Like many bloggers, I’ve been getting requests for information on the situation with Father John Corapi. I don’t know him personally, and I don’t have any insider information, so that leaves me in the same position as everyone else: trying to figure out the situation based on the information that is available.
I’ve looked at the official statements that have come out so far, which Pat Archbold has been helpfully linking and quoting, and I’ve been reading commentary on the subject on the blogosphere and around the Internet.
I thought I would comment briefly based on what I’ve been reading.
I’ve seen several people say that they hope that the allegations made against Father Corapi aren’t true. I most definitely understand this reaction. It is entirely natural, upon hearing of something horrible, to hope that the report is not true, or at least not as bad as what is being reported. When I hear of a disaster somewhere in the world, with the death toll estimated at whatever figure the media is naming, I pray that it is lower than that and that fewer people have been harmed. Hopefully someone did some bad math and the truth is not as awful as thought.
In the case of one person making a set of allegations against another person, the situation is somewhat more complex. So far as I can tell, the allegations may arise from one of four things (or a combination of these things):
1) The allegations are due to a misunderstanding or misperception.
2) The allegations are due to a delusion (i.e., mental illness).
3) The allegations are due to a lie.
4) The allegations are true.
According to Father Corapi:
On Ash Wednesday I learned that a former employee sent a three-page letter to several bishops accusing me of everything from drug addiction to multiple sexual exploits with her and several other adult women.
The language Father Corapi uses is somewhat ambiguous. “Everything from” could mean that there were additional, unmentioned charges or it could be hyperbole and the two actual charges were drug addiction and “multiple sexual exploits.” If there were other charges, these have not yet been revealed and so it is impossible to comment on them.
The charge of drug addiction is one that could potentially fall under category No. 1 above. I could envision, for example, a scenario in which Father Corapi (who has had significant medical problems) might be on painkillers or muscle relaxants or other prescription medications and, entirely innocently, someone might misperceive this as drug addiction when, in fact, it’s not.
The charge of “multiple sexual exploits with her and several other adult women,” however, does not seem to be a good candidate for this category. If Father Corapi had used different language, this might have been otherwise. If he had simply said “improprieties” then that would leave the door open to claims of sexual harassment, and sexual harassment is the kind of thing that can be the subject of misperception, misunderstanding, etc. It is quite possible for things to be said between coworkers that are meant to be playful or joking or even just complimentary that nevertheless end up being taken as sexual advances or even sexual intimidation. But to say that the employee has charged Father Corapi with “multiple sexual exploits” suggests something far more concrete and far less subject to misunderstanding.
If this is so then these allegations would seem to fall into categories 2, 3 or 4.
In that case, what does hoping that they are not true amount to? Seemingly, it would amount to hoping that either 2 or 3 is true. That is, hoping that the woman making the allegations is delusional or that she is lying.
If she is delusional, then she would seem to be quite delusional — and, in fact, gravely mentally ill — if she believes wrongly that Father Corapi has had sexual “exploits” with her when in fact he has not. Further, her delusion is even projected onto other women, with whom she also falsely believes Father Corapi to have had such exploits.
If she is lying, then she would be sinning, and sinning in a particularly grave way because she would be accusing an innocent person of grave sin with multiple exacerbating circumstances (he’s a priest, he’s very well known, it’s a sexual sin, he’s religious and thus has taken a vow of chastity — not just made a promise of celibacy — and the Church has been reeling from sexual scandals in recent years). If she’s lying, she’s telling an abominably horrible lie that is gravely, gravely sinful.
Of course, things are also appallingly horrible if No. 4 is the case and the accusations are true. In that case, there is a very well-known priest who has taken a vow of chastity who has violated that vow multiple times with multiple women — with an unknown degree of their cooperation, and in abuse of his sacred office — at a time when the Church has been reeling from sexual scandals.
This makes hoping that the allegations aren’t true a little trickier.
It would seem straightforward to say that category No. 2 (mental illness) would involve less evil than category 3 (lying) or category 4 (veracity). Category No. 2 involves a non-moral evil, while categories 3 and 4 both involve grave moral evils, and grave moral evil is by nature worse than non-moral evils. Still, even if the mental illness theory is true, wishing this to be so still involves wishing a grave evil on someone.
One also might argue that the lying theory would involve less evil than the theory that the allegations are true — that it’s worse for a priest to do these things than to falsely accuse him of doing so. This is certainly arguable, though it’s somewhat tricky and subject to counterargument. The Church has no well-worked-out theory of what grave sins are worse than others. Once things get into the mortal category, what is worse than what gets much iffier and subject to debate. In particular, a priest falsely accused of such things might be inclined to question the idea that 4 is automatically worse than 3 (i.e., is it worse to have actually done these things than to have a lie that they have been done bring down a reputation, a career and a ministry that has helped so many and could help so many more in the future if the lie had never been told?).
Even if one thinks that 4 is automatically worse than 3, wishing 4 false still involves wishing something else that is gravely evil to be the case.
So I find myself a little uncomfortable in light of these reflections.
The situations brings to mind a passage I read some years ago in a book about Judaism that described a strand in Jewish thought which held that, in knowledge that something horrible has occurred, one should not wish it on someone else based on self-interest. For example, according to this book, if a Jewish person were driving home and saw smoke ascending from his block in his neighborhood, he should not pray that it was someone else’s house that had burned down, rather than his own.
It’s certainly natural, in that situation, to want it not to be one’s own house that has burned down. That’s only human, and based on the divinely inbuilt instinct to have more care for our own selves and those close to us than those more distant.
Yet “Love your neighbor as yourself” provides a counterbalance to this that must also be taken into account.
I know that I as much as anyone had the initial impulse, “I hope this isn’t true,” when I read of the allegations against Father Corapi. Upon reflection and asking the question, “What would that really mean if they aren’t true?” I am less comfortable.
Regardless of how options 2, 3 and 4 should be ranked in terms of objective horribleness, I find myself squeamish wishing either grave mental illness or grave sin on another person.
For this reason, I find myself inclining more toward the prayer, “May the truth — whatever that is — be swiftly and accurately established so that justice for all the parties may be served.”
Perhaps Father Corapi himself had this in mind when writing the last line of his statement, where he said:
All of the allegations in the complaint are false, and I ask you to pray for all concerned.
What do you think?
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“May the truth—whatever that is—be swiftly and accurately established so that justice for all the parties may be served.”
“All of the allegations in the complaint are false, and I ask you to pray for all concerned.”
These are the 2 most important statements in your post. Perhaps the only important things in your post. I think you are well intentioned but are making the reaction of the faithful more complicated than necessary. Personally, I hope that the allegations are proven false but have no thoughts or wishes on why they are false.(Other than the evil one is working overtime) I am not wishing she did evil, not do I wish that she is ill. I only hope and pray that the truth comes out. If the truth is #4, while awful, it really only proves what Father Corapi has said all along, that he is a sinner, capable of falling and in need of prayer. If #4 is the case, and he is repentant, then I hope we will forgive him and let him rebuild his life and ministry. If we can’t or don’t do that then shame on us. I know people will be disappointed and it will be scandal to those who don’t understand forgiveness, but for those of us who do, what a wonderful opportunity to live out our faith. “....as we forgive those who trespass against us….” For me, these are put up or shut up moments.
God bless.
Spot on, as usual Jimmy. No one clarifies issues better than you.
All I can say is if the allegations are true, my heart will be broken, for I think Fr. Corapi is a great speaker of the Catholic Church and have learn alot from him—Becuase of him, I even picked up a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church! And I love quoting him :“Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.”—If these allegations are true, I feel we should do the same for him (Love the sinner, hate the sin).
I’ve been praying for Fr. Corapi daily in hopes that the allegations are not true and poeple do not find him guilty prior the investigation…
To Ann who made the first comment, Amen! Well said. I agree with you whole heartedly. May God’s mercy rain down on all us all. Especially those involved in this situation.
This is not the first time Fr Corapi has been the target of misguided accusations. Several years ago some folks accused him of wearing military medals he did not earn. Fr. Corapi was in the U.S. military and some said Fr Corapi was making implied embellished claims about his military service. All this proved to be a pile of bunk.
My thoughts on the current situation: Fr. Corapi was once a philandering rich playboy and drug addict. I suspect he was once involved with the woman who is accusing him, but the question is when. I doubt the accusations are really true but there may be a kernel of truth as “hell hath no fury as a woman scorned!” Most probably Fr Corapi had a brief affair and broke it off and then comes the accusation of far worst than reality. That is just my opinion and I would be entirely wrong. We
I felt like I was reading a script for Monty Python. Father Corapi has said the alligations are untrue and I believe him. May we hold him up in prayer until the accuser reveals the truth.
Could Fr. Corapi or the woman, being upset/shocked, have used poor word choice in describing the accusations? (i.e. saying “exploits” when they meant “improprieties.”) If so, 1 could still be possible.
Thanks, Jimmy. My family and I are praying for all involved, especially Fr. Corapi.
We need him and other HOLY leaders like him in the church and in our country. May God continue to raise up more in our country and world to help us.
The Entenauer situation is what is really affecting the guessing on Corapi…..can two heroes fall so close in time. Leave it be with perfect neutrality and pray but pray also for the Japanese and the mideast. 18,000 people dead and we’re over worrying on one man who’ll be fine in the long run no matter what….if you pray for priests daily. Meanwhile that nine year old Japanese boy who looks for his parents each day with his two signs has bigger problems than Fr. Corapi.
I put my money on #4. We may not like that outcome, but I just have this feeling in my gut.
Ann…..RIGHT ON!
Bill, I have another take on the Corapi/Japan world-wide situation. If we pray for priests everyday, as we should, then the little Japanese boy and people all over the world will be closer to God and better off because of the Sacrifices of the Mass and the people the priests equip to be the hands of God.
These things are all interconnected.
I tend to agree with Ann. Just because I hope Father Corapi is innocent, it does not follow that I wish any kind of evil on his accusers. That’s like, if someone says, “You look nice today.”, and you accuse them of implying that you normally look like crap. Whether there are degrees of mortal sin is not an issue, but there are certainly degrees of scandal. You must admit that #4 will cause exponentially greater scandal than #2 or #3. That said, it’s sort of silly to actually pray that it isn’t true. It either is or it isn’t; not even God will change that. The whole story about seeing a distant fire and praying it’s not your house, that’s kind of silly too. It’s either your house or it isn’t. God is not likely to transfer it to another house because you prayed. And I don’t see that if you HOPE it’s not your house, that you are HOPING your neighbors are being burned to a crisp.
I do not believe a word of the accusations!
I think people simply mean “I hope he is innocent” - which does not involve hoping that someone else has sinned by making the accusation. There might be all kinds of circumstances that would relieve the accuser of subjective guilt.
Furthermore, hoping that something is true has no causitve force to bring about another person’s guilt. The person is either guilty or not, regardless of my hoping, wishing or praying. Just as my hope that my house is not burning does not cause the fire to engulf someone else’s house.
I hope that most Catholics by now realize that we are living in an era where there is a full frontal attack on Catholicism by the Evil One. We have to remember that Our Lord warned us that, regarding his followers (and I believe particularly his holy priests) “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.” We are living in an era where this is being done in spades.
Having said that, we fans of Father Corapi, know what a powerful force he is against the Evil One. His own life story, powerful conversion, and active ministry in combatting the Evil One, makes him a unique target of Satan.
Having said THAT, I hope all people will realize that along with being a holy priest, Father Corapi like all of us, is a human being. IF, he has failed to live up to his vows, truly only God can judge him, we as his brothers and sisters must forgive him. And remember that Our Faith rests in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and always. We must pray for Father Corapi and all involved, for healing and forgiveness will be required whether he is guilty or innocent.
Jimmy, face it. Any woman could accuse you or me of some sort of abuse in this kind of society and we would be assumed to be guilty as charged. This is just not a problem for priests. Until false accusers are punished severely with fines and prison time in the legal arena, this trend will continue. False accusers are too often dismissed with light penalties as being “psychologically unbalanced.”
Because speculation, I think, is fruitless in this situation (so little is known!) - I’m trying to discern where I need to keep my focus as the average Catholic (easily discouraged with the heros).
http://nodaisies.blogspot.com/2011/03/of-accusations-priests-and-other-heros.html
Haven’t helped at all. A wasted exercise. Everyone wants to say something but no one knows anything. So why say anything?
Spiritual warfare is alive and well in 2011. In the Church, as well as in America, a man is innocent until proven guilty. Father John Corapi has spent years standing against the devil, and now he is being attacked. As Catholics we know to hold judgment and speculation. We also know that prayer is a mighty weapon.
Isaiah 54:17
“‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,’” declares the LORD.
While it’s true that we don’t know how to compare mortal sins (although the Commandments are given in order), Fr. Corapi’s *allegation* that the woman is not telling the truth can be compared with the woman’s initial allegation against Fr. Corapi. If the untruth of an allegation is more evil than the underlying sin alleged, then Fr. Corapi’s statement being untrue must be the worst possible evil of all. Therefore we should hope the woman’s statement to be untrue, for it is the least evil possibility.
How about “hell hath no fury”? a fifth possibility - Blessings - Rene
I find that this much speculation only exacerbates the waiting to find out what really happened. I am a new Catholic (joined the church at the 2010 Easter Vigil). Father Corapi is the first Catholic priest I ever listened to and thought, “what really can be so bad about being Catholic?”, after many years as a Protestant. So if he is guilty I will be especially disappointed. But in the meantime, with the scant information available, I find too much speculation equivalent to sportscasters trying to predict which team will win based on previous performance and match-ups. Sometimes they are right but quite often they are wrong.
I can’t wait ‘til we find out the truth. This is kind of exciting. I was getting bored with Libya and Japan coverage
I concur with @Evan that it is possible (though perhaps remotely) that Father Corapi and the woman are both confused to some extent and that no moral evil took place.
The woman could have misunderstood what was taking place and justly reported her concerns to the bishops.
Father Corapi could have misunderstood some aspect of the woman’s concerns.
So, while we’re fishing for something to hope for, this seems like a possible, though improbable, explanation where no moral evil took place.
In all cases, Jimmy’s right to pray for the truth to be revealed quickly so that all parties may receive justice.
If it is #4, that would also mean that Father Corapi lied in his statement.
I hope that the allegations aren’t true, but I agree with you Jimmy, the truth being discovered is all that matters and all that will enable healing for all involved, including us outsiders observing the situation.
Right on Corisa…Father Corapi has spoken ..and declared he is innocent of all the allegations. There should be no further comment until the “verdict” is announced. Especially damaging are these scurrilous
blogs such as we have here…where the writer goes on and on with imagined and implied scenarios….as if he (she) were privileged to some kind of extrasensory perception regarding the matter.
