The Exorcist Files - S3- Case #22 "The Exorcism of Anna Ecklund"- Part 1

Episode Date: October 14, 2026

In this dramatic episode of The Exorcist Files, Father Martins takes us back to 1920s Earling, Iowa, exploring one of the most thoroughly documented and bizarre cases of spiritual warfare in modern history: the exorcism of Emma Schmidt (pseudonym Anna Ecklund).From her troubled youth marked by curses, witchcraft, and domestic turmoil, to sudden violent levitation and an aversion to holy water, Emma’s torment baffled those around her. When Father Theophilus Reisinger steps into the fray with the help of Father Joseph Steiger and local religious sisters, the first solemn rite in the convent unleashes forces far darker than expected. Order Father's Book - FatherCarlosMartins.com Sign up for the Vault to get the episodes ad free and early- at Exorcistfiles.supercast.comFollow us on X and Instagram for special updates and sneak peeks @ExorcistFiles @theBethea Thank you to our SponsorsLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. https://Rocketmoney.com/exfilesUpgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/exfiles and use the code EXFILES to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF.Head to https://Exodus90.com/exfiles and start your 14 day free trial. Seek the Lord...see what happens!Magnesium, multiplied. 10 forms for total support. Go to https://qualialife.com/EXFILES to get 50% off and save an extra 15% with the code EXFILES.Timestamps:00:00 | Opening Drama: The Rite Commences01:23 | Welcome to Earling, Iowa: The Arena of Spiritual Warfare02:32 | Father Carlos Martins on Begone Satan & Rules of Engagement04:32 | Emma’s Upbringing, Aunt Mina & Suspicions of Witchcraft07:42 | The Church Threshold Incident & Meeting Father Theophilus Riesinger11:00 | Capuchin Fathers & A Pastoral Relationship15:32 | Mid-Life Crisis, Melancholy & Early Deliverance (1912)21:45 | Relocation to St. Joseph’s Parish Convent (1928)24:02 | The Covert Holy Water Test & Preternatural Aversion27:02 | The Rite Begins: Unnatural Speed, Leaping & Wall Levitation31:37 | The Exhaustion of the Exorcist & Weary Convent Sisters39:48 | Physical Degradation: Inexplicable Manifestations41:20 | Interrogating the Spirits: Beelzebub, Jacob, Mina & Judas Iscariot48:22 | Preview of Part 2 & CreditsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shall we proceed? Yes. Yes, Father. Emma, it's time. Are you ready? I'm with the Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Oh, Lord, save us. Pull her down. Mother, she cleans. To the wall I see. Pull her down. The power of our blessed Savior. Pull her down. Welcome back to the Exorcist Files, the preternatural diversion into a most graceful. excursion. I'm your co-host, Ryan Bithay. Today, The Exorcist Files is taking you to a far-off place, a mysterious land, our forefathers only dream to experience, a destination that all of us have at one time or another long to witness with our very own eyes before we cross into heaven. I am, of course, speaking of the great state of Iowa, specifically early 20th century Iowa and a little

town called Erling. In the 1920s, Erling, Iowa was a quiet farm town of around 300 people. Now, why quiet, unassuming farm towns seem to always be the perfect setting for a horror film is beyond me. But for whatever reason, this tiny community became the arena for one of the most widely documented in strangest spiritual warfare battles in history. It is the case of Anna Ecclent, a pseudonym for Emma Schmidt. As a reminder, The Exorcist Files is not intended for all audiences, just amazing ones. As always, listener discretion is advised. This is not a bedtime story. And with that, let's bring on our first.

faith-fueled faculty, our own exorcistic educator, Father Carlos Martins. If they were a university for exorcists, so to speak, I would consider the story of Emma Schmidt a mandatory part of the curriculum. It offers many key lessons in spiritual warfare. I want to start with a disclaimer. Throughout this story, you will hear the phrase, we don't know more than what you may prefer. The fact is there are many gaps in the timeline of events of this case and many pieces to which we just can't speak. Much of what we have comes from clergy who had direct conversations with the priest in the story, but none of them were eyewitnesses. So we have to piece the story together. Nevertheless, the bizarre cohort of demonic names, the animalistic manifestations, and

and the preternatural phenomena are all things that my colleagues and I have experienced firsthand. This case is profoundly instructive because it illustrates one of the great mysteries and one of the great tensions of exorcism. God is absolutely sovereign and nothing happens outside his providence. But exorcism is not a magic ritual that always ends happily. The victim's cooperation is necessary. The exorcist's judgment matters. The decision each makes can either help or hinder the work God is accomplishing.

