Hunter Lyle – Reporter
Made increasingly famous by movies based on paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren’s real-life experiences, The Warren Files were hosted Saturday in the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts.
Many are familiar with their stories, from watching movies such as “The Conjuring,” “Annabelle” or “The Nun.” Tony Spera, son-in-law of Ed and Lorraine Warren, showed the hard evidence of exorcisms and the paranormal.
Event Management Director Larry Tomascak said that the Lyman Center has booked the Warren Files every year for over 25 years.
“There was a time where we were like ‘should we bring it back every year,’ and we didn’t bring it back and people immediately called and asked where was it,” said Tomascak, “It got really popular in the last couple years, even without Lorraine, because it really took back off when ‘The Conjuring’ came out.”
The event was originally hosted by the world-famous duo Ed and Loraine Warren, who attended and performed thousands of exorcisms.
When Mr. Warren died in 2006, son-in-law Tony Spera took over the family business with Lorraine. Now, at the age of 91, Lorraine has given up greeting the public and explaining the details of shocking cases, leaving the show in the hands of Spera.
Spera said he first got involved when he started a relationship with the Warren’s daughter in 1979, and was immediately interested and wanted to help.
“I was very intrigued when I heard the stories. Then one day Ed asked if I wanted to help with the lectures and I agreed,” said Spera. “So, I sit through all these lectures, and listen to him talk, and learn. I did that for like four or five years, and then he says, ‘hey, do you want to come on some cases? You’re ready now.’”
Spera showed photographs that show ectoplasmic paranormal beings, like the ‘White Lady of Union Graveyard,’ a young lady who roams about this area in a white dress.
Spera discussed many of the infamous cases through the many decades, including the Amityville Horror House and the Annabelle doll, both of which have inspired films.
The part of the show with the largest crowd reaction was intense audio and video clips of real life exorcisms, showing men and women allegedly possessed by demons react to crucifixes and holy water.
Shrieks and screams from the filled the auditorium left sophomore and journalism major Sam Tapper uneasy he said.
“My favorite part was probably the videos, because they are as close to proof as we are going to get,” said Tapper. “It was definitely a lot more in depth then I would have liked to [have] seen.”
Spera ended the night with a brief question and answer segment, where he answered questions about the soon to re-open Warren Museum. He also stressed the importance of not challenging demons or “dabbling with Satanism or dark arts.”
After helping host shows for over three decades, and eventually succeeding the pioneers of the business, Spera said he continues to do these events to preserve the memory of the Warren family.
“I want to continue their legacy, because their legacy shouldn’t die. Their message shouldn’t die,” said Spera. “Their message is evil is real, evil exists, and you shouldn’t dabble with evil, you shouldn’t dabble with cult practices. You should worship God and not the devil. And know that the devil is always there to tempt you.”
Photo Credit: Hunter Lyle
