Shawn Ryan Show: Episode #141 – Father Dan Reehil: Inside the Demonic World with an Exorcist

Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction

In episode #141 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan welcomes Father Dan Reehil, a Catholic priest based in Columbia, Tennessee, and the exorcist of the Diocese of Nashville. Father Dan brings a wealth of experience from his past as a Navy SEAL and CIA Contractor before dedicating his life to the priesthood and founding Vigilance Elite. The episode delves deep into Father Dan’s life story, his journey through trauma and faith, and his insights into the modern-day battle against demonic forces.

Life Story and Personal Journey

Early Life and Trauma

Father Dan Reehil grew up in a devout Catholic family in Williston Park, Long Island, New York. As the eldest of four siblings, his father, a tough New York City fire chief, made a profound impression with his visible faith, such as kneeling during Mass (00:35). However, Father Dan’s path was marred by tragedy when he was sexually abused by a priest at the age of 11, a trauma he kept hidden until college. This abuse led him to rebel against the church, becoming estranged from his faith and his family (42:09).

Reconciliation with Faith

In college, Father Dan confronted his past, leading to a profound healing experience through confession. The turning point came when he was absolved of 22 years of deep-seated sins, allowing him to rebuild his relationship with God. His journey of redemption inspired him to join the priesthood, where he now serves to help others find healing and reparation (45:09).

Exorcism Training and Ministry

Becoming an Exorcist

Father Dan’s path to becoming an exorcist was unconventional. After moving to Boston post-9/11 and witnessing his mentor conduct exorcisms, he sought formal training in Rome. The training was intense, involving two weeks of rigorous instruction and practical mentorship (78:08). Upon returning, he began his role as the exorcist of the Diocese of Nashville, handling cases involving possession and demonic oppression.

Training Insights

The training included comprehensive protocols for performing exorcisms, understanding demonology, and handling possessed individuals. Father Dan emphasizes the importance of discipline and adherence to protocols to safely and effectively conduct exorcisms (78:25).

Understanding Possession and Demonic Influence

Possession vs. Mental Health

Father Dan distinguishes between demonic possession and mental health issues by looking for signs such as supernatural strength, knowledge beyond the individual’s capabilities, and a profound aversion to holy symbols (108:39). He highlights the necessity of proper screening and the role of confession and spiritual healing in liberating individuals from demonic influence (108:39).

Signs of Possession

Key indicators of possession include:

• Supernatural Strength: Instances where individuals exhibit physical feats beyond normal human capability (112:01).
• Unusual Knowledge: Possessed individuals may speak languages they haven’t learned or know information they couldn’t have otherwise (112:01).
• Aversion to the Sacred: A deep-seated dislike or fear of holy symbols and places indicates a possible demonic presence (108:39).

Father Dan shares poignant cases, including a Mexican woman who overcame possession by invoking Our Lady Guadalupe’s intercession (91:24).

Modern Spiritual Warfare

Impact of Technology and Media

The episode explores the influence of modern technology and media on spiritual warfare. Father Dan warns against the dangers of social media and digital platforms, which can serve as conduits for demonic manipulation and temptation. He expresses concern over the rise of occult practices facilitated by easy access to information and tools like Ouija boards (82:03).

Signs of the Times

Father Dan discusses various signs indicative of an escalation in demonic activity, such as the increase in exorcisms post-COVID-19 and the prevalence of satanic rituals during Halloween. He emphasizes that these developments are symptomatic of a broader spiritual decline (153:25).

End Times and Eschatological Views

Ezekiel and UFOs

The conversation touches upon interpretations of biblical passages, particularly from Ezekiel, and their potential connections to modern UFO phenomena. Father Dan remains skeptical about extraterrestrial explanations, asserting that any unidentified flying objects might be more plausibly linked to advanced military technology or spiritual entities (148:35).

Preparation for the Future

Father Dan advocates for spiritual preparedness, encouraging listeners to deepen their faith and maintain a close relationship with God. He believes that as society grapples with increasing sin and moral decline, the role of the Church and spiritual warriors becomes ever more critical (175:06).

Notable Quotes

1. Protecting the Morning:

   • "I need it because it's not me that goes out into the day to help these people, it's God." (05:35)

2. On Forgiveness and Confession:

   • "You will actually know you've been forgiven. That's the difference." (24:37)

3. Understanding Demonic Lucretia:

   • "Curiosity is not a virtue. So there's people that spend hours a day on YouTube just digging deeper into darkness and occult." (80:26)

4. The Power of Relationship with God:

   • "He plus Jesus always equals victory." (175:06)

5. On Modern Signs:

   • "Halloween's the most dangerous season of the year for the homeless." (167:05)

6. Encouraging Spiritual Growth:

   • "The art of dying well is directly correlated to the art of living well." (133:33)

Conclusions and Insights

Father Dan Reehil offers a compelling narrative that intertwines personal trauma, faith, and the ongoing battle between good and evil. His experiences as an exorcist provide unique insights into the modern challenges faced by believers and the pervasive influence of demonic forces in contemporary society. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual foundation, utilizing sacraments like confession and Eucharist, and remaining vigilant against the subtle encroachments of the occult and moral decay.

Father Dan’s testimony serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, advocating for resilience, faith, and active participation in spiritual warfare to combat the increasing evils of the modern world.

Timestamp Reference:

• Each bracketed number (e.g., 05:35) corresponds to the minute and second in the transcript where the quote or topic occurs.

Note: This summary is intended to provide an overview of the episode for those who have not listened. For a complete understanding and the nuanced discussions, listening to the full episode is recommended.