We priests start out blogging for the sake of the Kingdom, for the Church, and to help others to a deeper knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. We have different ways of doing that: some priests simply blog their sermons and I find that edifying. Others post about some particular area of interest or expertise. That is also edifying. Still others, like me, try to put in a mixture of comment, entertainment (funny YouTube videos and the like) and support for others (reviewing their books, advertising their events, putting up photos of reverently celebrated Masses and so on.) That is not quite so edifying but has a greater reach.
People are hungry for sound teaching; if they consider that I, or another priest blogger is giving that, then we receive a great deal of praise, appreciation and, let's be frank, love in return. The danger is that the love can become debased into hero-worship and lead to a sort of minor celebrity status. This is a very serious danger for a priest. Some time ago, when the hits started picking up on this blog, I made a resolution that whenever anyone tells me that they read my blog, I say "Thank you." It is a pathetically small thing but it does help to remind me that I should also be thankful for the grace of God if the blog has done any good to anyone, and that I should think carefully about what I post in case it does harm.
Considering that priests, along with the rest of the human race, are damaged by original sin and their own personal sins, "celebrity status" is also a danger for the "fans." When a parish priest falls, there are always parishioners who insist that "he was the best priest we ever had." When a "celebrity priest" announces that he is leaving active ministry, the number of the confused and hurt is likely to be several orders of magnitude higher. (I intend to write something more for their sake too.)
As priests,we are subject to the waking nightmare that someone will make a false allegation against us, and we will be out on administrative leave forthwith. Given the damage done by priests, we just need to accept that this will be a penance we have to do for the good of the whole Church. The process can seem unjust and a priest can feel he has been hung out to dry, thrown under a bus, fed to the crows or whatever; but we all know why this has to happen. I'm sure that some details in the process need to be corrected for the sake of justice but it is essentially the right thing for the Church to do.
I am not speaking purely theoretically here. Recently I met a good priest, an old friend whom I had not seen for some years. He told me that he had been put on leave because of a malicious allegation. After seven months it had just been proved to be false. When Father spoke of his joy at being able to wear a clerical collar again, it was hard not to be moved to tears.
So to a certain extent, priests will understand Fr Corapi's action in throwing over ecclesiastical discipline and leaving the priesthood. It's wrong, but we can understand. It is more difficult to understand the business of announcing this all on the internet as though it were a triumphant act of defiance. I am reminded of the line in the 1965 film, The Hill, from Regimental Sergeant Wilson (Harry Edwards): "We're not celebratin' a glorious victory 'ere. We're patchin' up a bloody disaster."
One priestly reaction is to remember that "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet 5.8) and to plead for prayers for priests in general and Fr Corapi in particular. Fr Z has made this plea with eloquence and true charity. I agree with him, have been praying for Fr Corapi and urge you to do the same. At the same time, there is no alternative but to say that it is objectively wrong for him to leave his order and to leave active ministry definitively, and wrong for him to seek support for this decision by broadcasting on the internet. Some good lay bloggers have analysed his speeches and I cannot disagree with what has been written by Mark Shea, Elizabeth Scalia, and Jimmy Akin to give just three examples.
I have mentioned another important lesson for priests, especially priests who are bloggers or otherwise well-known. We need to examine our conscience seriously and regularly, and put St Charles Borromeo's motto Humilitas somewhere prominent so that we can reflect on it often. In our situation, humility is not just a pious aspiration, it is a matter of spiritual life or death.
73 comments:
Definitely the best post that I've read on the matter.
Is it strange that I barely know his work?... I was more disturbed by a certain Anglican minister, whose blog of theological musings was famous at one point, who became a Catholic priest and has just become a Russian Orthodox priest (with "re"-Ordination and all)...
Anyway, thank you for quoting the daily words of the Lesson of Compline: how extremely powerful they are.
At first I simply could not believe the allegations. Then the response from Fr. Corapi made me stop and think. Where was the humility of one of God's priests? After the attacks on the person who complained were continued and seemed to actually grow in venom, I felt the sorrow of seeing what was being put out for the believing community to see. I did go to look at his new website. The eyes of the dog look evil. I'm so sorry for him, and the woman who was hurt. But worse, what about those whose faith will be damaged because of this? May God have mercy.
Father,
Thank you for your words and the gentle reminder that we all need humility. It is hard lesson to learn and to remember and I pray for God's grace in all things.
I enjoy your blog and it's mix of the serious and the not so serious. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Father. I find these comments of yours to be edifying. It has disturbed me that so many people are complaining about the bloggers covering this issue, often stating that we should not be judgmental. On the contrary, it is at these times when an objective wrong must be pointed out for what it is, because unfortunately the very public nature of his disavowal of the priesthood may lead many, many astray. God bless you.
I am with you entirely on this Father. I too believe that John Corapi is at fault in throwing away his priesthood, as it were, in defiance of the due process which he himself acknowledged to be right and proper.
The impression which I now have is that he is more concerned with his business enterprises than with his priesthood. As others have said, he seems to lack humility and exude aggression.
How very sad!
