Its social work IX

The parishioners sent the prelate a significant letter. In defence of Fr. Palau and his activity, yes. In it they also refer to the quality of his apostolate, on a spiritual level: profound preaching, example of life, increase in the practice of the sacraments. They help the spiritual regeneration of the population. The bishop has no doubts about the beneficial activity of Fr.

He could not hesitate! But he acted prudently. Palau has been denounced for his social activity. He is also being harassed from ecclesiastical circles.

The letter was sent to the prelate by a considerable group of the faithful and was an interesting event. It defended not only Father Palau but also his activity.

As the situation became critical, due to the intervention of the prelate in the matter, the chapel was closed. Once the Sunday Eucharist had been celebrated - as we have already noted - the chapel was closed.

Fr. Palau gave him his reasons. He did not see why he should abandon that service: it benefited the sick, warded off evil, etc.

In this letter, the faithful expressed their solidarity with the priest and their disagreement. Our Founder accepted the decision to close the chapel. With humility, of course, but also with great sorrow.

As long as they were not prevented by the bishop, the celebrations were public. When the chapel was closed, they were confined to the private.

Obedience to the bishop did not silence the inner struggle in the face of that disposition: distressed people asking him for help. At the same time, the families concerned showed interest, closeness and, of course, disgust. They had experienced Fr. Francisco's selfless and generous service. They were also attracted by his surprisingly sober lifestyle. He was recognised by friends and enemies alike.

Despite this approach, the sick, in spite of their Els Penitens, They were treated free of charge. Fr. Francisco's sole aim was the physical healing and spiritual regeneration of the patients - a significant aim!

With the bishop's ban, Fr. Francis recognised yet another manifestation of the triumph of evil.

Neighbours received the news with regret. They too identified the triumph of evil over these outbreaks of moral and religious regeneration.

And, as always, the poorest of the poor bore the consequences. His heart bled with incomprehension. He swallowed and lived through the defeat with great conscience, but he wanted to see it through to the end of the process.

The prelate's decision was his greatest suffering, yes, for Fr Palau maintained cordial relations with him. His respect bordered on veneration.

For a time two opposing impulses confronted his spirit: resistance and submission. In the face of refusal, he took refuge in prayer and solitude. By obeying the prelate he believed he loved the Church more loyally.

This circumstance gave him moments of intense pain and darkness: My soul has been cast down to the depths. It rises up in vain, unless God reaches out his hand to it. I called out to my Beloved, but my voice had no strength. Love was like fire among ashes. He adds, How easy it would be to forget everything, if God were not watching! Problematic situation, for him!

He withdrew to Vedra where he stayed for a few days. He urgently needed enough time to adjust to the new situation - from 10 July to 4 August.

On the advice of authorised persons, he will submit the facts and his behaviour before them to his superiors: the Pope, the Fathers of the First Vatican Council, and the Superiors of his Order.

Prepared trip to Rome, realised projects. He will speak personally with the Vicar of Christ. He will explain the situation to him. He asked him for permission to continue helping the most vulnerable. He arrived in Rome in mid-December 1866. He stayed there for four months.

Do these attitudes of Father Francis' challenge us, his daughters? Of course they do! He invites us to intensify them. For we have not a few of the neglected very close to us, don't we?