More than 2000 people packed the pews at St. Patrick’s Cathedral last night to hear priest, theologian, philosopher, and exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger, who was introduced by Colin Nykaza and Fr. Enrique Salvo and spoke for more than an hour on “Levels of Spiritual Warfare and Our Lady” — earning a rousing standing ovation.

While in 1963 it might have taken just one or two days to exorcise a demon, the amount of time it takes has since grown to months and now years — an average of four years today. While acknowledging that demonic possession is relatively uncommon (0.5% of the population), Fr. Ripperger estimated that 10-15% are demonically oppressed, and 25% demonically obsessed, explaining that “Every mortal sin opens the door” to demonic influence, because it places a person under the authority of Satan. The number of cases due to involvement in the occult has also been on the rise.

For protection, Fr. Ripperger urged Catholics to stay out of sin, and to maintain a state of grace by leading a Catholic life of the sacraments and prayer. A 30-day prayer prescription will clear everything out (other than possession) 80% of the time, he suggested, along with recommending a disciplined daily practice of prayer and self-denial. (He’s mentioned elsewhere that exorcists fast on one meal a day, 6 days a week, which provides immunity.)

Despite living in a time of a drastic increase in societal oppression, there is good news: “This is an unprecedented time to grow holy,” says Fr. Ripperger. “There are graces available today [such that] your odds of becoming a saint are higher.” Every person and every family is called to defeat their demons!

Mark your calendar for the night of 2.15.24 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a very special night of worship, music, Eucharistic adoration, healing prayer, and benediction led by Zion Revival NYC.