Prayer is certainly needed.
http://www.newadvent.org/
If you click on the headline "Breaking: Corapi issues a second statement, and comes out swinging...", and listen to his second talk. I find it rather odd, that a priest would have thousands of dollars to spend. Just listen to the mp3. Were talking hundreds of thousands. Do we have priests who make million dollar incomes!. Or was this all before he became a priest. Sounds like he still has plenty stashed away somewhere from his talk. Please comment after you have listened to it.
Father I completely agree with you. Cults of personality are very dangerous and none more so than those concerning matters of religion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rrEp6g9Cd14
This video above encapsulates my misgivings about Fr Corapi. He gives a very solid and orthodox talk on Lent and then recommends his viewers to study the Church's catechism --- which is superb --- but also casually peppers it with the suggestion that they buy his DVD boxset ($299).
What an outrage, if not a sacrilege, that he would take advantage of a religious oration to the faithful to advance his own commercial interests.
This is scandalous and reminscient of the selling of indulgences in pre-Reformation times.
On the internet one regularly observes blogging priests soliciting personal donations from readers (for personal, NOT parochial needs --- which I have no problem with). I fear this is an accident waiting to happen. It gives the impression to non-Catholics or anti-Catholics that priests can use their priestly status to enrich themselves.
It could be argued that such priests are not under a vow of poverty and that many laymen also engage similarly. True, but priests are seen by the world as special representatives of the Catholic faith and have to be held to a higher standard. What happened to the old fashioned view that priesthood should be a life of sacrifice, austerity and self-denial?
Shane
Father, you have put your finger on something that has been bothering me for some time: the danger of the ‘celebrity’ priest. Over the past few years I have noticed a number of cases where a priest who has achieved some ‘fame’ or celebrity-status coming to grief.
For some it was a matter of orthodoxy – where their worldly popularity affected their thinking and instead of attempting to conform the world to the Church’s teaching, they tried to conform the Church’s teaching to the world - betraying the Faith and their many followers. Some continue to do so.
For others it was personal failures that brought down their ministry, shattered their reputations and left their many followers adrift and feeling betrayed. While we may be shocked and disappointed, we shouldn’t be - as we all have feet of clay and no one is beyond temptation. Yes, more is expected to whom more is given and the higher one’s status the greater the fall – and Lucifer fell the farthest.
But unlike Lucifer, for the rest of us - priest or layman – there is still redemption as long as we live in this life. No one is beyond God’s mercy – whether guilty or falsely accused. We just have to seek it sincerely and this requires - as you note - humility. Pride may go before a fall, but a contrite and humble heart can raise anyone from the depths. We should not put inordinate trust in or ‘deify’ any human being, nor should we be complacent about ourselves. There, but for the grace of God, go we all.
On the money question: some priests do need to earn money from their writing and are surely entitled to do so. If a priest earns a lot of money from such activities, he is bound to apply it reasonably, and he has an obligation to give to charity as well.
I see no intrinsic problem with a paypal button - they don't bring in enormous amounts by the way - but we should certainly not use our preaching to fundraise for ourselves.
A priest who has a lot of money is also in danger and needs to be careful to account for it before God.
And yes, the priestly life should be one of austerity and self-sacrifice.
Father:
You Wrote:
"I'm sure that some details in the process need to be corrected for the sake of justice but it is essentially the right thing for the Church to do."
Corapi's SOLT Superior suspended him without due process in violation of Canon Law. If Bishops and Superiors here in the USA would simply comply with Canon Law many of the problems we have had over the past 50-years would have been avoided.
You also wrote:
"priests will understand Fr Corapi's action in throwing over ecclesiastical discipline and leaving the priesthood"
Corapi has been suspended from the active ministry of his priesthood by his SOLT Superior. Corapi has said he has accepted the suspension and will not contest it. Corapi is not "throwing over ecclesiastical discipline".
You further wrote:
"Some good lay bloggers have analysed his speeches and I cannot disagree with what has been written by Mark Shea, Elizabeth Scalia, and Jimmy Akin to give just three examples."
In fairness it should be pointed out that the entire Professional Catholic establishment which dominates Catholic blogdom here in the USA has been in lockstep questioning Corapi's mental and moral health since the story broke; but has ignored the inherent problems in the bureaucratic process. My hero, mark Shea, for example, will not allow anyone who is not a Canon Lawyer to cite Canon Law on his blog. Yet Corapi's defense rests on Canon Law.
I suggest that Corapi is not the problem. He is a symptom of the problem.
God bless
Richard W Comerford
You're welcome, father .. ;)
One would be, at this point, tempted to simply ignore the man, but the problem is that he will not stay silent and on the contrary, his talking is going to confuse sincere Catholics.
I do not have problems with Corapi making money out of his activity if this is allowed by his order and if he sincerely strives to spread the faith. But I do have a problem if his economic activities take precedence over his priestly ministry, and I have an even bigger one if he downplays his self-defrocking (did something like that happen in past centuries, at all?) and attacks the Church to justify his act.
Those like me, who liked him particularly, are particularly disappointed. What a sad story.
Mundabor
Fr Finigan,
As you know a priest is a priest for all eternity and therefore Fr Corapi cannot stop being a priest.
He acknowledges this on his website, that he is always a sacramental priest and offers Mass daily in private.
