American Exorcist: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Father Chad Ripperger by Jeff Callaway

 

American Exorcist: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy

 of Father Chad Ripperger

By Jeff Callaway

Texas Outlaw Poet

In the tender moments of my spiritual awakening, a divine encounter reshaped my soul’s trajectory. Raised in a Protestant household, far from the fullness of the Catholic Church—the one true Church founded by Jesus Christ—I had never known the depth of sacramental grace. Yet, one transformative day, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to me in a vision, her gentle presence guiding me to her Son. This encounter sparked an insatiable hunger for truth, propelling me into a fervent exploration of the Bible, the Catechism, and a treasure trove of Catholic resources online. As I journeyed toward my Confirmation on Pentecost 2024, a pivotal discovery early in my conversion illuminated my path. While scrolling through YouTube, I stumbled upon a video from Sensus Fidelium titled “Guardian Angels Explained | On Angels, Protection & Spiritual Guidance” by Father Chad Ripperger. His words pierced my heart, revealing that God, in His infinite love, creates a unique guardian angel for each soul, one who freely accepts the mission to guide and protect us through life’s tempests. As an exorcist who confronts Satan daily, Father Ripperger’s insights carried the weight of battle-tested wisdom. “This touched me deeply,” I reflect, “to think there’s an angel who chose to put up with me.” This revelation not only deepened my fledgling faith but introduced me to a mentor whose teachings have become a cornerstone of my Catholic life. In a world mired in chaos, Father Ripperger stands as one of the few humans I admire—a model of intellectual rigor, spiritual fortitude, and unwavering devotion, second only to Jesus Christ Himself. What follows is a comprehensive, spiritually enlightening exposé of his life, weaving together every known detail into a singular narrative, designed to be the definitive resource for anyone seeking to understand this remarkable priest.

Father Chad Alec Ripperger is a towering figure in contemporary Catholicism, embodying the roles of theologian, philosopher, psychologist, and exorcist with a steadfast commitment to traditional doctrine. His life, spanning over six decades, is a testament to divine providence, blending humble beginnings with global influence. This article, crafted for publication in a Catholic magazine, draws from his own words, public records, and recent developments as of August 2025, offering an exhaustive portrait that captures his journey from a Wyoming boy to a warrior priest equipping the faithful against spiritual darkness.

Roots in the American Heartland: Childhood and Formation

Born on October 11, 1964, in Casper, Wyoming, Chad Alec Ripperger entered the world in a rugged, windswept landscape that mirrors the resilience of his character. Raised in a devout Catholic family, his childhood was steeped in faith, family bonds, and the simplicity of life in Casper, a city known for its oil fields and pioneer spirit. He attended Natrona County High School, where the rhythms of Wyoming life—outdoor adventures, strong community ties, and a disciplined work ethic—shaped his formative years. Ripperger has shared in interviews that his childhood included hiking and family-oriented activities, which he credits for grounding his faith and fostering a sense of God’s grandeur in creation, echoing Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” He reflects, "Growing up in a place like Wyoming, you’re surrounded by God’s creation—mountains, open skies, and a simplicity that teaches you to see His hand in everything. It’s not just about the outdoors; it’s about learning discipline and humility from a young age, which shapes how you approach the faith later on." This environment nurtured an early curiosity about theology and philosophy, sparked by a devout Catholic upbringing that emphasized prayer and sacramental life. While details of his early life remain private—reflecting his humility—these roots provided a stable foundation for his later vocation.

Ripperger’s intellectual journey began at the University of San Francisco, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1987, diving into the perennial questions of existence that would lead him to the Catholic intellectual tradition. His studies ignited a passion for St. Thomas Aquinas, whose synthesis of faith and reason became a lifelong guide. He continued his education at the University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome, Italy, obtaining a Licentiate in Philosophy (Ph.L.) in 1990. Further studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome yielded a Master of Arts in Theology in 1992. His academic pinnacle came in 1999 with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the same university, his dissertation, “The Metaphysics of Creation,” exploring Aquinas’s views on how God sustains all being—a work that remains influential in Catholic philosophical circles. During these years, Ripperger’s interest in the faith deepened, particularly through his philosophical studies, which led him to embrace Thomistic theology and Aquinas’s works. His time in Rome, immersed in the Eternal City’s sacred sites and traditional liturgy, transformed his nominal Catholicism into a fervent devotion to traditional practices. Ripperger recalls, "When I was studying in Rome, diving into Aquinas’s works opened my eyes to the harmony of reason and faith. Philosophy wasn’t just abstract; it was a tool to understand God’s order in creation, and it set the foundation for everything I’ve done since, from theology to exorcism.” Encounters with the Traditional Latin Mass and Catholic intellectual giants fueled his discernment of a priestly vocation.