And as you'll see in this case, those decisions can have enormous consequences. The original story was published in the 1930s in a small booklet called Begone Satan, which is still in print and available from 10 books. And with that, let us begin. Our story doesn't actually begin in Iowa, but in Milwaukee. Emma Schmidt was born in the late 1880s. We don't have much information about her childhood, but by most accounts, she was a quiet and unassuming girl, who from an early age had a deep affinity for religion.

She was a sweet and pious girl, but neither of her parents shared her passion for the faith. Emma's mother passed away while she was still very young, leaving her in the care of her father Jacob and his sister, Mina. Satisfy us in the morning, dear Lord, with thy steadfast love. Emma! Emma! I'm in the kitchen, father! There you are.

Good morning, sir. Emma, you disobeyed me last night. I've made you breakfast. When I tell you to do something, you must do it I'm your father you will do as I say I'm sorry I

The Bible says to honor your father Does it not? Yes sir I need you this See it's an egg salad sandwich here You must be hungry Do you understand Please

I have to go I'll be late for geometry class Please Is everything quite alright I'll be late for school Run along Aunt Mina will clean up Wait up Emma

Finally, I waited so long for you Where were you? Forgive me I just lost sense at the time Well, you're never late And you have tears What happened? No, I'm just fine

Let's hurry Or we'll be late for roll call While it has never been established With certainty many who knew the family believed Aunt Mina was not only the actual sister of Emma's father, but also his mistress. According to those accounts, Jacob and Mina carried on an illicit relationship, even while Emma's mother was still alive. Then there is another even darker rumor, that Mina was in fact a witch, and that Jacob participated in her witchcraft with her. It was said that the two of them placed curses upon the young Emma.

Whether those alleged curses were motivated by malice, resentment of Emma's growing desire to become a nun, or some other reason, no one can say. What is certain is that sometime during her youth, Emma's life became marked by disturbing and unexplained phenomenon. The first real account of this comes from an incident at Emma. High School. I've been thinking a lot about the passion of Christ.

Shh. Save it for prayers. It's just that our... Come on. Emma, go on. Emma, what's... What's wrong? No, not.

Can't... Something's wrong with Emma! I will not enter! With the girls lined up, file to enter the church as a class, Emma found herself frozen, as if her feet were cemented, unable to enter. Something prevented her from moving forward. Humiliated, she ran off and took refuge in the school restroom. She says she wants to become a nun, but she can't even set foot in the church. It makes perfect sense. You know her aunt's a witch. You know her aunt's a

right? It's true. Emma told me she caught her aunt cursing herbs in the garden. And if you ask me, her dad's in on it. Something's not right about him besides the fact that he's a drunk. Poor Emma say, which religious order do you think will take her? As Emma emerged, she ran into Father Theophilus Risinger, the priest with her. Theist, whom she would develop a strong connection and who would play a significant role in her life. Father, Rising her. Emma, there you are. Forgive me, I wasn't watching where I was going. No, Father, it's I that owe you an apology. I noticed you had difficulty entering the church this morning. Is something wrong? Thank you for inquiring, Father. I'm well. Thank you.