He has been unjustly stripped of his faculties as St Pio was in the 1930's.
I must say that my wife and I have seen Fr Corapi at one of his NY USA confereneces and have many of his sermons on DVD and he is so holy.
He has helped immensely in dragging my soul from the pit of Gehenna.
I never knew that masturbation was a grave matter until Fr Corapi taught it [I had not read the CCC to that point] and I was 39 years of age.
Fr Corapi has been treated unjustly and he is doing what any holy priest has done through the ages of Christendom: taken it with humility.
God bless and, ps: I read you weblog.
This entire ordeal has made me feel better about my decision to stop blogging, for all the reasons you stated. But I'm glad you're still blogging, because I found your comments on this matter very helpful.
Richard W Comerford - thank you for your comment. The process, as I understand it (and I am not a canon lawyer) is that a priest who is accused is placed on administrative leave. At least that is what it is called over here. He is not "suspended a divinis" in the canonical sense. He could still have celebrated Mass privately and lived quietly as a priest until the investigation was complete. Fr Corapi has chosen to reject this. As far as I can tell from his published statements, he does not intend to contest the matter in canon law but has announced that he is leaving active ministry and intends to pursue an independent path in broadcasting.
Cruise - I am glad that Fr Corapi's preaching was helpful and I do know that he is a priest for ever. But he has announced that he has decided to leave active ministry. That is not what St Pio did.
And yes - thank you for reading my blog ;-)
I was ready to throw Corapi out with the Fukushima nuclear waste until I read Mark Shea's condemnations of him. Now, I expect the canonization for the Sheep Dog any minute!
http://marksheafatphony.blogspot.com/
Father,
Let me amend my statement by saying we do not know if Fr Corapi offers Mass by himself.
If he does, if, and correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't he still be engaged in priestly public ministry, or has he been stripped of the right to even offer "private" Mass?
Thank you for stressing our need to pray for priests, and in particular for Fr. Corapi.
I asked my readers to do the same, Prayer and Priesthood.
God bless you!
Dear Father,
Thank you for your wonderful analysis of what is going on and your gentle, fatherly admonitions.
Frankly, I have been disappointed in Father Corapi as well as the Church's overreaction to allegations made against any priest. In this case, I am most especially disappointed in the various bloggers'/apologists' uncharitible, judgemental, and speculative comments.
As a faithful Catholic I feel the need to set aside my human reactions and put my total trust in the Holy Spirit. Praying for everyone involved to be open to His guidance in resolving this matter.
Cruise - I presume that he is not offering Mass since he has said that he has left active priestly ministry.
Under the terms of administrative leave in England, a priest would be able to offer Mass privately but not publicly. I suppose that this is the same in the US but am open to correction.
Fr Finigan,
Thank you for the explanation.
I have listened to Fr Corapi's statements and am still unsure if he has been stripped of his ability to pray Mass or he has given up this privilege voluntarily.
Isn't a priest obliged to pray Mass every day if he is physically and mentally able too?
Thank you Fr! Excellent points as usual!
Corapi's reaction seems so out-of-proportion to his situation that I am inclined to think that something else is at work. This is the sort of reaction I would expect from someone with bipolar disorder, someone who might suffer intensely from the accusation in his depressive phase and lash out against it rashly in his manic phase. On the other hand, there seems to be some indication he was preparing for such a move for some time.
Thanks for your post Fr. Tim. Pax Christi
Father:
You wrote
"The process, as I understand it (and I am not a canon lawyer) is that a priest who is accused is placed on administrative leave."
A Bishop or Superior may indeed suspend or place a priest on leave but only with due process which includes:
1. Providing the accused with a written copy of the exact charges against him.
2. Providing the accused with a written list of the Canons he has allegedly broken.
3. Providing the accused with an Advocate.
4. The appearance of the Promoter of Justice in the case.
5. Protecting the accused priest's good name.
Corapi's Superior failed to provide Corapi with his Canonical due process before suspension and in so doing fatally compromised the case against Corapi.
Of note Corapi's former Bishop is an enthusiastic supporter of Corapi's controversial actions. See
https://abyssum.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/a-few-thoughts-on-father-corapis-announcement-yesterday/
God bless
Richard W Comerford
The very worse thing you can say to a Priest is to praise him in any shape or form. (I don't mean Thank him). Praise actually does terrible damage to his soul. Only Praise and thank the Good Lord alone, God will make known His Mercy and reward in the Priestly Soul in more magnificent ways that we could ever imagine.
As to the money, not all of it was from Corapi's ministry. I believe he received a large settlement some years ago as a 'whistleblower' when he helped to uncover a ring of unscrupulous doctors who were scamming people by performing unnecessary heart surgeries.
I haven't been able to force myself to listen to the 'sheepdog ' nonsense . It's all terribly sad.