Spiritually enlightening, these years reveal a truth Aquinas championed: grace perfects nature. Ripperger’s Wyoming roots grounded him in practical virtue, while his Roman education elevated his mind to defend the faith against modern errors. His journey underscores that God prepares His servants through both the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Answering the Divine Call: Ordination and Early Ministry

Ripperger’s discernment led him to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP), a society dedicated to the Traditional Latin Mass and apostolic life. Ordained on May 24, 1997, by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz in Lincoln, Nebraska, he stepped into priesthood during a turbulent post-Vatican II era, when debates over liturgy and doctrine divided the Church. His early ministry blended education and pastoral care. From 1997 to 2003, he served as a professor of dogmatic theology at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska, shaping future priests with Thomistic rigor. Students recall his lectures as intellectually demanding yet spiritually uplifting, emphasizing sanctifying grace as the soul’s armor against sin.

From 2003 to 2007, Ripperger taught philosophy and theology at the FSSP’s European seminary in Wigratzbad, Germany, honing his multilingual skills in Latin, English, Italian, and possibly German—essential for his later global outreach. However, differences in vision with the FSSP led to his departure in 2007, as he sought a ministry focused on spiritual warfare and exorcism. This pivotal moment birthed the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother (SSM), also known as the Doloran Fathers, co-founded by Ripperger in 2007. Named for Our Lady of Sorrows—a Marian devotion central to his spirituality—the society is dedicated to exorcism, spiritual direction, and traditional Catholic practices. Based in the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado, since 2016, the SSM remains in good standing, with Ripperger serving as superior until around 2019. He continues his ministry in Colorado, offering private exorcisms and spiritual direction.

Confronting the Darkness: The Exorcism Ministry

Ripperger’s entry into exorcism began around 2000, assisting other exorcists, a path sparked by his personal interest in angelology and demonology during his philosophical studies. He shares, "In my early years as an exorcist, around 2000, I learned quickly that demons hate Latin and fear Our Lady more than anything. They’re fallen angels, bound by God’s will, and every session taught me that the sacraments and Mary’s intercession are our strongest weapons.” Appointed as an exorcist by the Archdiocese of Denver, he has performed thousands of exorcisms and deliverance sessions, earning a reputation as one of the United States’ leading exorcists. His experiences have profoundly shaped his teachings, emphasizing the reality of demonic influence and the necessity of traditional Catholic spirituality. “Demons are fallen angels, driven by envy of our potential glory,” he explains, drawing from Aquinas. His encounters confirm Catholic doctrine: demons detest Latin prayers, fear the Blessed Virgin Mary, and exploit sins like pornography, occult practices, or even cursed tattoos. He teaches that generational curses—demonic bonds inherited through family lines—can be broken through Confession, Mass, and Marian devotion.

Ripperger’s approach integrates Thomistic philosophy, psychology, and sacramental theology. He holds that many psychological issues have spiritual roots, blending psychiatry with exorcism in his approach to mental health. In his seminal work, Introduction to the Science of Mental Health (2001), he argues that grace heals the soul where secular therapy falls short. Spiritually enlightening insights abound: “Custody of the senses is crucial,” he warns, urging the faithful to avoid New Age practices, occult involvement, and generational curses, which he teaches can be broken through the sacraments and prayer. He emphasizes the role of sanctifying grace, the sacraments, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in combating spiritual evils. Ripperger has stated that his experiences with demons have confirmed Catholic truths, particularly regarding angels and grace. He has trained numerous priests in exorcism and deliverance, significantly contributing to the formation of exorcists in the U.S.