If you ever find yourself caring more than you can bear, you can come to me at any hour and about any matter. Do you understand? Yes, Father. Good. Our Lord sometimes allows us to carry much, but don't ever think you must carry it alone. Church is at your service. Father Theophilus Risinger was a priest originally from Bavaria, Germany. He belonged to the Capuchins, a reform branch of the Franciscan Order, founded in the 1500s. They took their name from their distinctive pointed hoods, Capucci in Italian, of the simple brown habits. And yes, for our coffee connoisseurs, the same capuchin brown eventually gave us the name Cappuccino. That beloved coffee beverage was discovered by a monk who added hot milk to his bitter coffee and presto. A delightful beverage was born. Just one more piece of evidence that coffee is in fact

a spiritual experience. It is not entirely certain where Father Risinger and Emma met. It may have been in New York, as Father Risinger was assigned as a priest there for some time. In some accounts state Emma grew up there. However, he may have met her in Wisconsin when he was transferred there for parish work. Risinger had the day-to-day work of helping care for the flock, hearing confessions, celebrating Mass, and serving the needs of the church. Whether it was chance or a divine appointment, Emma eventually developed a friendship with the wise and godly man who would ultimately defend her on the front lines of a ferocious spiritual battle. You know, one of the easiest ways to bleed money without even realizing it, automatic monthly subscriptions.

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X-Files to get 20% off plus a free three-piece towel set. Makes an amazing gift and with 30-day money-back guarantees, there's no risk. And right now, every dollar earns one entry into the Dream Home sweepstakes for a chance to win the Dream Home makeover or $100,000. See the official rules for details. That's try miracle.com slash EX files. Code X-Files at checkout. Thanks to Miracle Made for sponsoring this episode. After Emma graduated from high school, Father Risinger maintained a pastoral relationship with her over the years. He knew her to be a good young woman who sincerely desired holiness. She regularly came to him for spiritual guidance and confession.

You may be wondering what became of the incident in which she was unable to enter the church. We don't know. and we don't know whether it was an isolated event or the first sign of the epic battle that lay ahead. What we do know is that around the age of 26, Emma's life changed dramatically. The historical record becomes murky here. Some accounts claim she underwent a medical procedure that precipitated a crisis of faith. Given both the time period and that it was referred to only as a medical procedure, a quote-unquote procedure, it has been alleged that the term is vernacular for abortion.

Other reports describe it only as a botched operation. Unfortunately, the surviving sources offer few details, making it impossible to know what exactly occurred. Whatever happened, the event coincided with a seismic shift in Emma's personality. She ceased all religious practice and sank into a Deep Melancholy. What a joyful surprise this is. Hello, Father. I was beginning to worry. I haven't seen you in ages.

Father has kept me very busy at home. Ah, I understand. Perhaps you could come by the parish office this week and we can... I'm quite busy these days, Father. Oh, certainly. I understand, but perhaps another time soon. Yes, certainly. But I must be going at the present.

Of course. Emma, are you well? You know you can tell me anything. My apologies. Father, I, no, please, I must go. The church is here for you. And I'm always pleased to help with anything, make no hesitation, and asking. Thank you.

Farewell. Not only did Emma withdraw from religious practice, the sources indicate she began to experience which she described as severe demonic assaults. She would erupt into fits of rage, smash crucifixes, and hear voices. I bet in heaven you know. It is written. The gates of hell shall not prevail. There are more with us than with him.

Father Reisinger has told me that... He too knows it. He too knows it. He lies, he lies, lies. He's an adam. Femes! You lie! Dear Father, Risinger,

I beg your help, and my God quicken you to my side. The devils cause me great torment. They spew such a torrent of lies. The truth is scarce in my heart. Earnestly, I pray, yet the Lord of heaven. seems not to hear. The God of my peers does not come to my aid. Further, the devil tells me he

will make life so disagreeable for me that I will gladly turn to a life of sin. I entreat you. Help me. Eventually her torment reached a boiling point, and despite her melancholic state, she reached out to Father Risinger for help. And so the man, whom she met a decade earlier, soon became her exorcist. Here again we find ourselves with a deficit of information. Little is known of the exorcism she endured during this period, other than it appears to have consisted of a single session in 1912, when Emma was in her late 20s. Details of the session, such as how many demons were expelled from her, as well as the length of the session, are unknown.