Thank you for this reminder of the being ready for the temptations that face all of us as clergy.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness". I TRULY DON'T THINK THAT THE HOLY SEE WOULD SAY THAT HOLINESS IS BEING OBEDIENT TO GRAVE ABUSES, because the Church protects the innocent because the Church is Jesus. The Holy Father said that the persecution is coming from within the Church and it is a "horror", when he was falsely accused in the recent child sex scandals. Father Corapi is innocent until proven guilty. The Pope was BETRAYED BY PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH TOO, and they tried to remove him, but he was innocent until proven guilty. Whys is Father Corapi being treated guilty by suspending him etc...? (Process for accused priests: http://catholiclane.com/father-john-corapi-and-the-state-of-due-process-for-accused-priests/ ) The proof is here that none of these priests got a fair trial, some of these priest are dead and gone and there case is still sitting there. The Pope wasn't suspended, isolated from his duties, taken off the EWTN etc...........???? So what is really going on here? Is this Father Corapi's only way to continue to serve GOD AND THE CHURCH FIRST WHICH IS HIS FIRST DUTY AS ANY GOOD SHEPHERD? We ARE NOT TO BE OBEDEINT TO GRAVE ABUSES AND SCANDAL THAT IS NOT HOLINESS. That is partaking in SIN AND OF THE DEVIL. Father Corapi will not lay down and die, because he is Hero and we need men who don't give up the GOOD FIGHT!!! Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you FALSELY on my account. REJOICE and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Thank you, Father. I always enjoyed Fr. Corapi's teaching, though I wasn't a huge follower or anything. But now? Guilty or innocent, he's thrown away his credibility with me. What a turnoff. And a warning to everyone answering the Church's call to use media to spread the gospel: watch out for the temptations of fame! Success can really go to a person's head, and send the unwary right off the deep end.
Cruise - Administrative leave does not mean that a priest is forbidden to say Mass. He is forbidden from celebrating a public Mass and from preaching. Fr Corapi has said that he is leaving active ministry and is no longer "Father" but "John". That would imply that he has decided to stop saying Mass.
BTW a priest is not obliged to celebrate Mass every day, though he is encouraged to do so.
"BTW a priest is not obliged to celebrate Mass every day, though he is encouraged to do so."
Thank you again Father,
Has the above always been the case, even under 1917 canon law?
I have an FSSP friend that told me that all Latin Rite priests are obliged to pray Mass daily.
Thank you Father. Fr Corapi has stated though that it his Canon and Civil lawyers who have told him that this case will never be settled. He has said that he is more a precher of the word than a priest who adminstered the Sacraments. Yes he does have `fans` but he is a wonderful preacher. This also builds up enemies especially among modernist bishops. HIs question is why are the bishops taking the word of two alcoholic. What proof have they offered. I am sorry, even the story you told about the priest waiting weven months to be cleared rings as something very strange indeed. I think priests should be treated more fairly and so Fr Corapi is indeed `having a go` at the system. Because he is a big player someone may listen to him. He is taking a civil law suit on `defamation of character on the lady at the heart of it all, so he is not aftraid. The Church in America has suffered greatly over the past decade from allegations of sexual abuse a great many of them false, yet the Church paid out. I think someone has to stand up to the system.
Thank you Fr. Finegan for your comments. I especially was horrified that he would casually drop his priesthood for something else, and then casually remark that he didn't do many priestly duties? Yes, we do have to pray for him.
In sharp contrast, I read that Archbishop Sheen was in conflict with one of his superiors, a Cardinal, over funding the Propagation of Faith, yet he never mentioned this publicly (in his books) and chose to obey his superior when he moved him to another position, and perhaps ended his TV career as a speaker, but Archbishop Sheen always was a priest first. I wish that Fr. Corapi would model himself after him. He should have waited until the investigation was completed and obeyed his superior in the SOLT.
Cruise - the 1983 code is actually stronger than the 1917 code on this matter. The 1917 code said that priests should say Mass at least several times a year. The 1983 code earnestly recommends daily celebration.
The 1917 code reflects an earlier time when the Council of Trent and the counter-reformation were trying to get priests to live at least moderately priestly lives - we've been round the block on this one!
Father, don't try to answer all the Corapi "fans". It is now proven that reason simply will not work on this group of people who are so set on downing the Kool-Aid (it was really Flavor-Aid, actually). These can only come out by prayer and fasting (innuendo!).
When a blogger with a large following writes of the known facts in this matter there is not a problem but when they mix ad hominum and crystal ball gazing with the facts then there is a problem. Fr Z's comments, Jimmy Akin's second post and most of your own post are the best I have read.
This is the latest statement from Fr Corapi's order, SOLT.
http://fratres.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/full-text-official-solt-statement-regarding-fr-john-corapi/
Richard, you wrote:
Corapi's SOLT Superior suspended him without due process in violation of Canon Law
The statement linked above states that Fr Corapi was placed on Administrative Leave whilst investigations were taking place to determine of the accusations were credible and, if they were found to be so, then the Canon Law Procedure would have taken place but Fr Corapi's letter to the SOLT brought this initial investigation to a close.
Thank you for a very balanced approach to this situation. I believe you hit every possible topic with great compassion and sensitivity.
When the 'messenger' becomes more important than the "messege" then there is a serious problem. This is what appears to have happend with Fr. Corapi. We all have to work within faulty institutions and it's painful on many different levels. I'm sorry to see he couldn't have stayed and been exonerated.
This was one of the more charitible blogs on the Corapi matter. Some have been downright
speculative in a most vicious manner and without substantiation.
