A dramatization of the exorcism in "The Exorcism of Anna Ecklund". I have been invited to various conferences to present my research and have had success in this. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies. See all 2 photos. Her parents concluded she needed a priest. Yet, nothing had prepared the reverends for what happened next. "[21], In February 1936, the 1928 exorcism was profiled in Time magazine.[22]. 9 reviews of Anna's Skin Spa "I have seen Anna for facials for years at another spa. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. Theophilus had the sisters drag Anna from the wall and into the bed, restraining her even as she made inhuman howls that would last through the end of the first session on August 26. Anneliese attempted suicide in 1973, and developed an aversion to religious artifacts. Dont know actually what happened to her, maybe she was psychologically ill or maybe she was really possessed by evil demons. By her account, the first exorcism had failed because Jacob and Mina had continued to poison her food with cursed spices. Ecklund, whose real name might have been Emma Schmidt, was born in Marathon, Wisconsin in 1882, and claims of her being possessed first surfaced when she was14, according to InfoBarrel. ", Jason Rhode of Cryptic Rock was more favorable, opining in their review that "Ultimately, The Exorcism of Anna Ecklund is interesting since it is based on a true story, flows evenly, and has a solid soundtrack. As Riesinger began speaking the rites, Annas eyes fell shut and she appeared as if sedated. When directly asked about the spirits within her, Anna listed several, with Beelzebub as their leader. Doe's case became so notorious that it, too, was adapted into a film: His case was the inspiration for the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist. Both the priests who organized the rites in secrecy and her parents were charged with negligent homicide. What follows are the details of the Anna Ecklund case, as claimed by Reverend Vogl in Begone, Satan! Anna was able to go back to her life as a devout Catholic. (eds) The Social Scientific Study of Exorcism in Christianity. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies. Hope remained, though, as Anna could be brought back to her senses by blessed or holy objects. However, the car refused to accelerate to full speed. Showing Editorial results for anna eklund. In 1970, the fits returned and she reportedly began to see devil-like creatures. [10], On June 18, 1912, Ecklund underwent an exorcism by Father Theophilus Riesinger, a Capuchin priest originally from Bavaria, Germany, entrusted by Bishop Thomas Dunn of Des Moines, Iowa. 4 of 4 found this interesting | Share this The film was shot on location at Llanelly House in Llanelli and the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay as well as at various interior locations around Mumbles in Swansea, South Wales. The boy was exposed to the ritual over thirty times. Attempts to exorcise the malevolent spirit from the home failed, and the family endured its torment until 1980, when they fled to Georgia. She vomited twenty to thirty times a day. A few days after the claim, Father Steiger crashed his car into the railing of the bridge. [1] Some sources contradict the narrative that she was raised in Marathon, Wisconsin. However, there have been a great number of exorcisms performed throughout history, and some of the more recent are guaranteed to send chills down your spine. Also, Earling, although close to Des Moines with a major railway to allow for travel, was a small town. Collect, curate and comment on your files. When she arrived at the convent, she wanted to attack the nuns and she could tell the food she had been given had been blessed. A board-certified psychiatrist and teacher at both Columbia University and New York Medical College, Richard E. Gallagher declared that his patient, known only as Julia, had experienced possession. Diagnosed with epileptic psychosis, she also experienced depression and visual and auditory hallucinations, for which she was hospitalized. In 1928, three further sessions were conducted in the convent, with the girl reportedly resisting with supernatural strength against the efforts to relieve her from demons. Anna didnt react. Scientists agree that the practice is based on superstition and that the people who claim to be possessed may actually be suffering from mental illnesses, or in fact just faking it. I would like to receive newsletters and special offers from your partner The Archive (exploring the lost chapters of the past). culturecrypt. Even in Earling, there is a legend that demonic claw marks permanently mar a door in the local convent, the last evidence of an epic battle between good and evil. He sought the assistance and aid of an old friend named Reverend Joseph Steiger, asking him for permission to perform the exorcism in his parish. She participated in intense sexual acts. Her condition was initially regulated by medications, but as more epileptic fits followed, she was diagnosed with other mental issues. Upon realizing that this is the case, the two try to take the woman, Anna Ecklund, to a convent to perform an exorcism. Why is there an Elephant Buried Beneath the Vatican? In 1935, Rev. Anna Ecklund was raised as an ordinary Catholic girl (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Jacob Ecklund had reportedly attempted to begin an incestuous relationship with his daughter in her early teens. While the real story sounds suitably horrific, the movie version though didn't fare that well. He believed, as explained by the Catholic mythos, that she was being possessed by the returned demon, who brought seven fellow spirits with him. 2017. The Exorcism of Anna Ecklund is a 2016 British horror film written and directed by Andrew Jones. I have had numerous experiences in presenting my research to a variety of audiences from academic, public and children. Anna Ecklund was a pseudonym for Emma Schmidt , an American woman whose alleged demonic possession and exorcism occurred over several decades, culminating in an extensive exorcism that lasted from August 18 to December 23, 1928 in Earling, Iowa. