A Prison Chaplain's Expriencewith Exorcism, Deliverance and Inner Freedom

Fr. John Farao, OFM CONV, a prison chaplain, has incorporated deliverance ministry into his work with inmates following specialized studies in Rome. After completing a course on exorcism, Fr. Farao returned to his chaplaincy to perform minor exorcisms and provide spiritual healing.

Fr. Farao noted that his ministry often involves encounters with men who show fear during prayer. He observed that even men involved in gang violence sometimes reacted with visible intimidation when he prayed.

The Church requires that a priest receive express permission from a bishop to perform a solemn exorcism and must be properly trained to recognize demonic activity.