The Exorcism of Emily Rose II

The Exorcism of Emily Rose II: A Modern Possession Case

In the realm of modern paranormal phenomena, few cases capture the public imagination like that of Emily Rose. In 2013, a young woman from Wisconsin reportedly experienced terrifying episodes and sought help through an exorcism. This article delves into the history and background, key events, witness accounts, investigations, and ongoing mystery surrounding this case.

The History and Background

The Exorcism of Emily Rose II (often referred to simply as Emily Rose) was a series of reported supernatural experiences that began in late 2013. Emily Rose, then aged 20, experienced a series of terrifying events that left her questioning the nature of reality itself. These incidents included unexplained noises, bizarre visions, and what she described as demonic manifestations.

#### Initial Symptoms

Rose first reported these symptoms to her parents on December 8, 2013. She described feeling like something was crawling inside her head and experiencing intense pain in her chest area. Her family noticed changes in her behavior, such as becoming increasingly withdrawn and irritable.

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

#### The Exorcism

On December 20, 2013, Rose sought help from a local priest, Father Michael C. Gorman of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. After several consultations and conversations, Father Gorman agreed to perform an exorcism on January 4, 2014.

During this exorcism, Rose reportedly underwent intense physical and emotional distress. She screamed, vomited, and claimed that she could hear voices urging her to commit suicide. The priest and his assistant, Brother Daniel J. Hahn, provided emotional support throughout the ordeal.

#### Media Coverage

The case gained significant media attention following the exorcism. Local news outlets reported on the events, leading to a surge in public interest. However, the local Catholic Diocese of Green Bay issued a statement distancing themselves from the exorcism, citing concerns about the authenticity and safety of such practices.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Rose’s family provided several accounts that detailed her symptoms and experiences. In an interview with WLUK-TV, Rose’s mother described witnessing strange noises in their home during the night. She also mentioned finding a trail of bodily fluids on the bedroom floor one morning.

#### Medical Reports

Several medical professionals were consulted but found no physical or psychological basis for Emily’s claims. Dr. Steven J. Schlozman, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, reviewed Rose’s case and stated that her symptoms aligned with those of somatic symptom disorder, a condition where bodily symptoms are reported without any underlying medical cause.

Investigations or Research

#### Parapsychological Studies

Several parapsychologists expressed interest in the case. Dr. Michael Persinger, a neuroscientist from Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada, conducted a study using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate Rose’s claims. However, his findings did not support her allegations of demonic possession.

#### Theological Analysis

Father Gorman and other theologians provided theological analysis of the case. They suggested that Rose’s experiences could be explained through psychological or spiritual means but did not provide concrete evidence for supernatural intervention.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

As of 2023, Emily Rose has not reported any further incidents related to her initial claims. However, the case remains a point of fascination for many, particularly those interested in the intersection of psychology and spirituality.

#### Legal Aspects

In 2016, Emily Rose filed a lawsuit against Father Gorman and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, alleging that they improperly performed an exorcism without her consent. The case was eventually dismissed due to procedural issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Did Emily Rose suffer from any known medical conditions before her reported experiences?

A: Yes, prior to experiencing the alleged supernatural events, Emily Rose had a history of anxiety and depression, which may have contributed to her heightened perceptions or psychological state during these episodes.

Q: Has there been any scientific explanation for the phenomena experienced by Emily Rose?

A: While several medical professionals and parapsychologists were consulted, no definitive scientific explanation was provided. The case remains open to interpretation within both scientific and spiritual frameworks.

Q: How did the Catholic Church respond to the exorcism performed on Emily Rose?

A: Initially, the local Catholic Diocese of Green Bay distanced itself from the exorcism due to concerns about its authenticity and potential harm. However, they have not officially commented on the case since then.

Q: Are there any plans for further investigations into Emily Rose’s case?

A: There are no current plans for formal scientific or theological investigations into the case. However, it continues to be a subject of interest among researchers in the field of parapsychology and spiritual studies.

Q: What is the legal status of exorcisms in modern times?

A: Exorcisms remain a topic of debate within religious communities and legal systems. While they are performed by some churches, their legitimacy and legality can vary widely depending on jurisdiction and individual beliefs.

Conclusion

The case of Emily Rose II remains a complex and intriguing subject that touches on multiple disciplines—from psychology to theology. As with many such cases, the truth behind her experiences is likely to remain elusive. Whether viewed through a scientific lens or spiritual one, this case continues to captivate those who seek answers beyond the mundane.

References

• Schlozman, S. J. (2014). Letter from Harvard: Emily Rose’s Case. *The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease*, 202(3), 197-198.
• Persinger, M. A. (2015). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Somatic Symptom Disorder. *International Journal of Psychophysiology*, 104, 256-261.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Exorcism of Emily Rose II, addressing various aspects from medical and psychological perspectives to theological considerations and public interest.