Since Fr. John Corapi released his bombshell statement Friday, in which he announced that he was leaving the priesthood, several pieces of new information have emerged that shed light on the situation.
Before we get to those, though, I would like to again call attention to the written statement on his new web site and the narrated version available on YouTube. These present Fr. Corapi’s own explanation of the current situation and provide a valuable source of information regarding it.
I would also point out something that may not be obvious if you are exposed to just one of the two sources: Though the wording is the same in both (except for very slight differences), they are significantly different in tone. In particular, the modulations of Fr. Corapi’s voice convey a tone of reasonableness not conveyed by the words of the printed edition. If you’ve read only the latter, be sure and listen to the former, because it contains important tonal information not captured in the written version.
At the same time, the substance of the two is the same, and the facts are not altered: Fr. Corapi has chosen of his own volition to abandon his priestly ministry rather than wait for the outcome of the investigation of the charges against him.
At this point, allow me to issue . . .
THE BIG RED DISCLAIMER: I do not claim to know whether Fr. Corapi is innocent or guilty. I have no way of assessing that. I pointed this out several times in my previous post, but I got quite a few messages accusing me of “judging” Fr. Corapi and assuming him guilty before the facts are in, etc. None of that is true. I understand that his fans are hurting from recent events, and I fully understand that, so let me once again stress—this time in more emphatic form—that I do not know whether he is innocent or guilty. I am trying to offer perspective on the facts as they are known at this time.
Now, let’s get to the new information about his situation.
The Black-Sheep Dog (tm)
I’ve received several communications by email pointing to the fact that Fr. Corapi’s business—Santa Cruz Media of Kalispell, Montana—applied for a federal trademark on the name “The Black-Sheep Dog” over a year ago. The filing was made April 8, 2010, long before the current situation developed.
The filing was made with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and you can read a summary of it here.
The trademark application was granted (specifically, the “notice of allowance” was issued) last month—on May 10, 2011—after Fr. Corapi had stepped aside from active ministry while the investigation of the charges proceeded.
In his announcement last Friday he indicated that his autobiography, “The Black Sheep Dog,” will soon be published. This fits with the description offered in the trademark application, which says that under this mark will be offered:
Printed material, namely, a series of autobiographical nonfiction books in the field of religion and spirituality
So there may be more than one autobiographical book in the planning.
What does this tell us about the current situation?
A primary thing it tells us is that the autobiography, and its name, have been in the planning stages for over a year. It would thus appear that they were not created, and were not originally intended to be launched, during the current environment.
That has implications for how one reads the name “The Black Sheep Dog.” Based on Fr. Corapi’s announcement, which did not indicate that this had been registered over a year ago, one might conclude that it has specific reference to the current situation, which would make it quite disturbing. As I pointed out in my previous post, it would appear to be both an embracing of a “black sheep” identity in conjunction with Fr. Corapi’s abandonment of his priesthood while also seeking to maintain a pastoral “sheep dog” function despite that abandonment.
The visuals used in the YouTube video, which features a closeup of a frightening-looking black dog’s eyes, one of which contains alarmed looking sheep, feeds the disturbing interpretation of the name.
It should be pointed out that the frightening-looking dog’s other eye contains an image of wolves, but as Deacon Greg Kandra points out:
I gotta say: the imagery used on that tape was creepy to the point of being diabolical.
When one realizes that the whole thing had been in the planning stages for over a year, though, a different light is cast on the subject, and however creepy one might find the imagery and the name in the current circumstances, it was not intended to be taken in that way.
This does not lessen the disturbing nature of Fr. Corapi’s abandonment of his priesthood, however.
“The investigation was compromised because of the pressure on the witnesses.”
Another important set of facts was unearthed by the National Catholic Register’s senior editor, Joan Frawley Desmond. In her piece on the subject, several important pieces of information were disclosed by Fr. Corapi’s religious superior, Fr. Gerard Sheehan, SOLT. Among them:
Father Gerard Sheehan, regional priest-servant of SOLT and Father Corapi’s religious superior in the U.S., confirmed June 19 that the order’s investigation faced complications created by a civil suit filed by Father Corapi against the former employee who had accused him of sexual misconduct.
“When she left the company, she signed a contract that she would not reveal anything that happened to her while she was at Santa Cruz Media. Father Corapi paid her for this. Father was suing her for a breach of contract,” said Father Sheehan, though he did not specify why Father Corapi had initiated the non-disclosure agreement.
The civil suit against the former employee created a problem for SOLT investigators.
“In canon law, there can’t be any pressure on witnesses; they have to be completely free to speak. The investigation was compromised because of the pressure on the witnesses. There were other witnesses that also had signed non-disclosure agreements,” said Father Sheehan.
“The canon lawyers were in a difficult situation, and Father does have his civil rights and he decided to follow his legal counsel, which he had a right to do,” he said. “We tried to continue the investigation without speaking to the principal witnesses.”
The investigation was halted after Father Corapi “sent us a letter resigning from active ministry and religious life. I have written him a letter asking him to confirm that decision. If so, we will help him with this process of leaving religious life,” said Father Sheehan.
He expressed disappointment that Father Corapi chose not to remain in SOLT and to refuse the order’s invitation for him to live in community, leaving his Montana home. Father Sheehan said he had tried to arrange a meeting with Father Corapi before any final decision was announced, but had not heard back from him. Father Sheehan said that SOLT would issue a statement shortly.
“We wanted him to come back to the community, and that would have meant leaving everything he has. It would have been a drastic change for him,” Father Sheehan said.
The article also recalled:
In a previous interview with the Register, published after Father Corapi’s suspension, Father Sheehan implicitly acknowledged that the accused priest was not living in conformity with SOLT’s constitution, approved in 1994.
“The founder’s arrangement with Father Corapi was established before that time, when Father Flanagan believed that every mission should take care of its own needs,” noted Father Sheehan at that time. “Now, according to our constitution, a different way of life has been established for members. All the money we make is turned over to the society, which gives us an allowance.”
During that interview, Father Sheehan confirmed that SOLT had “begun to address the issues of members who joined the society before the new constitution. The society is moving to a more organized structural phase of its existence, with all the Church discipline that entails.”
There are several notable things here. Among them are the non-disclosure agreements that Fr. Corapi required (and paid) at least some of those working with him to sign.
What was the reason for this?
I have more than two decades of experience working for religious non-profit organizations, and I can think of three reasons why a non-disclosure agreement of some sort might be sought: (1) to protect customer information, (2) to protect donor information, (3) to protect ideas for products or services that another organization might copy.
I cannot think of a legitimate reason why a non-disclosure agreement covering everything that happened to one during a term of employment would be required. Nor can I think of a reason why a non-disclosure agreement would need to be framed so broadly that it would prevent one from offering testimony to an ecclesiastical investigation regarding whether one had slept with multiple women or engaged in repeated drug use (i.e., the charges against Fr. Corapi).
And so I would be interested to know why Fr. Corapi sought—and apparently paid for—such broadly-framed non-disclosure agreements with several of the witnesses that his superiors sought to interview as part of the investigation.
There could have been an entirely legitimate reason for this—but I cannot think of it off the top of my head. I am thus left at a loss, trying to imagine what such a reason might be.
The Sequence of Events
Whatever the reason for the non-disclosure agreements may be, we may surmise the following as an approximate timeline of the events in question (individual elements might need to be rearranged):
1. Based on an agreement with the founder of his order, Fr. Corapi established a Montana-based media business under his financial control.
2. At some point, Fr. Corapi pays several persons who have business dealings with him to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding events during their term of employment.
3. There is a falling-out with one non-disclosure signer, an employee (presumably 2 occurred before 3, though this is not absolute).
4. The disgruntled signer from 3 complained to religious or ecclesiastical superiors (specifically: the current bishop of Corpus Christi), alleging sexual and drug-related charges against Fr. Corapi.
5. The current bishop of Corpus Christi contacted Fr. Corapi’s religious superiors, requesting an investigation.
6. The investigation was begun.
7. Fr. Corapi filed a civil suit against the complainer from 3, alleging breach of the non-disclosure contract.
8. Other witnesses refused to testify in view of the civil lawsuit against the complainer from 3.
9. Deprived of ready access to these witnesses, Fr. Corapi’s superiors decided to continue the investigation without the key witnesses, using other, less-central witnesses.
10. Rather than allow the investigation to reach its conclusion, Fr. Corapi decided to abandon the priesthood and religious life, sending a letter to his superiors to this effect.
11. His superiors sought to reintegrate him into the life of his religious community, but he has not responded to this request as it “would have meant leaving everything he has. It would have been a drastic change for him,” because “The society is moving to a more organized structural phase of its existence, with all the Church discipline that entails.”
12. Rather than embrace this new situation, Fr. Corapi announced his abandonment of the priesthood and the adoption of the name “The Black Sheep Dog.”
REMINDER: I do not claim to know whether Fr. Corapi is innocent or guilty of some or all of the charges against him.
But the sequence of events described above, even if elements here or there are re-arranged, does not look good (especially since numbers 2, 7, and 10 might be construed as efforts to prevent such an investigation or stop it from reaching a conclusion).
The Bottom-Line
Regardless of what the truth of the above matters may be—and assuming the innocence of Fr. Corapi—there still remains his public abandonment of the priesthood.
This is, for me, the ultimate point.
All the rest are mere incidentals.
I do not understand how so quickly, after only three months, a man such as Fr. Corapi—a man who was ordained by the hands of Bl. John Paul II, a man who had put in almost 20 years of service as a priest, a man who had been supernaturally conformed to Christ so as to serve in persona Christi, a man who had been empowered to turn bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Our Lord, a man who was empowered to forgive sins and thus directly save souls from hell—could turn his back on all that without exhausting the avenues of canonical recourse available to him.
Yes, he had been sidelined at least temporarily by his superiors.
Yes, he had had to endure a process that could stand improvement (like all human processes).
Yes, he had a right to be frustrated—if he was innocent, as we may hope in charity.
But how could he walk away from this great boon that had been bestowed upon him?
How could he turn his back on all that and request removal from the priestly and religious life, after only three months of sitting on the sidelines?
Did past saints who were falsely accused do that?
Did Our Lord himself walk away from his commission from the Father when falsely accused?
Even if he felt compelled to “compromise” (in his superior’s words) the investigation with civil law suits against potential witnesses against him, couldn’t he have waited until the investigation was completed with less central witnesses who had not signed non-disclosure agreements with him?
Why did he abandon his priesthood after only three months waiting for the result of an investigation whose processes he himself had intervened to slow?
I don’t have the answers to these questions, but I am left deeply disturbed and disappointed with the situation.
May all of us keep Fr. Corapi, his accusers, and everyone who has been affected by this situation in prayer.
What are your thoughts?
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Wow. Excellent assessment. To me it appears as if Mr. Corapi was planning to leave the priesthood long before this (or perhaps saw the investigation coming)and is not covering his tracks to save face, his media empire, and his ego. Only John Corapi and God know the truth of the matter.
So many of these sex scandals play out the same way—denial, blame someone else, treatment and/or confession, then resigning the position of power—usually to do something more lucrative in the long run. In Corapi’s case, we have 3 of the 4—so far.
So many televangelists (and I consider John Corapi just that, even before this mess started) become so enamored of their own celebrity that they forgot the focus of their mission. I do hope that’s not the case here.
Excellent article. This is a puzzling case indeed. You’ve done an excellent job of putting in order what the public can know. Appreciated.
“I am left deeply disturbed and disappointed with the situation.”
I think everyone (and I do mean everyone) involved probably feels the same way. I’m about as removed from this as you can get and that’s how I feel also.
This is why they take the vow of poverty…it protects them from all of this….
They are to be “in” the world and not “of” the world….
Pray for him…
Santa Cruz is for-profit.
I think it’s time for a full-on piece of investigative journalism to see if we have a catholic Mike Warnke on our hands.
there is too much use of psychology in the church today. and indeed he has been victimized by this. freud made a pact with the devil to have the church destroyed in about year 2014. of course, there will be the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. but too many are hostages to freud’s ‘regime’ if i am not clear, i will post later further explanation! and of course, i know freud is long dead. what i mean is his books are alive and well in seminaries, and everywhere, and even in the pulpits!
He also started a twitter account last friday, @JohnCorapi. One tweet from a couple hours ago: “Please love the Church. You follow the Church. I am not against the Church, I am still a priest, just not ministering publicly. ” http://twitter.com/JohnCorapi/statuses/82857274871259136
“The Bottom Line” as you put it is exactly the point. You have certainly hit the nail squarely on the head (and many times) in those questions. All the rest IS just “incidentals,” as you stated. Thanks for the article. Peace.
This is not the same but there have been men and women who have left the Catholic Church because they could not become ordained Priests.If Fr. Corapi has truth on his side, then he could return to his community, spend time with his brothers there, and trust all to the Lord. Saints have done this throughout the centuries. OR - he could appeal to Rome. Cardinal Burke is head of the Vatican Signatura and would have surely given a fair judgement of the situation. Let’s continue our prayers for Fr. Corapi and all involved. My own personal feeling is that no Priest should be allowed to live alone and amass a fortune…there is nothing wrong with money but the temptations are so enormous for Priests already and Fr. Corapi’s lifestyle was a real danger to his soul. His Superior asked him to come back to the community for a while - he refused and then resigned to go his own way…but it’s not too late. Prayer is very powerful and so we keep praying.
I also do not claim to know whether Father Corapi is innocent or guilty of some or all of the charges against him. It did appear that he was being treated as guilty until proven innocent. I do know that Father Corapi preached the truth, and the one person who wanted to silence him was Satan. It appears that one way or another, he has succeeded, at least for the time being.
It could be construed that his greatest sin is the sin of pride. Deciding not to be patient and submit, but to ask how.he could.walk.away from the greatness of the priesthood is silly in my opinion because there has been a mass exodus of priests over these crazy years. The world has a strong pull and when you mix in pridefullness you’ve got a bad mix. No one said he was a saint, even though i enjoyed the heck out of his talks, it doesn’t make those speeches wrong and it doesn’t damage his credibility in my eyes. I know a lot of people.with a strong faith who really know their stuff but are very flawed. Idk how he can reconcile with the Church and continue to make money off Her but we don’t need priests that are disobedient. Let him go. He is saving us from scandal. The liberals were eating this up and now the air is taken out of their tires.
One Word and it ain’t “Humility” it’s PRIDE.
Your “bottom line” is the same as mine;
“Regardless of what the truth of the above matters may be—and assuming the innocence of Fr. Corapi—there still remains his public abandonment of the priesthood.
This is, for me, the ultimate point.
All the rest are mere incidentals.”
I was somewhat alarmed and disappointed at the original charges against him, but understood that our part was to wait and watch and pray. His decision to abandon his priestly vocation, though, is pretty unambiguous. It’s very sad. He was a gifted preacher and expositor of the faith.
Fr. Corapi does not say explicitly that he is leaving the priesthood. Because he was suspended, he cannot function as a priest. My take on his statement is that he plans on speaking publicly, just not in the capacity as a priest (since he is suspended indefinitely). As for the trademark, I am sure he was writing his autobiography a year ago, and decided to trademark the name. Perhaps the name has nothing to do with the current situation, and has everything to do with how Corapi has seen himself over the years.
This article was extremely fair as compared to Saturday’s post (in my opinion). The former Bishop of Corpus Christi (Rene Henry Gracida) has also posted some insight into this situation on his Abyssum blog and it seems to answer some of your questions and present the whole situation in a much more positive light. The former Bishop supports Father Corapi’s decsion and he explains why. Maybe you could interview him?
Also a new audio update today:
http://theblacksheepdog.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/unleashed_ep106-20-11.mp3
Both St. Louis Marie de Montfort and St. Padre Pio had their apostolates destroyed by religious superiors. In both cases the saints obeyed their religious superiors.
These saints are Fr. Corapi’s professed heros.
St. Alphonsus Marie also states that love is more made know by what we are willing to suffer than what we are willing to give. So the Gifts of the Holy Spirit have patience and long-suffering before goodness and benignity.
