Fr Stephen Imbarrato performing an exorcism outside an abortion facility in Ireland.Facebook/Our Lady of Lourdes Protectors
A Catholic priest from the United States performed an exorcism on an Irish abortion facility to rid it of "demonic oppression."
Last week, Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, a pro-life activist known at the “Protest Priest,” led a prayer vigil outside Dr. Jim McShane's abortion clinic in Glasthule, Dún Laoghaire, near Dublin, before performing an exorcism on the facility.
In a video posted on Facebook, Fr Imbarrato explains that he is conducting a “”exorcism of location” or “minor exorcism," asking God to cast away evil and "demonic influence” from the clinic.
Fr Imbarrato, who holds a crucifix containing a relic of St. Patrick, begins the exorcism by saying a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, the “Prince of the Heavenly Armies." As he performs the exorcism, gathered pro-life protesters say the rosary.
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Fr Imbarrato also cites St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, in which the apostle asks the archangel for protection in "our battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places."
During the exorcism, he asks “the God of Peace” to drive out Satan and all demonic forces from the location. Fr Imbarrato then sprinkles holy water and exorcised salt at the entrance of the center.
According to Life Site, pro-choice groups were aware that Fr. Imbarrato was visiting Ireland.
On Facebook, the Dun Laoghaire Together for Choice and Equality posted a warning before the priest’s appearance at the clinic: "We have received word that the anti choice people are outside a Doctors in glashule again today. We understand that practice is not open today, but still believe this is unacceptable on many levels."
Imbarrato, who is a leader of the Red Rose Rescue movement, an anti-abortion group, told Life Site that he was disappointed that the movement has not received support from “corporate, big-name pro-life organizations.”
Read More: Fewer and earlier abortions main impact since legalization in Ireland
He said: “We’ve shut down clinics for as long as four hours. That’s the future of the pro-life movement that deserves support.”
He added that he is “disappointed” that more bishops and other clergy in Ireland have not joined the rescue movement or offered support.
He said that pro-life advocates in Ireland told him that Irish bishops, including Archbishop Diamuid Martin of Dublin, have given confusing messages about last year’s referendum that legalized abortion in the country.
Fr Imbarrato said that after talking with local pro-life groups in Ireland, he decided to conduct the protest and exorcism. The priest said that he may have a claim to Irish citizenship because of his mother’s Irish roots, and he vowed to return to Ireland and exercise his rights as a citizen to protest abortion.