Opposing Satanism can strike us as daunting or even impossible. Some would say that we, mere humans, are no match for the machinations of the Evil One.
This thinking gives Satan more credit than he deserves. For millennia, he has been fighting a losing battle against God, the angels and faithful Catholics. He has lost every single one of these engagements. One key element that assures his defeat is when faithful Catholics engage in this battle to oppose Satan and his works.
One impressive example of his defeat is how one group of Satanists failed to hold its annual SatanCon meeting. Organizers claimed this meeting is the nation’s largest public gathering of Satanists. After its huge Boston Conference 2023, the group abruptly canceled all such future events.
A Supernatural Clash in Boston
In May 2023, The Satanic Temple organized the Boston SatanCon. This special event was billed as a “weekend of blasphemy” and was considered to be the biggest Satanic event in history. Hundreds gathered in open defiance of God. Organizers touted the 2023 event as a breakthrough moment for the Satanic movement. It seems futile to resist.
In response to this news, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) organized a protest outside the convention that drew hundreds of Catholics from around the country.
The media ridiculed those who dared to protest. Unfortunately, some conservatives discouraged the action, arguing that protests draw attention to the event and do not work. Even some Catholic clergy opposed the protest, saying that it would be better not to appear in public and pray indoors instead.
At first, nothing seemed to stop SatanCon. The Satanic Temple (TST) bragged: “SatanCon 2023 has completely sold out! If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, then we’ll see you in 2024!”
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Nevertheless, the massive protest outside the Boston hotel seems to have surprised the Satanists inside. They heard the rosaries and hymns that were loudly proclaimed. They were especially impressed by the number of young people who said no to Satan.
The American TFP made sure that the public knew about all the blasphemies and horrible events that happened at SatanCon. Many people protested and signed a petition asking that such an event never happen again. The media flocked to the site to report (unfavorably) on the massive protest that dominated the news for a few days.
The Gates of Hell Are Breached
The promise of a SatanCon 2024 never materialized. Instead, TST announced that it would be postponed:
“The year 2024 will be pivotal in our ongoing battle against theocracy. Our commitment to this cause requires us to dedicate our energy and resources to preparing for the challenges we will face. With this in mind, after thoughtful deliberation, we’ve made the decision to postpone our next SatanCon event to 2025.” [emphasis added]
However, when 2025 came around, no SatanCon appeared on the horizon. Some Satanists started to worry:
“Any news on Satancon 2025? I wanted to go last year, but it said it would be postponed to 2025. I’ve been looking out for any information. Anyone hear anything?”
The answers were more than pessimistic.
“I sincerely doubt there will be another one. Lucien [co-founder of The Satanic Temple] didn’t want one last year and canceled it, and it was what led to last year’s schism. Now he’s consolidated his power after the last schism, making sure the only people left in TST at a level who do anything are loyal to him. So if he doesn’t want one, it’s not happening.”
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Another lamented, “I would [not] expect TST to host another SatanCon for a very long time, if ever.”
Something happened inside the Satanist ranks. SatanCon 2025 never took place; it was self-cancelled.
All Hell Breaks Loose in Hell
These cancellations were not the result of logistical problems or a scheduling conflict. Instead, the Satanists blame an internal “schism.”
The attention given to the 2023 event appears to have caused major problems for the movement. Disturbing scenes from SatanCon were broadcast for the world to see. Video footage of attendees ripping up a Bible and defacing a pro-police flag made international news. Millions were scandalized. A media storm raged for weeks after the conference. The Satanic Temple’s co-founder Lucien Greaves did not like the bad publicity.
One report on a TST social media page described what transpired.
“The opening ritual contained some content that EM [Executive Ministry] objected to (tearing up a bible and a thin blue line flag)… As the committee for SatanCon 2024 was finalizing things, Lucien suddenly told them to cancel it all. No discussion, just cancel.”
Some members of TST disagreed with Greaves’ decision to cancel the event, arguing that public opinion shouldn’t dictate their actions. They began mocking his move, which led to Greaves’ purge of dissenters.
It appears that the controversy surrounding SatanCon2023 gave rise to what TST members call “the schism.” Some wanted to discreetly promote demonic practices while avoiding public scandals, while others were more intent on flaunting their provocative blasphemies without fear of bad press.
One commentator described the conflict in candid terms: “It is nothing short of a Ministerial Civil War.”
TST Breaks Apart
Resignations from TST began to pour in waves. Eventually, Lucien Greives was the only “certified Satanic minister” left within the organization—all the others had left.
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Entire chapters of TST began to break off into independent organizations, including those in Florida, Alabama, Colorado, Minnesota, Germany and Australia.
The Satanic Temple continues to splinter to this very day. At the end of one lengthy account of “the schism,” a despairing Satanist lamented, “It’s not over yet.”
Now, TST has been reduced to a conglomerate of Satanist groups who work on a much smaller scale. Although it has not ceased operations, TST has not held any major events since “the schism.” To put it bluntly, it is hanging on by a thread.
One Protest Can Shatter a Demonic Leviathan
Many disparage the efficacy of public protests. They claim protests give evil a podium in the public debate.
However, the case of TST proves the contrary. When faithful Catholics exposed the evils of SatanCon to the world, it changed the battle entirely.
The Satanic Temple went from the height of publicity to an abyss within a matter of months.
If faithful Catholics publicly oppose Satanism under the banner of Our Lady, it can have results beyond all expectations.
In Scripture, Our Lord did not remain silent when the devil tempted Him in the desert. He confronted the devil directly, rebuking him with authority and finally forcing Satan to flee.
We must follow His divine example with the same steadfast courage. With confidence in the Blessed Mother’s protection and help, we too can expect victory over the forces of darkness.