An American priest known for his high-profile exorcism ministry has been asked by a Colorado archbishop to step back from the spotlight. Source: OSV News.
Denver Archbishop James Golka has asked Fr Chad Ripperger “to consider a one-year fast from public speaking and interviews,” according to a statement on Monday from the Denver Archdiocese.
The archdiocese confirmed that Fr Ripperger “remains a priest in good standing” within its ecclesiastical territory.
The request for the media appearance fast was delivered during a recent meeting between the archbishop and the priest “to discuss his ministry and his community, the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother”, the archdiocese said.
The Keenesburg, Colorado-based community, also known as the Doloran Fathers, describes itself as “a semi-contemplative society of priests who work in cooperation with the local bishop to provide the assistance to those in the most spiritual need”.
The archdiocese said Archbishop Golka’s recommendation will enable Fr Ripperger “to devote himself to the society and to the people it serves,” adding, “Fr Ripperger readily agreed.”
According to the statement, the archbishop and the priest “will review the arrangement” at the one-year mark.
The archdiocese said that “Archbishop Golka is grateful for Fr Ripperger’s priestly service, exorcism ministry, and for the generous spirit in which he received this request.”
“We ask the faithful to join us in praying for Fr Ripperger and for the society,” said the archdiocese.
The 62-year-old Fr Ripperger, a Wyoming native, was ordained in 1997 for the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP), a community of priests that celebrates Mass according to the form of the Roman rite used prior to the Second Vatican Council.
It is not clear when Fr Ripperger departed the FSSP. He has had faculties within the Archdiocese of Denver since 2017, according to a notice of appointments published by the Denver Catholic.
Fr Ripperger’s exorcism ministry spans a number of books, in-person appearances and social media videos.
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Denver archbishop asks prominent exorcist to step out of media spotlight for 1 year (By Gina Christian, OSV News)
