The Marathon Exorcism of Emma Schmidt

Emma Schmidt, a woman from the Midwest, endured one of the longest exorcisms in Catholic history. Over 23 days in 1928, Capuchin friar Father Theophilus Riesinger battled multiple demons in a case that was later approved for publication by the Church.

The Background

Emma had exhibited signs of possession since childhood. She could not enter churches without violent reactions. She knew things she could not naturally know. By the time she reached her forties, her condition had worsened dramatically.

The Exorcism

Father Riesinger began the exorcism at a convent in Earling, Iowa. For 23 days, Emma displayed terrifying symptoms. She spoke in multiple voices, levitated off her bed, and vomited enormous quantities of foul-smelling material despite barely eating.

The Demons

According to the exorcism accounts, multiple demons spoke through Emma, identifying themselves by name. They included the spirit of her father, who had cursed her, and his mistress, who had bewitched her. The entities displayed violent hatred of anything holy.

The Resolution

On December 23, 1928, the demons departed with a shriek. Emma returned to normal consciousness with no memory of the ordeal. She reportedly lived peacefully for the rest of her life.

Assessment

The Church authorized Father Riesinger’s account for publication as “Begone Satan!” The case became influential in Catholic understanding of possession. While skeptics point to mental illness, the documented phenomena challenged conventional explanation.