Come on already!! You are damming Father with not even “faint praise” with your prattle and a gossipy tone. It has to be sinful behavior on your part…these blogs with their false suppositions are at least calumny if not worse! One have to believes from the number of Catholic bloggers doing this ( The Anchoress, Mark O"Shea, etc) that there may be some colusion here…the blogs are so similar! Like 3 day old fish it stinks!that so many are seemingly out to kick this priest while he is down with their sly innuendoes. I am finished reading any and all of these people as they are acting without the bounds of Christian principles…and have
placed themselves outside the bounds of credulity. Why bother with them by any further reading!!! Adios!!!!!!!!!
If a lier sticks by her guns, how can someone be proved innocent? Men do not get much benefit of the doubt when accused of sexual improprieties by a woman.
In the other hand, Father Corapi has a prior history of drug addiction and sexual adventures before he repented and became a Catholic Priest.
Either way, his career will be damaged and possibly ruined, whether he is innocent or not.
Jimmy, I think your attempt to put into practice the commandment to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ is admirable. But analyzing this situation by putting your neighbors into Categories 1-4 doesn’t sound like love to me. If my son was ever accused, I would hope and pray he was innocent. I would not try to figure out which category to use to analyze the situation. And I don’t think you would either.
I think Fr. Corapi is man enough, catholic enough, and priest enough, that if were guilty, he would “man up” and face up to his wrong doings. That is, if he were guilty. Just my opinion. Time will tell.
I like your thought process and love your clarity.
However, just because I say “I hope this isn’t true”, it does not therefore mean that I hope the accuser is mentally ill or lying. It only means that I hope Corapi is innocent. I can say “I hope Corapi is innocent” without implying that I hope the accuser is mentally ill or lying, right?
I think Jimmy was trying to analyze the situation for the benefit of those that read this blog since there has been so much speculation.I have been reading all kinds of comments from “he’s innocent” to “I’m not surprised this has happened”. I have read comments about the accuser being a victim to Fr. Corapi being an opportunist. One particular blogger who should definitely have known better,in my opinion,committed the sin of detraction. I had no qualms in telling him that he should go to confession.
We all need to take a deep breath and wait for more information. None of us are in a position to declare anyone “innocent” or “guilty”. We can only make those claims when we have all the facts.
From a personal perspective my heart will be “broken” if the charges are deemed to be credible. In the meantime let us pray that justice will prevail.
You are over analyzing! And speculating! All we really know is that this accusation is coming from “one former employee”. Stop making deductions based on so little evidence. We must be patient, and let the appropriate offices of justice do their work.
Lisieux
I’m with you…and apparently caught now in a haiku.
@mydogoreo: There really is nothing else one can say…and yet these
” Catholic ” bloggers are writing whole articles filled with amazing
and vilifying (for Father Corapi)scenarios and false innuedo. There should be a special line at the Confessional for these guys..and a gal!!Does the word calumny mean anything to them? or the sin of detraction??As for me I am done with reading most of these “Catholic” bloggers!! They really need to take off “work” and go read the Catholic Catechism..for some I suspect it would be the first time!!
Your categories are too rigid. Anger coupled with misiniterpretation are far easier too understand. Years ago I was speaking with a college age young lady who informed me that she was “having an affair.” I was shocked but ppursued the issue. “What do you mean by having an affair?” “Well, kissing of course!” Among “conservative” read naieve people sexual exploit could mean almost anything, and she would not be lying because of her naivity. I pray for all concerned and I hope that Fr. Corapi will be exonerated; but, that will do precious little to reestablish his credibility.
Being a priest, I was shocked to learn of the news prior to my Saturday evening Mass. I have never met nor spoken with my telephone but I have watched his DVD’s and have always admired his passion in getting the message out to the faithful. I know there are some who do not like his style and delivery but that is okay. We can definitely see that Satan is out and about looking to devour those who do have a great influence. It was not too long ago that Fr. Thomas Eutenauer was placed on administrative leave. What is sad and frightening is that the Church will remove someone on an allegation and so therefore one is seen as guilty. When it comes to a priest who is a pedophile there is no doubt that they should be removed promptly and turned over to the authorities. What would happen if people in 10 different parishes in one diocese sent letters to the Bishop alledging something questionable on the pastor’s part? In my diocese the Bishop would not have anywhere near enough priests to fill those slots. I hope and pray that Fr. Corapi is totally exonerated and his ministry restored and the person who is responsible issues a very public apology for the damage that she has done.
So true Bill Bannon. Perhaps I am naive…but is the possible failure of one man really such a big deal?! Why are we obsessed with the Fr. Corapi’s and Charlie Sheens of the world?! (I am NOT implying that Fr. Corapi is guilty or comparable to Sheen, only that we obsess over OTHER peoples personal struggles instead of our own).
Sorry, but I care much more about that little Japanese boy.
Anna,
That boy haunts me. The suffering of little children is worst for me…worst.
We cannot blame everything on Satan. Remember,we do have free will.
We could do as C. S. Lewis suggests in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
‘“My dear young lady,” said the Professor…“there is one plan which no one has yet suggested and which is well worth trying.”
“What’s that?” said Susan.
“We might all try minding our own business.”’
In response to Ann’s comment. The article is speaking about Fr. Corapi, not Charlie Sheen nor the poor children in Japan. If you are going to post a comment, try to “stay with the program”. . .that which is being posted.
I like your qoute, James, from Narnia. Very good advice. Let’s spend our time praying instead of speculating. It seems to me that in any of the scenarios proposed by Jimmy in his article, there are two parties who will really need all the prayers they can get. Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Dear Fr. Buchlein,
You are right…I went off message. But I was merely trying to make the point that we need to put the Corapi incident into perspective. Sorry if I came off as judgmental… in fact I intended the opposite.
Bless your work.
Amen to James’s Lewis quote. While I agree with Jimmy that the facile statement “I hope the allegations aren’t true” is—well—facile, I do think that the analysis into categories 1-4 is an inquiry into matters beyond both our knowledge and our responsibility. Pray for everybody involved, and let God figure out exactly which outcome is the least evil.
Peace,
—Peter
I agree with Brenda. The devil seems to especially target those who are standing tallest, who are taking the most risks, and, in some ways, are the most vulnerable because of it. Father Corapi will need our prayers to weather this attack.
Fr. Neil Buchlein,
I disagree with your moderating Jimmy’s thread. If I or Anna cannot contrast this interest in Corapi with contemporaneous people and events, isn’t it Jimmy’s place not yours to do the moderating? Are you on staff here? If so, announce it as you moderate and get Anna’s name correct.
I am sorry Bill that you are so angry. Maybe you should write to Jimmy why he didn’t add comments that were more important. . .that’s right, it is his blog. . .
I don’t know Fr. Corapi’s work, but the whole topic worries me. When Fr. Maciel was accused, but not yet proven guilty, some people defended him publicly. Later, when he was acknowledged to be guilty, some of those people apologized for having defended him, because they realized that their defense was harmful to his victims.
So, what _do_ you do when someone you greatly admire is accused of harming someone? Do you defend him out of loyalty, and risk harming his victims if it turns out he really did it? Or do you cautiously withhold judgment in case he’s guilty—and risk failing to stand up for a good man?
If I were the accused one, I would be devastated if my friends refused to stick their necks out for me. But if I were the disbelieved victim, I would be devastated to be called a liar on top of the harm that had already been done to me. What’s the prudent way to deal with such a situtation?
I find it hard to believe the allegations against Father Corapi are based in substance. I know of no other priest so up front with his own past of involvement in “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” before his reconversion to the church and eventual ordination. His teachings on the priest abuse scandal, as well as his anecdotal stories of men he knows that were accused and removed from the priesthood when the accusations (he felt) were false are also compelling. I was the victim of sexual abuse by a priest back in the 1960s. I didn’t tell anyone about it until the 1980s, and finally asked permission to speak with the priest that abused me in 2001 after he was removed from parish ministry. I forgave him for what he had done - even while I knew from our conversation he still did not recognize the damage he had done to me and others back in our early teen years. I never sued the Church, I never got mad at the Church, but I am saddened that this issue seems to continue to fester up in the Body.
Because it is such a “he said, she said” process, I have to wonder how the Bishops come to any resolution in their decision process about whether an allegation is deemed “credible”. Perhaps mandatory polygraph examinations of both the victim and alleged abuser would be helpful in reaching some level of certainty. I know that as a former victim I would have had no hesitation if I had been asked to submit to such a procedure in order to verify the allegation. Just my opinion - but it would seem the prudent thing to do to look for some way to corroborate allegations of abuse or professions of innocence before rendering judgment.
Fr. Buchlein,
Jimmy can see my comment…it is written to him. Let him chastise me if in fact on reading it, he agrees with you. He may not and think the Japanese boy’s situation is relevant in putting Corapi’s trial in perspective. I pray for you priests every day of the year which you’ll see at the judgement. I don’t after such praying want to be bulldozed by the guys I pray for. Keep on keeping on…..but as Christ said….avoiding lording over.
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.
Mat 20:26 It shall not be so among you
How about this? We know there are a whole lot of liars in the world. We hope Father Corapi doesn’t turn out to be one of them.
AT—Very good thoughts. My opinion is that the accused’s personal friends should support him, without being uncharitable to the accuser. If I were the accuser (which I wouldn’t be anyway unless there were truth in it), I would completely understand that. The accuser’s friends should do the same. The rest of us, who are not personal friends to either party, should pray for them but keep out of it. Just my thoughts :)
OK, I watched a couple videos of Corapi. I’m now convinced that TV personalities like Corapi are a threat to the Faith in this country. I hope he is not guilty, but putting the public face of the Faith into the hands of men like Corapi is a big mistake. He might as well be on the 700 Club or Oprah. I pity the folks who sit around watching Corapi when they could be sitting in Church or praying their rosaries. Watching Corapi is not the one of the “good works” we should be doing. Concerned about addiction? Help an addict. Turn off the televangelists who inevitably end up roasting in scandal. You want spiritual rejuvenation? Read the words of the Pope, or Cardinal Raymond Burke.
Mr Akin, your thoughts are “on the mark.” Beginning in 1984, I’ve worked around, with & for dysfunctional personalities in the criminal justice field. These people eagerly “misintrepret” comments, gestures, etc so as to manipulate others into granting them credit/approval. It can be so bad that once, I was falsely accused of having murdered all of my supervisors and myself! The good Father acknowledges having once been addicted to illegal drugs; in the minds of the dysfunctional that can be translated into a current addiction, etc. What troubles me is that once a priest is cleared of wrong doing, they are all too frequently left to rot! God save our priests. Thank you for your efforts.
Jimmy: Good work, as usual.
ThirstforTruth: I’m still at a complete loss to understand how assuming that Fr. Corapi is innocent and urging everybody (including me) from passing judgment on two people we know absolutely nothing about is somehow tantamount to swearing a blood oath to kick him. You appear to think that simply mentioning the fact that this is in the news is somehow equal to speaking evil of the man. Get a grip.
Paul…With all due respect I find nothing in either Cardinal Raymond Burke’s words..nor those of the Pope that in anyway conflict with the
words of Father Corapi. For goodness sake, his major tv work is discussing and explaining the Cathechism of the Catholic Church. Perhaps you are referring to the few talks he has given concerning his reversion to the Faith and the life he had fallen into prior to his return and ordination. Usually his “material” is the true teachings of the Faith wisely and forcefully delivered. It might be his forceful style that you object to, but if you are a true Catholic there cannot be anything about which you could object yet how he delivers it might not be your cup of tea! As for saying our rosaries, praying at Church, and watching an occasional program offered on EWTN by Father Corapi? Hardly mutually exclusive activities and it might just be that many of us have been led to deepen our prayer life as a result of his many programs on prayer and the rosary! Sadly the days of being able to view this eloquent priest
on cable are probably behind us all as after this I am afraid, innocent or guilty, the results will be the same! Father Corapi will no longer be
allowed to preach publically…one accusation is all it takes with this zero toleration policy and the way it is being administered. Sad for all!!Most especially since many of us are convinced he is innocent because he has declared himself to be such! That he has great integrity for his Faith is obvious to all who have listened to him preach. Father Corapi is not Marciel…a useless comparison! Nor is he St. Padre Pio. He is unique in his gifts and until this happened ( out of the blue) no one who has listened to him regularly on EWTN would have said the things that are being said about him by many of these Catholic bloggers who seem not to
have liked his style! Hardly something to convict a priest or any other
person accused in such “shotgun” fashion and who has the “privilege” of annonymity. As someone has said all we know is that she is an ex-employee.
We do not even know if she was fired ...and if so, what the reasons were.
She implies other adult women in her accusation but apparently none of these “other women” have come forward. Not a whole lot to hang one’s hat on…while we do have years of tapes of Father Corapi which would tend to exonerate him. Time will tell….and we pray the Holy Spirit will inspire someone in all this to come forth quickly with justice for all.
So basically this article is meant to tell us how to reflect on this yet-to-be resolved matter. I’m thankful that Mr. Akin shared this strand of thought - that to love your neighbor as yourself means curbing the inclination to hope that evil happen to the party we care less about. Very generous, but how is THIS the right opportunity to explain it? Anyone who has ever felt inspired, comforted or instructed by this priest will be affected if it turns out 4 is true. It will shake the faith of many, many Christians. And while I don’t wish evil upon this woman, if 2 or 3 is the case, it will hurt very few people in comparison.
I appreciate the intentions, Mr. Akin, but if 4 is true than it will be much more damaging to the Church than 2 and 3, therefore, I’m exercising my right to hope the allegations are not true. To think that the possibility of 2 and 4 should make me as equally uncomfortable as 4 is ridiculous.
I am not sure which shows of Fr. Corapi that Mr. Bennett has watched and has found offensive. The prophets of old were not popular and usually those who stand on the front line and preach the Truth are never popular. Not too many people want to hear the truth and most likely are the ones who have not gone to the Sacrament of Reconciliation in quite awhile. Someone is going to have their “feathers ruffled.” We (parishioners) have watched many of his presentations with great numbers attending. A very popular series is that on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Parishioners bought the Catechism so that they could follow and take notes. My parishioners usually do not “sit in church” but are very proactive. The rosary is prayed before every daily Mass and on the weekends. For a parish of 370 families we also have Perpetual Adoration (24/7). I would have to say that we are doing something right. This came in from this website which one may wish to visit:
http://www.courageouspriest.com/novena-fr-corapi?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+courageouspriest/qTKF+(Courageous+Priest)
Novena for the Fr. Corapi Ordeal – March 25 to April 2
(Feast of the Annunciation to the Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s passing)
Efficacious Novena To The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
(This novena prayer was recited every day by Padre Pio for all those who asked his prayers)
I. My Jesus, You have said, ‘Truly I say to you, ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.’ Through the intercession of Mary, Your holy Mother, I knock, I seek and ask that my prayer be granted. (here, mention your request) ____________
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
II. O my Jesus, You have said, ‘Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.’
Through the intercession of Mary, Your holy Mother, in Your Name I ask the Father that my prayer be granted.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
III. O my Jesus, You have said, ‘Truly I say to you, heaven and earth
will pass away but my words will not pass away.’ Encouraged by
Your infallible words, through the intercession of Mary, Your
holy Mother I feel confident that my prayers will be answered.
