Dear Brother Bishops:

Greetings in Christ Jesus! I write to inform you that I have undertaken the task of serving as the Episcopal Moderator for the Pope Leo XIII Institute. The Pope Leo XIII Institute provides education for exorcists as well as priests and deacons involved in the ministry of exorcism and deliverance.

I think you will be impressed with the Institute’s insistence that all theological formation occur in a context of contemplative prayer. Because this Institute emphasizes the spiritual formation of each priest, the men immerse themselves in prayer and the Sacraments. Each participant comes to understand this ministry as a wellspring of Jesus Christ’s love and healing power flowing through their priesthood, as well as a reaffirmation of the Sacrament of Confession as the most powerful tool, after the Eucharist, in the fight against the evil one. In addition to a faculty of experienced exorcists, the Pope Leo XIII Institute boasts a committed and talented board of directors including mental health professionals, as well as legal and canon law experts. We desire to strengthen effective collaboration between Church theologians and mental health professionals. In service of the afflicted, we enter into fruitful dialogue. Our aim is to harmonize the work of these two disciplines in order to more accurately distinguish mental health disorders from manifestations of evil.

The first cohort of 55 men graduated in November of 2015 and the second cohort of 49 men graduated in November of 2017. The third and current cohort now has 59 men. I encourage you to enroll at least one individual from your diocese for the fourth cohort from February 2020 - November 2021. The Institute’s interactive curriculum includes practical case studies and opportunities for experiential, hands on learning.

Because this ministry is one of priestly formation, education, and evangelization, my hope is that no diocese would be prevented from sending a priest to the Institute. The Pope Leo XIII Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. I assure you that the Institute will endeavor to assist in any way possible to make this an affordable opportunity for you. To identify funding sources for scholarships, the Institute is quietly approaching a select group of Catholic donors concerned with their local communities and the furthering of the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for your interest and your support. Let us pray for one another!

In the hearts of Christ and Mary,

Most Rev. Robert D. Gruss

USCCB Episcopal Moderator