Case LXXI: How Should a Parish Priest Act Towards an Apostate Parishioner Who Is Seriously Ill?

A certain pastor learns that one of his parishioners (i. e., living within the limits of the parish), who, although baptized a Catholic, had fallen away from the faith and who has often, by word and deed, declared himself a free-thinker, has fallen seriously ill. Since the man has for many years not attended church, and kept aloof from all exercises of Catholic worship, the pastor is in doubt whether he is obliged to exercise the solicitation for the spiritual welfare of his flock even in this case.

There can be no reasonable doubt but that the pastor must offer spiritual aid to this sick man, and should employ all his zeal in order to save this soul. Even if the man has neglected the faith and has in every sense of the word become an apostate, still he has, on account of the ineffaceable character of Baptism, never ceased to be a member, though a dead one, of the Church, and, since he did never formally join another creed, also a member of the parish in which he lives. For this reason the pastor is obliged ex officio to offer him, even if not sent for, spiritual assistance, the same as to any other sick parishioner. He should not hesitate, therefore, to visit the sick man for this purpose. But since here is the object a work as important as difficult, namely, the conversion and rescue of a soul hardened in unbelief, he should seek, first of all, by fervent prayer the necessary assistance from above. If circumstances permit, he should turn his steps first to the tabernacle of the Lord, in order to commend himself and the sick man to Him who can give counsel and potent aid, and who knows how to turn the hearts of men. Having thus prayed ardently for assistance, and having also asked for the sick man the grace of conversion, he may with confidence in Divine succor endeavor to get into the presence of this parishoner. Very likely admission to the sick man will be denied him by members of the household. In this case he should not give up without pointing out to the relatives the heavy responsibility they are taking upon themselves, and draw their attention to the fact that if the sick man dies in refusal of the holy Sacraments he cannot be buried in consecrated ground. If his admonitions remain unheeded he should leave without bitterness, but manifesting regret. If, however, access to the patient.is secured, the pastor should greet him with the expression of kindly sympathy, and unless there is periculum in mora, casual inquiries about his condition may open the conversation. Only after he has put the patient at ease, he will lead the conversation to the actual aim of his visit and offer his priestly services. The manner in which this offer is received will generally indicate what hope may be entertained for success. But even if in consequence of a cold refusal there seems to be little hope, still the priest must not give up so quickly, but should strive, by a reference to the serious situation rather than by admonition, and by expression of solicitous affection, to lead the sick man to better thought. If, despite all this, the visit remains unsuccessful, let him take his leave without reproach or threat, but with renewed assurance of tender sympathy and with cordial wishes for physical and spiritual welfare. And since real love will hope against hope, let not the zealous pastor content himself with one attempt and visit, but after repeated recourse to the Saviour in the Blessed Sacrament, he may venture, if possible, a second and third visit. Should the sick man then in the most positive manner declare that in no case will he receive the Sacraments, perhaps even forbid further visits, then the pastor, conscious of having done his utmost, may discontinue his visits, but, before departing, should express his heartfelt sorrow that the patient in the most important and finally decisive moment of his life rejects Divine mercy, and impressively give words to the fear that the patient may soon have to face the justice of Him whose mercy he now scorns.

Let us suppose now that the sick man gives evidence; from the beginning or in response to subsequent efforts, that the pastor’s earnest solicitations will probably be rewarded with success. What is the pastor to do in order to conduct this most hopeful beginning to a happy end? Giving thanks to God, and with heartfelt prayers for continued assistance, he must, above all, by dwelling on the mercy of God, seek to inspire confidence and dispose the patient for the reception of the holy Sacraments. Since the person through openly declared apostasy has incurred excommunication specially reserved to the Pope, the priest, unless there is periculum in mora, should procure the necessary facultas absolvendi. If this cannot be done, on account of urgent danger of death, then he may without special faculty absolve the sick person directly from the excommunication, but he must insist that the person renounce his errors publicly, i. e., before at least two witnesses, and manifest his reconciliation with the Church. If circumstances (necessity and possibility) suggest it, he will instruct the patient briefly in the nature and effects of the Sacraments, as also the conditions required for receiving them, and administer them with perhaps even greater gentleness and indulgence than he would to other parishioners in danger of death. If the sick man recovers from his illness he need not confess the sin of apostasy, by which censure is incurred, either to the Pope or his delegate, as he has in articulo mortis already been directly absolved from the same. It is necessary for him, however, to apply per epistolam, personally or through the confessor, to the Holy See and give notice of the absolution received, in order thereby to demonstrate obedience towards the ecclesiastical laws and to receive whatever penance may be given him. If he omits to do this within a month’s time he will again incur the censure. The Congr. R. et. Univ. Inquisitionis has under date of June 25, 1886, decided in answer to inquiry: In truly more urgent cases in which absolution cannot be deferred without danger of grave scandal or infamy, concerning which the conscience of confessors is burdened, absolution may be given, with those things enjoined which must by law be enjoined, even from censures reserved in a special manner to the Supreme Pontiff, yet under penalty of falling again into the same censures unless, at least within a month, the absolved person has recourse by letter and through the confessor to the Holy See.

In order not only to protect the convalescent against relapse, but also to promote his spiritual life and to assist him in making reparation for any scandal given, the priest should devote to him, without becoming obtrusive, some of his time by visits, and may render further assistance by offering appropriate reading, and by remembering him especially at holy Mass, that God may confirm what He has wrought in him.

Should the sick man die without becoming reconciled with the Church, Christian burial must be refused him. If, on account of this, the pastor should encounter much difficulty, he should submit the case to the ordinary. Bernard Schmid, O.S.B.