(mention your request)
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be to the Father…
O Sacred , O Merciful, O Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us poor sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of You, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate heart of Mary, Your tender mother and ours.
Hail, Holy Queen…
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
Over analyzed: that’s my vote. The notion that hoping Fr. Capri is innocent means that we are hoping against the accuser is nonsense: we don’t even have the foggiest notion who she is. She is anonymous, he is publicly accused.
The silver line in this whole thing , assuming the worst possibilty , could be that any priest who is in media spotlight need to be under extra ‘protection’ .
Hope that there were others who also saw a trace of too much self assurdness in some of the fallen media priest’giants ’ which should have been a major call for them to take long sabbaticals , away from public adulation !
Even possibilty of ‘multiple personality’ due to substance abuse recurrence and possession , as in the case of Fr.Maciel - he reportedly had said that people sent him packets of cocaine !
Just too bad that others who could have seen the warning signs , including the change in appearance , were not able to help him !
One major silver line would be how others who criticise
Pope John Paul II , about not recognising the earlier problems in Fr.Maciel, would realise how difficult it could be , unless one is meant to , at that particular time, in plan of Providence !
May The Lord have mercy on all !
I am certain the allegations against Fr. Corapi will show exoneration and be proven to be false based on someone’s Mental Illness.
I hope that I am right that Father is innocent, because he said he is and I don’t believe he is a liar. Now, Fr. Entenhauer readily admitted that he was not innocent. I am praying not only for Fr. Corapi but his accuser and most of all for all of our priests.
And, I wonder perhaps, when he was in the corporate world, he may have had an affair with someone and now she’s angry and trying to get back at him. Since she is a former employee, it also could be that she was terminated and this is the way for her to get back at him.
Padre Pio suffered from many accusations. Even the Pope at one time didn’t believe in his stigmata because of what accusers were telling him.
But we have to remember that priests are human and can fall. I hope this is not the case, but if he was on some type of pain medication he may have said something or did something that was inappropriate.
I hope this is resolved soon. I understand why EWTN would “drop” him temporarily, but if he is innocent, that is just one more cross for him to bear. And I don’t believe this is a coincidence that this happened during Lent. The Church is under attack, as he has said often enough, and I think “the man in black” is behind it all.
“Hell [definitely] hath no fury like a woman scorned!” Father Corapi has millions of female admirers and as the Catholic Church’s most irrepresible “Macho” priest, this should not all be surprising. I’m sure Father Corapi is not surprised by these allegations and has probably been expecting them if he hasn’t in his long, illustrious career experienced snippets of similar accusations in the past. What makes me convinced that it more than likely a misunderstanding is how vituperative people get whenever you mention the name “Corapi.” People hate him; and if he refused someone’s advances then they hate him even more and would stop at nothing to bring him down. Hence the answer is most likely option 1, as any person who is scorned, and reacts in such a manner, wishing to bring scandal on the man who jilted them, is demonstrating some aspects of “mental illness.” However their still responsible for thier actions and I agree that we must pray for them.
It’s a spiritual war out there of “Biblical” proportions. If he is guilty, we have a man down. If he is innocent, we have a POW. We have to walk through the spiritual bloodbath and keep carrying the banner. According to our Book, we win in the end.
Everything is part of God’s Plan. If one’s loyalty to the Catholic Church is dependent on any fallible human creature rather than true faith and trust in Jesus Christ, that loyalty is based in very unstable ground. How many fervent believers would toss everything to the wind if tomorrow the Vatican pronounces Medjugorge a hoax? Just a comparison to remind us that we must reap what is if God from all earthly things and not despair when we find that nothing but God is perfect. Father Corapi has been a gift of forged strength to all who have heard him speak. He has brought me closer to God. No matter where the future lies, he has had a positive effect on my past. For that I praise God. For now I will now offer prayers that Our Father will supply him with the grace he needs to get through this suffering so that when it is over, he will have participated in God’s Holy Will.
I admire Mr. Akin, but agree with Clorisa about this post sounding like a Monty Python script…it’s a pun on speculation and has released all the busy bees buzzing around spectacularly speculating—just pray for the poor guy!
S.T.Martin: Well stated…but either way Father deserves prayers and support from all who call him their brother in Christ!! EWTN has made
another statement regarding their “dropping” his programming you might check out on Patrick Madrid’s blog! I could not actually find this on the EWTN website. However the Anchoress is reporting that Father Corapi’s priestly faculties have been removed by his order General. She further states that this means he can no longer appear dressed as a priest in public, say Mass or celebrate any of the sacraments or preach publically.
In other words: laicized! I cannot find corraboration of either of her statements anywhere…and am not sure she is correct. She did not sound too sure of these things either and I would wish she had refrained from making un-corraborated statements like this!
Thank you ThirstforTruth, I will check out Patrick’s blog. I agree with you. We have to be very careful here. I love Fr Corapi in that I have been heavily influenced by him.
It’s funny how some people react when we say we love Fr Corapi, as if we have no right to that since we have not known him personally. I have not personally met our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI; yet, I love him as well for what he stands for and what he says. Is that so “hysterical” (as I have seen some describe on some blogs)?
The fact that I do not know Fr Corapi personally simply means that I do not know what he is capable of, not that I cannot love him and what he stands for. As I said above, if he is guilty, man down (and I still love him), if he is innocent, let’s do a rescue mission for our POW. Onward Christian soldier…
As usual Akin has to show his genius intellect by making a simple accusation complicated. I love Father Corapi and I will tout his innocence until proven guilty. My only reservation is why Corapi feels it necessary to dye his beard and mustache.
Jimmy wrote: Even if one thinks that 4 is automatically worse than 3, wishing 4 false still involves wishing something else that is gravely evil to be the case.
Very good point.
Mr Akin, You have said more than enough to cause more doubt on
Father Corapi. Your analysis is awful.
Sorry, but I think you added to negative side
of this. Its too soon to say or think anything.
Pray for all concerned is all that is needed to be said.
D.O.
Strongsville, Ohio
Loving our less fortunate brother is what Christians do all the time and we are even under command by Our Father not to do less! As for the obedience part being mentioned by some here. Father IS being obedient to the request of his Superior General. His comment/announcement is not a direct act of disobedience as some would imply. For all anyone knows he cleared it with his Superior first! I am grateful for this statement as it is the only one made that gives us something hopeful and concrete…and that is important during a crisis that might make more than afew doubt their Church’s actions. The Church has a grave responsibility to protect the Truth but also to dispense justice in a swift and timely manner. Let us hope they take all the time they need to clear this matter up but with due diligence in a timely manner. After all, Father’s very priesthood hangs in the balance! How the Church continues to handle this will be noted by the thousands of EWTN viewers with close attention. The Church can’t afford to “boot” this one! I note that the secular media is also beginning to pick up on this..see today’s Washington Post as well as the Spokane News!
So much has been said already. I agree with many who say that we need to pray and then wait for the process to run its course. He was a drug addict at one time, and fighting an addiction is a life-time battle.
May the Holy Spirit help him and all who are involved in the investigation.
Fr. Corapi always seemed oddly grandiose to me. That doesn’t predispose me to disbelieve him. My guess is that he’s more tempted to pride than lust.
I never once thought “I hope these allegations aren’t true” because I never once doubted Fr. Corapi. I have no problem believing that she is either mentally insane or a liar. She is in definite need of our prayers either way. If she is not mentally insane and not a liar, then not only are we to believe Fr. Corapi did the terrible things she accuses him of, but that he is a liar on top of it all. He adamantly denies any wrongdoing in this case and I believe him. I hope I am not proven wrong. Because while I know we would be called to forgive him, I don’t believe he should be given the chance to rebuild his ministry, like someone else said in their post. I know what it means to forgive, but forgiveness doesn’t include being foolish and letting him rebuild his ministry if he is guilty would be foolish. I don’t think a man who is guilty of these things plus lying, should be allowed to be an example to us all, especially the young and naive. My last word: I stand by Fr. Corapi and don’t believe he did what he was accused of.
Jimmy,
You never disappoint in your ability to unwrap a situation and look at it objectively from all sides like no other.
Stop talking about it in the media. Let the church , power that be, and The Lord deal with this. Any media coverage or blogs make it worse for the innocent.
I am uneasy around preachers who tout their fame or their special mission from God. (Neither Popes JP2 or B16, who are genuine headliners, spoke with attitudes that could be misunderstood as pride.) I also don’t like Fr. Corapi’s open display of indignation toward the system’s injustice. Maybe the procedure is not the best way to handle it, but criticizing it looks like an attempt to shift the spotlight. I’ve seen that happen with guilty non-Catholic clergy. That said, I hope Fr. Corapi is innocent, because he seems very cool and is an excellent communicator of the Faith. I’ll be sad if the allegations are true, but angry at the woman if she’s a liar.
+J.M.J+
>>>However the Anchoress is reporting that Father Corapi’s priestly
>>>faculties have been removed by his order General. She further states
>>>that this means he can no longer appear dressed as a priest in public,
>>>say Mass or celebrate any of the sacraments or preach publically.
>>>
>>>In other words: laicized!
No, if that report is true then he’s been suspended, not laicized. They are not the same thing. A priest can have his priestly faculties suspended without being laicized. I’m pretty sure the pope is the one who laicizes priests and I doubt he would do so before the end of an investigation. Unless perhaps the priest requested it which I strongly doubt Fr. Corapi has.
My hope is that Fr. Corapi will voluntarily take a lie detector test and invite his accuser to do the same under a 3rd, objective party. I have always wondered why persons in this situation, who claim innocense, don’t use every possible means at their disposal. I’m sure someone will claim LD’s are not always reliable and not admissible in court, but the reality is they are very reliable, which is why law enforcement uses them. For those who may question this approach, the “he said, she said” approach is also very unreliable unless any and all 3rd parties who may be involved give clear and unequivical testimony.
not sure if it has been posted, but here it is, EWTN statement:
Official EWTN Statement Regarding Fr.John Corapi Dear EWTN Family:
We are aware that many of our supporters are disappointed in EWTN’s decision to remove Father John Corapi’s programs from the Network during his administrative leave. We too are greatly disappointed that EWTN had to make this difficult decision. We can assure you that it was made with much prayer and careful discernment.
The fact is that Father John’s own religious community has placed him on administrative leave and his capacity to function publicly as a priest has been suspended during the investigation of the charges against him. This was officially communicated to all of the bishops of the country in a statement saying that, “...Fr. Corapi has been placed on administrative leave and has had all of his priestly faculties removed.”
In EWTN’s thirty years of existence, the Network has never knowingly aired programming featuring any priest whose priestly faculties have been suspended. The Network has always responded consistently and immediately in such situations by removing such programs from the air. We are obliged to do so in obedience to the discipline of the Church.
Father John has long been a friend of EWTN and many of us have worked closely with him throughout the years. He is a tremendously gifted preacher who has led many souls to Christ. We are doing exactly as he has asked and supporting him and everyone involved in the situation in the best way possible, through our prayers.
It is also our prayer that this matter will be brought to a speedy resolution so that Father John’s programs can be returned to the airwaves.
Thank you for your understanding. May God bless you.
Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/#ixzz1HWPXHFBc
Jimmy - I would categorize your support of Father Corapi as follows:
1 - You really like Father Corapi
2 - You are ambivalent towards Father Corapi
3 - You detest Father Corapi
If we assume that 1 is true,and that 2 and 3 are false, then your article has merit. If we assume that 2 is true and that 1 and 3 are false, then your article seems somewhat dry and over-logical. If we assume that 3 is true, and that 1 and 2 are false, then your article makes no sense.
Father Corapi says the charges are untrue. Good enough for me.
Jimmy. I think you have incorrectly analyzed the matter. You are correct that the options are only 1 2 3 or 4. However, you have misused the terms ‘wish’ and ‘hope’. We can hope only for that which has not yet occured. We can wish only for things that we do not yet have. Well, options 1 2 3 or 4 already exist, in the past as well as in the present. All that is missing is our KNOWLEDGE of which one exists. By ‘hoping’ for the mental illness option, for example, we are not wishing that someone who is healthy would become sick. We are wishing, rather, that the explanation of the accusations lies in the already existing illness.
When we hope and pray for things, we are asking God to make a difference. God cannot change what has already happened in the past. In this instance we are all hoping that the truth comes out, something that has not happened yet, and that this so far valient priest has not fallen from grace.
To Father Corapi’s diehard supporters:
I would remind you, who claim unshakable certainty that these accusations have been fabricated and that his accuser must be a woman in the employ of the devil himself, that Father Marcial Maciel’s supporters were just as ardently certain of His innocence before it became UNDENIABLE that he sexually abused seminarians and his own children, lived a double life with multiple wives and children, abused drugs and misappropriated his own order’s funds.
One Pope gave Marcial a pass, another, strong in truth, Benedict XVI, brought him to justice.
I’m with G.E. Too many past instances should teach anyone with half a brain that it’s dangerous to throw yourself wholly into one man’s camp. We’ve all been misled and disappointed far too many times.
In Father Marciel’s case there were plenty of hints of inappropriate behavior long before it was brought to the attention of the public. And I believe also in the Legion itself, there were questions of his behavior,but the difference is, he was the HEAD of the legion.
Fr. Corapi is different. I understand from some other posts on Catholic Answers Forum that he has not even heard Confessions for awhile in fear that someone would accuse him of something in the Confessional!
He brought be back to the Church about 8 years ago. Isn’t it funny that Sr. Angelica had a stroke that affected her speech, and now Fr. Corapi, who to me is a great priest and homilist, is now accused of improprieties that will affect his teaching ministry. I may not know Father personally, but anyone who insists that we pray the Rosary every day, and to put on spiritual warfare (with fasting and penance) is either honest or a hypocrite. I prefer that he is innocent, but will pray for him and his accusers. If he has fallen, he will not be the first priest to have done this. Father has spoken of rescuing priests from drug houses and such, and has said many times that he’s not invincible, and only by the grace of God he hasn’t fallen.
And yes Jimmy, this affects me personally as he speaks the truth. He may have a touch of arrogance or pride, but that is human and does not justify the accusations against him.
I hope and pray if it comes to that he is able to hire a good lawyer to defend him. We must always remember though it is up to God and God’s will.
In his early days I thought that Fr. Corapi was pretty good at making people feel comfortable about confessing their sins, but I think that too much emphasis was put on his past and he seemed almost proud of it.