What seems to be left out of all this commenting is HOW this all began...an annonymous woman who turns out to be a disgruntled ex-employee, an alcoholic and very unstable person. who has a police record of having forced her way into the offices of this priest and physically threatened those working there as well as shouting her intentions to DESTROY Father Corapi...this is glossed over if even mentioned. What happened next is Father (as would have occured with any priest) is put on Administrative leave indefinitely
without due process which in effect says he cannot be a priest
in the strictest sense of the meaning until the matter is cleared up. Both his canon lawyer and his civil lawyer informed Father Corapi he would never get a fair hearing under the current policy. In effect his priestly faculties have been removed for what seems like time and forever. That is what has happened to many priests in similar situations.NOW isn't that current policy something that BOTHERS ANYONE EXCEPT FATHER CORAPI and his former Bishop?? Yes, others might have handled this by going with the flow of humiliation and degradation and await their final reward! But someone could also stand up and say THIS IS NOT RIGHT and fight for his fellow priests who as you say face this nightmare every day of their priesthood. Why is it a the blessing in the one reaction ...and an absolute condemnation of the path Corapi has chosen. The Church has to recognize that this is not a way to encourage either vocations OR sacnctity.
It is increasingly difficult to remain a constant Catholic in the world view of instant messaging, blogging and jumping from one website to the other, even sites that are Catholic. Your advice for priest to examine their conscience accordingly could be offered to the lay person as well. While we all think our opinions are correct, in time we might look back on what we wrote and think what a boob we were. Every word has meaning in a blog, most are written in anger, some are prophetic many are useless in progressing communication. I for one think there needs to be less bloviating and more understanding. Fr. Corapi's situation, for me, will take much more time to digest. He has always been somewhat of a hero, and an enigma as well. I've often wondered how a "free" priest can be available to do all the things they do plus run a business and be a priest at the same time. I also wonder how an order would allow such freedom outside of their monasterial environment or diocesan conclave. One just wonders how such freedom would in fact make a serious soul become flacid over time.
Thank you Father, I relate to this almost like a modern day Martin Luther. He also threw in the towel and then suffered great remorse afterward.
http://abyssum.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/a-few-thoughts-on-father-corapis-announcement-yesterday/
Please read this article from the former Bishop of Corpus Christi, that states that Father Corapi is NOT bound by a promise of obedience to the Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi because he is not a priest from this Diocese, and that Father Corapi is only bound to his superior....the General Servant of the Society who is advising him to do everything that Father Corapi is doing....so that he can get a fair trial. This means that Father Corapi is obedient to the Church and his ONLY Superior!!!!!!
God love you
Lisa
I would also like to post Father Corapi's latest post---Tuesday June 21---he explains here that the founder of his order Father Flanagan (his only superior) and Bishop Rene Gracida, the former Bishop of CorpusChristi have advised him to do all this so that he can have a fair trial..... http://theblacksheepdog.wordpress.com/author/theblacksheepdog/
once
God Bless the Catholic Church
to love the Church is to love Jesus Christ
Lisa
I am not so sure Father wasn't prudent with his actions. Knowing Father's work, there is an urgency in the fight against evil and he could be correct with the advice given to him regarding never receiving his faculties again. I know a similar situation with a priest who was stripped of his faculties 3 years ago and still in limbo... No proof...just chronic limbo! Any honest canon lawyer will confirm the mess our church is in regarding allegations and to just roll over doesn't always speak of humility..... Just a thought to share!
If you think the justice system for priests accused of sexual abuse/misconduct is fair, what about the case of Fr Gordon Macrae, who has served 17 years in prison in the US as a result of false accusations.Had he accepted a plea deal he would have served 1-3 years, but because he always maintained his innocence, he was sentenced to 67 years without parole,since he does not admit guilt.On the day his trial began, his diocese issued a statement saying they had been hurt as much by his actions as the "victim" had. So much for innocent until proven guilty! For more information on this case see www.thesestonewalls.com .
If Fr Corapi makes a stand and defends himself, perhaps it will be a beginning of a change in the way priests are treated in these cases.
Dearest Fr Tim
(I use that form of address, as Queen Victoria did to her daughters, when I wish to express filial love for a priest)
I wasn't a fan of Fr Corapi (having seen a parish split in two by an Anglican minister of a Pentecostal bent who had a following, I don't do being a fan) but I am most concerned that, having erred on the side of giving priests too much leeway before, the Church might now be being over-hasty in dealing with priests who are accused. "Innocent until proven guilty" is still applicable. The one course of action was a dreadful mistake because it involved innocent children, the second is equally so because it involves men set apart and consecrated whose very nature has been changed (if my theology is accurate?).
Perhaps because I am not in contact with children, my most vital concern has been for the priests who, as a result of the abuse scandals, will suffer; I feel for them.
I feel for Fr Corapi as one of them. I think he probably had to make a very strong statement so that it would be clear that henceforth he is not speaking as a priest, and that then got taken up as his having left the priesthood (and others who have more information have confirmed this). At the same time I am worried by the tone of his latest comments: methinks he doth protest too much and he may be in danger of shooting himself in the foot by giving so much detail about his intentions as regards his accuser. Any priest in the situation he is in must be under tremendous stress and it is showing.
