Camp Gagnon: NYPD Demonologist - "The Boy Climbed the Wall Backwards" | Ralph Sarchie
Episode Overview
In this gripping episode of Camp Gagnon, host Mark Gagnon engages in a deep and enlightening conversation with Ralph Sarchie, a former NYPD police sergeant turned demonologist. Drawing from his extensive experience, Ralph Sarchie shares some of the most unsettling and real-life exorcism cases he has witnessed, delving into the nature of demonic possessions, the methodologies of exorcisms, and the thin line between faith and the supernatural.
Introduction to Ralph Sarchie
00:00 - 01:08
Mark introduces Ralph Sarchie, highlighting his unique background as an NYPD sergeant who has encountered numerous exorcisms throughout his career. Ralph sets the tone by recounting a recent incident involving a young boy who exhibited unnerving behavior by crawling up a hospital wall backward, prompting Ralph to reflect on the real and present nature of such supernatural occurrences.
Notable Quote:
"It was either going to be an intellectual exorcism or it was going to be a dirty one. It's more of a battle of wills than anything else."
— Ralph Sarchie [00:18]
Ralph’s Background and Early Beliefs
02:31 - 04:26
Ralph delves into his upbringing in a typical Italian household in Queens during the 60s and 70s, attending Catholic school and serving as an altar boy. His early fascination with ghost stories and spirits laid the foundation for his later involvement in demonology. Despite his initial fear, personal experiences and a pivotal case involving his daughter inspired him to seek out the Warrens, renowned demonologists, igniting his journey into the supernatural realm.
Notable Quote:
"Over the years in my studies, I got to realize that there is a spirit out there that is in fact real and evil."
— Ralph Sarchie [04:14]
First Encounter with Demonology and Exorcisms
06:32 - 08:22
Ralph recounts his first investigative case alongside Ed and Lorraine Warren in Saugerties, New York. He describes observing unexplained water phenomena and escalating to physical assaults within the household, solidifying his belief in the existence of demonic forces. This case marked his transition from skepticism to an active participant in exorcism rituals.
Notable Quote:
"I never saw anything, at least that I recognized. It was a matter of faith. My faith tells me that these beings are real."
— Ralph Sarchie [07:11]
Types of Exorcisms: Solemn vs. Local
18:49 - 19:07
Ralph explains the distinction between solemn and local exorcisms. A solemn exorcism is performed on an individual, involving intense spiritual battle and physical manifestations, while a local exorcism targets a place, cleansing a home from malevolent spirits.
Notable Quote:
"Solemn exorcism is an exorcism over a person. Local exorcism is an exorcism in a house."
— Ralph Sarchie [19:01]
Details of a Violent Exorcism Case
20:59 - 26:15
One of the most harrowing accounts involves a petite woman subjected to seven exorcisms due to a powerful demon. Ralph describes the intense physical struggle, including the use of restraints and relics, highlighting the unpredictable and violent nature of such possessions. The demon's desire to harm extends beyond the individual, targeting their loved ones, exemplifying the profound threat posed by malevolent entities.
Notable Quote:
"Everything is videotaped. [...] The violence was extreme, you know, and you cannot overcome violence softly. You have to use violence in return."
— Ralph Sarchie [32:30]
Ralph's Personal Preparations for Exorcisms
31:16 - 32:27
Ralph outlines his personal preparations before conducting an exorcism, emphasizing the importance of being in a state of grace through confession and adhering to a stringent fasting regimen known as the black fast. These rituals are designed to spiritually fortify him for the intense battles ahead.
Notable Quote:
"The black fast is recommended in the Roman ritual for the priest to perform this fast before a solemn exorcism. [...] one meal a day for three days."
— Ralph Sarchie [31:48]
Exorcism Procedures and Encounters with Demonic Entities
34:49 - 51:52
Ralph provides a step-by-step account of how exorcisms are conducted within a church setting, detailing the prayers, use of relics, and physical interventions required to restrain the possessed individual. He shares an intense moment where a demon visibly reacts to religious symbols, reinforcing his belief in the tangible presence of evil forces.
