Case XXVI: Epilepsy Before Ordination

On August 14, 1893, the Chancery of Venice submitted the following case to Rome: Among the alumni who are to receive ordination as subdeacons there is one Antonio Saccordo, born 1872, who has distinguished himself in an especial manner by talent, piety, and proficiency in studies. However, he has suffered since early youth from nervous attacks which, according to season and other conditions, make their appearance with longer or shorter intervals. When seized by such an attack the patient suddenly halts for about a minute and in silence, restrained by an affliction of the nerves, without however falling to the floor; he feels the approach of attacks, and then quickly endeavors to take firm hold of a person or other support; he rapidly rallies of his own accord, and can then, without the aid of drugs or refreshments, proceed with his usual occupation.

These attacks are not accompanied by grinding of teeth, foaming, groaning or screaming, though there is at times slight trembling. As there seemed to be no serious affliction, the young man had been given the Ordines minores; but before bestowing subdeacon’s orders, the ordinary desired the instructions of the Sacred Congregation. The advice of competent persons had been obtained, but their opinions varied. It is mentioned that the sufferer has for many years used a cold-water cure, but, apparently, without improvement. To this statement of facts was adduced the statement of a prominent physician, who stated it as his professional opinion that this alumnus may, without apprehension, be admitted to Holy Orders.

The S. C. answered Pro nunc non expedire. After two years, in 1895, the newly appointed Patriarch of Venice, Cardinal Sarto (now Pius X.) again applied to Rome, proposing that ad cautelam an assistant be given the Alumnus for holy Mass. Rome ordered that a new medical examination be made. It resulted favorably, and under date of September 12, 1896, the S. C. granted Pro gratia, arbitrio et prudentia Emi Patriarchae, adhibitis cautelis sibi benevisis, facto verbo cum SSmo.

This case shows how carefully, even rigidly, Rome proceeds in regard to irregularity.

A similar case occurred in the year 1866, under almost identical circumstances. An alumnus suffering from epilepsy had attacks every four or five months, either at night or about an hour after rising. According to physicians’ opinion these attacks were not likely to occur during the day; moreover, they were not due to an organic trouble, but entirely the result of the unrest of mind from which the alumnus suffered at that time. Nevertheless, the S. C. replied to the first petition: Pro nunc non expedire. The following year the alumnus, endorsed by bishop and physician, appealed again to Rome and was again refused, with the instruction: Let it be deferred, and let him have recourse again after six months, when a report has also been furnished by another physician to be appointed by the bishop. The subsequent medical opinion was equally favorable, and, finally, under date of January 11, 1868, the answer came: Pro gratia dispensationis et habilitationis, facto verbo cum SSmo.