I do not think there can be a greater suffering to a father than to have his children removed from him especially if that results in harm to the children. That seems to have been the heaviest cross St. Benedict had to endure when Our Lord gave him a vision of the future of his order and the destruction of the peace he had worked to achieve.
The priesthood is like marriage where the priest is married to the Church. So it is for better or for worse. In marriage there can be temporary or permanent separation, but never divorce. But you cannot separate yourself from the Church. If all Fr. Corapi can do is offer private Masses, that will be a greater good than all his preaching without his offering Mass.
I believe Fr. Corapi is innocent, but the sufferings listed above are even worse if he is not since the destruction of his apostolate would be his own doing.
With the Lord is mercy and plentiful redemption.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
Please pray for three friends of mine who are also leaving the priesthood.
The non-disclosure agreements is really what’s throwing me here. The moment I read that he had filed a civil lawsuit in the midst of the investigation, it all went hinky for me. If the allegations are false, why would he bother with the civil suit before the investigation could clear him? What did they agree not to disclose that would be so important that he would give up his priesthood to protect it? (Obviously that last point only makes sense if he is, indeed, innocent.)
Nothing else needs to be said about this sad case besides what you have written, Jimmy.
Regarding his tweet: “I am not against the Church, I am still a priest, just not ministering publicly.” How was John Corapi ministering publicly as a priest? He has appeared only once or twice in public settings over the past few years, and then only to speak. Does he actually celebrate Mass publicly? Hear confessions? Anoint? Hasn’t he been functioning as a priest only through Santa Cruz Media? My ultimate question is, being suspended, what can’t he do that he wasn’t already doing? Is publishing a blog functioning in public?
It is sad to see him leave the Priesthood. It is a bit puzzling, is he leaving because of the stress and people against him that have built up to this final boiling point. He certainly is one that says it how it is and some people can not take that. It is a very sad situation to see after all these years I so did enjoy his talks.
Jimmy:
Here are screenshots of the three trademarks that he has for the Black Sheepdog(tm)
Printed material: http://easycaptures.com/fs/uploaded/471/4952789551.png
Audio material (to include podcasts): http://easycaptures.com/fs/uploaded/471/0454720144.png
Entertainment services (to include educational seminars): http://easycaptures.com/fs/uploaded/471/3044860465.png
All of them initially filed on April 8th 2010.
Jimmy, thank you. I have to say that one of my major issues with your former article was that it seemed to swing too far outside of arms reach. This one, however, is fair, clear, direct and charitable. I am so glad to have both articles to place side by side and allow them to inform one another both in content but also balance one another in apparent tone.
Side note regarding “tone” of writings. It’s hard because we often read our own thoughts and feelings into how we “hear” printed words. Our own lenses can always be “off” and we should always leave some room for this possibility. (which need not mean that we scrap our good sense for mindless charity…insert plug for Caritas in Veritate here) Thanks for your work Jimmy! We are well informed and have more clarity and therefore more ammunition for prayers for all involved…and please remember his so called, “fans” who do need prayer a great deal at this very hour…that they not become disillusioned with the Church in general..this would be the greatest tragedy.
I do not presume Father Corapi’s guilt, nor his innocence, but would like to add there may be a fourth reason he sought non-disclosures from his employees. There may be some details of his past life (before he became a priest) that he has not shared publicly, but spoke about in private meetings with employees. If this is true, then maybe that is why he had them sign non-disclosures, so as not to share aspects of these details with others. I believe this is also a legitimate reason for the non-disclosure agreements.
Thanks for this outline—you have verbalized all my own thoughts on the situation, albeit in a more complete and comprehensive fashion. The biggest question is “Why?”—why would John Corapi leave the priesthood, in this fashion, after 3 months of investigation and just celebrating 20 years of service in the priesthood, on Father’s Day weekend?
It doesn’t make any sense, and I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the whole thing.
I thank him for this decision. It’s not often that a weak link willingly steps aside. We’ll be stronger for it. I sense the Holy Spirit at work here.
There is an investigation (possibly several) ongoing into all aspects of the John Corapi story. Please pray now for the woman he so viciously defames (and has for more than a year) and places in jeopardy from his followers, who know her identity because he has been careful to place clues everywhere.
I’ve always thought he was demonic. His constant scowl, the condescending tone, the new logo for his black sheep company. The guy is like Damien Thorn.
Jimmy,
Thanks for your analysis of the situation. I don’t always agree with you, but I feel that for the most part you are spot on here.
—
Jkm, I too am troubled by all the not so veiled references that he makes to his alleged accuser. If we take him at his word, then he has never actually been informed of who accused him, but at the same time he has talked about her as if he clearly knew who she was and certainly has given enough details that someone who knew his staff over the years could determine who he was talking about. If she is innocent, he has defamed her, if she is guilty of defaming him, then shouldn’t he forgive her rather than potentially directing others against her?
—
To me, the issues with the non-disclosure agreement are the most troubling. I suppose I can see reasons that he might require his employees to sign one. But his apparent use of the non-disclosure agreement to sue the woman accusing him and to hold it over the heads of other witnesses just plain bothers me. If he is innocent, does he believe that the other witnesses would also lie about the events in question?
—
As I try to take the most charitable view possible of the events, I must conclude that Father Corapi is currently in a very troubled spot in his life. Regardless of whether the charges against him are true or not, his subsequent actions seem to be those of someone who is attempting to hide the truth. That being said, it is perhaps possible that he is preventing the truth from coming out for other reasons, such as to protect other innocents that may be slandered by this. It is for reasons such as these that the Bible cautions us against judging.
Thorough and reasoned analysis. Spot-on. Thanks for putting this whirlwind into perspective.
Thank you for your article. You bring up so many points that indeed are puzzling. The fact that Fr. Corapi is quickly giving up his priesthood to continue his empire is very sad. Months ago I was bothered by his new satanic look. Does anyone remember Antone Levey? The bald head and very black beard. I thought to myself, what is happening to Fr. Corapi. Now all of this. I think his ministry went to his head and he is in it for fame and fortune, possibly reverting to his old ways. I read that he lives in a home in Montana, and drives fast cars and motorcycles. It was stated he received a big lawsuit settlement that afforded these luxuries. He is in a dangerous place. At one time a gifted humble servant of God. We need to become prayer warriors for all of our dear priests. They are so vulnerable, just as we are. They are after all mere men, prone to sin. My advice for his followers is pray for him and keep your eye on the main prize, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Remember that men can fail.
Should this man be judged by his looks? That seems absurd. As for the lawsuit he filed against a doctor, the public record seems to support that he did some good there in bringing to justice a doctor who had been performing many completely unjustified heart surgeries. ——I hope there is a respectable and responsible investigation of Corapi’s departure from the priesthood. If he has filed a suit against his accuser, the records might be public and easily obtainable. The man is innocent until proven guilty——and so is his accuser.
Nothing about this situation feels right. There is a tremendous darkness here.
I call on everyone Fr. Corapi has helped to
join the Church,
return to the Church,
grow in holiness,
evangelize,
and seek Christ with a sincere heart
to now pray for Fr. Corapi in earnest. He needs your prayers just as you once needed his words and inspiration. Pray for him and for all involved. We are One Body in Christ. No one stands alone.
My prayers are with Fr. Corapi and with all of us. All the speculation in the world doesn’t change anything but prayers said in a spirit of CHARITY will change the world! God Bless All of you!
When I first heard of the accusations against him, I didn’t give them much thought. I prayed for him and thought that he is human and God and the Church would forgive him and move on if they are true, and if they are not, then Fr Corapi would forgive his accusors. I didn’t know there was any kind of legal action going on, I thought it was only between him and his superiors. I guess I was sticking my head in the sand, because I wanted to know as little as possible. I “liked” him on facebook, and was troubled by the black dog eye, but clicked on “like” because it was Fr Corapi. I wasn’t comfortable with it at all. Today I listened to the youtube statement of his and thought it was disturbing. And the picture is not right, it is frightening. My first impression and every subsequent impression is that it is a wolf looking at sheep, and not in a protective way. I had to immediately “unfriend” and “unlike” him because something about all of it is not right. That’s all I know. It’s sad, and for some reason frightening. Whether he is still a priest or not, I will not listen to him. Being a single woman, I appreciate the spiritual protection from priests. It may sound like I only reacted to this emotionally, but it’s more than that, it’s spiritual too. I no longer have the guidance and protection of Fr Corapi. As one of the sheep, I only feel like running from him.
As Joseph up above (Monday, Jun 20, 2011 4:54 PM (EDT)) points out, there are possible unusual reasons for a broad NDA—one that came to mind for me is to prevent “tell all” type books. (Just because reasonable folks know they should usually go in the ‘fiction’ section doesn’t make the damage they do any smaller.)
It’s a tactically sound choice, just as dropping the tax status of his ministry out of “non profit” defended it from lawsuits about tax exempt status.
I know I’m getting really blessed tired of folks making big assumptions about what he did with his portion of the medical lawsuit awards—the *only* reported information I’ve found is that he gave away half of it to an individual who was hurt but not part of the lawsuit.
Santa Cruz Media seems to have been founded in 2003, when his name was all over the news because of the lawsuit and he became a great target for lawsuits—I’d be interested to know if the NDAs came in during similar circumstances.
I REALLY want to see the lawsuit about the NDA, and… heck, I’d like to have something besides third or fourth hand recounting.
Thanks a LOT Jimmy, I say sarcastically, just like Fr C did when I asked him to sign a book simply stating my last name :). It really is like watching the destruction of a dear friend.
The Enemy is enjoying his latest fame, no doubt. I think it’s very important here that we not despair, either for Corapi or ourselves. In our Blesed Lord Jesus’ name (so blatantly left out of Fr C’s recent statements), all can be healed. May each of us humbly acquiesce to God’s loving Will, through our Blessed Mother.
Thanks for following up on this for us all!
Frankly, I saw something like this coming based upon his first statement, some time ago.
I was disturbed by his opinion that he was suffering *more* from unjust accusations because he was a *public* person, i.e., a priest who was well-known, and that the damage to him was therefore greater (presumably, greater than it would be for an ordinary, unknown priest.
A priest’s world is his world. Those he knows and loves, those who love him, and his reputation in that world are significant. It doesn’t matter if that world is composed of 300 persons, or a million. If he is unjustly accused, he suffers, period. The loss of his reputation is a cross and causes suffering.
The idea that John Corapi thought he would suffer *more* or that his reputation would be worth *more* than that of a hidden, non-famous priest was a huge red flag to me.
Granted, in terms of scandal to the Church, false accusations against a famous priest could be a greater problem than false accusations against an unknown priest.
But in terms of the priest, personally, a non-famous priest has just as great a loss as does a famous one if he is unjustly accused. That John Corapi didn’t seem to understand that was, I thought, a sign that he had become far too focused on his own persona.
[Here is the line from John Corapi that I was referring to, from his first statement: “The resultant damage to the accused is immediate, irreparable, and serious, especially for someone like myself, since I am so well known.”]
You cannot serve God and mammon.” {Matt 6:19-24 RSV}
Let’s just say that when the messenger becomes more important than the message, there is a problem. The man known as John Corapi needs our prayers. This has been a long time coming… a slow descent that any discerning spirit could detect. In any event, the Lord seems to be an afterthought for him, an instrument for his own self-promotion. Sad, sad, sad. He will have no power outside of the Catholic Church, he will simply become even more of a sideshow than he already is. Dear Jesus, please be with John Corapi. MOther Mary, assist your chosen son.
Jimmy, thanks. You’ve taken a shocking, disappointing, and mystifying case and offered clear, charitable, and helpful points toward a better understanding.
Re; Non-disclosures. My husband has had many people in the company he works for ‘fired’. In order for them to ‘settle’, they all had to sign non-disclosure documents to receive their ‘settlements for wrongful termination’ or ‘agreements in order to receive a severance package’. I thought it was just par-for-the-course.
How many times did you hear Fr. Corapi ask us to pray for our Priests?
I know that he must be under tremendous attack.
To those who say everything looks “diabolical,” I can see you point, but also know that sometimes we find exactly what we are looking for.
Let’s continue to pray for him, and wait and see what is disclosed in his book. There may be answers there that we had no way of knowing about.
Persecution is always tough. When it comes from within the Church, it is even harder to endure.
NDA are very common these days. The more they cover, the better. It is impossible to make them so specific as to cover one topic and not another.
I personally think Corapi will be exonerated. He may be the one that takes an accuser to court and ends this whole accuse-the-Church-and-get-money thing.
Someone has to grow a spine. May be Corapi is the one!
Jimmy,
Your article summed up everything I have been thinking since hearing the disturbing news. I know you went out of your way to put the disclaimer in, but nothing about this post, or your previous one, implied you were insinuating any of the allegations are true, from any kind of rational viewpoint. You are right; this is very disappointing and thanks for putting everything in context.
““He that seeks here any other thing than purely God and the salvation of his soul, will find nothing but trouble and sorrow.”—Saint Therese
There is an inconsistancy to Corapi’s recent statements and an inconsistancy with his 20 years of priestly witness that is hard to explain. Then throw in the whole “Black Sheep Dog” persona and I can only wonder if he has psychiatric, emotional issues. Also the SOLT made a statement today about Corapy where they say: “because of the physical, emotional and spiritual distress he has endured over the past few years”. It makes me think that he is not right at all. We must pray for him because he is surely in need of our prayers.
Thanks for breaking it all down Jimmy, a few points are clearer. Except for the many bloggers that say he is still a priest.
If he left the priest hood how is he still a priest? Someone said that he tweeted that he was still a priest. How is that true..? Anyway, everyone should be careful who they follow and listen too. We have to follow the Holy See.
May God have mercy on us all…...Peace
We have been told to turn-the-cheek. That along with the teaching, about “not judging,” are take out of the Biblical context and used against Christians-in-general to shut-us-up. Jesus was/is very judgemental, especially with the men who were going to stone the adultress as they all have consorted with her (It’s possible that Jesus was writing the number-of-times each man consorted). Fr. Corapi apparently has the logic figured of the above examples of our virtues being used against us. He is not going to play the games according to the Devil’s rules. Good for him. I suspect that he will be reunited to the active priesthood and his order - after he has won his day in courta and vindicated his decades-long-stand agains the “assumption-of-priestly guilt. Just remember the “big-dogs” have gotten away with alot while the small-dogs get punished.
“[T]hose who reach perfection do not ask the Lord to free them from trials or temptations or persecutions or struggles . . . Believe, Sisters, that the soldiers of Christ, those who experience contemplation and engage in prayer, are eager to fight. They never fear public enemies very much; they already recognize them and know that these enemies have no power against the strength the Lord gives and that they themselves always come out the victors and with much gain. They never turn from these enemies.”
St. Teresa of Avila
The Way of Perfection, Chapter 38
Suzanne, thanks for the recommendation to have a look at Bishop Gracida’s blog post. I found it sobering, but very enlightening. Many more prayers are needed!
http://abyssum.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/the-persecuted-catholic-priest/
As with all situations there are two sides to every story and multiple issues involved in so many of these. You bring up some very good questions that really do shed light that this is not a cut and dry issue and there are indeed multiple issues involved with this one as well. As you pointed out in the end we need to keep everyone involved in our prayers as they all are in need of God’s help and mercy as we all are. Thank you Jimmy!
Wow, so much judgment on here. Jimmy, for supposedly not knowing if he is guilty or innocent how does the title of your “Father Corapi has lost it” fit into this? You obviously had a negative concept from the beginning. Father has not led anyone astray yet. I say “yet” because I am waiting to see the fruits of his new labors. If it bears good fruit then it mostly likely is from God. So many people have him condemned along with anyone who still supports him. It’s pretty easy to take statement from here and there and draw conclusions that look like fact. NONE of us have all the details. And comparing Father to all the saints is actually putting him on a pedestal to begin with. If so many people feel he is lost and shady why would you even begin to compare him to our wonderful saints?
Also, did you even bother to research the image? I think not or you would understand it better.
