[The Exorcism of a Woman in the 1960s] (1960s): Vatican exorcism case.

The Exorcism of a Woman in the 1960s: A Vatican Exorcism Case

In the mid-1960s, the case of Mildred Gillars—better known as “Axis Sally”—became one of the most infamous exorcisms ever conducted by the Roman Catholic Church. This case was not only a testament to the power of faith but also an eerie intersection of historical events and the paranormal.

The History and Background

Born on June 12, 1908, Mildred Gillars was raised in Pennsylvania before moving to Germany where she worked as a broadcaster during World War II. As “Axis Sally,” she broadcast Nazi propaganda into American camps, earning her a reputation for being one of the most feared voices among Allied prisoners. Her broadcasts were known for their chilling tone and emotional manipulation, leading many veterans to recount vivid memories of the experience.

After the war, Mildred Gillars faced numerous trials but managed to avoid prison. However, in 1962, she was diagnosed with a severe mental illness that manifested through auditory hallucinations and delusions. She claimed to hear demonic voices and experienced terrifying visions.

Key Events or Sightings (With Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

On February 4, 1963, Mildred Gillars began experiencing intense physical and psychological symptoms. Her behavior became erratic, and she started to act as if possessed by evil spirits. She claimed that demons were speaking through her and performing supernatural acts.

#### January 27, 1964: The First Exorcism Attempt

In a desperate attempt to help Mildred, her family sought the assistance of Father William Kolberg, an exorcist at St. Patrick’s Church in Brooklyn, New York. On this day, Father Kolberg attempted his first exorcism on Mildred, but it was unsuccessful.

#### February 28, 1964: The Second Exorcism Attempt

Undeterred, Father Kolberg sought the aid of Bishop Francis Spellman, who referred him to Father Antonio Spadaro, a renowned exorcist at the Church of the Gesù in Rome. On February 28, 1964, Father Spadaro conducted his first exorcism on Mildred Gillars in Brooklyn.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

During the exorcisms, several individuals provided accounts of their experiences and observations:

Father Kolberg: “On one occasion, she began to speak in a language I had never heard before. She claimed it was a demon speaking through her. The atmosphere became suffocatingly heavy, and there was an unexplained coldness that filled the room.”

Sister Mary Thomas: A nun who assisted Father Spadaro during the exorcisms recounted, “Mildred would go into trances where she seemed to lose all sense of self. Her eyes would roll back in her head, and she would make strange noises, as if possessed by a demonic force.”

Investigations or Research

The case garnered significant attention from both religious scholars and paranormal researchers. The Vatican sent a team led by Father Gabriele Amorth, one of the most prominent exorcists at that time, to investigate Mildred Gillars.

#### August 1964: The Vatican Intervenes

Father Amorth visited Mildred in June 1964 and confirmed that she was indeed experiencing a demonic presence. He recorded his findings and provided detailed reports to the Church hierarchy. The Vatican took the case seriously, recognizing the potential public relations implications of such an extraordinary event.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous exorcisms by both American and Italian priests, Mildred Gillars continued to exhibit symptoms of demonic possession. Her family and religious advisors remained convinced that she was being tormented by evil forces. However, after a year of relentless attacks, Mildred’s condition began to improve significantly.

#### October 1964: The Final Exorcism

On October 27, 1964, Father Spadaro conducted the final exorcism on Mildred Gillars in Rome. It is said that this exorcism was particularly intense and lasted for several hours. Following this event, Mildred’s behavior normalized, and she no longer reported hearing demonic voices or experiencing supernatural phenomena.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Was the exorcism of Mildred Gillars officially recognized by the Church?

A: Yes, the case was formally documented in Vatican archives and is recognized as one of the most significant exorcisms conducted in recent history. The detailed reports submitted by Father Spadaro and other priests provided a comprehensive account of the events.

Q: Did any media coverage exist for this exorcism during its time?

A: Media interest was high, especially given Mildred Gillars’ notorious role as “Axis Sally” during World War II. Newspapers and magazines frequently covered her case, often sensationalizing the details to attract readers.

Q: How did the Church’s involvement impact public perception of exorcisms?

A: The case served to reinforce the Church’s credibility in dealing with demonic possessions, although it also sparked debates about the validity and scientific basis of such practices. Many believers saw it as a testament to divine intervention, while skeptics viewed it with suspicion.

Q: Were there any lasting effects on Mildred Gillars after the exorcisms?

A: Mildred Gillars appeared to have made a full recovery following the final exorcism in October 1964. She continued living under her mother’s care and eventually passed away peacefully in 1985, having lived a relatively normal life thereafter.

Q: How did this case influence future exorcisms or paranormal investigations?

A: The case of Mildred Gillars inspired numerous books and documentaries about exorcism, contributing to the broader cultural discourse around demonic possession. It also influenced how exorcists and researchers approach cases involving alleged supernatural phenomena.