The Maurice Theriault Exorcism

Maurice Theriault was a farmer in Warren, Massachusetts, whose life took a dark turn in the 1980s when he began exhibiting what he and others believed were signs of demonic possession. His case, investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren, featured dramatic phenomena including stigmata, telekinetic events, and multiple exorcism attempts. The case remained controversial, complicated by Theriault’s troubled history and the questions that surround all Warren investigations.

Background

Maurice “Frenchie” Theriault was born in 1939 and lived most of his life in rural Massachusetts. He had a difficult childhood, and as an adult struggled with various personal problems. By his own account, he had dabbled in occult practices in his younger years, which he later came to believe opened him to demonic influence.

In the mid-1980s, Theriault began experiencing disturbing phenomena. He reported hearing voices, seeing apparitions, and feeling attacks by invisible forces. His behavior became erratic and violent. Family members and neighbors grew alarmed.

The Phenomena

The signs attributed to Theriault’s possession were dramatic. He reportedly experienced stigmata, with wounds appearing on his hands, feet, and forehead that resembled the wounds of Christ. Unlike traditional religious stigmata, which are often associated with sanctity, these wounds were interpreted as demonic mockery.

Witnesses reported seeing objects move around Theriault without being touched. His voice would change, becoming deep and guttural when he was allegedly taken over by demonic entities. He would speak languages he claimed not to know and demonstrate knowledge of events he had no normal way of knowing.

The attacks were reportedly physical. Theriault showed scratches and bruises that appeared without visible cause. He claimed to be thrown by invisible forces. Family members reported seeing him levitate during particularly severe episodes.

Warren Investigation

Ed and Lorraine Warren became involved in the case after being contacted by Theriault’s family. They investigated the situation and concluded that Theriault was suffering from genuine demonic possession. They documented the case with photographs, video, and audio recordings.

The Warrens observed several episodes that they interpreted as demonic manifestation. They recorded Theriault speaking in what they believed were demonic voices. They photographed wounds appearing on his body. They reported feeling intense cold and sensing evil presences during their visits.

Based on their investigation, the Warrens advocated for formal exorcism. They worked to convince Catholic Church authorities to authorize the ritual.

The Exorcisms

Multiple exorcisms were performed on Maurice Theriault between 1985 and 1986. Catholic priests, with varying degrees of official authorization, conducted the Roman Ritual while the Warrens observed and documented.

The exorcism sessions were reportedly violent and dramatic. Theriault thrashed, screamed, and spoke in voices that identified themselves as various demons. He displayed apparent superhuman strength, requiring multiple people to restrain him. The sessions lasted for hours.

After each exorcism, there was reportedly a period of calm, followed by a return of the symptoms. The demons, according to the exorcists, proved resistant to expulsion. Multiple sessions were required over more than a year.

Controversy

The Theriault case attracted skeptical scrutiny. Critics noted that Theriault had a history of violence and personal problems that might provide alternative explanations for his behavior. Some suggested that his symptoms could be explained by mental illness or substance abuse.

The involvement of the Warrens added to the controversy. The couple’s methods and conclusions have been questioned by skeptics who argue they accepted supernatural explanations too readily and may have encouraged their subjects’ beliefs.

No medical professionals independently evaluated Theriault’s stigmata or other physical symptoms. The photographs and recordings taken by the Warrens have been questioned by those who suggest they could be explained without recourse to the supernatural.

Later Life

Maurice Theriault’s later years were troubled. He continued to struggle with personal problems and had run-ins with the law. His case has been cited as an example of how possession claims can mask or complicate underlying psychological or social issues.

Theriault maintained that his possession experiences were genuine and that the exorcisms had provided him with some relief. He remained a believer in the supernatural until his death.

Legacy

The Theriault case is significant as one of several American possession cases documented by the Warrens during the 1980s, a period of renewed interest in demonic possession partly spurred by the success of films like “The Exorcist.” It demonstrates both the continued appeal of possession narratives and the difficulties of evaluating such claims.

The case remains part of the Warren legacy, cited by believers as evidence of demonic activity and by skeptics as an example of credulous investigation and the reinforcement of disturbed behavior through supernatural interpretation.