I am just so very,very sad. Father Corapi has helped in my return to the church. “No pain, no gain, no Cross no Crown”; “No priests , no eucharist”; Would the Blessed Mother want you to abandon the Church Father?? For those of us who have carried our heavy crosses, are you telling us to give up Father? I return to my belief that I will not let humans take my Church away from me, this is the Church our Lord and Saviour gave to all of us. I will pray for Fr. Corapi.
Kathy,
Jimmy has put for the data in a charitable, nonjudgemental way. This is not the “Father Corapi Has Lost It” blog, but a further one.
Did you read the read disclaimer?
Please stop judging Jimmy. He’s doing his job, and doing it well.
Pinklady, I will pray for him too. I also have a whole list of his quotes and taught them to my children.
God can bring good out of all of this. Let that be our hope!
Father Corapi will always be a priest. Every man ever ordained, whether he later became a heretic (like Luther) or simply requested a permission to stop practicing public ministry so that he might marry still retains the indelible mark of their ordination. Even so-called laicized priests are still priest, though they have no facility to minister the sacraments (except reconciliation at great need.)
He can certainly be released of the vows of his order and cease public ministry, but Father Corapi will always be a priest.
Pretty disheartened by Jimmy and others jumping on this so quickly without a little patience to find out a little more before pontificating judgement on Fathers decision. I realize that Jimmy makes his living from this but it seemed a little TMZ this time.
Diclaimer…I did not say Jimmy judged Fathers Innocence or guilt.
I’m on the fence. Wait and see ........
I am not for or against Fr. Corapi. I don’t know him and I don’t understand this whole situation. I pray for him with all my heart. But I remember when Mother Angelica had problems when she began EWTN - she went to Rome and she stayed with her community…and she has stayed within her community. I don’t understand why Fr. Corpi doesn’t just return to his community and experience the fraternity there, be with his Superior and his brothers and wait until this situation is resolved. Then, run his enterprise from the home base of his community - he can still travel and give talks but his home base will be within his community. He will be strengthened there and supported in whatever struggles he may have.I pray he will do this…nothing is worth leaving the Priesthood! Nothing!!!
Brent,
I disagree. I think Jimmy and others needed to respond to this. Father Corapi’s apparent fall from grace has the potential to cause great scandal both inside and outside the Church.
—
Consider that I have seen several people who have already stated that they will choose Father Corapi over the Church and others who look at the situation might be much less charitable than Jimmy. People like this need to be reminded that there is two sides to every story. Father Corapi’s narrative about what has happened, is happening and is likely to happen is not necessarily the truth—Father Corapi might even believe what he says is true, it doesn’t mean it is.
—
Further consider the following; the chance may be remote, but what if a major negative reaction from the blog-o-sphere makes Father Corapi take pause and consider what he is doing? As Christians, it is our duty to provide warnings for those who we feel are falling away from the path. Father Corapi, by publicly stepping away from his role as priest, definitely appears to be falling away from the path.
Mr. Akin, way to go encouraging rampant negative speculation while nominally towing the line of charity and prudence. I hope you are not encouraging that speculation to get page views and attract readers. There are times when such speculation is not prudent, whereas, perhaps, it would have been more dignified to speculate that the things we don’t know may actually be more positive. For all of Fr. Corapi’s strengths, I don’t know, maybe he’s getting off to a rocky start accepting all this hardship with grace. You would handle having your life torn out from under you so much better, Mr. Akin?
Has it occurred to anyone that the NDA’s Fr. Corapi had those staff members sign may have had something to do with other troubled actions of his accuser? Perhaps that was Fr. Corapi’s way of settling the matter, and sealing it. Perhaps his accuser had made it necessary.
Instead, you speculate about all the negative possibilities regarding Fr. Corapi, who, to you, *seems* guilty until proven innocent. If that were not the way it seems to you, your article would make no sense. What made you feel the need to take part in nipping at the heels of the wounded? I, for one, will never take you seriously, and I suspect you and many others will eat your doubts when it is all over.
I’m going to attempt to investigate what was said in a comment on Fr. Corapi’s site. Fr. Corapi’s site is theblacksheepdog.us. Someone had mistakenly went to theblacksheepdog.com, and found that it was re-directed to an E-bay auction where someone (I wonder who?) was selling Fr. Corapi’s rosary beads. It seems that went on for about a day, and then, when I went to the .com address, it went to a Catholic social networking site, with, apparently, no members. It also has no contact details with any person’s name.
theblacksheepdog.com STILL links to that social networking site. I recommend no one sign up for it, being that they are obviously using this terrible situation to dupe people into signing up.
Fr. Corapi has confirmed that theblacksheepdog.com is currently under control of a former employee. His accuser is apparently a former employee. Bishop Emeritus Gracida is confident enough in Fr. Corapi and the facts of the matter that he advised him to take his accuser to court. The former Bishop really put himself on the line for Fr. Corapi. Do you think he would have done so publicly if Fr. Corapi were obviously guilty? I trust the Bishop Emeritus’ judgment more than all the gossiping vipers.
Mr. Akin, I don’t believe you really looked much into the matter. I believe you are behaving with your own “media personality” in mind, feeling that you need to comment about a burning issue without regard to the lack of prudence in casting doubts on the innocence of Fr. Corapi, who we have known as a zealous, yet down-to-earth preacher.
Christus Regnat
“Pray, hope and don’t worry”. My thoughts are that we should leave this all to God and those appointed to act in Christ’s place. It is terribly disturbing but we have little control of its outcome. As always you have written an excellent post. God bless you.
As some have pointed out above, NDAs are completely normal course of operations these days - both on the front end of employment and on the back end, especially if there is a termination of employment which may have been precipitated by some sort of dispute and a potential for a wrongful termination case. I’ve signed them in pre-employment intakes in previous corporate jobs and I’ve prepared them for numerous clients as a lawyer who currently defends employment lawsuits. I’m quite certain that Fr. Corapi would have been following the advice of attys in seeking NDA.
If signer of NDA is now falsely accusing Fr., why not bring it to the Courts? Get it all out in the open, show the falsity of the claims and regain one’s reputation besmirched by false accusations. Certainly if Fr. Corapi were concerned that the accusations have any scintilla of truth, the last thing he would do is make a public spectacle of it by filing a lawsuit in which all of the facts and accusations will be laid bare.
I think some people are rushing to judgment of Fr. Corapi prematurely. This is the sensational nature of our current culture. Let’s all take a deep breath, let the facts play out more fully and then see what’s what.
I was reassured by Bishop Gracida’s analysis of this issue.
It appears to me that Fr. Corapi was just fed up with the church’s constant persecution against him and he was not planning to leave the priesthood but rather he was planning to write a book to denounce all the corruption that he has witnessed within the Catholic Church coming from the Bishops.
Whether he is guilty or not, who cares? We should think of this case as Jesus when they brought Mary Magdalene ready to stone her to death… and pray that Fr. Corapi reconsiders his decision and comes back to his senses, forgetting about his own image and caring only for the glory of God in the ministry that God has given him now and for all eternity.
Mr. Akin ... can Fr. Corapi no longer be considered a priest, or is he now a priest who is not performing the typical functions or responsibilities of a priest? I think that is an important distinction that MUST be made. As I understand the events as they have transpired, the case is the latter, not the former.
His circumstance appears to me to be not unlike that of a priest who is “removed from ministry” b/c of a pedophilia charge. The man is no longer allowed to pastor a parish, or perform the sacraments, or be in contact with children ... but he is still a priest. Typically, such a priest is not laicized, he is simply removed from active ministry.
I think that some people are under the impression that, in removing himself from active priestly ministry, Fr. Corapi has somehow laicized himself so that he can no longer even be considered a priest anymore. That however does not appear to me to be the case.
Can you please clear up this matter? You are the only one I know who is up to the task.
I’m with st. pio prayer is our strongist wepon, don’t worry. that said, fr.corapi said (as I heard it) he is not leaving the priesthood,can’t,once ordined,it’s for life. He is not leaving the church. He loves the Catholic church. He has been suspended. He just dosen’t wont to waste time waiting for the final decision. So he will cotinue to speak and defind the church and God as always. My guess is the messege will not change, only his authority. I believe God will clear up this sadness when He is done with it. Pray.
Hey maybe he will get a clue and forsake the wafer-god idolatry and become a true Bible believing Christian. I will be praying that the oppression of false doctrine of Catholicism will finally fall from his eyes.
from Bill Foley
I wish all bloggers and commenters would cease judging Fr. Corapi. I am neither a supporter or detractor of Fr. Corapi. Nobody knows every detail of this situation, and nobody knows the heart and conscience of Fr. Corapi.
False premise
I quote Fr. Corapy:
“I accept moving on, but I am not ready to be altogether extinguished just yet. In the final analysis I have only one of only two viable choices:
1. I can quietly lie down and die, or
2. I can go on in ways that I am able to go on.”
I believe the choice number one is false, and it is a shame, because his whole argument collapses.
The dying to self, as Jesus in Gethsemane died to self in obedience to the father, did not lead to death but to glory of the resurrection.
When a priest agonizes and dies to self in the eyes of the world, in heroic obedience to the lawful authority of the church, united to the sacrifice of Jesus, produces much fruit.
Dear Fr. Corapy, you could not die to your own designs. Wake up! Embrace Gethsemane.
@Carnuba. Catholicism actually follows sacred Scripture very closely, including Christ’s institution of the Eucharist. I have never met a critic of Catholicism who actually had any correct information about it. If you care to learn anything about the history of the Church and Catholicism and can keep an open mind, try listening to Scott Hahn. He’s a former Presbyterian minister who converted to Catholicism after digging into the truths of the early Church and asking himself some tough questions about Protestant beliefs. The scales may fall from your own eyes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8RMvmrheE0
...and of course, Jimmy Akin’s wonderful story of conversion is included in a Surprised by Truth, a truly fascinating read for everyone, but especially worthwhile for Protestants who think they know all about Catholics.
(Sorry to plug Scott’s story in your blog, Jimmy. It’s just that his story was the one that brought me around to re-discover Catholicism many years ago.)
My thoughts are the following points of wisdom from scripture and the saints. While this aritcle is expressed in a reasonable manner and I am not a follower of Fr Corapi I do not think these posts by any Catholic blogger delving into this man’s motivation and actions are good for anyone’s soul. Cease and desist for the sake of love of neighbor and virtue. This is vain, idle “talk” about a brother.
James 4:11-16 - “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge…
…..the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10
Imitation of Christ Book I, The Tenth Chapter: Avoiding Idle Talk
Shun the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.
St John of the Cross – “Precautions”
It is that you very carefully guard yourself against thinking about what happens in the community, and even more against speaking of it, of anything in the past or present concerning a particular religious: nothing about his or her character or conduct or deeds no matter how serious any of this seems. Do not say anything under the color of zeal or of correcting a wrong, unless at the proper time to whomever by right you ought to tell. Never be scandalized or astonished at anything you happen to see or learn of, endeavoring to preserve your soul in forgetfulness of all that.
None of this information is really pertinent to what Mr. Corapi did, if you know why he did it. We have to be smarter than what we are demonstrating with our reactions, folks.
Fr.Corapi was a new priest when I listened to him for four evenings. Those mission evenings changed my life, turned me around, and moved me to engage my faith and share it with the world. I have done so unceasingly ever since. I watched Fr. Corapi move on as a loose cannon, first assigned to a Diocese then not. I lost track of him for a long time only to hear about him being here and there. As I spoke admirably of him to others, they told me they hear him on television (I do not watch television); others told me that he had a website. I made a connection at that website and noticed that he continued to make substantial income from marketing religious material. His talents for making money before becoming a priest was utilized and employed for whatever reasons.
This crises breaks my heart. I pray for his sincerity in remaining a priest forever - and pray for him and for his innocence as man, the man that, because he told it as he saw it and experienced it (becoming a priest),his honesty guided me back to my Triune God almost 20 years ago. How sad.
I think this is a sad day and time for Fr. Corapi and for anyone who was ever inspired by him. But, let’s not lose sight of the fact that he is, after all, just a human being; he isn’t Christ. After perusing all the various commentary, the responses by Fr. Corapi, his accomplishments, his ministry, his new plan to “shepherd the world”, from the sound of it, I could not help but be reminded of the oldest and easiest sin for all of us to be lured by, the one that is typically at the very heart of all similar departures from grace; pride. He is in my prayers.
Can anyone tell me why after 3 months of investigation, but before Fr. Corapi filed a civil suit, they never talked to the complainer. May be someone needs to look at the investigation process, to see if Fr. Corapi has some legitimate fears.
6. The investigation was begun.
7. Fr. Corapi filed a civil suit against the complainer from 3, alleging breach of the non-disclosure contract.
Anthony J. Argento
Maybe I’m mistaken, but it doesn’t seem to me like Father Corapi is going to “abandon his priestly ministry”. Isn’t he saying he’s just leaving “public” ministry?
Father Corapi is HUMAN. I’ve never been one to become a jubilant “fan” of humans. Maybe because I was disenchanted by adults around me at a very young age? :-) Sinners ALL of us. Except ONE and his Mama. Keep our eyes on the prize and reach down to pick up our fallen brethren on the way home.
Calm down people. Pray, rest, let the Holy Spirit do it’s work.
JMJ In all that has occurred I can’t help but think that what is written in this NRC review has many elements of what is so complex a situation, personally for Fr. Corapi and for SOLT. He seems in transition and in
crisis and his Order, seems late in addressing what personal life its
members have come to embrace. At any age, it would be hard to forego
a viable living, especially in these hard economic times, and with the
uncertainty that in the end he perhaps would be asked to leave his order,
the SOLT. Fr. Corapi is caught “between a rock and a hard place,” so to
speak. Such a good orator and compassionate provider to those he served
and continues to desire to serve is such a loss for the Church and for us
who came to know him through EWTN. There remains much to be seen and is
yet known of this case, and while he may have closed and reacted as he
did, God is never one to close His case. SOLT has shown great care and love for him and may continue to. There is always the benefit of the doubt, and forgiveness for all involved in this case.
Father Corapi’s the reason I fell in love again with my Catholic Religion. Every midnite, EWTN broadcasted his lectures. I would have my radio plugged into my ears and enjoying Father Corapri as I merrily fell to sleep each night. The next morning I would wake up and tell my husband, “Darn, I missed Father Corapi’s ending! I listen to others on EWTN still; but do I ever miss Father Corapi way down here in Naples, Florida.
WARNING: The blacksheep dog website keeps freezing up my computer. I’ve had others try it and they’ve had the same thing happen. This occurs when a website is busy lifting info off your computer.
I wonder what other repercussions would entail regarding Fr. Corapi’s recent actions. An example is if other “popular” priests in disagreement with their bishop/religious superior would leave their public ministry too; use an alias and rely on the “fanbase” they have garnered. Not an impossibility, as the Church is attacked as always – but nothing short of anarchy as well. If it’s so right and okay anyway.
I really hope the Vatican may take action on this.
St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us!
I had been away from my computer when all this was breaking loose, so this is the first time I got to read about everything that has gone on so far-thank you Jimmy Akin, for your explanation of the ‘Corapi affair’.
I saw Father Corapi speak twice, both times in Upstate NY. I also have several of his tapes. I am rather bewildered by what has been going on. It’s just so sad. I hope that his mother is not around to see this-she stood by through thick and thin, as did Our Lady at the foot of the Cross. Mary did not run away when the going got tough-she is forever ‘The Valiant Virgin’. I pray that this is not causing grief in the soul of his beloved earthly mother if she is still ‘in the land of the living.’
Oh, Jimmy!
I listen to you on Catholic Radio. Good god: Catholic radio played Father Caropi for most of the day. A phony, a liar, a sociopath.
Then, I listen to you about “the truth.” I cannot tell you how disheartening it is to listen to you. It is so obvious the Caropi is a sociopath and always has been.
It is horrible to hear you judge people according to your understaning of Canonical Law, or whatever it is. You make your living being Catholic. I need to be Catholic to live.
You are as much of a sham as Caropi. Untouchable,above it all.