What is known is that it was successful. Emma found relief and was free of the demons. And for the next decade and a half, she apparently was free of torment. Then, when she was in her mid-40s, the enemy came back with a vengeance. Now, for many of us, turning 40 might seem to be demonic. For Emma, little is known for why she experienced liberation and subsequently returned to a state far worse than the former. Could the demons have left temporarily, still retaining some undisclosed rights that they

were in possession of? Was there a lingering effect of a curse from Aunt Mina and Jacob? We simply don't know. But what we do know is that Scripture, Matthew 1243 and Luke 1124, speak of a situation where demons can be cast out, leave, and then we can. return to find a house unprotected and unguarded, with a few plus ones, and the resulting demonization is, as they say, no, bueno. After meeting with Emma, Father Risinger concluded that the time had come to resume with exorcism. His plan was straightforward. To protect Emma's privacy, the sessions would

take place in Erling, Iowa, where his friend, Father Joseph St. Stigar, served as pastor of St. Joseph's parish. Beside the church stood a convent, whose sisters could care for. Emma and provide practical assistance throughout the ordeal, making it an ideal setting for the location of the exorcism. Father Steiger agreed to assist and arrange for sisters Lane and Schaefer to be present as well. With the permission of the Bishop of Des Moines secured, preparations began. Room isn't much for the eyes, but we do trust you'll be comfortable here. This place is the stench of death. Um, we could perhaps get you a... Candle? I doubt the efficacy of a single candle.

Well, if you have a need for anything, we are here to serve. Nothing. Very well. Wait, yes. Yes. Your prayers? Please pray. Oh, of course. We have been very prayerful about your arrival.

All the sisters have... Well, I too have prayed for this day, but my nerves are undone. I very much want to be free, but I'm so afraid. I understand. The road before you is daunting, but the one we serve is greater than he who is in the world. Well, that's just it, sister. Is he with me?

I haven't even been able to peaceably utter the name of the Savior for many years. The clutches of evil have had a hold on me, even if ever so small for such a long time. We have this assurance. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. Amen. For some, but perhaps not for all. Perhaps not for a wretch like me. The first signs of the enemy's displeasure appeared the day before the first exorcism began.

During the evening hours of August 1928, Sister Lane visited the kitchen as the evening. evening meal was being prepared. She innocently sprinkled holy water over Emma's plate as a blessing. She thought nothing of it. It was simply a well-intentioned gesture. Bless us, O Lord, and these

thy gifts which we are about to receive. What filth is this? I beg your pardon. Disgusting. Crap! Filt! You try to poison me? Heavens, no. No one on it.

I won't eat this food fitting for only flies. There's shit on my place. Eklin! Lord be with us. Get this shit out of my sight! Sisters, please remove the food. Lord Jesus, be with her. Bring an unbless plate of food.

In season one, case number two, Father Martin shared that one of the informal diagnostics he uses to assess the presence of the demonic is a sprinkling of holy water, completely indiscernible to human senses on the individual. In our second case file titled, Ha Corpus ma'am, father placed a tiny amount of holy water on Jeremy's back without him knowing, and he reacted very similarly to what we just heard from Emma. Throughout this case, I'm aiming to do my best to steal man the naturalistic explanations. The church, as Father Martin's often reminds us, is not given to assume preternatural causes with affliction such as Emma's. Instead, it looks for signs that point towards the presence of the demonic.

What happened that night with the holy water in Emma's food is perhaps one of the most compelling arguments for legitimate demonization in this case. If the story transpired is documented, then there are essentially two explanations for what occurred. Either one, Emma was experiencing an extreme aversion to something sacred, or two, she had preternatural knowledge of the food having holy water on it, both of which could be indicators of the presence of the demonic. And yet, she also could have really really. just hated her food because perhaps the pasta was a bit too al dente. A reminder, though,

aversion to the sacred, while certainly a potential indicator of demonization, is not by itself considered conclusive proof. Why? Because it can be fabricated. People can see a crucifix and feign a reaction. But here, a drop of holy water on some food, it certainly seems to point towards the presence of the enemy. And as for why demons hate holy water that is made with exercise salt so much? Well, one alternate theory is that because demons probably came up with the low-sodium diet. It's God's way of punishing them for their folly. The next morning, Father Risinger, and Father Steiger, vested, and entered Emma's room for the exorcism. Father Risinger made the sign of the cross and spoke the opening prayers of the right.