The "celebrity priest" is a particularly acute instance of something nasty in our society - the capacity (aided by modern communications) to build somebody up to something impossible and then dash them down (with a nasty whiff of Schadenfreude* in the process). I do not, I hope, underestimate the dangers of celebrity to the priest; each of us, priest or layman, is only here by the grace of God and any additional graces or talents we have we similarly owe to that grace.
One thing is for sure: somebody is prowling around after souls and we NEED the Archangel Michael!
* (malicious) delight in another's misfortune
I was raised by a lawyer, a descendent of Sir Matthew Hale, Lord Chief Justice of England. My sense is that most of the Catholic population online that I am reading hasn't a clue about jurisprudence for one and for the other are constantly, and I would say habitually judging before you have the facts. You have no evidence of any malfeasance on the part of Fr Corapi. I believe, in charity, that we should think the best of such a distinguished preacher; there are very few men in this world short of heaven who understood the holy gospel the way Fr Corapi has - and that's why I believe so many of you are judging him. That is to say, if you read Pope St Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians, you will find there a constant reference to a phenomenom which i believe is being played out in this crisis and goes a long way to understand the motiviations of Fr Corapi's detractors - JEALOUSY!
Re: Archbishop Sheen and Corapi
It has been suggested that Corapi emulate either Padre Pio or Archbishop Fulton Sheen. However Padre Pio, unlike Corapi, was a religious who had taken the triple vows in imitation of Christ's life.
Fulton Sheen, then a Auxillary Bishop of New York, got into quite the kerfuffle with his superior Francis Joseph Cardinal Spellman (May 4, 1889—December 2, 1967)over the use of missionary funds. Archbishop Sheen did not go quietly into the night. He elevated this matter to the Vatican where it came before Pius XII who decided in Sheen's favor.
God bless
Richard W Comerford
"Richard, you wrote:
Corapi's SOLT Superior suspended him without due process in violation of Canon Law
The statement linked above states that Fr Corapi was placed on Administrative Leave whilst investigations were taking place to determine of the accusations were credible and, if they were found to be so, then the Canon Law Procedure would have taken place"
Canon Law requires that PRIOR to a priest being suspended from his active ministry that the priest be allowed to present a defesse. Said defense incldues:
1. A copy of the exact accusations is presented to the accused.
2. A written notification of exactly which Canons the accused allegedly broke.
3. An advocate is assigned to the accused.
4. A Promoter of Justice appears in the case
5. The accused priest's good name be protected.
However SOLT, in violation of Canon Law. suspended Corapi without his Canonical due process; and in so doing hopelessly poisoned Corapi's case.
"but Fr Corapi's letter to the SOLT brought this initial investigation to a close."
Again SOLT is in violation of Canon Law which does not grant a Religious Superior authority to stop the investigation of a member's alleged misconduct merely because the member has requested a change in his Canonical status
For over 50-years in the USA Bishops and Superiors have all to often been ignoring Canon Law in these matters with horrific results.
Godbless
Richard W Comerford
Humility? Have you ever read a spiritual journal that is now considered a classic which the author intended for publication?
Bloggers are entertaining. Sometimes unintenitonally so, as in your case. But they are basically self-publicists.. Examine your conscience on that Father.
I want to thank Richard W Comerford for his comment 6/22/11 @ 7:22 PM. I did not know that John Corapi should not have been placed on administrative leave without the right to present a defense which includes:
"1. A copy of the exact accusations is presented to the accused.
2. A written notification of exactly which Canons the accused allegedly broke.
3. An advocate is assigned to the accused.
4. A Promoter of Justice appears in the case
5. The accused priest's good name be protected."
Do we know that these things were ignored? If they were ignored, then what process, exactly is being followed? Who wrote this other process? Can John Corapi have appealed his suspension to Rome before this other process has played out on the basis of a Canon Law violations?
Also, John Corapi was first to release the information about his suspension and the nature of the allegations. He gave most of the details (including some not-so-nice, unproven accusations against his accuser.) How can his superior protect his good name if he will not do so himself? What would "protecting his name" look like if he is broadcasting the accusation himself?
How do we go about correcting the abuse of Canon Law that Mr. Comerford described?
Thank you!
"Archbishop Sheen did not go quietly into the night. He elevated this matter to the Vatican where it came before Pius XII who decided in Sheen's favor." Mr. Comerford
Yes, exactly! Why didn't John Corapi go to the Vatican about this unjust process? He should have done exactly as Bishop Sheen did!
I just fought an unjust policy at a business in my own life. I went up 4 levels of authority until I got justice. This is one of the benefits of a Church with a hierarchy, a Good King is in charge, rather than having to appeal to the masses as in a democracy. I think John Corapi, in speaking to the world, did exactly the wrong thing (and sullied his own and his accuser's and now her husband's reputations in the process!)
Thank you so much.
Specialisfilia - there are spiritual classics that were intended for publication, though a great many were, of course, published against the will of the author, that is true. Spiritual journals Not many of those published, I suppose, though Blessed Pope John XXIII's springs to mind. Again, he probably didn't intend it to be published.