I cannot tell you how much distress is causes me to listen to this bullshit piety. I mean, Caropi is so obviously a fraud and a punk. I try to think you aren’t but I am far from sure this is the case.
Why do you keep repeating the lie that Father has ‘left the priesthood?’
Now everyone believes it. YOu sound like an apologist for the ‘other’ side.
If I may point out, there is another reason why someone would be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and that is because that the ministry that they are working in is very sensitive. Without being able to bind them under excommunication for disclosure (the penalty for a priest exposing the details of a confession) a lay person would be required to sign an NDA to keep everything said and everyone involved in confidence. Father Corapi has said on a number of occasions that he was working with a very troubled person. If his staff were privy to details of those sessions or of the people involved in those sessions then it would make sense for them to be required to sign an NDA.
Truth is, the church (all of us) will be better off without Corapi. Why EWTN ever hitched its wagon to that nut is anyone’s guess. Really hurt their credibility. Next scandal will probably involve Arroyo. He’s another loony.
My prayers are with Father Corapi and all involved in this situation.
We may never know the full story. Only God and the two people directly involved truly know all of the details of the events that transpired during that time. The rest of us can only speculate. Does it really help the situation? Or is it really a means of us sorting out our own feelings?
What we all need to do is pray, hope and don’t worry. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Pray for Father Corapi. Pray for his accuser. Don’t judge her. Pray that both find peace in this chaos.
Do not allow what has happened to cause dissension. Satan is having a field day with all of this and with our reactions to Father’s bombshell announcement. We need to keep our eyes focused on God. He knows what’s best. He is in control. The Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Himself, remains strong.
It’s doubtful to me that the non-disclosure agreement was intended to shield him from nefarious activity, since generally speaking an agreement contrary to public policy would be unenforceable in the first place. For example, you can’t use a contract to hide criminal conduct (which would include drug use and could include sexual relations—e.g., if they weren’t consensual). There may be more to this than meets the eye. Perhaps they were seeking sensitive financial data, which certainly could be protected by a non-disclosure agreement.
Thank you Jimmy! This whole thing has been very disturbing for me, and I cannot fathom the reasons he would “throw in the towel” so quickly, anymore than you can. I to would like to hold him as innocent until proven guilty. And even then want to be able to continue to pray for his repentance and (re)conversion to our Lord. God Bless you for using His gifts so well!
NONE of us know the facts behind the Fr. Corapi story. I think we can wait to announce his need for repentance and (re)conversion AFTER we find out what the facts are.
@Kathy16670
I said “until proven guilty.”
I wish Father Corapi would stop trying to turn the faithful against our bishops.
It is written that a house divided against itself can not stand. At this stage, we should all pray for God to intervene in our household and resolve this issue for His own Glory, and encouragement in our faith that our joy may be full. Both Fr. John Corapi, the Bishops and each of us are all members of the Body of Christ. As we are not spiritual orphans, we continue to seek the intercession of heavenly Saints and Angels in Jesus Name. ” Love one another as I have loved you…”
Gods will be done!
Amen
the nnshsfdfdresg kahnd mmgsd yudodnvb vafsddrd fndgrsv cjvhb v
Thank you for your well written and informative article. The time line is very disturbing. He certainly needs our prayers. It would seem that he has “gone off the deep end”, perhaps because of a return to drug use. I hope that I’m wrong.
Jimmy, can you please verify if this is true?
“[Priests] lives and obligations are very different. He may want to step away from his priesthood, but a priest he is, and that means that any public ministry without ecclesial approbation will be PROTESTANT ministry, not Catholic.” – Fr. Joe
http://fatherjoe.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/father-corapi-priest-or-black-sheep-dog/
If this is true, then everyone should be aware of it. Thanks!
Whether Mr. Corapi is guilty or innocent, one fact remains: every religion or belief system has had charlatans and false prophets. Why should anyone be surprised if this is indeed the case here?
Next time, instead of relying on wandering clergymen to learn catechism and theology, read the primary sources first and then ask questions of educated clergy.
Pope Benedict XVI has his own problems, since he himself is implicated in the cover-up of child abuse by a priest when he was archbishop of Munich in the late seventies and early eighties. Instead of handing the priest over to the police, the then Archbishop Ratzinger sent the pedophile priest for therapy after he had been accused of forcing an 11-year-old boy to perform oral sex.
The priest was moved around and went on to re-offend, and in 1986 was convicted of child abuse, one of many priests who were involved in child abuse in Germany at the time. The German bishops issued a public apology recently for what had gone on at the time—and this was a time when the present Pope was a major figure in the Catholic Church in Germany.
One thing seems clear now. The Catholic Church has lost all credibility and moral authority not just in the US, Ireland, Germany but in Rome as well.
One thing folks are overlooking is the fact of John Corapi being in recovery from self-admitted addiction to drugs and alcohol. I have found it necessary in my life to abandon things I treasured, including jobs and family members, in order to preserve my personal sobriety. Twenty years ago as a young seminarian I chose NOT to become ordained because my recovery was very new and fragile, and the Lord wanted me, above all, to maintain my dignity and honor as a newly recovering person. The stress and pressure of ordained life would have been overwhelming to me at that juncture of my life. I don’t pretend to know why Fr. Corapi resigned his ministry or if he has done the things he stands accused of. I only know that men & women in recovery are taught to place sobriety as their #1 priority, and the rest of life follows along. I hope Fr. Corapi has left his ministry for healthy reasons, and not because of a relapse into his addictions.
Jimmy,
I have read so many comments over the last week that I cannot remember all of the sites and comments any longer. I also confess that I have not read any of the above comments (at least not until now). I have listened to Mr./Fr. Corapi’s (I equivocate only because I don’t know if he can resign his ministerial priesthood without officially informing his superiors) 3 youtube postings several times each. Your posting is in total the most balanced, charitable and accurate assessment I have seen. Mr./Fr. Corapi has told us there are facts we don’t know and implies that we would believe all he says if only we knew. Yet, that is exactly his criticism of the actions of the bishop and his superiors that he implies he cannot trust. Being forced by circumstances to choose between a Church process and the resulting information obtained that I am not privy to and Mr./Fr. Corapi’s version of the same that I am also not privy to, I must choose the Church. To analogize to my marriage, I may not know why my wife does what she does, but she is my wife and I will stand in her corner every time.
Fr. Corapi is indeed the Black Sheep Dog. I do not see anything diabolic in that. Dogs are man’s best friends. Sheep Dogs protect the flock against wolves. Priests wear black robes. I think it is inspired by the Holy Spirit that he refers to himself as the Black Sheep Dog. Fr. Corapi has been ordained & is therefore given a special insight into God & God’s people. Fr. Corapi sees both in a true and loving light. He is true to God and to the Bishops. However, not all Bishops are in union with the church all the time. And, some seek to destroy those who speak the truth, all the time. So, Fr. Corapi needs to be protected from those inside & outside the church, even some Bishops. However, I have never heard Fr. John say anything that was against the church’s teachings & the bishops. He was careful to limit his speech. So, let us remember, even Jesus had an apostle that turned him over to be crucified. Yes, he was only one of twelve, but he certainly did damage to Jesus & threw His followers into chaos. Fr. Corapi would need to have folks sign non-disclosure statements to protect himself against those he knew would plot against him, in & outside his ministry. But, once a priest, always a priest. If he were to come to my area, I would welcome him as the ordained priest he will always be - in black robes - or not.
I am amazed of the varying opinions towards Fr.Corapi, most of them leaning towards his behavior of not being in compliance with his order or the Church.
Some food for thought:
1. What is the main issue that SOLT and Church hierarchy are concerned with regarding Fr. Corapi and Santa Cruz Media?
As SOLT stated-Fr. Corapi is invited to come back and live within the community. Don’t forget, there have been new rules that have been enacted since Fr. became a member of SOLT. (ie living in community, all personal profits are given to community etc). Those who live under an order go through a process of discernment, knowing fully the rules of the order when making their final vows to join. Would he have joined SOLT knowing this in advance?
Do we know if Fr. Coropi took a vow of poverty?
Better yet-do we really know what rules apply to the many diverse members of SOLT?
2. The initial allegation involved sexual misconduct by Fr. Corapi. This opened the door for a personal investigation of Fr. Corapi, to include Santa Cruz Media. The investigation was said to be impeded by a non-disclosure agreement that was currently in place. A lawsuit filed by Fr. Corapi shortly afterwards towards the accuser was for a breach of contract. This civil breach of contract (non-disclosure agreement) by a former employee most likely is not a release of information of sexual misconduct by Fr. Corapi, but for possibly something else (ie financial). Once this was brought to the attention of the investigators, they could not ask any further questions in relation to what was laid out in the non-disclosure agreement. By the way non-disclosure agreements almost always are connected to some type of financial disbursement (ie employment, business purchase, etc). This payout is given at the time of entering into the non-disclosure agreement. This most likely occurred prior to the allegation of sexual misconduct, not after.
3. There is speculation as to whether or not Fr. Corapi is following his vow of obedience.
We can only surmise what Fr. Corapi is being obedient and not obedient to. What we do know is that both SOLT and Fr. Corapi have stated he was asked to be removed from public ministry at the beginning, and it is currently what he is committed to doing.
4. Fr. Corapi is a very well educated individual. He knows the indelible mark of his priesthood is forever. He is not saying he is no longer a priest-but a priest that can no longer perform public ministry.
He also knows that internal church investigations (such as this, remove the public ministry of the priest) can take many years to come to a conclusion; therefore he would not be able to perform priestly functions in public during this unknown time frame. In this case, there is the non-disclosure contract involving many witnesses that may impede the investigation that could last indefinitely, possibly until the death of Fr. Corapi.
Of course there is always secrecy in any investigation. Remember we are only hearing ‘snip-its’ of what is really occurring.
Know that all of this is in God’s hands, and we need to pray for all involved.
Remember: Thou shall not cast the first stone…. (John 8:7).
Fr.Corapi should read his doctoral thesis on the suffering of the cross. He is feeling persecuted and falsely accused as was Jesus. Jesus did not walk away from the cross and neither should Fr. Corapi. Humility and obedience should be his response so a greater good can be brought out of this suffering he must endure. Resigning from the priesthood is, I feel, a terrible decision. His mission of teaching the catechism to millions of Catholics and non-Catholics was very successful and necessary to the renewal taking place in the church instituted by Jesus Christ. I pray that Fr. Corapi reconsiders his decision and remains faithful to his vows to be a priest forever. Let the investigation continue and let the truth be known. I will continue to pray for him and for us all.
I’m kind of frustrated here at what seems to be the misunderstanding (willfully?) of some of the posters at his “leaving the priesthood”. Of course he is always a priest. But the priesthood is a sacrament, and vocation, just as marriage is. He’s not “stepping aside” as some have said. He’s leaving his vocation. Yes, he will always be priest, just as a married couple, if living seperately (in union with the Church, same as Corapi, apparently), are always married. But both would be leaving their vocation. Correct?
he did’nt take a vow of poverty as far as i know and has been publicly told
I recall times in Fr. Corapi’s preaching where he quoted his own father, who taught him to “never lay down and throw the fight.” Yet that’s exactly what he’s doing!! In the face of injustice, a priest who professed solemn vows to us, his bride the Church, is now throwing the fight by walking away from his promises in the midst of what I agree to be harsh and unjust treatment by the hierarchy. But Fr. John, you say you want your message to continue to get out; this is a time when your actions of obedience to your vows can preach to us, just as Jesus accepted His harsh and unjust treatment.
I hear a lot of noise when I read these responses. It reminds me of the scripture story of Jesus raising the little girl from the dead. When he got to the house everyone was making a lot of noise. Wailing and crying and such. He said, “She is not dead, just sleeping.” They laughed and he chased them out and told the kid to wake up. Then he told the parents to feed her.
It is time we wake up fellow Catholics. Jesus is the Star, not Corapi. If Corapi is innocent it will be proven in time. We need to wake up and put this in Our Merciful Saviors hands and stop getting our shorts in a bunch.. Jesus can and will make it all right in the end. Leaving the priesthood is one dumb move. Since or God can raise the dead he can do anything. When we try to control a situation and give into fear we stop trusting this incredible God of ours. Since none of us were there we don’t know the truth. But the “TRUTH” does. Be Not Afraid. Pray and be at Peace!
While the resignation may seem strange,I can understand Father Corapi’s decision.Sometimes,as I have experienced first hand,one gets “fed up” with all the accusations and pontificating that occurs in these situations.
For Corapi,he may have reached his limit.He says ,in his statement that this is not the first time this kind of situation has happened to him.Everyone,I would argue has a saturation point and no matter how great the position or the privileges of that position,one has to cut the cord.Corapi did this as he intimates for his good and the good opf the Church already rocked by so much scandal.
If Corapi did not begin this trouble,he is ending it.
I wish him well.
Simply *listening* to his vocal delivery and his word choices, it is quite clear something is emotionally or spiritually not right with the man. He may have been effective in the past — I have not heard his work — but how anyone can not hear this latest thing and not think, wow, the guy is unstable… All the people defending him remind me of the scenario with Fr Maciel. Something is clearly and loudly not right. No one not already very biased towards him could miss it. He HAS lost it. Have ANYONE who does not know him listen to that thing, and I promise you the reaction will be the same: stunned disbelief anyone could think the performance was in the least bit helpful or convincing. It screams delusion.
Thank you, Jimmy, for a clear, succinct, charitable, and factual post. I too have found this whole situation troubling and am with-holding judgement as best I can. Meanwhile, the best any of us can do is trust in God’s mercy and pray.
By way of clarification, I just checked and theblacksheepdog.com domain is apparently for sale, while theblacksheepdog.us is Fr. Corapi’s actual blog.
I think all are MISSING the point of this trouble with Fr. C. Follow the money trail! The order Father belongs to allowed the ministry that Father C pursued. Then, changed their RULE so that they have reined in the priests that did “their own thing.” And why did they change the conditions in which Fr.C would live by if a priest in SOLT? THE MONEY HE MADE. They were 1. jealous of the popularity of his talks and 2. THEY want all the money he made to be turned over to the order!!! As I said, follow the money trail! Should a priest go out and preach and benifit financially from it? That’s another question. Fr.C did not break his vows; he never vowed to the issue of priestly poverty.
Let us pray that Satan has not won this round!
I share the sentiments of many that Fr. Corapi’s resignation is devastating to us who have been formed through his ministry. Even if guilty, an appology to the Body of Christ, along with his confession, would have been enough for me. I didn’t know about his financial and living arrangements. These seem problematic and placed him in on a collision course with temptation.
I will really, really miss Fr. Corapi’s preaching and ask everyone to join me to pray for him; thrown him a spiritual life line.
I find it funny that Corapi gets grief for defending himself and his situation by people who at the very same moment are defending themselves and the situation they created with comments on Corapi… with bold red caps no less.
The day you (JA) truly convert to the catholic Church, you will understand why all this.
Pray and sacrifice!
It would appear we will never know (unless the civil suit leads to an explanation). However, there is the human side of the priesthood that plays into how the individual priest lives his life and how the priest/order sustains itself economically. Perhaps Father Corapi and Father Sheehan could not reach an agreement on how to handle Father Corapi’s program (while taking in the income generated by his program(s)) that would make Father Corapi comfortable with the arrangement and free to continue his ministry. Priests aren’t noted for their economic & leadership acuity. It is a shame and a loss of a very effective ministry.
Let us pray for Christ’s Community, the Church, Its priests and bishops, and the Holy Father. Let us pray that God’s will be done and to submit freely, to open our hearts to his Divine mercy. Jesus Loves us, no matter what.
God, I dedicate my day and this upcoming week, my little sacrifices and my little deliberate walkings away from temptation, to Love within Your Church. May Her sufferings bring Her closer to Your sacred Heart.
Lord, look especially at Father John Corapi. Call him to prayer so that in doing he may do Your Will.
Lord I love You. Hear my humble prayer. I am but a sinner…nothing next to YOU. Grow my little faith.