Sometimes reading aloud the prayers of the right is all an exorcist does for an hour. The prayers are offered, the afflicted person sits quietly, and nothing outward happens at all. But that was not what took place in this case. According to those present, almost immediately the room exploded with violence. Pull her down. Father, she claims. To the wall I see. Pull her down.

The power of our goddess's savior. Pull her down. Back to bed for her physical safety. As Father Risinger spoke the opening words of the right, Emma moved with impossible speed. Before anyone in the room could react, she was no longer on the bed, but in their words was, quote unquote,

carried it through the air by some force and clung to the wall above the doorway, held there by an invisible power. Will not contain us. Do you still, serpent, in the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to still. So many of you. Oh, you should see the crowds in here first.

So what is going to protect you? You're next, bitch. So what do we make of Emma's sudden audition for Spider Woman? The account says she sprang from the bed, flew across the room, landed high above the door, and clung to the wall. Taken literally, it sounds impossible. But there could be an explanation that doesn't involve the devil. First, we simply don't know much about the room. She may have explosively leaped or scrambled upward and caught herself on our door.

architecture, a door frame, window frame, molding, or a recessed opening. Older buildings often had substantial trim in deep frames. Is it possible? She perhaps clung to that, and in the midst of everything going on, it seemed to be preternatural. That's entirely plausible and conceivably could have frightened everyone. Fear certainly can distort perception, and perhaps over time, the story grows in scope and scale. But ask yourself, how often do frail, sickly humans break free and get a vertical that would Earn them a naggy deal? Not very often.

The sources don't tell us how long that first session lasted, but it was almost certainly ours. For two aging priests, every command, every prayer, every struggle took its toll. By the time they finally brought the session to a close, they were utterly exhausted. In addition, the plan to avoid public attention immediately began to fail. accounts describe Emma screams and noises being so loud that the townspeople clearly heard them. In the small town of 300, the word quickly spread that the devil had come to Erling. In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you, cease your violence, withdraw from her senses, and allow Emma to come forth. We do not obey you. You will obey Christ.

You have accomplished nothing. We will return tomorrow. Yes, come back, a priest. Come back tomorrow. We will bring you, slum. We will do nothing except what God permits. Lord Jesus Christ, guard this woman through the night. Restrain every spirit that afflicts her.

Let no harm come to her or to anyone in this house. Emma? What happened? Is it over? For tonight, the demon is still present. The physical and emotional toll on the exorcist is often immense. Many imagine that exorcism is simply a matter of standing before the afflicted person and reciting prayers in Latin. It isn't.

It's far more exhausting, involving praying, listening, observing, discerning, evaluating, and constantly adapting as the situation unfolds. The exorcists must distinguish genuine manifestations from psychological distress, resist manipulation and distraction, recognize what the demon may be concealing, and determine which prayers and commands are bearing fruit. At the same time, he must remain attentive to the afflicted person's physical condition, protect her dignity, direct the assistance, and ensure that everyone remains safe.

He must maintain concentration and spiritual composure for hours at a time, sometimes while enduring threats, obscenities, intimidation, and physical violence. I've spoken before about some of the injuries I've sustained over the years. This ministry demands far more physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, than most people realize. As the exorcism dragged on and it became clear this would not be a quick victory, the cost to those assisting with the exorcism mounted.

The priests grew physically exhausted, but the sisters bore their own burden. Day after day they witnessed violence, blasphemy, and terrifying manifestations, all happening within their own home. The accounts we have say that some of the citizens sisters became so worn down that they requested transfer out of the convent. You two?

Sister, please. You cannot seriously contemplate leaving that poor girl here. I have family there. My heart was to grow food for the poor, to pray, to commune with God, to live a quiet life. This is not that, sister. You know, responding to you. to God's call rarely turns out how one would expect. I wanted to offer him a life of service and simplicity.

