The hospital in St. Louis famously associated with an exorcism is Alexian Brothers Hospital. This location became significant during a widely publicized case in 1949.
The Exorcism at Alexian Brothers Hospital
The alleged exorcism occurred at Alexian Brothers Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, involving a young boy referred to as Robbie. This case gained considerable notoriety and served as a partial inspiration for the renowned novel and film, "The Exorcist."
Key Details of the Event
The events surrounding the exorcism at Alexian Brothers Hospital are rooted in a series of disturbing occurrences reported by the boy's family. The exorcism rituals were eventually carried out by Catholic priests, primarily Father William Bowdern, S.J. The hospital provided a controlled environment for the lengthy and intense rites.
Key aspects of the 1949 St. Louis exorcism at Alexian Brothers Hospital include:
- Date: On Easter Monday, April 18, 1949, the boy named Robbie awoke in a fit while at the Alexian Brothers Hospital.
- The Rite: Father Bowdern continued the solemn rite of exorcism. During this intense period, holy items were placed in the boy's hands and around his neck as part of the ritual.
- Interrogation: According to a diary kept by Bishop, the exorcist further demanded to know the name of the demon believed to be possessing Robbie.
- Location Significance: While some initial events took place elsewhere, Alexian Brothers Hospital served as a crucial site for the continued and climactic phases of the exorcism.
This historical event remains a captivating and often debated topic in both St. Louis folklore and religious studies.
Here’s a quick overview of the hospital and the event:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Hospital | Alexian Brothers Hospital (now closed) |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Year | 1949 |
| Subject | A young boy known as "Robbie" or "Roland Doe" |
| Exorcist | Father William Bowdern, S.J. |
| Significance | One of the most famous modern cases of alleged demonic possession and exorcism, inspiring "The Exorcist" |
| Key Event at Hospital | On April 18, 1949, Robbie awoke in a fit; Father Bowdern continued the exorcism rite, placing holy items and demanding the demon's name from him at this location. |
For more information on the St. Louis exorcism, you can refer to resources from institutions like Saint Louis University, which has documented accounts of the event.