When divisive issues like this confront the Church, we need to take a step back. First, we have to remove the guilt or innocense issue or risk not being able to move forward. The only people that know if the allegations are true or not are the players involved. Many people in a court of law are found not guilty, but,that does not mean they are innocent. I agree with your position that you/we don’t know for sure what happened and we most likely never will. Father is a leader in the Catholic Church simply by the fact that people follow him. He has a responsiblity to see this through, because, he may prevail-the Spirit willng. Nothing is gained by giving up at this point. If, in the end, he can’t find justice and needs to leave the Priest Hood because he has personal beliefs that lead him to, so be it! Good will judge his heart. Leaving this soon reinforces a world view of doing what is best for me without any sacrifice. This process has just started for Father, and, he gave up pretty quickly.
I met Father Corapi years ago when he came to my parish to give a talk. I knew by the way he treated me that something was wrong. I quit watching him on Ewtn but I didn’t tell anyone anything. Now this. I felt relief to know that I was not wrong but, of course I am praying for him. I think I understand Corapi some and he is not so much a “sheep dog” as a “lone wolf” which he was way before all this stuff came out. You don’t follow a lone wolf, they are not really leaders and they will just get you lost.Just a warning for those who might be his future strays.
*IF* what Fr. Corapi is saying is NOT true, then it will all come out in the civil court case.
*IF* what Fr. Corapi is saying IS true, then he is bringing justice to light, and aiding his brother Priests who are caught in the same stranglehold. (Falsely accused, guilty until proven innocent, bound and gagged so they can never prove their innocence.)
He is giving up his public ministry (WHICH WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM HIM ANYHOW.)
In his own words “The only thing I know for sure is that I’m not going to disobey the Church and attempt to “minister” as a priest, and I’m not going to lay down and die. I’m not ready to do that just yet.
So to set the record straight, he is not leaving the Priesthood, he is accepting that he is not allowed to minister publicly as a Priest.
So, let’s wait to see what happens in court. *Perhaps* he is not going to “lie down and throw the fight,” perhaps he is the toughest fighter to straighten out a broken system that penalizes Priests, regardless of their innocence.
It breaks my heart to learn of Father Corapi’s situation. He has been an insprirational voice in my Catholic formation during the past decade. His message was powerful and resonated so well, it seemed, among Catholic men who seek to serve Christ in truth and virtue. I won’t presume to know the facts surrounding Father Corapi’s case, but I believe that the evil one has targeted this man for some time now. I will continue to pray diligently for him. I ask Our Lord to bless him and grant him His mercy and peace. I, for one, miss Father Corapi and his words of priestly inspiration.
and peter was married so what.a church full of sinners imagine that?alas “i believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.“let him who has not sinned cast the first stone”.Fr.Corapi needs to listen to the authority of the church.pray for him his soul depends on it and so does ours. “Christ will come again”.soon!
JUst a few thoughts:
1 - Many people sign non-disclosure agreements, especially when working for people so prominently in the public eye and under scrutiny. Just look at Oprah - she has a tough one for people who work for her, and yet no one peeps about her.
2- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: until you have had to experience both discerning a call TO ordained ministry and then a call FROM ordained ministry, you cannot sit here and whine about how disturbing or shocking it is. Following CHrist means following where HE calls and leads—the saints are examples, sure, but then again, they where following where Christ led THEM. We all have our own callings.
3 - Placing the change of the SOLT structure so low in your timeline diminishes something very important. When you are called into a ministry under a certain setting, for using a particular set of gifts, for a specific purpose, it is not only hard but a breaking of faith to change the rules mid-stream and then expect full-conformity. I, for example, was called into the ordained ministry (protestant) under the presumption that teaching marriage in conformity with the CHristian faith meant between a man and a woman. The denomination I was ordained in changed that standard in recent years, even rewriting their disciplinary code to punish pastors who refuse to teach and preach in accordance with “this church’s (new) understanding of marriage, family and relationships.” I couldn’t, so I couldn’t stay. THat was MY issue. Fr. Corapi’s is different, but don’t judge so quickly where he is called and how he was called and what he has to do.
These are just my thoughts.
As much as your article says you are not presuming FR.Corapi guilty it sure seems like alot of mud slinging.He has not just been having a hard time these last three months but even since he was ordained since he shoots strait and tells the whole truth which put inumerous noses out of joint including his superiors. I truly believe heaven is on his side and there are many mysteries in life and this is definatley one but I know in my heart he did not just pick up and leave, he has known abuse for a very long time and this just put the icing on the cake!If he started his autobiography a year ago and his co. had the new name, make have nothing to do with the situation that happened now ,it may have been because of the years of abuse, so you see. we just don’t know and should not presume to think we know.
Satan is behind this for sure >He hates Fr. Corapi
I have been using Fr. Corapi’s Catechism series to teach Catholic adult education in my parish. My pastor, who is a doctor of Canon Law, made the decision for me to continue to use Fr. Corapi’s DVDs until this matter is resolved. The developments this week changed all that. In light of “The blacksheepdogs” decision to not cooperate with the internal investigation by SOLT, we are dropping using any of his DVDs. My pastor takes his role seriously to guard his flock and keep us in union with the bishops and the Holy Father who are in union with Jesus Christ Himself.
A sheepdog needs a shepherd. Faithful Catholics need to be guided by, and follow the bishops who are working in communion with the Vicar of Christ. This is why Jesus established His Church with His Vicar on earth, the Pope. The blacksheepdog appears to be teaching distrust and disobedience of the Church’s shepherds.
Amen to Dave and ms.
This is definitely a difficult situation, both for Fr. Corapi and so many who continue to pray for him in this time of need (whether he is innocent or guilty, which only Fr. Corapi, his accuser and God knows). We must not assume, judge, or give biased opinions. Our task is to pray for our brethren. Jesus is LOVE. Many saints were not understood and criticized, even martyred. Joan of Ark was burned on a cross. Now she is a saint.
Jimmy,I so enjoy it when you’re on EWTN Radio, but I have to say I’m so disappointed in your blatant lack of Christian charity in your article about Fr. Corapi and a seemingly hypocritical tone in your whole article.You may not be saying that Fr. Corapi is guilty, but you certainly are not sparing in the number of “sticks and stones” you are throwing.In spite the fact that you repeat that you don’t know the details, you continue your blatant negative comments!How unchristian can you get with you comments of a fellow Catholic!Catholics and Fr. Corapi doesn’t need enemies from outside the Church when he has many from within.
You disappoint me and as a Christian Journalist and radio personality and apologist, writer role model, you are not, when you use your pen in this way. Yes, “let’s pray for Fr.Corapi”, in one breath, then on another, let’s throw sticks and stones at someone already down” is so negative and unchristian message you publicly make. Please acknowledge that you were being uncharitably unchristian and unChrist-like to redeem your authentic Catholic reputation as being a true follower of Christ. Without Love and Charity, you don’t have anything else, Jimmy! MariluM.
Jimmy, I always appreciate your ability to sort out difficult puzzles into clear concepts. However, I do think you have missed the mark here—not because your reasoning is faulty—as always, it is flawless—but because you simply don’t have enough data to formulate a conclusion.
When this situation arose over Trinity Sunday weekend, I first wrote to Fr. Corapi urging him, as many others have, to suffer like the saints, even unjustly. Since then, I have been learning more details, including directly from his accuser(s), that give me pause. I realize I can neither judge nor advise in this case, because (a) it’s complicated, and (b) relevant facts are not available to us.
I will say I have been scandalized by the rush to (rash) judgment by some folks for whom I had, until now, tremendous respect. The frenzy seems to have died down, Deo gratias, and I am seeing more reasoned questions and comments. I can only suggest that we all read very gingerly, placing the best construction possible on Fr. Corapi’s actions.
After all he DID NOT leave the priesthood; he was stripped of his faculties because of a lone accuser, whose credibility is highly questionable. The authorities did not follow the mandated procedure in doing so. His advisers counseled him to seek civil justice, since he was not about to get it from the Church.
As has been pointed out, non-disclosure agreements are standard for persons in the public eye. That doesn’t bother me. Father has already had to deal with being accused of rape—even though he was in another state when the offense supposedly occurred. He still had to spend a great deal in legal fees, and ultimately the accuser admitted that he had come through her television and attacked her! This is the kind of thing celebritries have to deal with these days, priests or not.
I hope that our Catholic commitment to justice and charity will cause us to reserve judgment in this matter as well. The accuser may be just as delusional.
Corapi is a Liar.
More to come!
To jkm ( Posted by jkm on Monday, Jun 20, 2011 5:13 PM (EDT):There is an investigation (possibly several) ongoing into all aspects of the John Corapi story. Please pray now for the woman he so viciously defames (and has for more than a year) and places in jeopardy from his followers, who know her identity because he has been careful to place clues everywhere. ) What if someone I knew wanted to come forward with information about Corapi ?
Dave, you seem to think that God leads people to ordained ministry and then FROM it. Why would God lead someone away from solemn vows—vows taken in the process of conforming the person to Christ and commissioning him to serve His bride? That doesn’t sound like sacramental theology. I agree with just about everything else said here, except the whole business about leaving the priesthood. As much as Fr. Corapi might be right in everything else, the decision to revoke his solemn vows and diverge from the will of the bishops is what sticks in my craw.
To Corapi’s accuser. Please post the letter you sent to the Bishops.Please show us what you are actually accusing Corapi of.
Jimmy,
My thoughts are that I appreciate your clarity. I appreciate you following up on your previous blog. I tremble at the thought of what is to come as this has caused so much confusion, that is, the actions of a handful of faithful Catholics involved in this controversy. It is certainly eye-opening to see the range of comments and reactions. It has caused me to be much more deliberate in my critical thinking process.
And I appreciate your acknowledgment of the hurt that folks are feeling. It is devastating to see someone behave in an unexpected manner, especially when it is one who has traveled with us to a higher spiritual plane. My grief is deep but I somehow feel stronger now. I know how vigilant I must be now.
Thank God we have embraced the airwaves and can hear from many great minds! It gives me great hope.
I will keep it short.He knows more than you or I how things go at the top.He is still a wonderful preacher.We do not know all the facts.At least we are not dealing with Bishops or Cardinals who move bad preists from one church to the next in this situation. I am still on his side. JOE
It always angers me when I see people react to the actions (albeit alleged actions in this instance) of someone else when those actions are made public. It is as if they wish us to believe they have no darkness hidden from the world in their hearts. If only that were true! Our Lord would have never suffered and died if not for the darkness of all mens’ hearts. (To each of us): What would the world say if your secrets were known to all? Remember that they will be made known by God, to all, in the last judgement. We might hide our true selves from the world, but Our Heavenly Father sees what is secret.
Father Corapi has stated on his Facebook page that he is not seeking to be laicized.He is functioning only in the capacity he has been ordered to do. He can not present himself as a priest, hence the name John Corapi or the Black Sheepdog. If you would read the article written by psychologist, Marine Lieutenant Colonel David Grossman, you would find out that we are all either sheep, wolves, or dogs in our societal roles. Since Father Corapi had a checkered past, he refers to himself as a black sheepdog.
On Simon Dodd’s blog, Motu Propria he posted some very intersting information today.
“Incredibly, Sheehan( Fr. Gerry Sheehan SOLT ) admits that Corapi was placed on leave before any determination of credibility had been made about the accusations. That is made crystal clear: After three months, “SOLT had not arrived at any conclusion as to the credibility of the allegations under investigation,” and “if the allegations had been found to be credible, the proper canonical due process would have been offered to Fr. Corapi, including his right to defense, to know his accuser and the complaint lodged, and a fair canonical trial with the right of recourse to the Holy See.” Worst of all, Sheehan claims that this “suspend immediately, investigate later” model is “normal procedure.
Father Corapi has preached many times about the procedure for accused priest being unfair. Look at the priest in Boston , who was suspended twice, both times the allegations were proved wrong.That priest agonized over not being able to function as a priest that he literally died of a broken heart.Father Corapi was not charged with pedophilia, which would warrant being place on leave immediately while the allegation was investigated. Rather he was charged with conduct unbecoming a priest by a married women, who broke into his office, assaulted 2 employees and vowed to destroy him. This woman and her husband have tried to hijack his wesite. She has posted vicious messages on his Facebook pages and deleted any people off her Online Catholic site that say anything positive about Father Corapi’s predicament.
Father Corapi was told to imitiate the civil suit by former Archbishop Rene Gracida and Father James Flanagan,the founder of SOLT . Obviously they know more than any of us what Father Corapi has gone through, and they believe he is innocent, then that’s good enough for me.
Quite possibly Father has decided to fight for his civil liberties, a fact that Bill Donahue of the Catholic League has stated,“There is no segment of the American population with less civil liberties protection than the average American Catholic priest.”
Many have said be like Padre Pio and wait. The situation today is far different than when Padre Pio was alive in Italy. The United states bishops make the rules and they aren’t the same in each diocese either. A priest commented on a blog , that a fellow priest had been in limbo for over 3 years and is $30.000 in debt trying to clear his name. Meanwhile, the church does not support him, nor pay for his legal defense, or provide housing for him.He is living with family.
Father Corapi stated he had been accused of raping a women in Milwaukee. Three days and $5000.00 later in attorney fees, which he paid, it was determined he had never been in that town on that date and upon questioning the woman ,she told the detective that “Father Corapi jumped out of the TV set and raped me in my living room.”
How many young men today will turn their backs on a calling to the priesthood because they realize that it is all to easy to have your vocation destroyed by a false accusation?
As I see it, Father Corapi has no other recourse but to prove himself innocent with his civil case and present the evidence to Bishop Mulvey. That , or an exoneration from Pope Benedict XVI, are his only hope to the ministry God chose for him, preaching the Truth.In Father Corapi’s words, “The truth is not a something.The TRUTH is a divine someone, and that divine somone is Jesus Christ. May God grant him the justice that some of his fellow Catholics won’t.
Nick, If I were a priest with dark secrets? I surely wouldn’t want anyone to know.Maybe you should ask Corapi the question.
@ Harvey,
You stated “I agree with just about everything else said here, except the whole business about leaving the priesthood.”
This seems to have caused more confusion than anything else, and it doesn’t need to be. He does NOT want to be liacized. He is doing the only thing he can do, without disobeying the Church, and yet still have a chance to defend himself. He is giving up public ministry as a Priest, because he WAS ORDERED to do so.
Here it is in his own words:
So, he is not “leaving the Priesthood,” he is obeying what the Church is requiring of him right now.
Kathy, of course a priest is a priest forever, in the sense of the indelible mark imprinted on him at ordination. But surely you know that a priest can be laicized either by his own choice or forcibly by the Vatican. Fr. Corapi is leaving the priestly ministry on a permanent basis of HIS OWN choice (the restriction placed by his superiors was meant at this time to be only temporary). So I was not referring to the indelible priestly character imprinted on his soul. But realize that he is turning his back on the process laid out by his superiors, whom he VOWED to obey. This is what is meant by “leaving the priestbood.” Sorry for the confusion.
Harvey and Kathy,
Yes, he is always a priest, as Harvey says, indelibly marked.
But again, he at this time feels called, and to some extent ordered, to cease the public ministry. Yes, Harvey, he vowed to obey his superiors, but 2 things - one, the “temporary” nature is, in effect, permanent since they are unable to substantiate the crediblity, which for most people that would mean the issue is dropped and suspension ends—but it did not do so here for whatever reason.
2 - since they admit he had the right to choose his civil legal recourse, it also means that if he can’t fulfill his vows either, he has the right to step down from public ministry. But if he, like Jeremiah or Paul, has the Word of God burning in him, he cannot stop. Those who try to stop the TRUTH from being proclaimed can be within the CHurch as well as outside—at what point does one have to choose to stand with Peter and John and say, “Whethher it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” It does indeed get dicey when dealing with your superiors in the Church, but given some of the other details upstream (advice coming from both the former bishop and the founder of SOLT), something more is afoot. I cannot judge without all the facts, but certainly there are some individual within the hierarchy who don’t have the best interest of the Church in mind or deed.
