Seeking Help: A Family’s Plea
Anneliese Michel and her family were in dire straits, seeking help from priests to address what they believed was a case of demonic possession. Despite their urgent pleas, every clergy member they approached turned them away, insisting she should seek medical assistance first and obtain permission from a bishop before any religious intervention could be considered.
Escalating Delusions and Extreme Behavior
As Anneliese’s condition worsened, her delusions intensified, and she became convinced she was possessed. Her behavior grew increasingly extreme and disturbing. She tore off her clothes, compulsively performed up to 400 squats daily, and crawled under a table, barking like a dog for two days. Her actions escalated to consuming spiders and coal, decapitating a dead bird, and even licking her own urine from the floor. These harrowing acts highlighted the depth of her suffering and the severity of her condition.
A Believing Priest: Ernst Alt
Eventually, Anneliese and her mother found a priest named Ernst Alt who believed in her claims of possession. Alt, moved by her plight, remarked in later court documents that “she didn’t resemble an epileptic,” suggesting a supernatural cause rather than a medical one. This belief marked a turning point in Anneliese’s tragic journey.
Anneliese’s Desperation: Inner Turmoil Revealed
In her correspondence with Father Alt, Anneliese revealed the depth of her inner turmoil and desperation. She wrote, “I am nothing, everything about me is vanity, what should I do, I have to improve, you pray for me.” Her letters also conveyed a profound sense of self-sacrifice and suffering, as she confided, “I want to suffer for other people…but this is so cruel.” These writings offer a poignant glimpse into her mental and emotional state during this harrowing period.
The Secret Exorcism: Bishop’s Approval
Father Alt, convinced of Anneliese’s possession, sought the approval of Bishop Josef Stangl. After careful consideration, the bishop granted permission for an exorcism to be performed by a local priest, Arnold Renz. However, the bishop insisted that the exorcism be conducted in total secrecy, likely due to the controversial nature of such practices and the potential backlash from the public and medical community.
The Aftermath: A Case That Shocked the World
The exorcism of Anneliese Michel ultimately led to tragic consequences. She endured numerous exorcism sessions, and her health continued to deteriorate. On July 1, 1976, Anneliese Michel passed away from malnutrition and dehydration at the age of 23. Her death sparked a highly publicized court case, resulting in the conviction of her parents and the priests involved for negligent homicide.
Legacy and Reflection
The case of Anneliese Michel remains one of the most controversial and haunting tales of possession and exorcism in modern history. It raises significant questions about the intersection of mental health, religion, and the responsibilities of caregivers. Her story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, including the 2005 movie “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” which dramatized her life and tragic end.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
Anneliese Michel’s tragic story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mistaking mental illness for demonic possession and the potential consequences of extreme religious practices. It underscores the importance of seeking appropriate medical and psychological help while respecting individuals’ beliefs and ensuring their well-being. Her legacy continues to evoke strong emotions and provoke critical discussions about faith, science, and compassion.