So writing a blog that is a spiritual journal would be a little dangerous, I agree; and it is good to be reminded of that.
I don't think that bloggers are necessarily "self-publicists" any more than journalists or authors of books. It rather depends whether the personal stuff is in context or becomes the main message. I hope that the balance here is about right but, once again, it is good to be reminded of the danger.
On the process, SOLT have issued a statement. I am not a canonist, so I don't offer any judgement on whether the process is right, of putting someone on adminstrative leave while it is determined whether there is a prima facie case. (Though this process of administrative leave is now the common course of action.)
I agree with Ann that if the process is canonically flawed, it is open to the priest concerned to appeal to Rome. For some priests, this would be very daunting, but people like Archbishop Sheen and Fr Corapi have the resources to take this course of action.
May I make two points regarding this sad affair. It seems to me that it is possible that Fr Corapi imay be mentally disturbed in some way and this would account for some of his behaviour. Drug taking leaves people prone to developing mental health problems. I haven't seem any raise this point so far- perhaps it is at the front of my mind because my husband is a psychiatrist!
Regarding the process of suspension pending investigation, this is the way things happen in the secular sphere and it is quite right that those in any position of responsibility be removed from their post temporarily while allegations are looked into. This protects the accused as well as the accuser. This is the case for doctors, teachers and other professionals. Of course there is the potential for misuse and there will always be those of unsound mind around who may make false accusations. I think it is important that the Church does things at least as well as secular organisations- something that has not happened in the past and which has compounded the abuse scandals. We should be seen to be ready to have the same process and standards as Caesar, unless they are sinful, which these are not. Clearly being falsely accused is a terrible cross but those who are innocent should be patient while due process takes place.
Ann:
You wrote:
"Yes, exactly! Why didn't John Corapi go to the Vatican about this unjust process?"
Well. Corapi is not an Archbishop. It took years for Sheen to get this matter elevated before Pius XII. Even after the Holy Father decided in his favor Sheen and Spellman continued to feud.
You also wrote: [My reply in brackets]
"Do we know that these things were ignored? [yes] If they were ignored, then what process, exactly is being followed? [none] Who wrote this other process? Can John Corapi have appealed his suspension to Rome before this other process has played out on the basis of a Canon Law violations?" [yes]
You also wrote:
"Also, John Corapi was first to release the information about his suspension and the nature of the allegations."
Corapi and his SOLT Superior issued statements on the same day. In so doing Corapi ensured that he would not be tainted with the allegation of child abuse.
God bless
Richard W Comerford
Fr. Tim,
I agree with the comment about Fr. Corapi's history of substance abuse before he became a priest and its possible effects now.
When someone who is a former drug addict and ladies' man is ordained a priest, you are either dealing with a miraculous conversion... or you are taking a major risk and inviting big problems down the line.
Fr.Corapi cannot just absent himself from the priesthhod. I believe Bishops have recently been told by Rome to apply for a dispensation for those who have 'left', even if they themselves don't apply. I'm sure the same will apply to Religious.
As I understand it (and again, I am not a canonist) there are two possibilities: laicisation (including dispensation from the obligation of celibacy and other priestly obligations) which can be requested by the priest himself, and dismissal from the clerical state which can be imposed by the bishop or by the Holy See.
Sad as it is priests are not the only people who are unjustly accused and so I'm having a hard time with Fr. Corapi's victimhood.
When the messenger becomes more important than the message there is a very serious problem. Yes most Catholics hunger for sound teaching, myself among them. All of us with our sinful nature's constantly struggle with building up ourselves and our egos.
In this Fr. Corapi is no different.
Let's remember to focus on what is truly important, Christ and His Church!
Unsubstantiated claims of drug abuse are being levelled at Corapi by contributors here and presumably Fr Finigan has no problem with that?
Thank you for a somewhat humble and honest post Father. I was never a fan of Fr. Corapi, but many gained great comfort from his ministry and it brought them closer to God.
I think we have to remember that we are mere onlookers. We are not in possession of the full facts, nor should we be. This is a man's priestly life, it should not be picked over for entertainment or delectation.
Priestly blogger's have a serious responsibility. You can do so much good and equally so much harm.
The Catholic bloggsphere is not always a good place. Reputations can be destroyed at the push of a button with little care given to the consequences or damage done.
This is a very sad story. It could happen to any priest at any time, he does not need to be a celebrity. We should practice caution in what we write on blogs and also what we read.
Fr. Corapi needs our prayers and so do those who followed him, they must be feeling pretty hurt and confused right now.
Our Lord chose John Corapi to be His priest. He will judge him. We should find it within us to show charity, compassion and some mercy to man who is obviously in a bad place. If we cannot do that then, we should not be calling ourselves Catholics.
Sadie - my focus is on Fr Corapi's announcement that he is leaving the priesthood rather than submitting to a canonical process. That is the way that the allegations against him can be examined.
Re: Clarification
Corapi has been suspended by his Superior from the active ministry of his priesthood. He has accepted said suspension. Corapi apparently will not contest it.
On the other hand Corapi has not left the priesthood. To the best of my knowledge Corapi has not asked to leave the priesthood and be returned to the lay state. Corapi remain an inactive priest.