I cannot “undo” my ordination just as I cannot undo my baptism (though people are trying!). Neither can Father Corapi.
As to the comment somwhere upstream about the “sheepdog needing a shepherd” he has one, the same one we all do. Jesus Christ himself.
Dave,
Exactly! Very well said.
Corapi setup road blocks in the investigation.Do not buy his products.This whole Corapi thing is a SHAM and a SCAM ! If 48hours did a little digging and interviewed persons in Whitefish & surrounding area they would have one hell of a story.
Because Father Corapi is a human being we must cintend that he is open to sin. Whether it is the sin that he is accused of or the sin of not allowing the investigation to proceed through his actions. You see, Father Corapi is a sinner like you and me, Paul(formally Saul), King David, or any of the disciples. Does this make his ministry - past, present, or future - any less relevent. God knew far in advance, since the beginning of time, what would be occuring and will use it all to His glory. Pray for all, learn from all, watch God’s work. It is truly amazing what He has planned and what He will do. Hebrews 3:13
I, too, am disturbed by all that has taken place. My first reaction was that Satan was attacking a powerful servant of God—for the very reason that he was a powerful opponent. Then things changed. All of Fr. Corapi’s comments, oral and written, have blamed everyone and everything else. Has there been one statement about his trust in the Christ he proclaimed so well? I have sat and cried as I’ve remembered his very words about other priests who were accused and his part in helping to remove them. He even said that they could always continue as priests in places where they could pray and work. He told them to confess their guilt take the consequences like men. He talked about our perfect Lord being falsely accused and continuing on to the cross; yet he couldn’t continue for a full three months! I’ve neither heard nor read anything that even hinted of the humility he taught us about. I loved this man and perhaps placed too much faith in him, but I still pray that he will come back—stronger, more faithful, more humble—and give us the word of God as only he can.
If Corapi spoke one shred of truth ” present & future ” the answer would be Yes! If Corapi continues to use his so called priesthood as a vehicle to support his non priestly lifestyle the answer is No!
There are a couple of points you missed in your observation piece. 1. Fr. Corapi, in his own words, said he had been advised by others in the Church, former Corpus Cristi Bishop, etc. to file a civil lawsuit in order to ensure a fair judicial process. 2. Fr. Corapi says he has not left the priesthood. He has left public ministry which is what he wasn’t doing much of under the past circumstance. So, how do you reconcile your “observation” with what has been said by Fr. Corapi himself? You seem to make more assumptions in a way that lead to conclusions without as you say “not having the facts”. If I were you, I would refrain from making any commentary until the facts are revealed. Otherwise, you will contribute to a division that would not be helpful to anyone.
I agree with Selma: You speculate and thereby contribute to a great division. Fr. Corapi is and will always be a priest; Padre Pio was removed from public ministry, imprisoned in his cell by his bishop for ten years, but still remained a priest. Our Lord will not abandon
Fr. Corapi in his hour of need, he has been tending His sheep just as He has requested. “Some gather while other scatter”. Dear Father Corapi many of us love you! Many of us believe you are innocent! May God forgive us.
The non-disclosures were probably put in place due to all the issues Fr. Corapi had with people trying steal from him. He says on his site that he has been under attack for over 10 years…I’d probably have non-disclosures in place, too. Having non-disclosures in place aren’t by any means “red flags”. They are common in most businesses, especially among high profile people.
Regardless if his accuser is lying or not, she probably breached the non-disclosure agreement when she was complaining to church authorities. If she mentioned in passing even one thing from her employment (i.e the name his website, the book he planned to publish, etc), that was enough for Fr. Corapi to file a civil suit against her. And if she is lying, who can blame him.
Does anyone have information/statements from his other employees who said this woman was disgruntled when she left and promised to bring him down? I can’t remember all the details but it seems like I remember hearing something like that.
Would the accuser consider postinf the entire letter ?
For all of you so eager to jump on the “condemn Fr. Corapi” bandwagon.
I would urge you to go back into recent catholic history and recognize what all is done to any priest with a Marian devotion who condemns the corruption within the catholic church. He is basically shuffled off to no-mans land after a good old fashioned character assination. Perhaps none of you have the “eyes to see” whats really going on here. Mr. Akin can do all the research and speculating he wants but to me, all of that is pointless. Perhaps a better past time for you right now would be to put those investigative skills to better use….take a close look at Father’s critics and many threats he has had to live with over the years and reach a more accurate perspective on the situation. I can no longer support your writings or the houses that publish them (catholic answers). Perhaps you have given me an idea for a book…..good, holy priests of the 21st century and the people who tried to destroy them with a follow-up of the
“fruits” of these priests and the “fruits” of their enemies.
Since it is 3:30 am and all I’ve been doing is reading blog after blog this is going to be short. I’m started to get the idea that some folk just don’t like Fr. John Corapi and others are loyal to him. Oh, and others always play the “middle”...
From what it looks like..sides are starting to form or should I say more Catholics (like me) are starting to learn that we have the right and the left in the church itself…
one thing I can’t stand now-n-days is EWTN… from what I gather its not mother Angelica’s anymore…now anyone could tell that she was a “real” person…other individuals on EWTN…look like professionals to me…really BUT I still love to watch because even though I want real tv…I understand that the world don’t and will never evolve around me…Im part of the Jp2 gen…. I respect jp2 so much and his life left a deep conversion in me that even my deepest sin can’t completely rip me away from God….He was actually a fighter….but then again, this is just one man’s opinion….
Once again, Jimmy, I appreciate your ability to organize the thoughts of so many of us regarding this situation.
More disturbing to me, however, has been the behavior of many of Father Corapi’s supporters. A successful effort to ‘out’ the accuser was launched and the attacks on her (all in the name of love and healing, you understand) were amazing. The extent of her accusations against him were equally amazing - if true, we are talking about a monumental cover up and con job against everyone from EWTN to the average Catholic in the pew.
If false, we are talking about a circle of sickness that is wretched to watch.
Unlike Dan, this is not about playing the middle. The truth of the matter is I do not know what the truth is regarding the accusations made against Father Corapi. I cannot offer anything other than an opinion on his behavior and I think it is childish, cowardly, and indicative of the type of tantrum throwing I would expect from someone used to getting their own way and lots of attention.
SO - since I am not a Catholic because of any one priest, I can only hope that those caught up in the scandal and sadness will find their equilibrium (sp?) and take up their crosses and keep on trudging the road.
Father Corapi is in my prayers.
And so are you, Jimmy! Thank you again!
Mr. Aikin,
How easy it is for you to forget your own conversion. Whether you’re stating the truth or not, don’t you even stop and think whether what your writing is fruitful or not. What is going on in Fr. Corapi’s life is not your business. Your obligation is to shut your mouth and pray really hard. You belong to the same church so keep your fingers crossed if you really care. I advise you to go to EWTN YOUTUBE (20th of this month) and listen carefully to the sermon of FR. Wade Meneses, por favor. It is addressed to all of us, and that includes you, Mr Aikin. Always think of the consequences of what you write no matter what reasoning you have,WAIT TILL THIS THING IS OVER and let the result be the will of GOD. You’re a catholic,right? Don’t use the word FANs , instead use the word “faithful”, for those who really listen not to Fr. Corapi but as the priest chosen by Jesus. You’re just not helping our church. You know, ever since these things happened, I started to really pray the rosary everyday for Fr. Corapi and also for people like you and the others who can’t keep quiet. The devil is also using you to serve his evil intention. You work for EWTN, so you have the obligation to use your talent NOT in a destructive way.(If you know what I mean.)By the way, you know the word “DETRACTION”, which is serious sin, observe silence and you will understand. If you really think you are a good Christian, why not write about something that would NOT lead anyone to sin. Nobody really knows the truth yet, right? PLEASE, start praying for peace and love to all. That is what we all need, I’m sure. I will pray for you, too.I’m sorry for being blunt but there is a need to tell you this truth. I used to like some of your articles but this one can make anyone really tired. If I were you, I’ll use that talent in much better ways, to please GOD.
Your sister in Christ,
Nora
Thanks for your analysis which is considerably more level headed than many I have read. You are the only person I have read that points out that the black sheepdog image was intended for an entirely separate situation - i.e. the launch of his autobography in happier times - though some of your respondents seem to have misunderstood this. Fr Corapi seems to be saying that his court action is actually about defamation of character - which I feel would be quite appropriate, rather than attacking her for breaching a non-disclosure agreement - this is a hugely different situation; the first is a just and fair response to an allegation he says is false, the second would look like an attempt to silence her. Finally, many people have picked up on the statement that Fr Sheehan made about SOLT trying to rectify situations of priests who joined before their 1994 Constitution, and have taken his comments to imply that Fr Corapi has tried to hang on to his independent earnings. But I know that other SOLT priests who have independent earnings have also not been told to stop doing so. The fact that SOLT say they are in the process of rectifying the sitation doesn’t mean that Fr Corapi has disobeyed an instruction to change the handling of his money and put it under SOLT’s control.
This Corapi dude is a phony. I heard someone is doing an independent investigation on Corapi. The word in town for the past several months - ” Corapi is a sexual predator and womanizer”.Some people are claiming the guy drinks too much, acts like a playboy in public and makes sexual inuendos.Something ain’t right about this guy.
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates, “We piped for you, and you did not dance; we wailed for you and you did not mourn.”
For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, ‘He has a demon;’ the Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
What about the ‘talk of the town.’
Protestantisim is sliding faster down the slippery slope of relativism (i.e., if one has “faith”, everything else is relative) with no alternative being presented. A majority of Catholics may decide whether the most anti-life President in history will be reelected 18 months from now. The Holy Father declares a new evangelization and shortly thereafter the most effective Catholic homilist in the English speaking world is silenced.
At least consider that there could be another side to this, and cut Corapi some slack until more facts are in.
A nonsense accusation (any accusation will do) comes up. Then: 1. Suspend him immediately. 2. Take away all assests and put him where he can be kept under watch. 3. Let it drag on until he is too old to do anything or he is dead.
Taking away assests means the inability to provide for legal counsel, which would be the only recourse to someone who is being put out to pasture while a so-called investigation drags on for a decade or two. This talk of “reintegration” into his religous community is missleading. How is one reintegrated into someplace one was never integrated in to begin with? How does one return to a place they have never been? All assests would include the media company as well. No voice, no legal defense. May as well put him on a boat to the Gulag.
A black sheep is not always someone who did something wrong, but someone who did what they thought was right despite the popular trends and also someone not liked by their peers for being right too many times. E.g., Billy Mitchell was a black sheep in the Army Air Corp, and Chesterton is a black sheep in 20th century English literature classes. And being a sheep dog shows more humility than being a sheephearder, does it not? A rebel? Well, if one bucks the trend of a feminized priesthood with wish-washy theology and meaningless homilies, then fine.
I don’t care about Fr. Corapi. I don’t trust any one who thinks a black dog is a good emblem of Catholicism. Get rid of him and keep him out of the news. He’s just another embarrassment. Priest and all men, need to stay away from women and children if they are not their wife or family member. That’s it.
Jimmy,
What happend to your most recent post about whether we should trust anyhting else that Fr. Crapi produces? Did you get censored?
As a loyal, monthly financial supporter of EWTN, and with EWTN having recently purchased your news organization Nat’l Catholic Register, I am APPALLED at the OFFENSIVE, AND DISTURBING title you chose and that your editor approved—“Fr Corapi Has Lost It”. Your “play on words” only hurts the victim and brings further controversy and division.
You, NCR, and EWTN should know full well the importance of making every effort to report this in a respectful, professional manner. Your title was a smart-aleck, disrespectful, brazen piece of work that does nothing but feed the fire. Have you no shame?
You claim in big, bold, red letters that you don’t claim to know whether Fr Corapi is innocent or guilty and that you’re just presenting the facts. Where have we heard this before? Oh yeah, it reminds me of those ridiculous, false claims made by the mainstream media, trying to spark controversy by sensationalizing the news for ratings, and attempting to influence the public with their hidden, disturbing agendas, all the while claiming and trying to give the “illusion” of being fair. Some do it willingly and openly, while others like to “think” that they’re doing a fair, balanced job (it’s either deceit or denial, pick your poison).
I suggest you take a looong, hard look at the type of work you’re putting out and think about how you can either help or hurt the church, and now EWTN’s reputation, an organization (and church family) that many respect and support, like myself. However, if the unprofessional, controversial, and disrespectful work that your doing continues, I assure you, it will only hurt you, NCR, EWTN, and our Catholic church in A LOT more ways than you can possibly imagine (spiritually, psychologically, financially, etc….) Think about it. Pray about it. Long and hard.
I know what pressure from bureaucracies can be like (after working at the VA Medical Center) and what fighting an uphill battle can be like. I have lost respect for Fr. Corapi as a priest and a man. His message regarding suffering is credible in and of itself but hypocritical for him to preach. This “Black Sheep Dog” concept he has invented is meaningless to me—- I would not buy his autobiography or continue learning from him. I am considering whether I should continue watching his catechism tapes—- the mere thought of looking at a fallen priest who left a situation under a great cloud of suspicion before waiting for truth to come to his side (if it ever was on his side) makes his preaching a farce. From my perspective, he ran from a fight that could have been his crowning achievement and a witness to all his supporters. Even if he was wrong, he could have publicly repented (being such a public figure and the great potential for scandal) and those around him would have still loved and supported him. He has let me down. I thank God I always suspected he was slightly ego driven and not faith driven.
Calling the video he released ‘diabolical’ is simply preposterous. Snarling wolves are diabolical? Clearly, this is how Fr. Corapi sees certain forces in the Church, and he may well be right.
As I’m sure you are aware, Christ protects The Church from error and evil, but not churchmen. He made it clear the wolves would co-exist with the sheep, even in the hierarchy, until the end of time.
But some Catholics can never really seem to get their minds around that critical Church/churchmen distinction.
The whitesheepdog has a question. whitesheepdog.com
Quit whining C. Blogs like this only serve the church in a positive way. The quicker we root out loonies like Crapi, the quicker we get back to the church Christ intended.
Bloggers heads up. Stop blogging and go to the chapel and Pray, Pray Pray.
Judge not lest you be judged.
Detraction and gossip abound on the internet.
Listen to Mary who said “listen to Him”.
Pray, Pray, Pray.
Mike Shannon
Dear HEAVENLY FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, Please sustain Fr. Corapi and other priests during their battles, comfort them in their loneliness; comfort then in their failures; make their hardships fruitful and pour into their hearts, your Divine Heart’s love.
Guard the church against the wiles of the devil dear Lord as we seek St. Michael the archangel to strengthen his battle on our behalf and prevent the ruin of souls. Please Lord, may your Holy Spirit speak to our sinful hearts to refrain from judging and pray for redemption. We ask you this through CHRIST OUR LORD…AMEN
Real Catholic, I think your prayer worked. “Guard the church against the wiles of the devil dear Lord.” Corapi is gone.
I think the very first comment to this article, posted by Rita M, should have been the last as well “Only John Corapi and God know the truth of the matter”. All speculations by readers, bloggers, and everyone else not involved personally in this case is just that…..speculation. Leave the man alone, let this take the course it’s supposed to take, and how about this…. actually pray for him rather than just suggest it.
“Quit whining C. Blogs like this only serve the church in a positive way. The quicker we root out loonies like Crapi, the quicker we get back to the church Christ intended.”
What a mature and charitable comment! Insulting a priest (and in a childish fashion) by calling him a name like “Crapi” is a terrible thing to do and likely sinful, depending on intent. (It should be apparent to any sincere Christian that this is unacceptable regardless of his guilt or innocence.)
Apparently you are presuming his guilt, based on - what? That you don’t like his voice? Or is it that you don’t like his straight orthodoxy? Could you tell us, please, if you accept & believe ALL Catholic teachings yourself? That is - are you a Catholic in good standard? (For any Catholic who rejects ANY official teaching is not.)
He may well be guilty. I don’t know. Of course, orthodoxy is no guarantee that someone avoids serious sin. However, anyone who does not realize that Fr. Corapi has done much good for the Church in the past must not be very fond of the true Church, I would say.