Is there a service much simpler? A woman is ensnared by the devil. We labor to set her free in Christ. Is there a love Christ desires more than that? Sister, my muscles ache. My heart is heavy. My mind is serious. disturbed. I feel so warm.

I'm also weary. Yet, St. Paul admonished the Galatians. Let us not grow weary in doing good. Yes. That I remember. But this, what progress do we see? I see a woman being tormented. That is what I see.

And that? It's not my calling. And yet, God arranged for everything in your life's path to lead you to this moment. I don't make light of your sufferings, and I don't pretend to speak for God or use guilt to make you stay,

but why don't you ask God if you should delay your request to transfer by just one day? And if he said yes, pray the same thing tomorrow. And if yes, the same thing the day after that. Yes. Sister Leap. I can do that. Are you there?

It's Sister Schaefer and Sister Lane. Knock, and the door shall be opened. Emma? My friends, Father Martin's here. Today's episode is brought to you by Exodus 90, a Catholic brotherhood built on prayer, asceticism and fraternity to help men find true freedom from worldly distraction. In the Old Testament, God delivered Israel from Egypt through 10 plagues,

a divine combat defeating demonic powers in what was essentially a massive exorcism. The pillars of Exodus 90 use those same ancient spiritual warfare weapons, prayer to depend on God, asceticism to break bad habits and attachments, and fraternity so you never fight alone. Men, we may not be under Pharaoh, but we face modern bondages like endless distraction, lust, and excessive comfort and pride. You were created for more. Exodus 90 gives you concrete daily disciplines to break free and reclaim your life in Christ. Download the Exodus 90 app today.

You can join up for a single challenge or subscribe for daily formation each day of the year. 90 starts in January, and there's no better way to start the new year. But right now, the Exodus Brotherhood is observing October, the traditional month of the most holy rosary, guided by the wonderful Dominican priest, Father Gregory Pine. Download Exodus 90 or visit Exodus 90.com slash X-Files to learn more, or click the link in the show notes. It seems everybody is taking magnesium these days. Perhaps you've even been asked. Do you even magnesium, bro? And it's understandable. There is some evidence to suggest a lot of us aren't getting enough, especially those a little more gray and a little more wisdom. But then the question arises, what type of magnesium do I take? Glycanate, oxide,

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Witnesses reported impossible quantities of foul-smelling material, sometimes resembling macaroni or chewed tobacco leaves, things she could not have consumed. I don't want to dwell on an unpleasant subject, but it illustrates something important. God made humans in his image. The enemy delights in mocking and marring that image. That is why severe manifestations so often reduce human beings

to humiliation, degradation, and shame. I've mentioned before that I do not converse with demons. I issue commands. At times, those commands may adjure a demon to reveal specific information, but only information that serves the victim's liberation. I have no interest in demonic memoirs or hearing them recount their sorted and perverted activities. I'm looking only for the clues necessary

to expose their claims, break their hold, and bring the afflicted person to freedom. One of the first things an exorcist seeks to learn is the name of the Spirit and whether others are present. Father Risinger was no different. The name of Jesus and his most blessed mother, Mary, the Immaculate who crushed the head of the serpent. Tell me the truth. Who is the leader or prince among you? What is your name?

Beosabab. Call yourself Beosabab. Are you not Lucifer, the prince of the devils? No, no, no, not the prince. The chieftain, a wine of the leaders. You were therefore not a human being, but you are one of the fallen angels who with selfish pride wanted to be like unto God.

Yes, that is so. How we hate him? How long have you been torturing this poor woman? since she was 14. 14. The spirit's claim would align with the incident at the church and the earlier manifestations. But we must remember, demons lie. We don't treat their answers as gospel.

We treat them as potential clues. Pieces of information to be weighed, tested, discerned and when necessary, discarded. Father Risinger continued. Is it just you? Any other foul spirit, I command you to show yourself. I too possess this woman. The name of Jesus devil.

Tell me your name. Jacob. Which Jacob are you? The father of the possessed girl. You depraved sow's opening. Who's a breakfast, bitch? And you? Demon, who are you?

