In a Turbine exclusive, our team has learned that the Newman Society will host an exorcism this coming Monday. If it goes ahead, it would be the first exorcism reported on Irish soil since 1964. However, it is important to note that the Catholic Church does not traditionally report on local exorcisms to avoid publicity.
It appears that the exorcism will be performed by a member of the Dublin Diocese. However, no confirmation of the practitioner’s identity could be found through our investigation. With Ireland facing a shortage of Vatican-approved exorcists, questions are being raised about this procedure’s validity.
The recipient of the exorcism is reportedly a third-year drama student whose identity, as the reason for the exorcism, is unknown. Assumptions can, however, be made, given that UCD’s cohort of drama students are no strangers to experiencing psychological phenomena of concern.
According to sources familiar with the case, the student’s GP and parish priest jointly agreed that he was suffering from demonic possession only after concluding two months of regular medical examinations. The student reportedly began experiencing minor signs of spiritual warfare before the autumn semester, but his symptoms worsened throughout early September.
The possessed victim’s advanced symptoms have included sporadically speaking ancient dialects, most notably Latin and what is believed to be Western Aramaic. Multiple witnesses have also told our investigative team that a student has been seen “levitating [during] lectures on multiple occasions”, although we have not been able to ascertain whether this is connected to the possession.
A Statement issued by the Newman Society claims that a small audience of society members, particularly those interested in ministerial careers, will be invited to view and “possibly participate” in the event. A select number of members from Trinity’s Catholic Laurentian Society have reportedly also been invited.
The statement presents the ceremony as a possible networking opportunity for members of the society, with the potential for LinkedIn posts highlighted, along with its probable contribution to receiving UCD’s Advantage Award.
The exorcism will reportedly be held in the St. Stephen’s Chaplaincy, on campus, and will take place next Monday. Passersby have been told to ignore any sounds emitted from the building between the hours of 8 pm and midnight.
By: Christian Svendsen