answers given by Father Carl Pulvermacher

Q. T.V. Magazine and Newspapers have been plying us with the matters of mercy killing, death with dignity, living well, quality of life, etc. What is the Catholic teaching on life and death? (T. J. T., Dallas, Texas)

A. Human Life is a creation and gift from God, Who ever holds His right over it to give or take away. Life comes from the living and there has never been any proof of spontaneous life from the non-living, no matter how scientifically the evolutionists affirm it. All life therefore belongs to God. It is His creation. The fifth commandment forbids the shortening or taking of any human life. Wanton killing even of plants and animals is forbidden. With our own life and the lives of others in our care, we are obliged to use ordinary means to preserve it. What would be considered extraordinary means need not be used. Therefore all mercy killing, or right to suicide, is forbidden by God and so taught by Holy Mother Church. The fifth commandment of God forbids taking innocent life. Human life, from conception to death is protected by God.

Q. I'd like to know if you are a religious order priest, perhaps a Dominican? If you are, will you start a traditional Dominican Community here in the United States? . . . What do you suggest I do? We have no traditional Dominican or Franciscan Orders here in the States. I cannot go over to France. (C. A. B., Hartford, CT)

A. Since 1944 I've been a Capuchin Franciscan, and a priest since 1952. In 1976 I told my Superiors that I would not again say the New Mass of Paul VI, and I said I would not return to my Province till it returned to the Catholic Faith. I offered myself to God and my services to Archbishop Lefebvre and the Society of St. Pius X. I keep in touch with my province, but because of my decision to remain Catholic, I am no longer on the Roll of Province or the Official Catholic Directory. I told my Father General that the New Mass for me was "a good Protestant service." It made him angry.

There are Traditional Benedictines, Dominicans and Capuchins in France. Capuchins: Fr. Eugene, Convent St. Francois-Morgon, 69910 Ville Morgon, France. There is a Franciscan house in Rochester, New York, under Bishop Vezelis, O.F.M., who is "sede vacantis" and very much opposed to Archbishop Lefebvre. There is a Benedictine in Alabama who is trying to bring a house of his Order into existence. Fr. Leonard Giardina, P.O. Box 1616, Cullman, AL 35056, (205) 796-5515.

Q. While reviewing my catechism recently, I came upon the enclosure which I thought you may wish to disseminate to your readers. I consider this a very powerful indulgence and another manifestation of Our Lord's mercy. Respectfully, (L. A. G., Oakland, CA)

A.  I agree with you. The enclosure was: "The following prayer when said by a dying person is enriched by a plenary indulgence: 'My Lord God, I now receive patiently and willingly from Thy hand whatever kind of death may be pleasing to Thee, with all its anguish, pains, and sufferings.' A person in good health can also on any day he selects, by reciting this same prayer with charity in his heart, after going to Confession and Communion, receive a plenary indulgence to take effect at the hour of death."

• Ed. note–The Handbook on Indulgences says one may gain a plenary indulgence "for the hour of death when a priest cannot be present to give the sacraments and apostolic blessing with plenary indulgence, provided that during life one habitually said some prayers. It is praiseworthy to use a crucifix or cross for the gaining of this indulgence. The condition 'provided that during life one habitually said some prayers' in this case supplies for the three usual conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence." (i.e. communion, confession within a week, and prayer for the pope). Hence no set words are required, though the prayer in Fr. Carl's answer is certainly a good one to use.