The pen can move mountains; it can move people too

Modern technology has enabled man to accomplish gigantic tasks. With a stroke of his pen, or using a keyboard, an engineer can literally change the face of the earth. All he needs to do is draft a plan and manage the project to completion. Such is what happened in Dubai, UAE. They now have what is known as the Palm Island, a man-made archipelago where hotels and other infrastructures have been constructed.

Only 5 months ago, Philippine Sentinel started publishing a series of articles about a Filipino priest who has been saying mass in Australia without a celebret, or the required document from his Philippine bishop endorsing him to a local bishop in Australia. Such is prescribed by the Canon Law which would have legitimized all his liturgical activities in Sydney.

Fr. Raul del Prado, a diocesan priest, has undoubtedly been hurt by the editorials written about him in this paper. But hurting him was not the intention of this newspaper. He must have thought it was a personal attack. It was not. If he thought it was, then he did not see the big picture.

All that we wanted to accomplish was for him to do the right thing—to obtain a celebret.

Only a few days ago, we received unconfirmed reports that Fr. Raul left for the Philippines. The report has remained unconfirmed because he has refused to talk to media. But we also learned that many of his followers attended a farewell mass in an undisclosed location. The alleged purpose was to raise money to cover his living expenses during the trip.

We can only hope that he becomes successful in his mission and return to Australia as a legitimate member of the clergy. He should then be assigned to a parish.

When that happens, Philippine Sentinel shall be more than happy to make the announcement, provided of course that the celebret is verified and authenticated.

Such is the power of the pen. It can move mountains; it can move people. We wish you success in your mission, Fr. Raul.
– Dino Crescini