- Topics on Tradition (2013)
Summary of Fr. Chad Ripperger's Background
The table below summarizes key aspects of Fr. Chad Ripperger's background:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | October 11, 1964, Casper, Wyoming, USA |
| Ordination | June 7, 1997, by Edward Slattery |
| Education |
|
| Occupations | Priest (Roman Catholic) |
| Organizations |
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