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. One event that sealed the deal for the Yale-educated medical professional was when, during a phone call with Julias priest, he heard one of the demonic voices that had come from her mouth except she was nowhere near a phone. speak in multiple languages unknown to her, "Emma Schmidt, 23 March 1882, Milwaukee, Wisconsin", Ghosts and Demons: The Lost Things - KyL Cobb - Google Books, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43173-0_2, "The Exorcism of Anna Ecklund Trailer Delivers Some True Story Chills", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anna_Ecklund&oldid=1116257936, This page was last edited on 15 October 2022, at 17:19. Featured photo: Wikimedia Commons; Additional photos: Deadline Paranormal; North Bank Entertainment; Real Unexplained Mysteries; HorrorGalore.com. She is finally out on her own in a beautiful space in Santa Clara. At the age of fourteen, Anna started displaying weird behaviours. This is how the sacramental ritual is described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by Pope John Paul II. [15][16] Ecklund was believed to be possessed by Judas Iscariot, as well as Jacob, her own father, who had cursed her with the help of his lover, her aunt Mina, for refusing his incestuous sexual advances during her adolescence. The first of three sessions began on Anna the next day as she was bound to an iron bed to prevent any dangerous behavior. Available at: https://the-line-up.com/the-exorcist-father-theophilus-riesinger-and-possession-of-anna-ecklund, Rue, L. 2021. Riesingers journey was not easy. Related: 8 Paranormal Books You Havent Read Yet but Should. The spirits' sinister voices now dogged her every step, pressing her to commit terrible acts. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. You will never feel rushed with Anna- only listened to and taken care of. After ten months and over 70 sessions, some of which were even recorded, Anneliese passed away. She started speaking and understanding Latin, Hebrew, Italian and Polish languages. At one point, writes Cult of Weird, she was alleged to have leapt from the bed and levitated to the ceiling. The Devils Lair: Five Modern Cases of Demonic Hauntings and Possessions, The Devils Playthings: 5 Notorious Cases of Violent Poltergeist Hauntings, 13 People Describe Their Eeriest Experiences with Shadow People, Featured photo: Occult Museum; Additional photos: St. Joseph Catholic Church / Facebook; Alchetron. Example of exorcism. His family reported to the local priest that strange things such as objects moving on their own accord were happening around the house. With so many movies about exorcisms, it is interesting that it took until 2016 for Ecklund's story to be filmed. Instead of inviting his aunt, Roland apparently invited something much more sinister. "[9] According to an account published in 1935, the believed source of Ecklund's possession was her aunt Mina, a reputed local witch who placed spells on herbs for food she prepared. After the three sessions, she was very weak and heavily malnourished. So, Father Riesinger sought the help of a St Josephs Parish priest, Father Joseph Steiger. Instead, they claimed their West Pittston, Pennsylvania double-block home had been taken over by a poltergeist. [13] The exorcism was reportedly violent, with Ecklund levitating, howling, and hanging from the frame of the doorway. [3] Mina was purportedly also a lover of Ecklund's father. She later reported that on her arrival she experienced a feeling of unprecedented rage. Cahn, L. 2020. Even as she slept she muttered in unsettling tongues, blaspheming God and verbally assaulting anyone in the room. I have also began social media outreach for a local historical research group. But what was the truth behind it? Praised be Jesus Christ. And then the demons freed her. Anna experienced horrific symptoms, vomiting bile and tobacco-infused liquid. Yelp is a fun and easy way to find, recommend and talk about what's great and not so great in Anna and beyond. Mina was widely believed to be the lover of Annas father, as well as a witch who used spelled herbs in Ecklunds food to put her under the demons spell. Difficulties will arise; they must be expected to arise. [21] Young views the publication of the Ecklund case as integral in exemplifying the "American exorcism. In this terrifying true story, something beyond comprehension is happening to housewife Anna Ecklund. However, their fears that at least three demons insanity, murder, and violence were still left inside him were realised that very morning. Inspired by the magic of Love! At the exorcism, there was Father Riesinger and Father Steiger, a couple of nuns and a housekeeper. 2009-2021 Historic Mysteries. Nearly 70 exorcisms were performed in secrecy under the order of the church. I have tried to read up about the "The exorcism of Anna Ecklund" and didn't find much. Want more bone-chilling cases? She was a very devout [13], The extensive exorcism resulted in deterioration of Ecklund's body, as she refused to consume food, also vomiting foul debris and what appeared to be tobacco leaves. Yes! Father Joseph Stieger of Earling, Iowa, a friend of Riesinger, suggested the exorcism be undertaken at a convent owned by the Franciscan Sisters in Earling. Both she and her Catholic family attributed her condition to demonic possession, and beginning at 22, she underwent an intense 10 months of Catholic exorcism rites. [12], In the summer of 1928, Riesinger was again consulted to perform a second exorcism on Ecklund. