When truth stares us in the face, our initial reaction is to deny it with all our might. When our values and beliefs are challenged, especially by those we have come to respect and trust, we go in defence mode. Understandably, as the truth is embarrassing, frightening and much too painful to confront. It is easier to twist it, mangle it for our own convenience rather than rectify it.
Such is the case when I wrote the story about the priest who can’t say mass. “Shock, horror,” said the loyal disbelievers who slipped into a comatose state. How dare me feel so righteous? After all, “a priest is always a priest”? Trust me, of late, the truths I have uncovered have rocked me to my very core, that I now have more questions than answers.
I was sent via email, last year’s touching video tribute to Father Raul by a champion supporter to prove that he is a priest. This included a letter from a certain Father Fladder, a Doctor of Cannon Law, outlining the priestly powers. However, the video fails to respond to the real issue. Let me reiterate.
The question is not whether Father Raul is a priest. That is NOT the issue. We know he’s “on leave” but the issue is that HE CANNOT SAY MASS in Australia unless he has “the Celebret” issued by the Archdiocese to which he belongs. He has neither faculties nor ministry here.
This has been confirmed by the Archdioceses of Sydney, Parramatta, Wollongong in Australia and the Archdiocese of Manila. (And I do have confirmation in writing). If anyone, wishes to check please phone any of the archdioceses mentioned or email me for it. Also check the website of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Philippines wherein a warning on a priest had been posted for saying mass in the Philippines without permission.
Why can’t Father Raul say mass in Australia? Because he has not been given permission by his Bishop in the Philippines. Why did the Philippine Bishop not give him permission? While I know the answer to this, I reserve the right to save Father Raul from further embarrassment. It is up to you to ask him.
Father Fladder’s letter clearly stipulated that “a priest without faculties in Australia or the Philippines cannot say mass publicly.” However, some have chosen to re-define public and private. It is also important to note that Fr. Fladder’s response was in theory and is subject to the decisions of the Archdioceses, and the latter’s response is NO.
As for the statement, “Once a priest, always a priest” – I beg to disagree. This may be true in theory but it is deeply flawed. At the top of my head, I can think of Father Villanueva who left the priesthood to get married. Father Panlilio who became the Governor of Pampanga laicized himself to run for government office. He is currently awaiting return of his priestly faculties and is unable to say mass until then. More recently, Father Fuller of Liverpool was defrocked for sexual misconduct and has since been sentenced to jail. The list goes on.
In 2004, the Jon Jay Report was released. It was based on a global study of 10,667 allegations against 4,392 priests for sexual misconduct between 1950 and 2002. Sanction of these priests were varied and as a result some retired or resigned (29%); some were suspended (45.5%), some were removed – 6%; some sought laicization; others were reprimanded, given counseling and returned to the clergy.
For Father Raul to say mass here, he needs to: (1) Return to the Philippines and obtain permission. (2) With that permit, he then seeks permission here in Australia. (3) Once, he has his celebret – then he can say mass beyond his lodgings. His loyal followers should perhaps help him achieve that. Until then, and until I see the celebret, I am inclined to believe what the Chancellors of the respective Archdioceses have had to say.
Redefinition of words for personal convenience
Phew! So far, people have now re-defined the words public, private, donation, collection, charity, community service, and even awards. Hey, even friends and networking apparently have the same meaning!
Oh, and one quick thing about awards. You know what frightens me most about awards – any award for that matter – is that the nominations are purely subjective and limited to their confined circles. Looking at all the awards that have been handed out in the distant past, and I mean all awards not measured by skills, including Presidential, Premier, FILCCA, etc…etc.,. one thing is for certain – verification is of utmost importance before people start submitting Recto-made certificates, if they even have that. In my opinion, the real Filipino achievers are far from being visible.
In the meantime, I think I will retire in somber mood and re-think my definition of arts and culture too. (www.filipin-oz.com)