As of August 2025, Ripperger’s ministry remains active, with recent talks addressing cultural issues like gender ideology from a spiritual perspective. His 2025 activities include Lenten Missions in March focusing on virtue, a January conference with Kyle Clement on strengthening souls, and a May event on generational wounds. An upcoming Inferno Men’s Conference in November 2025 underscores his commitment to equipping men for spiritual battle. His June 2025 lecture, “The Alien Deception,” posits UFO phenomena as demonic ruses, while “Why Does God Allow Evil?” probes divine providence. On platforms like X, followers highlight his insights on Latin’s power against demons and the perils of pride.

A Prolific Voice: Writings and Intellectual Contributions

Ripperger’s intellectual output is prodigious, channeled through Sensus Traditionis Press, which he founded to publish works aligned with traditional Catholicism. His books include Introduction to the Science of Mental Health (2001), integrating Thomistic philosophy with psychology; The Metaphysics of Evolution (2012), critiquing evolutionary theory from a Thomistic perspective; Magisterial Authority (2014), discussing the limits of papal and episcopal authority; Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity (2016), offering prayers for spiritual protection; Topics on Tradition (2013), exploring traditional practices and doctrines; and Dominion: The Nature of Diabolic Warfare (2022), a comprehensive guide based on his exorcism experiences. His website, sensustraditionis.org, hosts lectures, articles, and resources on theology, philosophy, and exorcism. Recent 2025 audio releases include “Wayward Children,” “Sophistry,” “Importance of Family,” “How to Deepen Prayer,” “Generational Wounds,” and “Fasting and Indulgence,” all published on August 11. Other talks, like “Lost Art of Communication” (February) and “Forgotten Secrets to a Holy Life,” emphasize practical virtues.

Ripperger is a frequent speaker at conferences, retreats, and online platforms, notably collaborating with Sensus Fidelium, where his hundreds of talks cover guardian angels, demons, mental health, marriage, and Catholic doctrine, many accessible on YouTube. He has appeared on podcasts like The Taylor Marshall Show and Pints with Aquinas, discussing theology and current Church issues. His articles in The Latin Mass Magazine and other traditionalist outlets amplify his voice. Ripperger’s ministry extends to counseling married couples, applying Thomistic principles to matrimony, stressing complementary roles and sacramental grace. He emphasizes the family rosary, frequent Confession, and mental prayer as cornerstones of daily spiritual life. His work has sparked a resurgence in interest in traditional Catholic exorcism practices among both laity and clergy.

Navigating Controversy: A Steadfast Defender

Ripperger’s no-nonsense, intellectually rigorous style, rooted in St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and other saints, has not been without controversy. He is a strong advocate for the Traditional Latin Mass, critiquing aspects of the Novus Ordo Mass while remaining in good standing with the Church. His criticisms of modernism in the Church, advocating a return to Thomistic scholasticism and pre-Vatican II practices, have drawn critics. His views on evolution, vaccines, and Church authority have sparked debate, with some labeling his teachings as overly focused on demonic influence. Yet, Ripperger insists on submission to legitimate ecclesial authority, a stance affirmed by his canonical status in Denver as of 2025. A March 2025 article in Crisis Magazine defended his orthodoxy, countering accusations and aligning his teachings with tradition. On X, supporters clamor for him to appear on platforms like Joe Rogan, praising his “mind-blowing” insights.

A Lasting Legacy: Mentor to a Troubled World

At 60, Ripperger’s influence is undeniable. Fluent in Latin, English, and possibly other languages from his time in Rome and Germany, he bridges ancient tradition with modern challenges. His devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows permeates his work, reflecting a spirituality that sees Mary as the serpent’s crusher (Genesis 3:15). Recent initiatives include a plea for the consecration of President Donald Trump to Mary, patroness of the U.S., and explorations of the Third Secret of Fatima’s warnings of apostasy. His 2025 talks on bishops’ power in exorcism highlight their authority against demons.

Spiritually enlightening, Ripperger’s life reveals the economy of grace: angels empower, demons tempt, but Christ reigns. His Wyoming roots, Roman education, and exorcism battles form a legacy of courage and fidelity. As my own journey attests, one video can spark eternity. For readers, Father Chad Ripperger offers a model of holiness—pointing always to Christ, equipping us to fight the good fight in a world desperate for truth.

~Jeff Callaway

Texas Outlaw Poet

© 2025 Texas Outlaw Press