Catholic priest turned social media icon goes viral on TikTok with ASMR videos
Father Simon Teller, a Dominican priest at Providence College, is gaining viral fame on TikTok with his calming ASMR videos of Mass preparations, captivating millions online
In an unlikely marriage of faith and modern media, Father Simon Teller, a Dominican chaplain at Providence College in Rhode Island, has found fame on TikTok. His soothing ASMR -style videos, which capture the quiet and careful preparation for Catholic Mass, have struck a chord with millions, offering a peaceful moment of spirituality in the online world.
Known to his growing fanbase as @fathersimonteller, Father Simon has racked up more than 185,000 followers. His clips, filled with the gentle clink of chalices and the soft rustle of liturgical garments, give viewers an unexpectedly calming insight into the sacred rituals of the Church.
One of his most popular videos, simply captioned 'Setting up for Easter Mass,' has racked up over 2.3 million likes. Another, filmed ahead of the Easter Vigil and tagged with #easter #catholic #asmr, received over 14,000 likes, showing just how far his gentle touch has travelled.
The comments beneath his posts are a mix of surprise and delight. 'Never in my 27 years of life did I expect to see this,' wrote one viewer. Another confessed: 'I didn't realise how bad I needed Catholic ASMR.' One commenter said: 'GRWM [Get ready with me] to serve (the body of Christ)."
And in perhaps the most telling sign of the times, someone quipped: 'Even the priests are content creators now.' But for Father Simon, this isn't just about going viral. It's about connection.
'A priest is someone who you can have as a friend, a mentor, a companion,' he told WCVB. 'Someone who is not just a person you see in the pulpit on Sundays.'
He's also known on campus for his creative approach to teaching. One of his courses, called CIV: Taylor's Version, is a creative adaptation of the college's required Western Civilization curriculum and explores big themes like happiness and morality through the works of Taylor Swift, Dante, and Shakespeare. Unsurprisingly, it's become a student favourite.
Music is another outlet for Father Simon's talents. He's part of a folk and bluegrass band of Dominican friars called The Hillbilly Thomists. Their latest album, Marigold, reached number two on the Billboard Bluegrass charts last year, including a guest spot with the Zac Brown Band.
His path to the priesthood wasn't exactly traditional. Before donning the white robes, he worked in the oil industry, did shifts in construction, and even made a living as a street performer in Asheville. These experiences have shaped a ministry that feels grounded, accessible, and refreshingly human.
Unsurprisingly, his students adore him. One even joked: 'He's like the most famous person I know! And it's like, I have his phone number. I can text a famous person!'
Through it all, Father Simon remains focused on his mission. 'There's not a lot of cons to trying something new and creative,' he's said, reflecting on his unexpected TikTok journey. 'It's all about finding new ways to share the Gospel.'
And perhaps that's what makes his videos so compelling. They're not just calming, they're authentic.
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