Fact vs. Fiction – The True Story of the 1949 St. Louis Exorcism

In the final episode of 1818: A Saint Louis University Alumni Podcast's first season, co-hosts Meg Connolly (A&S '90, GRAD A&S' 92) and Tony Minor (A&S' 03) explore the historical facts and spiritual legacy behind one of Saint Louis University's most fascinating stories: the 1949 St. Louis exorcism, a real-life event that inspired William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel and screenplay The Exorcist.  Learn: How Georgetown student William Peter Blatty discovered the story and the origins of Saint Louis University's involvement. Why SLU archivists and Jesuits involved in the rite intentionally protected the identity of the real child at the center of the exorcism for over 70 years. What happened after the book and movie concluded, and the real-life toll the event took on the Jesuits involved. First, Archivist Emeritus John Waide (A&S '73), who has answered decades of questions about Saint Louis University's role in the famous religious rite, joins Connelly to discuss a landmark 2013 panel held in Pius XII Memorial Library that drew over 1,000 students and community members on the 40th anniversary of the film. The nearly two-hour video coverage of the event remains one of SLU's top posts on YouTube, with more than 282,700 views. Then, Waide stays on as an expert in the second half, where he is joined by Brian Shelton, Ph.D. (GRAD A&S ' 03), author of Theology of a Diary: The 1949 St. Louis Exorcism. Together, the panel unpacks primary source documents detailing the pastoral commitment of the SLU Jesuits involved in the rite, separating Hollywood fiction from reality and examining how a story often associated with fear ultimately delivers a powerful message of hope and perseverance. Explore More: SLU Legends and Lore: St. Louis Exorcism Universitas: Exorcism Exposé Teaser: Inside SLU's 2013 Exorcism Panel