Notable Quote:
"What I normally do is I would have investigators on every floor if it's a multi, you know, floor dwelling. [...] I apply that same theory to the exorcism is a battle of wills."
— Ralph Sarchie [37:00]
Differentiating Possession from Mental Illness
45:17 - 46:15
Addressing skepticism, Ralph discusses how exorcists discern between genuine demonic possession and mental health disorders. Comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluations are conducted to ensure that the behaviors exhibited are not solely attributed to psychological conditions, maintaining a clear boundary between faith-driven investigations and medical diagnoses.
Notable Quote:
"The possession is not 24 hours a day. There are periods of normalcy within this. The person knows that there is something wrong."
— Ralph Sarchie [45:23]
Ralph’s Experiences with Demonic Communications and Hierarchies
53:15 - 67:55
Ralph delves into encounters where demons communicate, often revealing their oppressive intents. He explains the hierarchical structure of demonic entities, referencing the nine choirs of angelic spirits, and how their power correlates with their rank within these hierarchies. This segment underscores the strategic and calculated nature of demonic manipulation.
Notable Quote:
"There are nine choirs of angelic spirits. [...] depending on where they were within those choirs in the three hierarchies, depends on how much power they have."
— Ralph Sarchie [29:34]
Local Exorcisms and House Cleansing Rituals
64:48 - 67:55
Shifting focus to exorcising environments, Ralph describes the use of sacramentals such as blessed incense and holy water in cleansing a home. He elaborates on the differences between clearing a residence and performing a personal exorcism, emphasizing the unique challenges each presents.
Notable Quote:
"Elements like Frankincense and myrrh [...] it's the same incense that the church uses in our rituals."
— Ralph Sarchie [65:17]
Case Studies: Demonic Possession and Successful Exorcisms
98:54 - 108:02
Ralph shares multiple cases, including one involving Bill Ramsey, an individual from England possessed by a demon with werewolf-like characteristics. He details the successful intervention by Bishop McKenna and the challenges faced during the exorcism process, highlighting the unpredictable and formidable nature of these entities.
Notable Quote:
"I just put my relic right on the top of her head. And Joe put the relic on her breastplate. We commanded it in the name of Jesus to leave. And eventually, she came around and she was okay."
— Ralph Sarchie [82:22]
Differentiating Good Spirits from Demonic Forces
109:25 - 111:47
Ralph clarifies that not all supernatural entities are malevolent. He distinguishes between human spirits, demonic spirits, and elementals, explaining that elementals are neutral and inherent aspects of nature. This differentiation is crucial in understanding the varied manifestations and intents behind supernatural encounters.
Notable Quote:
"There are three types of spirits. Human spirit, demonic spirits, and elementals. The nature spirits."
— Ralph Sarchie [109:30]
Final Reflections and Continuing the Battle Against Evil
115:00 - End
Concluding the episode, Ralph reflects on the ongoing struggle against demonic forces, emphasizing the necessity of faith, prayer, and spiritual preparedness. He shares personal anecdotes of confronting evil and the importance of recognizing and combating malevolent entities to protect oneself and others.
Notable Quote:
"There's nothing like a broken bone or a house full of demonic spirits, you know, depending on what you're dealing with."
— Ralph Sarchie [106:42]
Conclusion
This episode offers a profound insight into the real-life experiences of a demonologist who straddles the line between law enforcement and spiritual warfare. Ralph Sarchie’s testimonies provide a chilling yet enlightening perspective on the existence and operation of demonic entities, the complexities of exorcism rituals, and the enduring battle between good and evil forces in our world.
Additional Resources
- Ralph Sarchie’s Book: Deliver Us From Evil – Available on Amazon and various bookstores.
- Films: Deliver Us From Evil – Adapted from Ralph’s life story, available on Prime and other streaming platforms.
- Ralph Sarchie on Social Media: Follow Ralph on Facebook for updates and insights.
Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.