Recently seeing him with a dyed black beard, not only makes him look silly, but people are starting to wonder if he is vain. He looked much better with his naturally graying colors and I think that people have more respect for a priest who doesn’t try to impress people or try to look younger. It wouldn’t surprise me if his fame has ruined him.
I was horriefied when I was the allegations about Fr. Corapi. I hope and pray that they are false. But, I still have a little bit of worry about the accusations. I hope that is only a natural reaction. I am praying for Fr. Corapi and his accusers.
I’ve read many blogs on this topic since Saturday, I was initially shocked at the news; but what surprises me more is the amount of venom so many people have spewed at each other over blog comments. Innocent or guilty, this is the work of Satan, instead of letting it divide us, we need to come together in prayer for all involved. What better time to do that than during Lent? I’ve mentioned this several times, but if you’re like me, and need help focusing on the mysteries during the rosary, this is an excellent resource:
http://www.scripturalrosary.org/
If half the houses in my neighborhood are empty, I wouldn’t feel particularly guilty in hoping that the fire was at one of them, rather than an occupied one. A major house fire is always a bad thing, but it’s better for it to be _only_ a question of property damage, rather than a risk to life and limb, no?
If, once the story came out, Jimmy is correct and it was certain that _someone_ was in a state of grave sin, then it seems only appropriate to hope that the sin in question is the one _less_ likely to lead to lasting harm to innocent third parties.
Imagine it both ways. Imagine that, in either case, the sinner repents of his sin, and sincerely promises to sin no more.
1. The woman admits that she is a liar and a scandal-monger, and lashed out at the innocent Fr. Corapi for reasons of her own.
2. The father admits that he is still a regular drug abuser who has disregarded his obligations and vows by abusing his position for sex.
Although either would receive forgiveness from God, which one is more likely to be forgiven by the community of the faithful, as we _must_ do, or else be in grave sin ourselves?
It may be wrong to wish my neighbor’s house was burning instead of mine, but that’s not the situation here. I am not Fr. Corapi, nor am I his accuser. The sin is not mine, either way, and my concern is for the community.
Sex scandals involving priests have a seemingly-special ability to turn the minds of otherwise-mostly-good people toward Wrath. Thus, if Fr. Corapi is the guilty party here, the only plausible prediction is that, whatever happens, it leads to even more sin. Whereas if his accuser is a liar, it’s not only reasonable to hope that she be forgiven when/if she repents, it’s a pretty safe bet.
The allegations involve “several other adult women.” Why have they not come forward? Surely the accuser would have told their names to those investigating the accusations. If they really exist that is.
One more thought…..Maybe God is leading Father John in a
different direction…...How many witnesses have we listened
to or read that a big event happens and then the person is
inspired to change their life for a different mission that
God has called them. Praying for all.
I was a little disappointed in Fr. Corapi’s reaction that the charges (whether true or false)were having a negative impact on his substantial reputation. I have no doubt that they do affect it, however in my humble opinion the reputation of the Body of the Church as a whole and it’s “Zero Tolerance” policy is more important. All Christians at times are called to join in suffering and persecution in Jesus’ name. Life is not always fair and sometimes it seems that God, in our imperfect understanding may not be also… BUT He is always full of mercy and compassion. Vivat Jesus!
I am 58 years old. When I was a young boy,I was influenced by a young priest that the entire parish went crazy for. I spent many times with him as a server and as well as become a personal server whenever he, said mass away from the parish. In fact,I wanted to become a priest because of the great influence he had on me. When I was in my late teens I was again inspired by a nationally known priest. His stories and formation into the Catholic Church, were ever so inspiring. I couldn’t get enough of him as he was so good defending the church. My wife and my children as well as many other catholics saw him as a great defender of the the faith. Today, both priest have been removed from the priesthood,because they were criminally convicted of harming young boys. I was sad for the boys,myself and the priest.How could two men who had so much influence on people fall out of grace so fast? And yet,I pray for them. I wouldn’t have the faith today had they not been a part of my life. And so that leads to Fr Corapi.Since he became part of the EWTN network,a few years back, like everyone, he has been a true warrior for us all and the church.I hope the allegations aren’t true. Despite all these disappointments, my love for the church will never die. For over 2000 years the church has survived and will do so to the end of times. Meanwhile Fr Corapi,I will pray for you.
Perhaps this event—as it has aalready unfolded— is God’s way of tempering his servant Fr. Corapi, as it’s been well evidenced for some years now that his ministry has been fairly absent of humity and charity. I pray for him, his accuser… and especially all his followers.
“They who sit at the gate gossip about me, and drunkards make me the butt of their songs.” Ps 68
This article is an example of the kind of fuzzy thinking that fuels doubt about our faith and leaves doors open for corruption.
“The Church has no well-worked-out theory of what grave sins are worse than others.” is flat-out incorrect. See Catechism of the Catholic Church Part 3, Section 1, Chapter 1, Article 8 on “Sin” with its copious footnotes citing Tradition back to Scripture and to the Church fathers.
One ought to be disquieted at statements like “Category No. 2 [mental illness] involves a non-moral evil” ... and “... even if the mental illness theory is true, wishing this to be so still involves wishing a grave evil on someone”. Mental illness is not evil, let alone a grave one [after the author just admitted he couldn’t distinguish between levels of gravity!]. It is a biological conditions that merits our mercy and compassion.
By hoping that the allegations are false, we are neither wishing that the accuser is a liar nor that she is mentally impaired. We are rather wishing and have confidence in Fr. Corapi’s innocence only.
We can wish this while at the same time expressing non-judgmental mercy for the accuser in our Lord’s words, “Father forgive them. They know not what they do.”
There should be no doubt about the clarity of the following: May God protect and bless Father Corapi!
I believe Father Corapi is innocent. He is a real threat to the devil and he is being attacked. There is spiritual warfare going on. There are many emotionally unhinged females in this world who have broken hearts and get crushes and make up things in their own minds. God will come out victorious in all these and Father will be offering up a lot of suffering to our Lord as penance for those souls in spiritual danger who have no one to pray for them or offer up the penance for them to receive the grace from God to accept the salvation and free gifts of the Lord. Barriers and strongholds of the devil will be broken down. The devil has picked the wrong person to pick on because Father Corapi is a good and faithful servant of the Lord and loves the Lord more than life. God brings all things together for good for His people. Amen.
Jimmy, I love ya, but I think you’re overanalyzing things.
When people say “I hope the allegations aren’t true”, all they mean is that they hope that Fr. Corapi has not done this grave evil. As someone else pointed out, this doesn’t require an intentional hope that one of the other elements are true, it’s just a way people react. If someone asked you, “How are you?” and you said, “Good” (a standard response not meant to be taken as an existential verity), and later found out things weren’t so well, I don’t think you’d expect them to take you to task for “lying” to you. Likewise I wouldn’t think that someone who wants these allegations to be innocent would be guilty of wishing ill on someone else.
As a matter of fact, if we do wish to analyze this, if what you say is true—that Fr. Corapi being guilty is the worse moral evil—to not wish one of the others to be true is to not not wish the worst moral evil to be true. In other words, to minimize the moral evil in choosing your wish, you MUST choose to wish against #4. Otherwise you are not countermanding the worst evil.
Praying for the truth, the whole truth, through the prayers of all.
Mr Akin,
Not really up to date on all of this but I always enjoy reading your posts. One thought that may not have been considered is the implications with regard to the accuser and the other women with whom Fr. Coorapi is accused of being involved. It would seem to me that in purely a numbers game, it is better to hope that the accusations are false. Here’s why:
If #4 is true, that also means that not only did Fr. Corapi have sexual relations with the woman, but that the woman (and other women as well) also had sexual relations with a priest.
That’s 3+ mortal sins from 3+ people vs if #3 is true (1 mortal sin from 1 person) or #2 (no mortal sins- just very sad mental illness).
Now I do not hope that the accuser has a mental illness nor do I hope that she is a liar, but just as you said when talking about natural disasters, you hope that fewer people are actually killed than has been reported. So it would seem that when considering all the possibilities and the souls of all involved that I should hope for #2 and should be praying for everyone concerned even if this is not the case.
Hope this adds something to the discussion,
Matthew
PS- this is coming from an outsider to this issue who has no prior knowledge of Fr, Corapi.
We know and Christ tells us that if we follow him we will be attack. We need to pray for all the priest, seminarians, consecrated lay, religious, and all who believe in God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Fr. Corapi is a strong preacher of the Truth and he needs our prayers now more than ever. Pray, Pray and Pray some more and give this to Christ since he loves his priest who he hand picks to serve him especially today on Thursday - offer the mass and your prayers to Fr. Corapi.
Having been in Medjugorje two times where I have witnessed individuals possessed by evil come out in front of the Blessed Mother - whether you believe me or not it does not matter to me since I only speak the truth—I truly believe we are in warfare with Satan now more than ever.
Please, everyone, please pray for Mrs. Corapi, Carol and family. They are going through hell right now. strength54
All this speculation (Ooo, Father dyes his hair, he must be guilty—-Oooo, he’s been laicized, must be more than meets the eye!) is the worst kind of back-fence gossip and exactly what makes the Lord of the Flies happiest.
In general, when someone whose name remains anonymous goes to three bishops with such accusations rather than (1) to the appropriate prosecutor, if criminal (2) to her attorney to sue for civil damages, the two words that immediately come to my mind are “extortion” and “blackmail.” Had I been one of the bishops, I would have told her to simply go through the appropriate legal process rather than come to me fishing for a quiet payoff. In my opinion, that’s what the three bishops should have done. Enough is enough of this windfall seeking nonsense. When her accusations prove to be false, she should be prosecuted for giving a false police report and/or sued for libel.
I prefer to view this from this perspective: Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is when Fr. Corapi received this news. How good of God to allow him to participate in His Passion in such a real and painful manner. How many souls can be saved by the voluntary uniting of this suffering to the suffering of Jesus? Of all the good and holy priests I know, Fr. Corapi stands out as one who will be able to turn this situation into a universal good. We must pray for him.
“If #4 is the case, and he is repentant, then I hope we will forgive him and let him rebuild his life and ministry.”
If he is guilty AND had not denied the allegations and attacked the process, I would agree. However, if he is guilty, he cannot be trusted and should be banished from public ministry.
So many people want Father Corapi to be given the benefit of the doubt but do not wish to do the same for his superiors for for EWTN. They assume they know all there is to know about this situation. They ask questions like “Why hasn’t the accuser come forward?” (Maybe she HAS.) “Why has Father been put on leave without any credible evidence?” (How do we know there is NOT any credible evidence?) They bemoan Father being treated as if he is guilty until proven innocent, but the very use of the classification “administrative leave” is an effort to protect the reputation of the accused while also acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. This is why the category “suspended with pay” is rarely used anymore. I think the bottom line is that those of us who are not directly involved in this situation need to pray that justice be accomplished swiftly and fairly, and not get too sidetracked by details that are really none of our business.
I have thought a great deal about this and cannot for the life of me make any sense whatsoever to what the person did. Consider this:
1) She worked for Fr. Corapi. Because of this, she would know he doesn’t report to a Bishop but the head of his order. Why not just send a letter to the head of his order?
2) Multiple copies of the letter were mailed to several Bishops. What’s the point in that if not to smear? In Fr. Entenhauer’s case the letter was mailed to HLI and/or the local Bishop; not to several Bishops.
While I do not look to Fr. Corapi as the source of my faith, I do watch him to help keep this solider ready for battle. He just doesn’t strike me as someone who would be so stupid.
I’m sold on #3 and I really hope for her sake, she has mental issues. My prayers though have been for both of them.
One thing I disagree with is the idea that if Fr. Corapi is innocent, his reputation will be ruined.
In his case, I don’t believe that.
Of all celebrity priests out there, he is one of the most media-savvy, if not the most. I think he could turn a false allegation around to make his apostolate more successful than ever. Also, most Catholics don’t even know who he is. Of the ones who do, most are passionate fans of his and would take proof of his innocence joyfully and shout it from the rooftops.
Different question: I read in a commobx that Fr. Corapi does not do confessions. Does anyone know if there is any verifiable truth to this?
Well, I must say I like what he says here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLZyN8x8gNE
What we have to remember , during this Lenten season , is that “God is not the cause of evil” ( James 1:3) . The aspects of the relations between God and God’s covenant people which is us ( morality, sin ,judgment ,forgiveness, and salvation
Salvation
1 God’s saving deeds
2 nature of salvation
3 reign of God
We are G od’ covenant people ,therefore we must recall all of it’s aspects
1 man
2 man in community
3 the covenant
a analogies for relationship of God to his covenanted people
b covenant forms
c covenant and the history of the covenant people
4 covenant and law
a law codes and formulation
b covenant law
5 covenant cult
6 righteousness
7 covenant love
Therefore to complete saint James ,that God is not the cause of evil, and remember,when someone wants to do wrong it is never God shocks tempting him, for God never tempts anyone else to do it.
Peace to alll during this Lenten season !!
Does he offer the Sacrifice of Daily Mass? If so, where? He lives privately, owns his own house (from his lawsuit settlement). Perhaps he offers it privately there as does Father Groeschel at his hermitage, yes?
Just a thought, but this woman could be the same woman he spoke of who had left his staff due to her bout with alcoholism. I remember him speaking about this ( in the context of addiction ), when my wife and I attended his NJ conference on spiritual warfare. Just a thought.
How about this:
How about EVERYBODY TAKE A BREAK FROM THIS!
This has been talked about enough. Now with all the conjecture, it is starting to border on gossip!
Why not, in the spirit of Lent, let’s all give this up, until it is all cleared up? How much time is being spent on this? How much distraction?
Enough has been said, enough. ENOUGH!
How about we ALL SHUT UP AND PRAY! Period.
New subject, please.
Friendly neighbor is right. We need to give it a rest. I just hope that Fr. Corapi is innocent. He just has to be. No one tells it like it is like him. He’s more Catholic than the pope, so he couldn’t have done what that woman claims. His righteous anger inspires me to be a better Christian. I used to smile all the time and speak in softer tones, but, thanks to Fr. (or should I say Living-Saint) Corapi, I yell most of what I have to say and I always have a scowl on my face. Grrrrrrr.
Who is going to give us back the time we have wasted speculating about this?
If only all these thoughts, blogs and comments had been prayer instead.
Prayers would be OK, I guess, but I wish all these comments were chili dogs. I’m starving!
omg!!! this is like the typical news story, we are hearing it over and over and over. I am tired of reading about it, there has not been anything new on the accusations. Can we just wait to see what happens? and in the meantime, pray, pray, pray. I also love Fr. Corapi; have seen him and have many of his videos. He always struck me as a warrior of the church and our faith.
That is the last thing I have to say on this. I will not read any more re-hashs or thoughts. I am going to wait for the truth to come out. (not that anyone cares about what I do!!!)
I hope that Fr. Corapi comes out of this a stronger, more humble, and more charitable priest. Over the years, he has gotten somewhat more arrogant and this is probably why the Lord has allowed this to happen.