Who am I? Yes. Tell me your name. Because you want me. You want to do things soon. You want to enter me. The authority of Christ, you will not say another word except to tell me your name. Nina.

Damned for a moro-lacs with tickle. Immoral acts done even while his wife still lived. Your eternal woe was for your immoral. and child murder. If Mina's claim that she had murdered a child was truthful, she may have been referring to the abortion Emma was rumored to have undergone years earlier. According to this interpretation, Emma may have become pregnant through incest, with her own father being the father of the child.

Mina may then have arranged, compelled, or directly participated in ending the pregnancy, an act she described not as an abortion, but as the murder of a child. If so, her words would connect several of the darkest allegations surrounding Emma's early life. The incestuous abuse attributed to her father, the rumored pregnancy, and Mina's possible involvement in the baby's termination. Still, the surviving accounts do not allow us to establish this interpretation as fact, it remains a possible explanation, one that fits the accusations, but cannot be

independently confirmed. Rock in hell, vile priest. Are you the unfortunate father who has cursed his own child? No. Who are you then? I am Judas. Which Judas? Are you Judas Ascariad, the former apostle?

Yes. I am the one. Judas. The mention of the name brought about a change in the room. It was so terrifying that sisters Lane and Schaefer actually fled. Emma then began to spin, spit, and vomit violently. What business have you here? To bring her to despair.

so that she will commit suicide and hang himself. She must get the rope. She must go to hell. It can be asked whether a damned human soul can actually appear during an exorcism. The church has never given a definitive answer. Nevertheless, many experienced exorcists, including myself, have encountered this phenomenon. How do we know it's a damned soul and not a demon, since demons lie, impersonate, and manipulate?

Exorcists point to this. Prayers and commands directed against demons have no effect on a damned soul. Likewise, prayers directed toward a damn soul have no effect on demons. While not dogmatic proof, it is a practical sign that helps an exorcist discern and navigate what he's confronting. Judas Ascariot is of course infamous for betraying the Lord Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Scripture records both his suicide and the gruesome aftermath of his death. And from the earliest centuries, Christians have debated whether he repented in his final moments. Personally, I'm content to leave that question where Pope Benedict XVI did, in the hands of God's mercy.

Was it really Judas the fallen apostle? speaking in that room. Who can say? But if nothing else, it adds to a macabre list of villains. And whoever, or whatever they were, they were not leaving without a long and bitter fight. That's it for today, folks.

Well, at least for part one. Join us next week to hear how things got worse. That's right. The whole case sounds like a terrible nursery rhyme. In Emma's room, there arose such a clatter. The sisters and Father Risinger rose to see what's a matter. And while Emma clung to the window to scare, Father Risinger commanded her in Jesus' name, come down from there.

What happens next with Emma and the demonic Four Treasons? Well, you'll just have to tune into Part 2. Until that time, say your prayers, read your Bible, and if you're truly concerned about your spouse or sibling, or even that first date, just sprinkle some holy water in their coffee or their fries, see what happens. Thank you for listening to The Exorcist Files, to keep in touch with us and get some of our anointed merchandise, you can visit our website

at Exorcistfiles.tv. She'd also email us at ExorcistFiles at gmail.com. All cases are recounted by Father Carlos Martins from his personal archives, but this one is not from his. Today we want to thank Vanessa Carmela for playing young Emma, shy Culver for the sort of friend Francis,

Laura Stein as Sister Schaefer, Kim Colerasi as Sister Lane, Reggie Brown as Judas, Jonathan Byram, as Father Steiger, Justice Dallinger as Beezelbub, and Nikoa as Father Risinger. Emily Timmer played Emma, Vivian Wells as Mina,

and Danny Fenzel as Jacob. I want to thank our amazing sound team helps score our fears and tears through this episode. Thank you so much to our sound designers, editors and mixers, Dan Blesinger, Ethan Mulbehill,

and Jackson Pack, from DB Mix Productions. Music and scoring was by James Cavell and Tom Straeli. His case was written by Jonathan Langley, Father Carlos Martins, and Ryan Bithae. Executive producers are Father Carlos Martins and Ryan Bithay.

Stay demon free y'all.