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. She opened her eyes. https://www.rd.com/list/real-life-exorcisms/, https://www.darkhistories.com/the-exorcism-of-anna-ecklund/, https://www.grunge.com/219954/the-truth-about-the-exorcism-of-anna-ecklund/, https://diabolicalconfusions.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/the-entire-case-history-of-anna-ecklund-americas-most-famous-case-of-possession/#more-233, https://husheduphistory.com/post/619278048738607104/the-evil-and-exorcism-of-emma-schmidt, https://emadion.it/en/paranormal/exorcisms/the-exorcism-of-earling-the-true-story-of-anna-ecklund/, https://the-line-up.com/the-exorcist-father-theophilus-riesinger-and-possession-of-anna-ecklund, https://medium.com/exploring-history/the-most-terrifying-and-spectacular-exorcism-in-history-76587b507164. Hell! Her body distorted through expansion and contraction, and she screamed at the people present, telling them information that she could not know in various voices. American woman with alleged demonic possession. Whatever it was, if we see her life very closely, we can understand that it was the time when Annas life reached a climax to normalize everything in her life. Reverend Steiger lived out a full life. Thus, Ecklund stopped attending church. When the schools priests arrived, she became increasingly erratic and angry before confessing to making a pact with the Devil, who then possessed her. But, what really happened that led to these events? Between August and December in 1928 . Where is the Body of the Legendary King Gorm of Denmark. Even though her first exorcism seemed to have worked, according to the nuns and priests of a convent in Earling, Iowa, the girls apparent recovery was just the calm before the storm. She returned to her normal self and was free from demonic possessions. He performed his first exorcism on her soon after arriving in 1912, and it was deemed a success. As word about the pact reached one of the schools priests, Claras behavior began to become erratic and intensified rapidly, with witnesses claiming that the young girl developed a strong aversion to holy objects, tore at her clothes, talked to things that werent visible and growled like an animal. Unlike many other well-known cases of demonic possession, the Smurl family claimed it was not a person who was possessed. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But this time, Father Riesinger wanted to perform the exorcism in secrecy. Anna was able to return to her regular life and Riesinger developed a reputation for dispelling the evils that infect human beings. Springer, Cham. Anna became very violent when confronted with sacred and holy objects. Riesinger once again performed an exorcism on Ecklund, per his biography on the Capuchin Order website, and it was this exorcism that put Ecklund's case on the map. In 1986, after publishing a book about their experiences, the family claimed intense prayer had helped return things to normalalthough the family matriarch said there were still odd occurrences in 1987. Get notified of the best best booming posts weekly. This time the ritual of relinquishing demons was reported to have lasted two days before she was finally freed.. The statue of Saint Philip of Agira with the Gospel in his left hand, the symbol of the exorcists, in the May celebrations in his honor at Limina, Sicily. Once faced with a team of Jesuit exorcists, the boy showed similar behavior as the other two entries on the list. Historic Mysteries provides captivating articles on archaeology, history, and unexplained mysteries. [15] Her true identity was kept protected from the public in written accounts.[18]. By the end, she had become a pale, deathlike figureher body emaciated and her eyes glowing like red embers. Director Andrew Jones Writer Andrew Jones Stars Lee Bane Tiffany Ceri Jeff Raggett See production, box office & company info Watch on Tubi In 1928, Anna Ecklund again found herself unable to pray or go to church, much less receive the sacraments that connected Ecklund to her faith. These real exorcism stories span centuries and crisscross the globe. The exorcism lives in in pop culture as well. Unlike several other well-known cases of exorcism, Michael Taylors did not end in a return to normalcy. They could hardly be blamed, as Annas transformation continued. Praised be Jesus Christ! i don't believe in demons, but just confused about this case. was she just mentally ill, or something else? Despite both her father and Mina dying, Anna felt their spirits continued to usher a demonic presence into her body and mind. Relatives living near here are thought to have prevailed upon the Reverend Joseph Steiger, pastor of St. Josephs church, to bring the woman to Earling from an eastern city for the ritual, which suggests Emma Schmidt was from the US East Coast and not Wisconsin. [14], On December 23, the final day of the exorcism, Father Riesinger commanded the demons in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to depart to Hell. The devil will try his utmost to foil our plans. Hell!" The most brutal possession experienced by her was in 1928 when she suffered through an intensive series of exorcism rites over a 4-month period. Born in . Annas life, however, was only peaceful for a short while. The controversial episode of a Wisconsin womans possession and exorcism has since become the most prominent and publicized exorcism cases in American history. 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