I think that the more humble you are, the stronger your testimony. Jesus was meek and humble of heart. Not Fr. Corapi’s strong points at all.
I hope that he doesn’t dye his beard anymore which looks much better in his natural graying colors. I just had a funny feeling about him after he dyed his beard, like he was becoming vain or self-absorbed somehow.
Jimmy,
Blah, blah, blah, blah. I realize you make your living scribbling about all things Catholic but you really overanalyze the issue, and this type of essay written so soon after the allegations are made public is really out of place. God gave Fr. Corapi an amazing gifts as a preacher, we should, as he suggested, “pray for all involved.” Doing this and hoping he is innocent does NOT mean I desire the sin of another. How ridiculous.
re:Thoughts on the Father Corapi Situation: Hi! What a way for F. Corapi to start out lent. I hope we all come out of this lenten experience better and more sensitive to others. I know we do have the mind of Christ; but Jesus asked, about John the Baptist, if we expected to see a weak-little-reed-swaying-in-the-breeze personality to do that job of preparing the way of the Lord, implying that sometimes He needed toughness for certain jobs. [Maybe he dyed his hair to appeal more to younger people also.] Good point. Jesus was meek and humble of heart and He does read hearts. He loved David’s heart.Good that you wish him well.Nice to know you in Christ. Let’s pray.
What is happening to Fr. Corapi is terribly tragic, and it is happening to priests all over the country. I was so glad to read elsewhere that Fr. Corapi has called into question the policy of suspending every accused priest. It is draconian to say the least, and an affront to the basic civil and canonical rights of priests. Readers would do well to read a chilling series, “When Priests are Falsely Accused” at this link:
http://www.thesestonewalls.com/gordon-macrae/when-priests-are-falsely-accused-part-1-the-mirror-of-justice-cracked/
To Judy Stef: Agreed,me, too. I care what you do. It’s nice to meet my brothers and sisters in Christ. Cheers me up. Sometimes I get tired of being strapped to oxygen 24/7 and on wheelchair, etc. Hope truth comes out soon. Nice knowin’ ya’!
I’m with you, TeresaRose.
Yes, Matthew, even if this is not the case, we should be praying for everyone theoretically concerned. That helped. Thanx.
I love what Brenda said and others, who have mentioned the reality of the forces of evil unleashed as never before and the devil is trying to get more trophies, one way or another, while he still can. We all need to hunker down and really pray. We’re all familiar with the sections of the mystical body of Christ:The church triumphant (heaven), the church suffering (purgatory), and the church militant (us). We need not to finish off our own wounded; we need to pour oil on the wounds and bandage them up. Whether he did it or not, we need to encourage this human being thru this terrible time. peggy
PWRosey has hit the nail on the head. Got to be either a lawyer, law student, or judge; in any event, very, very, logical, thorough, pragmatic surveyal of the situation. I feel better now. I think I’ll just quit worrying and pray. Thank you. Peggy
To those honorable amongst us who wear the collar you posits are most welcome. The front line in Catholicism are you and the anger in Catholicism allows for some to speculate and become vicious in their allegations.
My Latin is rusty but in the discernment taken, the life in cloister, and the solid love of the Roman Catholic Church, there remains in the fog of age, a concept that regardless of the messenger, good come from flawed people, should that be found. None that I have seen, gives testament better than Father Corapi. I have found in my own life these allegations are easy for the few and vile, who take Catholicism as a bitter theology, belief, and exercise.
The prayers of the faithful should be directed to the faith as brought to many Catholic and others of the majesty of the salvation through Jesus Christ. This man will be vindicated, and as the man he is, he will return with the same dignity he has taken since his return and devotion to the Roman Catholic Church.
Sic Transit Gloria
A posit stated Father Corpai to to be a “stand up man” that I agree
Despite Vatican approval of “the Charter” itself, it is not clear that the Vatican has approved everything the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has implemented regarding the abuse of children by clergy. Whether those or other policies are operative in Fr. Corapi’s case, perhaps this situation will be the catalyst that gets them changed for the better.
I’m reading all these comments from the mystical body of Christ (us) here and thinking of James Joyce’s stream-of-consciousness writing and then a concrete theme (earth) of PWRosey stands out (like this is what’s really going on like extortion attempt); then an abstract theme (heaven) of Therese60640 (like this is what’s really going on: Fr. Corapi’s being given the gift of following more closely in the Lord’s footsteps.(break) The paragraph break reminds me that the Lord’s Heart breaks over the lost sinners; His thirst for souls drove Him onward through the agony in the garden and the stations of the cross toward the joy that lay before Him of having His souls in heaven to love for all eternity.His goal;ours.Amen.
It is certainly unfortunate that these allegations have been made, and that they might be even true, but what concerns me most is Father Corapi’s apparent disregard for the long-overdue measures that have been put in place to protect the integrity of our Church, in particular innocent children. Even though these allegations do not involve children it seems to me prudent to prevent scandal and protect all involved by suspending his faculties until the truth is known. Allegations of this nature were made against Padre Pio and Saint John Vianney, both of whom were well-known at the time and were eventually vindicated. I am certain that they are not concerned with being falsely accused any more. A temporary suffering (administrative leave) seems a small price to pay in order to protect the integrity of our Church. Perhaps Father Corapi would benefit from considering the reputation and well-being of the entire Body of Christ and not just his own situation, which I understand can be very difficult when one is immersed in personal suffering. He is of course in my personal prayers, as are all involved.
Check out Santa Cruz Media, Inc. Don’t know the web site.
Maybe same as Father Corapi’s…...There’s really good
information on what happened and what’s going on. What a
relief..now we can stop talking about it and just Pray !!!!
For many saints it was the will of God for them to suffer for the reparation of sins.They accepted their cross with joy and love for God. Like St. Bernadette she was told that her happiness will not be in this world but in the next. It is not men who can judge us but God alone. We will all know the truth when we meet our Maker in the next life. I would however pray that God’s will be done for Fr. Corapi and that he gains eternal happiness which is far greater than happiness in this life. We must all live this life to gain heaven even if it means suffering the attacks of men.Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. May God be with you Fr. Corapi now more than ever before. My prayers go up for you daily.
I’m no psychologist or expert at reading body language, but I’m pretty sure that Fr. Corapi doesn’t speak the way he does about the things he does with the conscious realization that he is guilty of something that goes against the very things he’s teaching. If these allegations are true, then there has to have been some serious repression or other mental gymnastics going on with him for some time. I am skeptical that that has been happening, but all we can do is pray for him.
DOES ANYONE READ OTHER PEOPLE’S COMMENTS?
There is more information here on what happened !
GO TO:
—-Santa Cruz Media’s Statement Relative to Fr. Corapi’s Suspension
I don’t know if there’s a problem posting links on here today, but here is what everyone’s talking about:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2694547/posts
This message confirms much more perhaps that it may have intended:
Santa Cruz Media is a PRIVATE AND FOR-PROFIT organization.
Private and for-profit! Now, there’s a ministry for you!
At this point it seems as though there’s no difference between its opporations and the sheer hucksterism of the 700 Club or Trinity Broadcasting!
It’s hight time Father Corapi return to the great Shrine at Auriesville along with his associates at Santa Cruz Media. There, they might find redemption!
What I will recommend is to have Father Corapu re read the commentary of saint James from the anchor bible.
Throughout the composition of Saint J Ames latter ,” shows just what kinds of speech the friendship with the world that is enmity with God ( 4:4) heedless and self - deceiving (1:13-14) ,flattering and discriminatory speech (2:3) , blaspheming speech (2:7) ,cursing speech (3:9) ,slandering speech(4:11) , arrogant speech (4:13) ,recriminatory speech(5:9) all such modes of speech seek to assert the self at the expense of the truth and all at the expense of others.the encouragement of plain speech in the community of faith is call to simplicity and truthfulness.First what is at stake is the community’s own commitment to the way of truth as opposed to the way of error. The ancient teachers understood how fragile an intentional community is and how devasting apostasy from it’s norms can be to the rest of the group. The ” truth ” here is that of the word, wisdom, and spirit , given to humans by God , fow which and to which human freedom is responsible, Just as in the case of sickness, son within the community has the effect of making the community recoil in self- defense . I am reaching out with the word of truth (1 thesallonians5:17) Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me, a sinner, this effect of such correction is to ” cover a multitude of sons” ,such correction will prevent a multitude of sins in the future , both the sons that the erring member might commit and the sin of the community that continues to fail in it’s speaking of truth to that erring brother.
May we all be faithful to the Lord !
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
A prayer composed by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val.
Totally over analyzed.
This subject has been beat to death, but we did find out that EVERYBODY has an opinion, no
matter how serious, silly or stupid.
It is not what happens to us,
but what we do with it.
It is called the Cross.
If #4 were the case, I would have no problem with Father being put on administrative leave. As it stands today, a priest can be put on administrative leave for #1, #2 and #3. As it stands today, a bishop may find #1, #2 or #3 reason enough to question whether any priest who has an allegation due to 1,2 or 3, might invite further charges and upset a record in accordance with the Dallas Charter. On the same day Father Corapi came forward with the accusations against himself and the resultant administrative leave, it was announced to the parish in a homily during daily mass that a priest from the Jesuit community was returned to his community when 30 year old allegations were brought to the bishop’s attention.
My 72 year old mother, who used to be a Catechist, refuses to do so within our parish due to the safe environment training resulting from the Dallas Charter. In order to avoid the perception that one is not a pervert, children are now to be regarded as untouchable, and are taught that anyone touching them is to be suspected as a potential pervert.
There was something terribly wrong when allegations of abuse were not investigated, were ignored, or simply resulted in a priest being transferred. There was something terribly wrong when known abusers were simply counseled, treated and transferred without the knowledge of the bishop to whose diocese he was to be received. There is something terribly wrong when a priest falls, repents and returns to a holy life, then is removed simply because his past failure or failures have been brought to light. There is something terribly wrong, when, in the face of ignoring canonical guidelines regarding the discipline of fallen priests, the bishops distance themselves from their own fatherly accountable authority via a charter which in and of itself extends the invitation of allegations as the sole means by which a priest may be removed.
Please pray much that the Dallas Charter be revisited, that our bishops and religious superiors reclaim their canonical sovereignty, authority and accountability in regards to past and present abuse, and that an illusion of trust which preys upon the minds and hearts of the innocent not be seen as a full or perfect answer to the joy of trust which is so central to our faith for the means of the salvation of souls, saints and sinners alike.
In Christ,
Cathy
Cathy, thank you for writing what you have.
It is clearly In Christ that you have written it.
Since this seems to be a clearinghouse of sorts for criticism of the bishops’ policies regarding matters of this sort, including particularly the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, I should offer that my own investigation of the Charter following the removal of a priest (whom I did not know) in my diocese in 2007 raised some serious questions about conflicts between Canon Law and the Charter and its attendant structures, especially elements of the latter that do not appear to have gained Vatican approval. Not only that, but the particular case in question also exposed the likelihood that the Charter’s zero-tolerance component could lead to acts of removal from priestly ministry that would not satisfy the Principle of the Double Effect, which says that the good being done must equal or outweigh the evil permitted. (The case in question involved a priest involved in single act of abuse 35 years earlier which he claimed in a public letter involved no physical contact and for which he had been personally forgiven by the victim over a decade before he was removed from ministry in a meeting in which the bishop was present.)
—
I sent my findings to several bishops, priests, authors, notable Catholics and respected acquaintances, but while no one ever challenged my findings or my reasoning, neither did they seem to have any practical effect, at least that I know of. I had one Letter to the Editor printed in Our Sunday Visitor (a staunch defender of the Charter) regarding some of my earliest thoughts on the matter, but they refused to print a subsequent letter that was more specific about what I saw as conflicts between the Charter and Canon Law. Perhaps Santa Cruz would find my thoughts a useful adjunct in their own investigation and efforts to pressure the bishops to revise these policies.
I’m a big fan of Jimmy’s, but I take exception to this posting. As erudite as his demonstration of logic may be, his analysis in this posting is misplaced - if not mind-numbing. The bottom line is that to this point, we know nothing of Fr. Corapi’s situation beyond what was posted. Jimmy’s analytic expose adds nothing but to fuel speculation. Perhaps it’s better to allow some “mysteries” to remain mysteries until the truth of the situation is “revealed”. In charity, I think that this is one of them.
Without more facts, an analysis like Jimmy’s is warranted. Until the truth is “revealed,” let’s seek it.
Kevin, try again and God Bless you.
@Joel
While your comment sounds admirable, the fact is that we, who sit around the blogosphere sipping coffee, have no means of seeking that truth, beyond speculation and gossip. The tools and means for discovering the truth of this situation lie with the investigators and the courts. In charity, we should let the process unfold through the proper means to the truth as best as it can be known. That would be justice.
Joseph, we ARE seeking the truth by discussing what we know AND praying for all involved including the investigators and the courts. In seeking the truth, we should not just let the process unfold. That would be wisdom-learning from the past.
@ Joel
I certainly agree with you about prayer and the importance of learning from the past. They’re absolutely critical. My sole point is that discussing anything beyond what we know, which is very little, and sharing our hopes for Fr. Corapi, discussion is more about about speculation and gossip, and people possibly concluding something about him even at this juncture. It’s uncharitable, and what learning and wisdom can flow from this? We learn and become “wise” when our learning is based in charity andreality, such as we come to know it…to the degree that our understanding corresponds to objective truth. Until we know the facts of Fr. Corapi’s case, there is little that we can learn from it. My thought is this: Yes, do pray. Wait until the truth be known, then learn from it and become wise.
I agree with you that we should not gossip and jump to conclusions. It is not uncharitable to discuss the situation. God gave us minds (and emotions and experiences) to seek the truth, not just leave it to others. That is the best way to learn from this experience and be wiser AND more charitable in the future.
@Joel
I fully agree with you that God gave us minds and the desire to seek the truth. Our job is to use these faculties wisely. This is one of those situations in which we cannot reach the truth of Fr. Corapi’s situation on our own, without the evidence. We have to rely on others to seek out, verify and judge the evidence. To discuss a situation, as you said, is not uncharitable. Discussing for the sake of discussing, without the facts, is fruitless. The unwise use of our faculties in speculating on another person’s guilt or innocence, and possibly damaging another person’s reputation based on knowing almost nothing is uncharitable. I invite you to scan many of the posting on this thread, including Jimmy’s article, and judge for yourself how likely we are to come to the truth of this situation with our speculation?
The vice president of Operations for Santa Cruz Media, the company that produces all of Father Corapi’s DVDs, CD’s etc posted a statment on Facebook that stated in part
“There is no evidence at this time that Fr. Corapi did anything wrong, only the unsubstantiated rant of a former employee, who, after losing her job with this office, physically assaulted me and another employee and promised to “destroy” Father Corapi. We all continue to pray for this person, and we ask you to do the same.”