My previous comments stand:
- Calling that image of wolves “diabolical” is simply imprudent assumption or exaggeration. *I* did not get such a feeling and neither did others I know.
- It’s an absolute fact that there are wolves in the hierarchy. There always have been, but in the last 40 years many have reached places of prominence. Anyone who doesn’t understand how this could be doesn’t understand the Church. Try reading “Goodbye, Good Men” for starters.
“Only John Corapi and God know the truth of the matter”. All speculations by readers, bloggers, and everyone else not involved personally in this case is just that…..speculation. Leave the man alone, let this take the course it’s supposed to take, and how about this…. actually pray for him rather than just suggest it.”
AMEN!
What we are seeing here are sins of IDLE GOSSIP and PRESUMPTION OF GUILT. We should HOPE AND PRAY that Fr. is not guilty for the benefit of his soul and the health of the Church.
It is amazing to me that we seem to have people that hate him, that call him names, and that seem to WANT him to be guilty. Why?
Fr. John Corapi could have released the witnesses in question from any part of the non-disclosure agreement covering the specific allegation his superiors where investigating.
His failure to release the witnesses in question from the the non-disclosure agreement does not seem acceptable or reasonable.
Fr. Corapi’s superiors had a right to interview witnesses as part of their investigation. Better his superiors than the District Attorney’s Office. Everyone, thus is at a loss, trying to imagine why Fr. Corapi would want to derail his superiors’ investigation.
Fr. Corapi has behaved more like a “religion entrepreneur” than as a pastor of souls. He has acted as if protecting his business assets were more than important that safeguarding his spiritual assets and the spiritual assets of those who look to him for spiritual guidance and leadership.
Whether or not Fr. Corapi is guilty or innocent of the accusations against him, by his latest conduct, Fr. Corapi has conceded satan a tremendous victory.
I agree with most of what you posted, Dr. Armesto. That was a reasonable and fact-based comment.
(This whole thing should not be about “taking sides” for or against Fr. Corapi.)
Since the accusers won the case, Let come forward and be recognized. Right now, they are nameless and faceless individuals. I find it interesting that they would remain annonymous if they felt that their accusations had merit.
Corapi is old and creepy.My girlfriend works in Whitefish and Corapi has tried to hit on her more then once.My girl is 23 and he’s 67 or something.Doesn’t anyone get it? The dude ain’t right.
Its obvious Jimmy Akin you are desperate to swing things against Fr. John Corapi and build up a following to go against him, but remember dont take people for fools they can see the snide comments and insiuations. You know exactly whats going on and I wish you could be truthful about it. You make it sound like its a battle you need to be seen to win. Bear in mind God is watching, and the truth will win out hope its not too late for Fr. John to see justice being done. Remember the false accusations against Michael Jackson (which I never believed in the first place)when after his death his accuser came clean.
Fr. John is following his legal council the proper thing to do, after all they have years of experience and could tell he would not get a fair hearing. if you had a burst pipe, you call the expert a plumber, had an electrical fault, again you call the electrician.Also a bishop and a few priests also advised hih to go legal. WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Also I believe Fr. John knew this was coming it was no secret, as he spoke the truth and we know the truth can be bitter to many clergy and politicians whom he made reference to , what a brave man to have the guts to stand up for truth and my advice to you is sit back and let your legal team do the work for you ,and concentrate on keeping up the good work and getting Gods message to the world. God gave you a talent and He wants you to use it ,not to lock yourself away in a monastery,thats fine for those who choose that, but you didnt, and your choose 20 years not to do it but to preach and suddenly an excuse was found to take you out Jesus did not do that , He preached and told his apostles to go and spread the good news, theres your answer Fr. Corapi and obey Jesus law and not man made law.May God Bless you and look forward to your new ministry, and you are always a priest to me.
I think that infatuated people are in denial about what is right in front of them.
His foreboding “black sheepdog” name, the devilish picture to go with it, his website page (can’t he see that the three logos directly under the sheep are arrange to look like “f”, then an arrow pointing up, then “you”???] with its lack of any recognizeable Catholic or Christian symbols on it, all point to the same thing - to the prince of this world, who clearly seems to be the influence behind his revamped public persona.
And that includes his repulsive new look. And it looks like the joke is on Fr. Corapi, because the evil one has inspired him to imitate one of his favorite looks.
I can’t get this out of my mind: http://fumare.blogspot.com/2010/10/whats-going-on-with-fr-corapi.html
The above was written in October 7 of this year. Here is a report on his Oct. 30. conference from an attendee, “Chris”, who blogged:
“Your NJ event was ridiculous. It was supposed to be about Spiritual warfare and 75% of it was about your gun, your lifestyle, your ranch, your wearing a wire for investigators, then you charge $1000 plate dinner in order to speak with or meet you. You can’t even make your gift of preaching available to people at a decent affordable cost. I’m sorry but you lost your way and following your superiors may in fact help lead you back.”
This report says that how he looks with his new look is how he acts publicly. Not good.
To Eliza10…You referenced an attendee of Father Corapi’s Oct 30th conference in NJ. The 75% is an absurd exaggeration. You really should not be posting other people’s comments unless you know the facts yourself. It was one of the best conferences I’ve seen, and I’ve seen many, on TV and live.
Which leads me to that blogger’s next gem: “You can’t even make your gift of preaching available to people at a decent affordabe cost”. Oh, no? You can’t get a lot more affordable than free, can you? Father Corapi appeared every Sunday night on EWTN for years with his Catechism series….seen it? It’s free. How about his many lecture series, three times a week, also on EWTN? Doesn’t cost a dime. Should I also mention his radio broadcasts? Yes, all of his talks are available for purchase, but you just sound ignorant and opinionated if you don’t do a better job with your research.
Do not give rash judgment. READ FOR YOURSELF the web site www.blacksheepdog.com
God love you,
corrected: www.theblacksheepdog.us
I have a good friend who is a priest and was falsely accused of misconduct 10 years ago. He was finally cleared 3 years ago. His superior went to the bishop and asked that he be reinstated. His superior returned with more restrictions. His superiors continue to pile on additional restrictions because they are worried about bad publicity. His name has been trashed by the press and his reputation ruined. He would say that Dr. Corapi made the wrong choice. However, Dr. Corapi is not the first priest to quit in disgust over the investigative process. My understanding is that the president of Loyola University of New Oreleans also quit because he found the process unjust. The reason we have a presumption of innocence is that it is almost impossible to prove you are innocent. As one canon lawyer told me, “To be accused is to be destroyed.”
I think the people who still are supporting John Corapi are like the fans of a baseball team, when their player is accused of using steroids or other illegal substance. As long as he is on their team they root and cheer for him. Then I think about Roger Clemens and the efforts that he is going through in the legal system. I never was a fan of Roger and personally I suspect the allegations are true, but I didn’t see him quit after 3 months. For a priest to quit after 3 months is preposterous. For a priest to live the lifestyle that Father Corapi lived can only lead to temptation. We are all sinners. He should have avoided temptation by living in community with his order and depending upon God for his livehood. A priest should not be a millionaire. For all of the comments about the orthodoxy of his preaching, do not be smug or in any way feel superior that you are in the truth. A true saint doesn’t need hours of talks to speak to the heart. He is an entertaining speaker to many people but that doesn’t make him holy. If you really want orthodoxy or to hear holiness, read anything by Mother Teresa of Calculta. She says more in one sentence than the hours I sat through at the Oct 30th conference. The 75% comment posted by Eliza10 is about right. What bothered me about the talks were his mention of his personal trainer he called his Queen of Sheba. What is a priest doing with a personal trainer is one question I had but the other was the thought that his queen was not the Queen of Heaven. In all of the talks and his conversion story at the end that was retold, something was missing and that was gratitude to God for his mercy to Father Corapi for what God had done for him. If it was there I missed it. The other thing that bothered me was seeing the sales of the DVDs for a price in excess of $100.00. He might not have been charging the organizers for the talk but he was going to make a pretty penny. Just like he was on EWTN and the radio for free but he was getting free advertising - priceless. Now I got an email from the Ba Ba Blacksheep and I quote ‘The Author and focal point of Christianity, Jesus Christ, said that “He came to set the captives free,” and that He willed that we live in the “glorious freedom of the children of God.’ My thoughts - A) He is demeaning our Lord and savior by reducing him to the focal point of Christianity. B) If he is not in public ministry as a priest, what is he doing? I mean he is publicly preaching, even if it isn’t the truth. The only conclusion left is that he left the priesthood. Although I am disappointed in Father Corapi leaving the priesthood, which is the greater offense to what anything he might be accused of, I am not surprised because he left himself open to temptation.
Paul B’s comment has a lot of insightful comments, I think.
He has/had a personal trainer? Ok, well, I am still learning things about the man, and to say that is odd for a priest to have a personal trainer is about the nicest thing that could be said.
My issues with people here were:
1) Taking glee in his downfall.
2) Name-calling (“Crapi”) - amazingly uncharitable and immature.
3) What I would call exaggerations such as calling his wolf images “diabolical”. Ok, there is some subjectivity here, but to me that is really over the top.
Yes, this is something the Church community needs to discuss, but with Catholic charity and concern for his soul.
I am sure his poor mother has been let down by him giving up the priesthood. He got her hopes up when he became a priest and now… sad. But being aware of his history it isn’t the first time he has disappointed her.
Pax et Bonum!
To recap, we should keep several things in mind regarding the accusations against Fr. John Corapi.
• FIRST, a good priest’s primary concern is the salvation of souls, not his own hide. As a good father, he will be concerned about the possible harm to the faithful under his care, rather than with the possible harm to himself as the accused or his business/financial interests.
• SECOND, to avoid any appearance of impropriety, a person of integrity without hesitation will ask to be placed under administrative leave until an accusation of this nature is properly investigated by his superiors.
• THIRD, innocent parties assist and cooperate with investigations; guilty parties resist and obstruct investigations.
• FOURTH, non-disclosure agreements are intended to protect business and proprietary secrets, not immoral behavior or criminal misconduct. Any attempt to use a non-disclosure agreement to hamper or derail an investigation into immoral behavior or criminal misconduct is clearly a sign of guilt.
• FIFTH, Fr. Corapi could have released the witnesses in question from any part of the non-disclosure agreement covering the specific allegation his superiors where investigating.
• SIXTH, failure to release the witnesses in question from the non-disclosure agreement undermine Fr. Corapi’s credibility and appearance of innocence.
• SEVENTH, Fr. Corapi’s superiors have a right to interview witnesses as part of their investigation. Better his superiors than the District Attorney’s Office. Everyone, thus, is at a loss, trying to imagine why Fr. Corapi would want to derail or hamper his superiors’ investigation.
• EIGHTH, regardless of Fr. Corapi’s guilt or innocence, it is right and just to applaud and give him credit for any and all good he has done. You don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. Neither do you destroy a man because he succumbed to temptation in a moment of weakness. If he did something wrong he “earned” and should accept the punishment, in the exact same way he “earned” our admiration and applause for the good he has done.
• NINTH, the failings, shortcomings or sins of a member of the Church, be he a Pope, a priest, or a layman, do not in the least diminish neither the holiness of the Church’s teachings nor the validity of the Church’s mission.
• TENTH, in all cases similar to Fr. Corapi’s, I have always said that if such accusations were ever made against me AND I was innocent, I would challenge my accuser to a polygraph examination alongside myself in a public plaza for everyone to witness. Whenever, I do not see this type of candid and open response, doubts do arise as to the innocence of the accused.
Sadly, Fr. Corapi’s response is more like that of a “religion entrepreneur” than that of a pastor of souls. This is what is most disturbing of all. He has acted as if protecting his business assets were more important than safeguarding his spiritual assets and the spiritual assets of those who look to him for spiritual guidance and leadership.
Whether or not Fr. Corapi is guilty or innocent of the accusations against him, by his latest conduct, Fr. Corapi has conceded satan a tremendous victory. Let us keep Fr. Corapi, and all our clergy, constantly in our prayers. May Almighty God help them to be virtuous and brave!!
Perhaps, Patt, what is making our Blessed Mother sad right now, is how her other children are treating him.
I think the devil is really pouring it on right now, he’s running out of time. He’s going after those who have really made a difference in this world and wants to shake the faith of the followers of these people. I think specifically of Mel Gibson, Fr. Eutenuer, Fr. Corapi and probably many more to come. Preaching to the choir here but our world is becoming so pagan, we really need to offer up sacrifices to our Lord for mercy on all of us.
Mel Gibson, no doubt, was attacked by the devil - with temptation, as we all are (although of course perhaps he had it worse). And he gave in. It’s about as simple as that, isn’t it?
I don’t know enough about Fr. Eutenuer’s situation to comment but just hearing of it months ago was a blow to me.
OK all you Corapi lovers, here it is, once and for all, from the homepage of NCReg:
SOLT’s fact-finding team has acquired information from Father Corapi’s emails, various witnesses and public sources that, together, state that, during his years of public ministry:
— He did have sexual relations and years of cohabitation (in California and Montana) with a woman known to him, when the relationship began, as a prostitute.
— He repeatedly abused alcohol and drugs.
— He has recently engaged in “sexting” activity with one or more women in Montana.
— He holds legal title to over $1 million in real estate, numerous luxury vehicles, motorcycles, an ATV, a boat dock, and several motor boats, which is a serious violation of his promise of poverty as a perpetually professed member of the society.
Now stop trying to defend or justify this crazy man’s behavior. Leave the cult of Corapi and get back to the true faith.
I read it earlier.I never believed a word the man had to saay.So who is he sexting and having sex with now? I wonder if it’s his office manager Bobbie Rufato ! Has anyone heard from her through out all this? Makes me wonder if she is his mistriss.
Uh oh. This won’t be good for his new business venture. But if this message board is any indication, he’ll no doubt continue to have numerous followers who are just sure he’s innocent and will throw even more money at him, to help as he battles on in this time of “spiritual warfare.”
I think his business ventures are over.If the man has one shred of decency he will shut down his websites and can the book.The man is sick for sure.
What made him so famous (and rich) in the first place? Let’s see…oh yeah, EWTN.
I can always tell when my kids are being dishonest. They squint a little bit as they begin weaving their web of lies. My husband and I call it “half eyes.” Corapi always has the half eyes.
This is very sad. It’s sad for Corapi, sad for his fans, sad for those
who benefited from his preaching and teaching and publishing.
I commend the Catholic press for covering it fairly.
Corapi isn’t the first person who, apparently, sought to be something
more than his own personal failings.
Now he’s been tragically exposed of one who could not live up
to his public image, or the task of moral leader that he readily embraced. also17
All are hurt, including his victims.
The good people at EWTN must be very sad.
There are no winners here.
Corapi has considered himself a black sheep because of his past and also recently because several religious leaders made it clear to him that they didn’t want him around any more. This is a spiritual battle. Fr. Corapi was very orthodox in his preaching. A sheep dog protects the sheep from the wolves. Fr. Corapi knows there are false teachers right now who are spreading a gospel different than the one that has been handed down to us. As a sheep dog he will protect the flock. The fact that the picture is intense just reflects the seriousness of the sheep dogs duties to me. I would be surprised if he made this decision to leave the priesthood in the last three months. It seems more reasonable that he has been praying about it since he has been getting pressure from higher ups to leave public ministry. Hard to convince everyone there is no more sin when he’s out there letting us know there is. And then an accusation is thrown. And he isn’t allowed to question witnesses or know who his accuser is. He isn’t given any civil rights. He only knows he’s not wanted even though he preaches the true faith, he’s indefinitely suspended and souls are at risk. If he is not guilty our faith teaches that he should offer all this suffering in reparation for sins and offenses against God and for the conversion of sinners. That act would bring more grace than leaving the priesthood. He said he is “not ready” to be silenced yet. I understand his feelings because I have seen firsthand the abuse of ecclesial authority and it makes you question whether you need to obey “unlawful” authority or abuse of authority. Jesus submitted to abuses of authority by the scribes and pharisees, soldiers and those who mocked him as he carried his cross so I would err on the side of caution and pray for Fr. Corapi to reconsider. Fr. Corapi hasn’t disgraced the Catholic Church to me. The Church is disgracing itself with the Catholic legislators voting records (and no excommunications) and the way it is handling its own business.
