The Real Exorcist Case

In 1949, a fourteen-year-old boy known as Roland Doe underwent exorcism after displaying signs of demonic possession. The case, documented by attending priests, became the basis for William Peter Blatty’s novel “The Exorcist” and its famous film adaptation.

The Beginning

Roland, living in Cottage City, Maryland, began experiencing strange phenomena after his spiritualist aunt died. His bed shook. Scratching sounds came from the walls. Objects moved on their own.

The Escalation

The phenomena intensified. Scratches appeared on Roland’s body forming words. He spoke in Latin, a language he had never studied. He displayed superhuman strength and knowledge of distant events.

The Lutheran Attempt

A Lutheran minister, Reverend Luther Miles Schulze, attempted to help but was overwhelmed. He witnessed the phenomena firsthand. Roland was referred to Catholic priests.

The Catholic Exorcism

Roland was transferred to St. Louis. Jesuit priests William Bowdern, Walter Halloran, and William Van Roo performed the exorcism over approximately thirty sessions. Father Halloran later described the bed shaking so violently it broke.

The Resolution

After weeks of exorcism, Roland suddenly spoke in a commanding voice declaring the demon expelled. He recalled nothing of the preceding months. He went on to live a normal life, marrying and working for NASA.

Assessment

The Roland Doe case is exceptionally well-documented. Contemporary diaries kept by the priests, confirmed by living witnesses like Father Halloran, provide compelling evidence for the reality of the events, whatever their ultimate explanation.