God bless
Richard W Comerford
The more I read about this case, the more I am convinced that there is a huge problem with the "process" that was followed. Perhaps one could make a case for scrapping canon law in order to protect the safety and innocence of children from sexual predators. But why would a priest be put on administrative leave when accused of multiple affairs with adults and drug abuse before he has had a chance to challenge the accusations. I would feel better knowing that canon law had been followed. Canon law looks perfectly reasonable. Why not follow it?
If it is imperative that guilty priests be suspended quickly because of the potential harm to the faithful, then gee whiz, maybe canon law should be followed quickly. In the secular world, that's known as the right to a speedy trial.
I keep reading John Corapi's critics and defenders agreeing that the process is flawed. Who is responsible for fixing it? Father, do you know who can fix this process so that it is consistent with the laws of the Church?
Fr, Tim: Thank you for your wise words. I should say, however, that various of the comments are correct with regard to the extreme length of time that "administrative leave" is taking here in the USA. Priests are indeed left for many years, some with no money or lawyer provided by their diocese.( I know of one who is now $30.000 in debt, left hanging out to dry for three years on an allegation deemed "preposterous" by our equivalent of the social services) - and it seems all accusations are now deemed "credible." There are grave questions of justice here. It is worth remembering that under the terms of the Dallas Charter, St. John Vianney, the Patron of Parish Priests, would have been placed on administrative leave, perhaps indefinitely, because of a "credible accusation " - that is a shocking, but true fact.
Fr. Tim,
Here's the web address of a Youtube video of Fr. Corapi referring to his drug addiction before he was ordained, in case Sadie thinks that this is a fabrication or a slander:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhAyEZR4gUk
Father Tim
I have learned and grown so very much from the power of the Holy Spirit working through Father Corapi. I thank God for sending him to us and always pray for more priests like him. He was never afraid to speak the Truth. When I thought of leaving the Catholic Church because sermons were sometimes boring, people were sometimes unfriendly, and because of other bothersome things that were going on, it was Father that made me realize that Satan was alive and well, even in the Catholic Church. He told us not to forget that the real presence of Jesus Christ also dwells within the Catholic Church and it certainly can't get any better than that anywhere!!! Now I love love love the Catholic Church and wouldn't leave it for anything. I just wanted you to know how much Father has impacted my life and let you know that I hear exactly what you are saying in your article. Let us all surrender Father Corapi to the almighty and all powerful God who is in control and knows how to handle everything. I pray God's Will be done.
Some of those blogging here have claimed he is on drugs. Should not some control be exercised over these comments? Or at least a warning to those posting?
Two comments that mentioned drug abuse referred to the time before his conversion. Fr Corapi has publicly spoken of that himself.
The third referred to the current allegations against him in the context of criticising the process.
Father Corapi's statement about leaving the priesthood meant it was being forced upon him. He cannot go by Father Corapi to the public,celebrate the sacraments publicly or wear a roman collar. He has strongly denied any drug use and offered to take a drug test. Father Corapi has given much money to his order and other Catholic charities. He does not charge for his conferences and lives off what videos he sells. As he said I had to pay over $100,000 over and above what my insurance paid.The church has never supported me . Once he had to spend $5000 because a woman accused him of rape. Three days later it was discovered he had never been in the city the woman lived in. Upon question further the woman stated that Father Corapi had "jumped out of the TV and raped me in my living room".
Father has also stated he is not seeking laicization .So technicaly all he can hope for is that when his the civil case is won, he can present the findings to his bishop and be reinstated. That may take years. Father Corapi has said recently that he feels a great urge to preach the word of God. The smoke of Satan has entered our church and it doesn't take an exorcist to see that. We have a Catholic University president who invited the most pro abortion president ever, Barrack Obama to speak at his institution. We have a priest in Chicago who called for the death of a gun shop owner and recently let an NYC policeman give the sermon. We have clown masses. masses with women in vestments on the altars, a Gay Pride mass scheduled at St. Cecilia's parish in Boston next month. Seventy percent of US Catholic's do not believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and the divorce and contraception rate for Catholics is the same as non Catholics. Someone has to be that voice crying out in the desert ;Repent. How many young men want to go into the priesthood knowing that someday someone could say that he touched them inappropriately and whether it is true or not, his vocation has been placed in Limbo.Are we, the Catholics who are still practicing our religion, going to sit idly by and watch these injustices happen? Remember, NO priest, NO Eucharist. Strike the shepherd. The devil is no dummy. It's time we put on the Armor of God and fight the rulers of the darkness with prayer, our weapon...the rosary, fasting and penance. While we are at it we have to fight the human rulers of darkness too.
I did not accuse John Corapi of drug use. Someone else did, according to John Corapi.
I do not think he should have given any details about the accusations or his accuser. I think he should have waited to respond to the announcement of his suspension, and limited his public statement to a firm denial and criticism of the process, not the Bishop.
Canon Law should have been followed. The investigation should continue as soon as possible for the sake of justice for the priest, his accuser, her husband, the Bishop, members of SOLT, and any women involved.
I wish I knew what can be done about a diocese or religious group which does not follow Canon Law. The process needs to be put on trial.
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