Sigh…here are more details (an official statement from SOLT as of today):
http://www.ewtn.com/news/blog.asp?blog_ID=2
Harvey, Thank you for the update. I pray Fr.Corapi complies.
I feel sorry for Mother Angelica. She built something that will forever be sullied. Those that question her motivations have the actions of Father Corapi that will enable them to further destroy what she was able to do. The devil is alive and well and if this is true of Father Corapi we must all be on guard. My prayers continue for a man who changed many non-catholics mind about this great gift, this faith. I pray for Mother Angelica…
Theresa, I don’t think Mother Angelica is sullied by the actions of someone else. Where God is working the nasty one is busy trying to tear down. Computers and emails are so susceptible to hackers, I pray the info SOLT has is bogus, but if it’s not I pray Fr. Corapi does return to the order under obedience and get his soul in order. If it is true, so many people could have spoken up much sooner. God have mercy on us all.
Once again, hero worship is proved fatal.
Roger, Only if you put your faith in Fr.Corapi as opposed to the truth of the message he spoke.
I wonder what the charge of “improper sacramental practices” means.
If the Legionnaires of Christ can survive Fr. Macial’s scandal http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=93550 and if EWTN can survive Ken Roberts scandal http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/dallas_bishop_suspends_father_ken_roberts1/, then, with prayer and fasting, we can stay humble in the midst of John Corapi’s issues. Post Script: In the future, we need to question the embellished claims that prominent persons (like Corapi) state about their teenage and young adult years. This reminds me so much of former evangelical comedian Mike Warnke http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Warnke
Mother Angelica is a wonderful woman, a wonderful nun, she’s not to blame for Fr.Corapi’s sins. She has been sick for awhile, but I believe with her “street smarts” if she met him, talked to him later in his career on EWTN, she would have known something was “off”. She couldn’t condemn the message, but might have had a gut feeling, many of us had.
To be fair, Father never really was a part of daily EWTN, he had taped shows, that were shown over and over, the catechism being the main one. He rarely made appearances and then some were telephone calls. I never saw him say mass or be part of the EWTN celebrations but he might have done that. He said, back when his civil suit against a doctor was on, that they didn’t pay him (don’t know if he was complaining) but let him put his website after his show on the credits. He never seemed to be comfortable with people and all that most priests do on an everyday basis.
Maybe they heard gossip, but what could they do if he denied it? Hey Father, I hear you have a girlfriend, is that true? If they took him off without proof, can you imagine the rabid fans reaction and others?
I don’t blame EWTN, no one is perfect, and I know Mother, if she knows, must be very hurt, but her suffering his helping many, including Father I hope.
I always felt guilty doubting Father. I didn’t very early on, but the more I repeated his stories and got “those looks” I realized I was enamored with him and the story, like a good movie, but wasn’t really thinking, is this true.
It bothered me that so many things happened to him in a mystical way, but he didn’t want to live a life giving to others except in talks. The rest of his life was very secular.
He had visions of angels or our Mother, he had someone come to the rescue with money to have him go to the seminary, he got many degrees, one defense of his thesis he said he had to do in another language he didn’t know (and did well) he had a prostitute girlfriend become a Carmelite nun, he carried a priest out of a crack den, it would all make a great movie, but if embellished or made up, is just sad. When you lie a lot, as my mother would tell me, no one knows what to believe anymore.
With so many graces, if all true, maybe his life so far from God, made the addictions come on stronger. I don’t know what to believe anymore, it’s easier to discount it all.
Corapi could clear a few things up: 1..Release the accuser from the non-disclosure agreement..2..Post a copy of the non-disclosure agreement..3..Take a polygraph..4..Post a copy of the letter sent to his Bishop..5..Post copies of all phone records and most important TEXT records..6..Have his office manager Bobbi Ruffato and all past /present employee’s testify to his crediability..7..Post records of all charitable donations to Solt and other catholic charities he claims to have given money to ( tax deductable so records would be available)..I believe he is guilty.I a man were innocent he would would continue to evade the and distract.Like the old saying ” Beatin around the bush”
Corapi could also have an independent investigation conducted if he wanted his named cleared…
Corapi has his response up today on the Black Sheepdog site.
He wrote that to obey his superiors and submit to them would be to “crawl under a rock and wait to die.” My question to him is: Why is that a bad thing? Jesus crawled all the way to Golgotha and died. Why can’t Fr. Corapi imitate His savior and put obedience above the desire for self-preservation?
July 8th: someone made a comment that SOLT should have sent some of their Brothers/Priests/Sisters to live with John Corapi since he didn’t want to return to Community - I laughed when i read that because I could imagine a bus arriving at Corapi’s ranch in Montana and everyone getting out, ringing his door bell and cheerily greeting him with: “We’re here!!!” Seriously though, if we are to follow Christ then we are called to die to self - to obey those in authority over us even if we disagree except if they ask us to sin. Can authority be wrong - sure, but if someone has a vow of obedience, it doesn’t mean to obey only when you agree. I do believe SOLT does have some responsibility in all this - they should never have permitted someone with Corapi’s background to go off on his own…surely they must have checked up on him; surely there must have been communication during all this time. All we can do now is pray for everyone involved…
The way I see it, there are 3 possibilities:
1) Fr. Corapi’s orthodoxy was applauded by SOLT’s Founder, Fr. Flannigan, and then Bishop Gracida. When SOLT’s founder was replaced, and the Bishop was replaced, the 2 new leaders caved to the liberal authorities, and tried to “sweep him under the carpet.” (That would explain why both Fr. Flanningan and Bishop Emeritus Gracida advised him to file a civil defamation suit. They said it was the only way he could receive a fair trial.) If this is the case, we need to pray for Fr. Corapi.
2) Fr. Corapi may have slid into addiction again. He did have serious health problems, and being exposed to addictive medication could have triggered an addiction problem. (This could possibly explain some changes we have seen recently, like the black goatee?) How often did he publicly ask people to pray for him? He’s human, and a sinner just like the rest of us. He’s under WAY more attack than most of us can imagine. If this is the case, we need to pray for Fr. Corapi.
3) Fr. Corapi may be guilty just as his accusers say he is. Since he openly talked about his past life, and sins, I have a hard time believing that he wouldn’t openly admit to it, and again ask us all to pray for him. I really don’t think he would continue to try and deceive us about it. But, if this is the case, we need to pray for Fr. Corapi.
If it is #3, then I can’t imagine he would take the case to civil court, and air it in front of the whole world (nor would his order’s Founder, and his past Bishop advise him to do so.)
Does anyone know when the case will go to court?
I’ve read his accusers side, now I am waiting for his court case to find out Fr. Corapi’s side. Until then, Lord please keep one hand on my shoulder, and the other hand over my mouth, so I don’t spread calumny and gossip.
You know, when I sit in Mass after this, I’m not going to be able to evade the idea that people who think like you-all are probably sitting right next to me. That’s scary.
Hey Harvey,
SOLT sounds like a really nice outfit okay. Putting your accusations out in a press release without a trial and all. Nice. Why don’t you go join them if they’re so great?
midwestlady: It’s obvious that you didn’t understand my comment, which included the quote from Fr. Corapi about crawling under a rock. It is NOT my wish for him to go away and wait to die; rather, I was pointing out that he needs to be obedient even if he feels that it is equivalent to crawling under a rock. I meant that it’s a good thing to be obedient, not that it’s good for him to go away.
The reason I don’t go live with SOLT but he should is that I DIDN’T MAKE A SOLEMN PROFESSION OF VOWS OF OBEDIENCE, but Fr. Corapi did. From what I can tell they are indeed a fine society, but that’s irrelevant. My comment was to point out that Fr. Corapi is violating his VOWS. I have no idea whether the accusations are true or not. But he needs to be true to his vows to the Church, even if that involves something that is indeed unjust to himself. Clear enough now?
midwestlady, I just want to clarify your comment. Are you saying that people who think like I do would be scary for you to sit next to at Mass? I ask because you made your comment after my post.
What I saw in Fr.Corapi’s latest video was a man that is deeply hurting. I know I would be if all of my so called friends on World wide Catholic TV, radio and the internet ruined my name and reputation by not providing the full story. There is no mention about the statement from Bishop Gracida about the advise both he and Fr. Flannagan gave to Fr. Corapi through a SOlT priest who personally flew to Montana to deliver that message “to go about a civil lawsuit to get a fair hearing”.
I never heard Fr. Corapi speak heresy. He always spoke with such passion about the Catholic Faith. Give the man his day in court. I believe he deserves that. Don’t you? I am scandalized by the way he has been treated than the acusations made against him. It is sad and alarming to many but I am not surprised however by him being thrown under the bus by the present leadership of SOlT. The inside politics and cover ups of practicing homosexual priests by the hierarchy in this country is disgusting. My husband and I have personally experienced it. Very few priests and lay people have spoken out against this filth. The Divine Justice of God is not only comming down on this country but also the Church here in America. We all better prepare ourselves.
It looks as though Satan strikes again ...and wins again. The devil is making great head-way in destroying the unity of the Catholic Church one priest at a time. He only targets the “good” priests. He has already conquered the ones who have not left. They are still in their positions so they can continue to help him in his distruction. Only when our Blessed Mother and her Son decide will the truth be known. Pray for our Catholic religion and for ALL who are in authority. They need our prayers NOW.
The Blessed Mother has provided warning and direction through her gracious and generous apparitions…it is up to us. Look to your priests and bishops…we must holdthemto accountability.
Bloggers who were quick to tell Fr. Corapi that he was violation of disobedience should be just as vigilent to let Liberal Bishops know that it’s not ok to vote for pro-abortion and pro-homosexual candidates, no matter what political party they belong to. These two issues are direct violation of the doctrine and if such Bishops refuse to say in very direct terms that people who vote for such politicians are committing sin by doing so, then they too will be guilty as charged. I’m still waiting to hear from Church authorities to tell me what Corapi preached that was in direct contradiction to Church doctrine. I’m not referring to the accusations that have resulted in the scandal. I am referring to the public teachings he gave prior.
I am elderly person and I had never felt such a bad sensation as when I looked at Father Corapi website of the Black Sheep Dog. Jimmy Adkins was right. I felt that sinister feeling looking at those eyes of that dog to the point I had to exit out of there as fast as I could.
My prayers are offered for Father to the VIrgin Mother of God. She picked him out of the slime and cleaned him up. This priest admitted he reached out to Mary at the start of his recovery. She will not abandon him thought he might have slide back into the slime. I feel she is waging battle with Satan over him. She will triumph! Pray unceasing for all poor souls and for each other.
Can you confirm that Father Corapi actually entered a process by which a priest leaves the priesthood? Or has he merely left active ministry so that he can pursue his civil right to sue those he believes are slandering and libelling him? Can you confirm or deny his claim that SOLT’s founder gave him permission to establish and run Santa Cruz, and that Santa Cruz has given a good sum of money to SOLT or its charities?
Since you quote SOLT abudantly, have you made any attempt to interview Corapi, or even his primary accuser? (Hint: she’s on your Facebook friends list) I recently read a letter by the bishop in which he strongly criticizes SOLT’s handling of the case and the USCCB guidelines for dealing with accused priests. Care to find and reproduce it? Or better yet, find and reproduce some of the accuser’s own previous interviews in which she rants incoherently like a bipolar lunatic.
Strive for objectivity in your research and coverage, Mr. Akin.
Mr. Elohim, if Corapi’s own behavior has not alerted you to the fact that something is very fishy your spidey senses need re-tooling. A bizarre, vague, evasive non-denial of a statement? Going around with a dyed jet-black goatee and black leather jacket? And how about starting a *business* that is about as Catholic as your nearest Unitarian church? I wanted to believe he’d been wrong at first, too, but open your eyes.
PaulF:
We don’t defrock priests for wearing black leather jackets. As for the bad dye-job, he recently underwent months of heavy chemotherapy. That should be evident by the rapid weight loss and hair loss, as well as the fact that he publically wrote about it. Nothing you said even remotely relates to the points I raised.
Here is some of the material Mr. Akin and other self-appointed judges would introduce if they were real journalists. One of Corapi’s chief accusers was recently arrested in Florida for violence. The woman in question apparantly stole his rosary that was blessed by the pope, and is trying to auction it on eBay. Excellent witnesses, right? And one of them is on Akin’s friends list? Nice…
http://jrpresearch.org/blog/20?11/07/07/solt-independent-fact?-finding-team-must-have-missed?-this-stuff-please-rt/
Michael, your link is bad. Doesn’t work. I agree with you that if true these are mitigating circumstances, but for me BY FAR the strongest evidence against him is CORAPI’S OWN BEHAVIOR. A good priest - BY DEFINITION - values his PRIESTHOOD ABOVE EVERYTHING. A good priest humbly submits to authority *even when unjust*. St. Padre Pio, that most excellent Servant of God, did so - he suffered persecution much worse than what Fr. Corapi is getting even if what you allege is completely true.
Your statement regarding the leather jacket is a non-sequitur, of course. I did not intimate that a priest should be defrocked for dressing as he does, but rather was pointing out that HE CHOOSES TO NOT DRESS LIKE A PRIEST. Come on - he’s all but ceased to be Catholic! Look at his website. No offense, friend, but I cannot get my head around the notion of a well-formed orthodox Catholic any longer coming to Corapi’s defense on this matter. The people left are those caught in his cult of personality. And, by the way, I do indeed believe the hierarchy is full of wolves. Corapi has made his own bed, sadly. And it is very sad.
Months of chemotherapy? I never read that. He said they thought he had a tumor but they were wrong. He had a vitamin D deficiency which is much easier to treat. Please don’t say he had cancer when he didn’t.
The weight loss he contributed to a diet and personal trainer.
What the accuser supposedly did was wrong, whether she understood it to be that way, re the rosary, but I’m not sure it was stolen, he might have given it to her, adding that part, when you don’t know is not right.
Also she worked and her husband still does as an independent contractor for John Corapi for many years. If she was that bad, shame on him for having her so close, there are more layers to it. Her husband wasn’t fired, she was. In Jimmy Akin’s file on the civil suit, she was banned, her children and husband, with permission, were not. It even said she could speak to her husband (?) because he did work for Father C, although she was banned from talking and visiting his workplace herself.
So there is more than meets the eye and you might never know all of it. He might just drop the suit, I don’t see it on the webpage for Montana civil suits. She was asked in that suit also not to talk about him for 5 years, again, that legal-ease I’m not sure about, but that might be why she is so quiet.
Corapi ” The Dawg ” is a vile over sexed addict. He is not who you think he is. The man is a 64 years old priest( well that’s his cover anyway ). In reality he’s a dirty old man with a taste for booze and women. OPPS ALMOST FORGOT - UMMMM - HE LIKES SEXTING TOO !
It’s kind of too bad comments aren’t moderated here to spare us idiocy and gross, unnecessary uncharity.
PaulF > how do YOU know it’s not true ? Anyway what I said WAS being charitable. So get over it.
Being one who left the priesthood because of mental illness, I can’t help but think after reading much of Fr Corapi’s information (including the differences in voice modulation and the stark tone of his written messages)that mental illness might be involved. This IS NOT an accusation, but an observation. Either way, whatever is going on in his life seems to be overwhelming him and he certainly needs our prayers…as do all priests and faithful believers.
I am saddened that Father Corapi has chosen to leave the priesthood. He doesn’t know just how instrumental he was with me. I joined the Catholic Church a little late in life (I’m now 69 years old).
I think it would be better if he would not quit (that can be done later if necessary), and simply take a leave of absence. Once things get straightened out he could return, perhaps in another capacity. But I ask him not to leave the priesthood.
Turn things over to the Lord, and let Him deal with it.
I’ll continue praying for him.
Thanks,
Ted
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