Hopefully this will set some peoples minds at ease. Let us continue to pray for a speedy resolution in this matter.
Thank you Marcia for your post. I had tried to get that information
across to everyone. but it seems that people don’t read carefully.
And yes, let uss continue to pray for a speedy resolution in this
matter.
Fr. Corapi is not the kind of man who would do something like this and lie about it. If he did do it, he would be honest about it afterward. Based on his personality, I just can’t believe he would do such a thing. Certain other famous “fallen” priests, however, I could believe would do such things, though it is painful to admit it.
I stupidly subscribed to this thread, and the emails never stop coming. How can I unsubscribe? Where is the check box that says, “Enough already!”
@ Lee Gilbert
You can’t! This is it…for all eternity - and then some!
Think positive. Remember the cross.No pain no gain. Believe it or not Ash Wednesday is when the evil one starts attacking souls, it happens to me 2 consecutive Ash Wed.Pray for Fr Corapi, pray for all priests every Thurs. No priest, no Holy Eucharist. Pray for the accuser too.
To unsubscribe, just go back and post another comment and uncheck the box on the bottom left that says (Notify me of follow-up comments).
@ Brendan One of the reason’s for Father Corapi and Santa Cruz (Holy Cross)Media is a private for profit corporation, that you relate to as being the same as 700 Club, is because it allows him to speak out against the goverment in matters such as legislation, election of officals etc. when they go against our beliefs as Catholic Christians. He has often stated that the reason bishops, priests, rabbis and ministers of other faith do not speak out on moral and ethical issues in regards to the laws we enact ,who to vote for,etc. is because they are afraid they will lose their tax exempt status.
Putting on conferences of the magnitude that Father Corapi does, requires much financial backing, travel expenses, lodging, and security personnel .Father has received numerous death threats and sad to say, he requires bodyguards. In fact at one conference his bodyguards removed him before his talk was over, due to fears for his safety.
I am sure that the order Father Corapi belongs too, the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity, allows him so much for his living expenses and that Father gives graciously to his order which has a ministry to the poor,especially Native Americans, migrant workers, and the people of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. God does not put any limits on our earnings as long as we are generous with our time and our money for the advance of the Kingdom.
http://www.fightingirishthomas.com/2011/03/greatest-of-falls-was-corapi-complicit.html
No, you’re wrong on this whole santa Criz Media situartion. You see, while Father Corapi’s early ministry was just that—a ministry, his latest public speaking events (I’ve sadly witnessed first hand in Buffalo, etc.) reveal him to have a mind soley for politics, and a tongue without a filter.
He has turned more to expressing forward views on THIS WORLD’S reforms—NOT the reform of one and all for the world to come!
Sadly, Father Corapi is following the ragged path of Father Charles Coughlin, who also flamed out. Perhaps this path was intended all along due to his education in Spain and his involvement with Opus Dei, and the same handlers and masters as those who rant the last administration. Perhaps his temptation to totalatarianism should have come as no surprise.
Father’s order sent him to Spain he mentioned it on one of his tapes.
Nobody has accused Fr. Corapi of being meek, or humble of heart so far…
I thought this statement taken from Fr. Corapi’s site shed some light on what may be going on. Here is an excerpt:
We fully support Rev. John Corapi in this terrible trial, not surprisingly having begun on Ash Wednesday. Through the sacrifice and struggle of the desert and all of the dark moments that this entails, we are confident that the glory of the risen Lord will shine forth from the power of the Resurrection and Easter.
It is our fervent hope that The Dallas Charter will be changed because of false accusations like this. There is no evidence at this time that Fr. Corapi did anything wrong, only the unsubstantiated rant of a former employee, who, after losing her job with this office, physically assaulted me and another employee and promised to “destroy” Father Corapi. We all continue to pray for this person, and we ask you to do the same.
We sincerely believe that the work Fr. Corapi has done is of greatest value to the Church, hence hated by the devil. We fully intend to make Fr. Corapi’s material available as a service to the Church and the world for as long as we possibly can.
The Church provides no financial support to Fr. Corapi. He has to pay for his own legal representation, medical costs, food, housing, etc. We have never accepted donations or charitable contributions of any kind. We are supporting Father’s efforts to defend himself. Your purchase of products from Santa Cruz Media helps provide the funding for Father’s continued work as well as the legal expenses he continues to incur as a result of these malicious allegations.
Father Corapi and all of us here at Santa Cruz Media, Inc. greatly appreciate your kindness, support, and prayers. Please continue to pray for Father Corapi and his accuser, as well as all priests who find themselves in this unfortunate situation.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bobbi Ruffatto
Vice President of Operations
Santa Cruz Media, Inc.
Fr. James Flanagan who is the founder of SOLT, once said that he knows
more people who have been KILLED with a tongue than with a gun…
“sharper than a two-edge sword…” Let’s have LENT.
Fr. Corapi and Santa Cruz Media have contributed huge sums of money to the same congressman who have reveived equally tidy sums from casino owners/ operators in Nevada! Some of the same owners/ operators who where Father’s former employers (masters).
Santa Cruz Media looks more and more like a political PAC!
Father Corapi looks more and more like Father Charles Coughlin.
Has anyone seen how the left leaning media, Media Matters, has decided to launch attacks against FOX News to destroy them?
CAN SOMEONE RESEARCH THE ACUSERS BACKROUND AND ASSOCIATIONS? IS SHE A PART OF THE LEFT TRYING TO DESTROY AMERICA? Maybe Fr. Corapi has been made a target of the LEFT WING MEDIA and Socilist followers along with FOX News. We have to watch out what the Alinsky followers are doing in order to destroy people, beliefs, etc. And there are leftists within the Catholic church as well. Some Plants. The Left, Communists, Socialists will stop at Nothing to destroy the Catholic Church, Moral Society or anything that binds people together. I pray Fr. Corapi is innocent.!
I can understand many people believing he’s innocent, I can understand people thinking he’s guilty, I can understand people who aren’t sure but hope/want him to be innocent… but what I don’t understand, is the people who not only think he’s guilty, but seem to truly WANT him to be guilty of not only these, but many more offenses as well. To quote King Arthur in Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail, “You make me sad.” :(
I also pray he’s innocent. But why the drastic change in his appearance? At the very least it affects his authenticity. Why would he do that? And in my opinion, which doesn’t amount to a hill of beans, he was much more attractive before these changes.
I’ve worked in P.R. and crisis communications for more than 15 years. With such vast experience in communications as Fr. Corapi has, his poorly worded statement is so ambiguous than it leads me to think that it’s a non denial denial.
It attempts to deflect blame, attempts to ridicule the charge by seemingly communicating that it can be ‘anything from’ this to that, and concludes with an ambiguous ‘false.’
A categorical ‘are totally baseless and false in every way. They attempt to defame and discredit me, and will be vigorously fought. In the end, I am confident I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.’
Gustavo Bujanda.
With friends like you who needs enemies?
How short our memories are! Could we recall that Padre Pio was accused of sexual misconduct on many occasions and for 10 years, he was not permitted to say Mass or hear confessions. Imagine all of the good that could have been done in those 10 years. Satan only attacks those who area threat to him. Father Corapi speaks the truth without compromise. I am not surprised this has happened.
NO JUDGE IS GREATER THAN OUR GOOD LORD! Why don’t we PRAY for Fr. Corapi..
Yes, But Padre Pio did not make major contributions to political campaigns in his country the way father Corapi has made to Congressmen in this country. And those are monies he made from his ministry!
And he didn’t contribute to pro-life candidates alone. He made contributions to those supporting big business, big ranchers… and most sadly of all, he gave money to those supporting big casinos, an industry which once emplyed him!
The allegations of abuse aginst him are trivial in compasison with his political associations.
Forgive the lack of knowledge of a new Catholic when I ask: did Father Corapi take a vow of obedience? If so, why did he publicly criticize the discipline imposed on him by his superiors? And why are people so hot under the collar about EWTN when they only did that which is consistent and supportive to said discipline? The AA program talks about its spiritual foundation being to place principles above personalities. Something to think about.
Bobbie: What do I think? I think you should suspend all judgement until the facts of the case are in. A man is presumed innocent until proven guilty. You have done just the opposite.
My understanding of “Do Not Judge” is that we are to leave to God to judge whether a person is good or evil; however, we are to judge whether actions of a person are good or evil.
May the Holy Spirit guide us!!
Of what the public knows about Father Corapi and the former employee, accuser woman is that she looks worse than him right now. She is revengeful over whatever she’s upset about and bad-willed by writing several bishops. Further, her giving a numerous sinful allegation list ( his sexual explotations with several women, drug addiction and whatever other sins fill three-pages) makes me feel her story is false.
Attention! Everyone! There now…Do you really think the Holy Spirit would use a drug addicted sexually active priest to be his channel? No. He wouldn’t. Therefor, Father Corapi is innocent and willbe back soon. God bless everyone. Theresa
Unsubscribing
I’d like to point out that Father Corapi’s ambiguous wording of “multiple sexual exploits with her and several other adult women” doesn’t necessarily mean that it was the same degree of “exploits” with all. It seems like it could cover that she had reported that he was being flirtatious and groping with her, while having discovered him having sex with another employee. If she then quit, she then becomes a “disgruntled former employee”. If she is asked not to report the incident as it could destroy Father Corapi and she indicated that she felt compelled to do so, that could be reported as having threatened to destroy Father Corapi.
The assumption seems to have come about that the woman is either a lier or had engaged in consensual sex with Father Corapi. While Father’s statement suggests the former, it might suggest to some that she has charged him with the latter but that is not what he actually said.
I speculate about what may have happened for the purpose of demonstrating that Father’s words may have interpreted one way while they might also fit other circumstances. It seems odd to me that the vice-president of operations would have sat in on a meeting regarding Father’s standing with the Church and the application of canon law, though she may have been mentioned herself in the letter.
As one alledgly so “media-savvy” Fr. Corapi is making every mistake in the book.
By his own statement he seems to be opening himself up for a sexual-harrassment suit, which would have more to do and say about his employer-employee relationships than even his position as a priest.
Mr. Akin, you are such a tortured soul!
I subscribe to the premise of Innocent Until Proven Guilty. Unfortunately it appears that Father Corapi may not be receiving this same treatment. I have been a long time fan of his and his words and conviction have directed me back to the catechism and made me a better catholic. I think we would all do well to pray for our priests and religious. They need our support and love. Their days are full of stress and I have read that morale in general is low. In our service oriented society and me-first attitudes they are expected to jump whenever a parishioner calls or beckons and they are loudly criticized when they don’t or are not able.
In regard to Father Corapi and any other fallible person, remember these words: Do not let “perfect” get in the way of “good.” His teachings and words are very good no matter what.
I don’t understand why if the woman supposedly said she would “take him down” documentation wasn’t done then. When we get threats at work (work in medical field) we have to make a report, and if we think the person will cause trouble, tell the police so they can make an initial report in case it becomes something more serious. If he thought she would make a fuss, he should have said something then.
Also, EWTN said on “The World Over”, multiple women and accusations were made, which makes me think it wasn’t just one person. The fact that the case isn’t being investigated yet, I don’t want to think the worst, but being married to a detective, I always over analyze everything. Move quickly, I’m sure if all they have is a letter, it should be quick, if there is more, it will be more damage control. I hope they are able to say it was “hot air” soon or if not, maybe they will let Father be the hermit he wanted to be and stay out of public life.
I hope his fans and supporters will be there if it’s true, nothing he is accused of doing is a unforgivable sin. I have a feeling nothing will be said before Easter, but time will tell.
Father has made comments that were always very honest in the past. He commented during the priest scandals, he actually didn’t want to be a priest, the “love letters” stopped, hate letters came, people gave him dirty looks at airports, pulled their children closer. He admitted the truth that he (like all of us) has an ego, and his was always a healthy one. His calling, when not easy, wasn’t as desirable but he stuck it out. He likes to talk of his degrees, what a great preacher he is, being humble not a very strong trait, but people loved him. He loved his old life before cocaine stole it from him though, he never said he hated it, it was the drugs that humbled him. He received many graces but our world is a dangerous place, and he is as human as the rest of us. I think like Fr. Francis, having people want to talk to you all the time, flatter you, seek you out, treat you like a God,etc it’s like being a star. Sometimes people forget that priests feel the same things we do, they hurt, they feel lonely, they covet, and they sin. They also have a very hard time asking for help.
Father Corapi isn’t a sermon, he stepped down off the podium and had a life. I hope he is innocent and if he’s not, I hope he gets the help he needs and support.
I agree with Gabrielle that nothing Fr. Corapi is accused of doing is a unforgivable sin. However, as Archbishop Dolan indicated, the coverup can be worse than what he did. If he is guilty, he no longer is deserving of our patronage.
we all know who is behind this the father of lies , but as fr, Cropi always says we know who wins this battle.We need need start praying for our priest and stand up to evil as soilders for our lord and saviour Jesus Chriist our lod and king. God bless you all.
My dear Bothers and Sisters in christ It seems that the devil truly hold no bounds, on who he wishes to destroy especially when a good man of God like Fr,corapi who stands firm to the true teachings of the church without fear.places himself in harms way,Itruly belive Fr,corapi to be inocent of all these alligations and pray for his inocense to be brought out of darkness into the light.God bless Fr, corapi and uor catholic faith.
Fr. Corapi has been very honest about his past life and escapades prior to his coming back into the Church through the prayers of his long suffering mother. He was a millionaire real estate executive and cocaine addict running with the fast Los Angeles/Hollywood crowd. Father was very familiar with the rich and famous. He has always been forthright with his homilies/mission preaching which are directed to his sinful past life in the attempt to make it known that as Catholics, we will be forgiven no matter how serious the offense. Father makes it very clear that his sins were many and if God extended mercy to him, it is proof that He loves us all and will forgive us. Does anyone think it possible that this woman/women are part of his past life previous to the priesthood?
The accusations are relevant to supposed actions of his as a priest. It has nothing to do with his actions prior to becoming a priest.
Thank you for info. I was just told the accuser is a woman who was fired from Father’s office. We pray for priests every day but will offer additional prayers for Father. I am sure Our Blessed Mother will protect him.
I am crushed !!
You don’t come from where Fr. Corapi came from. Experience all that he experienced (Our Lady, riches, sex, drugs, Our Lady). Get to where he’s gotten then this.
Wow! Satan is roaming. The accuser, if false is being lead by the great deceiver, and Fr. C if true has fallen. If not true, I ache for Fr. C and pray for the accuser’s soul.
Wow, what chance do I have to fight this evil?
WOW!!!
I am just crushed.
