Holding that he had been guilty of no stubborn resistance and unaware that the reply made on his behalf by Burtsell had never reached the Pope, McGlynn, claiming ill health, refused to obey the order, and the excommunication became effective on July 4, 1887.
McGlynn refused to follow the instruction, believing he was exempt due to illness, despite being unaware that a response in his defense by Burtsell had not been received by the Pope, resulting in the excommunication becoming effective on July 4, 1887.