(Fr. Corapi is the reason I returned to the confessional after 20yr absence. Fr. Corapi is the reason I feel more strong about my Catholic faith then ever. I’ve always been God fearing, prayerful person, BUT, Fr. C is the one who got me motivated)
I totally agree with Ann
Jeanne;
Nothing was officially said that the accuser was fired, only that she was a disgruntled former employee. While some jump to the conclusion that she is disgruntled because she was fired, there is an equal possibility that she became disgruntled while still an employee from something she discovered going on, and quit while indicating that she would file a report. If she was told that if she filed a report it would destroy father, I can see that they might then be turned around to say that she threatened to destroy father.
There has also not been anything said that the accuser had alleged that she was having sex with Father. What Father had said that was alleged was his multiple sexual exploits with her and several other women. Nothing in that indicates she was a willing party, nor rules out that someone else in the organization may have been engaged in a different type exploit with Father than the accuser. That might have some bearing on the credibility of those that later indicate that the accuser assaulted them. You can’t necessarily determine that the accuser is not credible based on the statement of someone else who may or may not be credible since she may have been named in the allegation as well.
Jimmy has analysed the subject constructively. We have cases loke that of Fr Marcel and the latest two priests in Rome found in Night club nude and indlging in sex. We real believers feel bad about them andpray for their conversion. In the case of Fr Corapi let us think it is not true. But in case it is true, the Father as a good christian should own up andaccept punishment. If it is not true, he must publicly refute and try to prove his position. Of course we all accuse priests. But what kind of devilish christians are these complainants ? Let us think about their intense connection with Satan.
If the complaintants are correct, they aren’t connected with Satan KC..they are just trying to wrong a right that they see. Many people turn a blind eye to things for years and years, for job security, because they don’t want to be the one under the microscope, embarassment, the list goes on, but sometimes complainants are brave to just start it.
If these complainants are lieing, yes that’s evil and goes on everyday in the our very imperfect world, but we don’t know that.
A priest in CT turned in another priest after hiring a private investigator because no one would do anything. The anger he got from some was intense. The priest was using thousands, millions they said for himself, trips, a guy friend for years…but everyone loved him.
Some said he was a hero, (the priest was arrested and later died of cancer in prison) some thought he should have just left it alone.
Let this take it’s course, if he’s innocent, I will have something to say about how they handled it, a lot really, but I will withold any scorn until then.
Holy smoke! Can’t people just let this play out?
The allegations sound true, and Fr. Corapi’s protest has little of Christian charity in it.
Add to that his penchant for dying his beard and sunbathing nude… gee, does anyone not blinded by adulation think there might be at least some cause for pause?
David stumbled, and cowardly lied and killed to cover his tracks. Fr. Corapi might be a David? Is that so hard to believe?
I feel that the order did the correct thing in suspending Father Corapi. They have to when they get allegations such as this. However, the process should be swift in finding the facts of the case. This is a call to prayer for the Church, to protect and defend her priests. If Father Corapi is found innocent, then the Church should prosecute the accusers for defamation of character. Priests, also, have a right to due process by the law. If the Church does not prosecute, then he as a citizen should be able to prosecute his accuser. If people have free access to accuse with no consequence for that evil behavior, then why should it stop? It is the duty of the Church to prosecute for the salvation of the soul of the accuser who must stand a trial for false accusations. But, did the superiors act wrongly? No, look at the Legionaires of Christ and what they’ve been through. The Church must investigate. Adult sex is quite different then child molestation and should be dealt with differently.
Mr. Akin, I thank you for this balanced and thought provoking reflection on the Fr. Corapi issue. You provided me with much food for thought. All our opinions are irrelevant as only God and those involved know the truth. I too am praying that the truth be revealed and justice be done for all involved. The points you ponder in your article have made me question: how often do we sin in our thoughts without being aware we are sinning? How often do we through our own natural inclinations and self-interests: wish ill upon others without meaning to, automatically believe the worst about another, judge and condemn another? The house on fire scenario has made me take a hard and honest look at myself and what I may be thinking in any given moment that is uncharitable and/or sinful…and how frequently are my thoughts displeasing to God? Thank you for providing me with this opportunity for self-reflection, and therefore an opportunity for spiritual growth. May Romans 8:28 be the result of this latest scandal: that ‘all things work togethjer for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose’. And May God’s will be done!
In my personal opinion, w\o knowing the facts, Fr. C is a victim here.
of course, Satan, who is called by name so we know who he is, is the greatest deceiver. But this Padre has the benefit of doubt, “by their fruits…” A time for prayer, anyone remember the accusation of Cardinal
Bernadine? - “like the smoke of hell…”
I pray that all involved will accept the truth, the light, and the way. What has happened is the past. Jesus accepts them all where they are. I pray for their future.
I understand she was a disgruntled former,employee who after being fired, lashed out at another stating she would ruin Father Caropi. Who could then believe anything she says?
Even a disgruntled employee can be correct, just upset. It’s the “upset” that sets them off, or the “disgruntled” part can be damage control.
I feel, if I did this to my parish priest, he would be there next week having mass, anything else would be done behind the scenes. This is bizarre because he is on TV and loved by so many and they are trying to stop a bigger scandal. I have been married to a detective for many years and many times, there is smoke when someone cries fire…I don’t understand the actions of his superiors at all when no crime was committed. Other priests were pedophiles, stole money, etc.
Having an affair, something that has gone on with some priests for many years, doesn’t bar you from service unless you continue it. This is insane. It only makes you think there is much more and they are just wondering how to handle it. Sad if there isn’t, silence is horrible and how long does it take to ask questions and find a dead end?
This is a terrible case of slander. And the woman in question is being protected as the Church Guidelines suggest. Please pray for all involved.
Especially Fr. Corapi. Justice will be done. Right now it is fear of the unknown….
I am appalled at alot of the comments I find here. Did you not think that the enemy would eventually attack him? He is successful in restoring God’s stray sheep into the fold. Stop embarrassing yourself in front of God and pray for this beloved man and FOR YOURSELVES. And in regard to Debra, the quasi detective, I have seen some very prima facia cases that were, IN FACT, fabricated yet ever so convincing. So this “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” is a gossip’s pleasure. Do any of you remember that our Lord was crucified as a criminal? God will direct the outcome. Just say your prayers and wait on the Lord. Beyond that, don’t speculate.
To women on this issue, Father Corapi has been silenced what shame that internal policies of yet to be unfounded allegations. In my past, I supervised quite a few people, many women, invariably many after termination alleged impropriety against a man who did nothing but maintain standards.I hope none have been a victim of some sort of mischief, Father Corapi would you have him pull a “Swaggart” if it turned to be true? As many here I would like an expeditious inquiry and resolution, tired og good men being given short shift by women who have an agenda. By the way, I am a father of six girls, think I want anything but their fair treatment? I pray fro father Corapi and all priests, Christ was accused as well, truth will come out and I hope resolved yesterday!! Sic Transit Gloria
Good Morning Everyone: Father Corapi is suffering from terrible anxiety at this time. He is asking for prayers, not speculation, from you. As good Christians, like we are, it is our duty to help him and everyone that is involved. Please pray for him and his family.Please stop analyzing everything, he has been asked to refrain from talking about the case until it has been resolved. I thank you, Theresa Mason-Rogers
I concur with Ms. Rodgers. I have good relations with the OL Society and they are proceeding with the upmost prudence(a virtue!). This will be justified…
How can you take someone out for just being accused of having an affair or daliance with someone?
I’m glad this is his order not “the church” because it makes no sense to me. He is being treated like a criminal and although I could see this if they were talking of children or teens or selling crack, this is without further knowledge insane. These letters can keep coming and they can keep him out forever…that’s not the devil at all, that is just stupidity.
I hope they have some justification for this, the spin on their end makes it sound like someone who should have been commited, wrote a letter in anger and he’s gone…the entire Easter season and more! I don’t want to believe anything else, but if I were him and I was innocent, I wouldn’t be a part of that group anymore. That isn’t prudent, it should have taken care of quietly unless they couldn’t keep it that way.
Don’t hate people for doubting even a little, the Catholics in our country and others have trusted many and have loved them and been hurt by them. They also gave no reason to doubt. Father has touched millions of souls, helped thousands, but he’s human and I hope and pray that no matter what happens, you can forgive him OR forgive the doubts that some have, after being fooled before. Don’t see it in black and white, sometimes there is a lot of gray.
Here is yet another tidbit to think about. When Tiger Woods was accused, it seemed that every woman that he had sex with came out of the woodwork. This has not been the case with Fr. Corapi. Not one media-seeking woman crying to the Today Show and looking for her 15 minutes. This has been sometime now and still no one.
That’s true Ramiro, I hope that’s a good sign, but most women still don’t like to brag about going out with or chasing a priest, at least not publicly. I suppose that is good, we have enough scandal.
I think what they are worried about is if they try to sweep something under the rug, or make someone feel ignored, then they will come out.
Time will tell…they are sure taking their time, doing what I’m not sure.
When Father said he wanted a break a while ago, wanted to write (although a book hasn’t been finished yet) stay out of the public eye, I wonder if he stayed like that, no matter what happened, it would have been better, no publicity, no push to quiet him. What’s done is done, but maybe he knew what was better for him.
I miss Father Corapi he helpe me so muchc,I will pray for you that you come back to television.I am french and 75 years old.You help me a lots to beileive in the commendements…God bless You!
We have so many people who hate the Catholic Church because they do not want to hear the truth. A large percentage of our culture today are determined to destroy the church and normalize their pagan behaviors.
They to do every thing in their power to to promote their lifestyle and
eliminate God from society.
God from our societ
To be fair, I agree, a lot of people don’t want the guilt, the younger ones especially, the older ones have memories and bad feelings, some legit.
I talk to many “cultural Catholics” at work, they were born into Catholic familes and practiced and then something happened to make them leave, or multiple things and you can’t judge when you aren’t in their shoes.
Some were involved in abuse, either themselves or close friends or family, some had family members commit suicide before the church caught up with psychology and medicine and realized “sane” people don’t do that, and told them they were in hell. One woman never forgave the hurt and pain they caused her when her mentally ill husband did that. Another was told she might still burn in hell, she should pray everyday, after confessing her abortion back in the 70’s. Her devastation was horrible. I told her to go to another priest, I knew many others, but she wouldn’t risk that again. Another elderly woman was told “you made your bed” when her husband was abusive and drank…granted these things have changed for the most part, but the hurt and pain they experienced and many more, are passed on and it’s hard to break the pattern. Ingnorance is no excuse for making many miserable.
I have heard thoughtful commentaries on EWTN from priests and nuns, asking for forgiveness if someone in the church made you hate it, it’s something else to pray about, because many hurts are very deep.
I, too am appalled at how anyone who has followed this wonderful priest could even question his morals!!?? I am older, not a cradle Catholic, having spent the first 58 years of my life in the Lutheran faith. I have learned so much about the Catholic faith from watching EVERY show of his on EWTN and listening to CDs…My own priest has even given me a CD because he knows how much I like to hear him.
How sad Fr. Corapi must be to see all of these comments from people who NOW are doubting him?? He needs our prayers now, not all the “what ifs” and “maybe”, or “just let the truth come out”. Father Corapi already said it did NOT happen!! That’s the truth then! Why is it that those “accused” are GUILTY and have to prove their innocense? I thought it was INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY??? What Father Corapi needs now is our prayers, not praying that he’s not guilty…prayers to lift him up spiritually and emotionally during this horrible time for him.
We already know the truth! He told us there IS NO TRUTH to “her” allegations! So let’s ban together as good Catholics/Christians and send up prayers that he doesn’t feel alone and abandoned by all of us who have loved this priest! This just reminds me that Satan is alive and well and must be very content with this mess now. But remember that good WILL win over evil! Father Corapi, if you’re reading this, I will continue to pray for you and to the Blessed Mother and Her Son, Jesus in your behalf. Just hang in there a little while longer and your goodness will prevail! This is just a stumbling block in the spiritual warfare you’ve preached about. God bless you!!
@Beth
I was raised Roman Catholic and also from a large family, I have never seen of any “abuse” as too many allege after the alleged “repressed memories” though of a way to rationalize their departure from faith. There were, even in the 50’s those Priest you read who were have a dalliance with a parishioner. 16 years of the most devoted men and women, who spoke to and taught us all the moral which as individuals may have broken, but by the grace of God and confession were forgiven. Father Corapi i cheered on each of his superb sermons, he should be cloned and those mens clubs in Catholic Church’s be made to tow the line. Catholicism is not a cake walk men need to be the leader in the homes, father families, teach values and attend Mass and confession monthly, something the 60’s destroyed the solemnity of both Mass and Marriage. Sic Transit Gloria
This isn’t something most people discussed, I used to hear whispering once or twice, but “sex” wasn’t mentoned in most homes, forget about saying something bad about Father. I don’t think most priests or brothers or nuns were bad, but many that have been accused, just in my state. had horrified people saying “no way”. I remember when Fr. Ritter many years ago, at Covenant House, came to my parish to preach, he was moving, did a wonderful thing with Covenant House, but he was sinning (as we all do) and had to be removed. My mother’s friend even then, wrote him saying she didn’t believe it.
It has been addressed by many priests about bad experiences, they know they happened and if you were lucky not to know of it or have it happen to you, that’s great, but don’t call others liars if you don’t know.
I can’t imagine Father is guilty,but I will never say he couldn’t do it, that is making him not human. Can you imagine the hurt with thinking like that if he is? If the summer goes by and still no word, don’t make him the church, he was a priest who spoke God’s word, but still a man, not God.
I’ve also known women hurt by priests who didn’t have the “counseling” gene and maybe shouldn’t have talked to them. Forgiveness if contrite, should be forgiveness. I remember Mother Angelica getting a call or a couple of calls from people very hurt by what a priest said to them and she said to pray for them and talk to a good, holy priest. There are some that by no fault of their own, turn people away, they are mis-informed, others no and don’t care. They will answer, as we all will, for doing that and turning people away.
The commericals now, which are working in some areas, the apoligies, all help. With God’s grace, more will return.
I also loved Fr. Ritter, back in the 70’s, he was very popular. My Dad told me then, don’t put your faith in a man, just Jesus when I tried to make excuses for him. It’s hard to let go of a picture you made in your mind. I hope if things aren’t perfect with Father C, others can do that.
This is taking very long and if he’s innocent, how awful for him.
Jimmy, None of us know what is really going on behind closed doors, so none of us have the whole story. That in itself is disturbing. For months now, No One would give us any info. or air or on any Q&A’s on radio to help us understand what is going on. If Father has been released from Priestly Ministry, is he free to pursue a career evangalizing? Is there a problem with this as long as he does not vary from the truth and Catholic teaching? Can we still listen to Father as long as he does not tear down the Church and as long as he always teaches the truth. He “may” be a bit of a renegade, but I have NEVER heard anything from him but the truth according to the teachings of the Church. He has proclaimed them much more honestly than most. I want to continue to listen to him, but no one will say if he is free to preach on his own. No one really says if he is not in good standing with the Church. He has been suspended. We need to know the facts are we are all going to be misled one way or the other. I think Catholic Radio has a responsibility to help us understand the FACTS. I don’t care about what some one thinks about his actions or his guilt, I just want to know if he is within his rights to do what he is doing, is he still a Catholic in good standing and can we listen to him as long as he is faithful to the truth. PLEASE HELP. Thanks Linda
Why would anyone want to go to Mister Corapi for spiritual advise—now that he has tossed his 20 year priest ship out the window? Is he supposed to be our lay Catholic “Dear Abby” now? And who wants to take advice from the black sheep in a family (his name for himself). He has nothing to say that I would want to hear. So who is he gathering to support him? For what purpose- financial? I cannot understand those that will seek a former celebrity priest one who insisted on doing things his way; then quit instead of being obedient to his religious superiors.
Dear Patt, First of all, publically he may be “Mr” Corapi, but in FACT he is and always will be a Priest, so I will continue to call him Father. Secondly, I would like to know if you have ever listened to Father Corapi? The reason I will continue to listen to Father Corapi is because he ALWAYS speaks the TRUTH according to the Cathlic Church. He is not leaving the faith. I don’t do “Dear Abby”. I am not interested in opinons, but I am interested it the TRUTH and what the Church Teaches and that is what Father Corapi always has presented. If you don’t know the circumstances or the facts, I don’t think you or Jimmy (whom I highly respect), should throw stones. Father Corapi may suffer from some weaknesses that we all posses, such as a little lack of humility and being a little over zealous, but he cares about God and His Church. We may not agree with his approach, but don’t judge him. Listen to what he teaches and you might be very surprised. God Bless, Linda
As a parishioner of a parish with a pastor who is being investigated by our diocese for many. many issues I can tell you that the Truth does not always prevail and many if not most of the USCCB are not aligned with the Magisterium, they are self-serving and abusing their power. None of us know the truth in the case of Fr. Corapi, but as someone who has seen first hand how our American Bishops operate I do not place judgment on Fr. Corapi for his decision to leave active priesthood. Do not be naieve and assume the Bishops in this country are living the Truth and have the best interest of American Catholics at heart, they do not. I encourage all to go to realcatholictv.com and educate yourselves to what the USCCB are really all about. I know first hand how the innocent within out Church are vilified and destroyed on the basis of lies and how those who truly are guilty of various wrongs go unpunished. I 100% understand why Fr. Corapi would choose to do what he has because often it is not possible to defend oneself against false aligations. God’s purpose may or may not be revealed in all of this. My prayer is and always will be: Thy Will be done. Only God knows the Truth and it is his will that must be done. People need to stop making conjecture and placing judgment: who cares what you think! I am sick to death of hypocracy! All I can say is people, lay off! As scripture tells us, we must focus on the plank in our own eye and not the splinter in the eye of our neighbor. Stop condemning and stop the conjecture: pray for Fr. Corapi that God’s will be done…and leave it with God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In answer to your question, oh yes! I have heard many of former Father—now Mister Corapi’s tapes. He made them available for all to purchase and he was also on EWTN. I heard his conversion story and how he wanted to “be somebody”, about his rise to the top becoming a very successful and wealthy businessman. His celebrity friends, his drug addiction and on and on. I have heard his talks on the 10 Commandments, on spiritual warfare, well, you name it, I have it heard many. It was nice at first, even though some his stories sounded embellished, and he did have the stories.. So I am quite familiar with him. But after awhile I grew weary of his talk, because it had become a business with sales going very well, and then his ego took over. Saints usually deny themselves, lose their self in Christ. At least the many saints lives I have read of, but Fr. Corapi dressed very fancy for a priest, his clerical clothes seemed embellished like some of his stories. Next he began to shave his head and topped it off with a dyed beard. Too much personality, celebrity and ego flowed through, so I am sorry, I guess I stand accused of not being his “fan”. But if you choose to follow the “black sheep” you are welcome to do so, but I think I’ll follow Christ through His Church and Sacraments.. May God be your guide.
Let me share a true story to all of you concerning sexual impropriety which was relayed to me by my wife. I work for the San Juan School District in a suburb of Sacramento CA. My wife worked in a facility in the district that consisted of “Discovry Clubs” which is essentially pre-school education for kids that are below Kindergarten age. One day she told me that a fellow that worked there had been accused by one of the pre-school students of improperly touching him. This created an uproar at the facility and the offending person was immediately put on duties in the back room of the library away from the kids. Even though it was an accusation of a pre-school student without any substantiation, he had to endure the whispers, suspicious looks , and gossip of his fellow employees for a month until a formal hearing could be arranged. Finally, after a month of agony for the accused, the pre school student revealed at the hearing that it was not the adult worker at the facility that he meant, but rather another student with the same name. It turned out the accused was completely innocent.
All I am saying is, lets not rush to judgement about Father Corapi
This “issue” has gone on long enough. It has taken on a life of its own and is very, very destructive. The Catholic community is being divided. It’s time for all of the facts to be revealed and only Fr. Corapi and the accuser can make this happen. Detraction and idol worship are what come to mind when I read these posts. Jesus does not want this. Fr. Corapi, and accuser, the ball is in your court. The Catholic community is entitled to the truth!
Well, today we heard the rest of the story, but I doubt this chapter will be in Corapi’s book.
This was a very bad (but not too surprising) way to end this sordid saga. Book titles: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”, “I will not serve”, “I did it MY Way”—I could go on and on, but most go clean the kitchen.
Corapi and Maciel used the same technique of appealing to a persons pride. They made individuals feel they were special, better than the normal rank and file Catholic. This is why the same people will defend him to the end. They are prideful and don’t like to admit they made a mistake.
P.S. I got over idolizing people when I was about 20 and decided that the people in my favorite rock bands were probably just ordinary people with a special talent. Maybe it is time to give up on all the hero worship and live you own lives as best you can.
If you really want to impress me, stand up the next time the we go to war. Decide if everything has been done to peacefully solve the problem. Don’t fear other cultures and religions.
Father Corapi [sic] was excellent on point when it came to the Roman Catholic faith, something the Catholic faithful need in a time of media frenzy. I am saddened and disappointed again, while I stand behind his sermons; his personal conduct, I would rather not know.
Vows, I cams so very close in Orders, meant something, the excesses were allowed by this fledgling order, that in itself was a disappointment as well.
The Roman Catholic faithful will survive, John Corpai was just a man and failed, something those same faithful will understand as redemption is very much Catholic, I pray for this man and hope he can redeem himself
It was meant for Gollum to find the ring
I think Father Corapi should come forth and tell his followers the truth..he owes us that much.
i pray for father corapi iliked his teaching it is hard to follow the word of the bible because we all fall short to the glory of god we are to repent are sins and try not tosin no more but god does forgive us thats why he died for us shame on poeple who condim him he need are love and support as he gave to us thats the bad thing about being a preacher when you fall you fall hard i would like to still here him preach he was good and with this we can all learn new revalations i support him and would like to see him preach this happing and to see and watch god bring him back to be even abetter preacher in showing us the way i will let father corapi preach to me any time dont give up father corapi
I have put all bloggers on my prayer list. Everyone is hurting so much over this case. God love you! God bless you! and goodbye.
While the news of this accusation is surprising to me, the concept of John Corapi being a target isn’t so much a surprise. Personally I believe John Corapi at his word. Since he has declared the accusations as false, and knowing how bad the accusations are, my heart goes out to him. There are reasons beyond 1,2,3 & 4 to consider, which are consistent with spiritual reality and should be noted. Witchcraft. Yes I said it. I will say it again in case anyone’s eyes skipped over it. WITCHCRAFT. Reason number 5 should be listed as Witchcraft. Call it a Satanic attack, call it what it is, WITCHCRAFT. Fr. Corapi or John Corapi, however you think of him has been in the war against Satan for 20 long years as a Priest. He is well known. He speaks clearly on the subject of how evil works and has used his personal experience to guide others to God. He has guided people to safety from Satan. He has spoken on the REAL POWER of the Rosary Prayer and how it keeps people SAFE from the clutches of EVIL. Obviously he would be a large target for the enemy of Christ as he does not back down from Satan. Satan uses trickery and some who would love to see Satan prevail on Earth would be likely to keep dark focus on John Corapi. Satanic incantations, spells, dark magic, MANIPULATIONS, etc are TOOLS OF EVIL, TOOLS OF THE ENEMY OF CHRIST. It isn’t as simple as 1,2,3 or 4. I have seen these dark magic tricks with my own eyes and know they are possible from personal experience. An example of one of the many tools used by the enemy of Christ is “Inserted Memories”. MEMORIES which are false, but seem vivid and real, inserted in to the mind by dark magic for the purpose of attacking the church and attacking messengers of Jesus Christ. It is totally possible that this could be simply that. It makes sense that it has been used as a tool of evil against the church in the past with all of the accusations of sexual molestation by Priests. Obviously it is difficult to assess what percentage of sexual molestation accusations are the end result of inserted memories. It is easier for Satan to get away with the tricks of evil if people are unaware such tricks exist and have no personal experience with such, so it would be understandable to me that this is going on a lot more than most people could imagine. In my humble opinion this seems all too much like a case of someone making claims that they themselves believe but are completely not true. Mental illness? Try Spiritual Oppression. Spiritual Oppression can take on many forms. The Rosary Prayer that John Corapi lectured on is a real defense against being Spiritually Oppressed. A “lasso of protection” I recall he phrased it as. Sadly, not everyone is in the GRACE of GOD, and very sadly this can be a result of that. People have different belief structures and those belief structures or lack of such can be a open door for the enemy of Christ, Satan. There are people who seek out attacks on those who are helpless from being protected due to a narrow-minded belief structure, attacks on those outside “the lasso” of God’s GRACE. Evil infects people’s judgement and traps them. For John Corapi to be attacked in such a way that forces him to stop being a Priest has the handy work of Satan all over it. It may indeed be that both parties are innocent of wrong doing. It actually makes the most sense to me. But then again, I have seen that power and have witnessed it with my own eyes. Perhaps I am one of the few willing to speak up about it. I pray for all involved. Including everyone who reads this post. Be safe, trust your faith in Jesus Christ, trust your faith in the Rosary Prayer and live in peace. God sees everything. There is nothing that man can do to man on the level of what God can do. Trust that God Almighty in Heaven knows the truth and this will be addressed in the time chosen by God Almighty.
My heart is sadden to hear the allegations against Fr. Corapi, for I believe he has done more GOOD for the Catholic faith than any other speaker I have ever heard. I am a Catholic that questions my faith at times, and listening to the teachings of Fr. Corapi has given me a much better understanding of Scripture and Catholicism. The Church needs more teachers like Fr. Corapi. As for wether or not he is guilty of these allegations, this is between him and God, how can some of you put judgement on him, and call yourselves Christians. I would hope all priest would put themselves above sin, but they are human too. And don’t think the Church is above sin, our Church is wealthy and yet there is still starving children in this world. What would Jesus say about that? You might get a straight up answer from Fr. Corapi.
I do not believe the accusations against Father Corapi. He is too honest for majority of Catholics that he preaches to. We need more priests like him.
aha sem nasel tole <a >Predelava oblacil</a>
aha sem nasel tole <a >Unikatno šivanje</a>
aha sem nasel tole <a >Šivanje po meri Kranj</a>
I have heard Father Corapi talk about his experiences as a Green Beret. As a retired Green Beret, and an instructor of solders attending training trying to qualify as a Green Beret, I found his talks to catholic audiences, full of exaggerations,
Untrue description of survival training, and physical training. I just wonder where, when, did he attend training, and with what school. I hope he is innocent of all the charges he’s facing, but his Green Beret stories are way off. However with that off my chest, I had always looked forward to his talks on church teachings.
Ed Salaz
Vietnam Green Beret veteran
Purple Heart recipient
It’s a sad day when we have to question the truth of so many leaders, wether or not it be leaders of the church or leaders of this country! Can anyone tell the truth anymore? I for one would hope that someone would come forward w the truth concerning Father Corapi. No more has been said that i know of in the case of Father Corapi. What is going on w his civil trial? I have a problem w the church knowing and approving of Father Corapi’s lifestyle and assets long before this scandal, why after the fact do they bring charges against him for not obeying his vow of poverty? I find myself always having to defend being Catholic, because of the church’s screw ups. I was hoping Father Corapi would be a good example of what it means to be Catholic, I still want to believe that true!
its time for the church to back father john corapi it sickens me that so many priest and bishops are blinded father corapi is a man of god he has brought thousands to the lord he came out of darkness to the light bapt. mother listened to him on ewtn im thankful she passed away before these lies came out when i started rcia it was father corapi who led me out of darkness and my 81 yo bapt. mother who suported me during the happyest time of my life now im ashamed to be catholic
AYYY BABY QUE PASO!
I have always suspected this priest of being erratic.
He always seemed to be hiding something.
I suspect that he is guilty as charged.
He never questioned the misconduct of his partners who sexually assaulted children.
Let him get lost and rut in hell.
When I first learned of these allegations, strangely, it didn’t surprise me at all. Corapi has made no secret of his past life, first as an accountant in Las Vegas, a wealthy real estate mogul in California rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, and then as a homeless down and out drug addict. He talked about these things many times. He’s talked about a prostitute that he tried to help (this woman, Tamara, perhaps?). (I can’t believe there weren’t plenty of others—seems like a pattern). So, now he’s gotten caught with his pants down. I find it ironic that after all these years of talking about his wonderful “Holy Mother Church,” he now says he wouldn’t be able to get a fair shake from the Church and that’s why he resigned rather than be subject to the Church’s canon law procedures. Huh? I think he wants to use the civil courts because he knows that lawyers can spin and twist things around to make anything appear to be true. I believe what that woman, Tamara, accuses him of. If he admits any of this, he’s career is ruined. What a hypocrit.
I don’t think you’ll ever see a civil suit happen, I think that was a scare tactic, but that’s just my humble opinion.
I think it’s sad to watch someone unravel like that on TV but you could see it happening long ago. Read excerpts of “Coronary” the book that started his lawsuit with the doctor (and his payout) and you see the seeds of this later.
I feel for his mother and being one, always thought that was the strangest thing. He mentioned her, she was his rock, always praying, etc. but never a picture, never mentioned in his ordination stories (to my recollection)his first mass. Maybe she’s private or maybe she didn’t like what she saw. I pray for him and all priests and the ones effected by their actions.
What has happened to Father…Where is he and how does one reach him? He has helped me retunn to my Catholic faith. I pray for him…yes, he has truely experienced Spiritual Warfear…Let us not forget all the good he has done and hopefully continues todo. We need to hear from him.
I don’t think we need to hear from him—-
he made his choice and it fizzed.
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