-255x323.jpg "Courtesy the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity")
“As the regional priest servant of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), I issue the following statement on behalf of the society:
On 16 March 2011, the Bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas, and the SOLT received a complaint against Father John Corapi, SOLT. As is normal procedure and due to the gravity of the accusation alleging conduct not in concert with the priestly state or his promises as a member of an society of apostolic of diocesan right, Father Corapi was suspended from active ministry (put on administrative leave) until such a time that the complaint could be fully investigated and due process given to Father Corapi. In the midst of the investigation, the SOLT received a letter from Father Corapi, dated June 3, 2011, indicating that, because of the physical, emotional and spiritual distress he has endured over the past few years, he could no longer continue to function as a priest or a member of the SOLT. Although the investigation was in progress, the SOLT had not arrived at any conclusion as to the credibility of the allegations under investigation.
At the onset, the Bishop of Corpus Christi advised the SOLT to not only proceed with the policies outlined in their own constitution, but also with the proper canonical procedures to determine the credibility of the allegations against Father Corapi. We reiterate that Father Corapi had not been determined guilty of any canonical or civil crimes. If the allegations had been found to be credible, the proper canonical due process would have been offered to Father Corapi, including his right to defense, to know his accuser and the complaint lodged, and a fair canonical trial with the right of recourse to the Holy See. On June 17, 2011, Father John Corapi issued a public statement indicating that he has chosen to cease functioning as a priest and a member of the SOLT.
The SOLT is deeply saddened that Father Corapi is suffering distress. The SOLT is further saddened by Father Corapi’s response to these allegations. The SOLT will do all within its power to assist Father Corapi if he desires to seek a dispensation from his rights and obligations as a priest and as a professed member of the SOLT. We request your prayers and the intercession of the Blessed Mother for the healing of Father Corapi and for any who have been negatively affected by Father Corapi’s decision to end his ministry as a priest and a member of the SOLT.”
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What a shame. Father Corapi is an inspiration for many people. But I think it was not wise to give up the priesthood. The Devil wants to dissuade our priests. No matter what the USCCB says, Father Corapi words are an inspiration for many and I hope they listened to his sermons. (As they seem to at times betray Catholic Orthodoxy and espouse liberalism).
This article does not match up with Fr. Corapi’s description of his situation. I will hold comment until I see his response.
To find out that Fr. Corapi is “suffering distress” is heartbreaking indeed. I will certainly ask our Lady as well as the Holy Spirit to intercede for him and to hold him in their arms.
Yes, I am praying for Father Corapte and SOLT as well, including the accuser too. May God’s Will be done through the hearts of Jesus and Mary in all of this and may He be the victor. I too, am very, very sadden by all this. God be with you all. We must remember no matter what to keep going for Jesus.
I personally know FATHER GERARD SHEEHAN, SOLT. He is a good, holy, just and caring priest, and he has been maligned by many people on many different websites. Some of you shot from the hip without having any of the facts. I hope that what is now unfolding is teaching you something about the dangers of making biased and premature judgements.
I believe that there are a lot of people who owe Fr. Sheehan, the Bishop of Corpus Christi, and EWTN an apology.
Are you Catholic enough to do it?
wow! this is the statement that makes the most sense in all of this! Thank ,Fr.Sheehan
Shocked and deeply saddened about our dear brother in the Lord—Fr Corapi’s—confusing troubles, but will pray hard for him. Jesus is all Mercy and I (we) place all my (our) trust in Him alone. Rosa
The Church is not of men who condemn others, but of Christ who knows the truth. You are still our Priestly Father, Father Corapi. Your mission has just begun. No human being to limit you in spreading the truth. And that, I believe is why you were born.
How disappointed I am. How elated Satan and his angels must be. However, I am not without sin and I cannot and will not cast a stone at Fr. Corapi. He will be credited by our Lord for my return to the Catholic faith.
I do understand the need to use one’s last moments/years on this earth in prayer and spiritual growth rather than investing time in meetings, court hearings, social gatherings, etc.
No need to feel sorry over the departure of Mr Corapi from either the priesthood or his religious community. Both relationships were a liability to Mr Corapi and Santa Cruz ministries. John Corapi is a very gifted and productive Catholic and by God’s grace will continue to be so.
He did the right and honorable thing by severing these ties. I look forward to following Mr Corapi’s career.
Ciao, Pavil
I have found Corapi’s talks to evidence a person who greatly values his integrity. Employees, as well as anyone insecure or slighted, can for various reasons, motivations and personal limitations skew the truth and arrive at less than logical conclusions without any regard for the negative impact on their innocent victims or teh church they represent.
Having your employees sign a non-disclosure agreement is prudent. People can do vicious and irreprable damage for any number of petty reasons, including salndering an innocent man for money. Applying your civil rights and upholding your agreement in a counter suit helps negate that motivation and is likewise prudent.
This Society allowed Father Corapi to exist and prosper in a relatively autonomous environment. The faith has been enriched and popularized by his motivation, energy and autonomy. Now, its effectiveness has been deterred by giving undue weight to unfounded charges.
The Society has treated Corapi in an unreasonable and uncourageous way. Corpai is wise to have used civil remedies to protect his innocence and the faith he proclaims. His only alternative would be to put his trust in a Society whose only remedy is to treat him like a guilty boy rather than an innocent man. Perhaps their own lack of industry and effectiveness is highlighted by the success of Corapi’s ministry. Perhaps oppression is the only petty power play availible.
I only wished Corapi would have submitted regardless of fault, innocence or injustice. Suffering in that way would have produced patience, perserverance and trust in God rather than self. St. Paul proves a strong willed man can be even more effective when tenacity is tempered by patient suffering.
Pray. The truth is apparent—something happend and it wasnt being handled to the liking of the accused. Do we need to know the sorid details ? I think not. Pray unceasing for all those involved.
I have more faith in Fr. Corapi than I do the Bishops. The canon law in place to ‘protect the public’ is so extreme it perscutes the innocent preists as well. Father isn’t accused of anything illegal that the public needs protection from.
Clearly since the original accusations surfaced, he’s not been praying and seeking to defend himself. He’s been developing a weirdo web-site and writing some sort of tome to himself.
He couldn’t bear not having the spotlight on hm - he’ll re-invent himself (and if requires attacking our Church, so be it) to gain back some sort of fame, which is all he ever wanted.
I’d be happy to take bets on how long it will be before he’s seen in a relationship with a woman.
Charlatan from the beginning
Maybe if Corapi had been living in community instead of on his own, things might have worked out differently. A priest involved with secular enterprises and with no brothers-in-religion around him can become very confused. Praying for all concerned.
Obviously his appeals to Rome fell on deaf ears because they saw the fire under the smoke - and he saw no other way out.
He’ll be working to form a sort of Mega Church, either a physical one or a virtual one. Either way the goal will be to fulfill his “look at me…look at me!” obsession, and of course to make millions.
Not that he’s not within his rights to do so.
I don’t understand why an employer would write up a non-disclosure contract to prevent disclosure of false and slanderous information. It would seem they are normally for non-disclosure of true information. A person doesn’t disclose a pack of lies,they make them up. The type of information that a non-disclosure policy might legitimately cover wouldn’t seem like something that investigators would even be asking about. There’s a concern that the investigation might discover some of his trade secrets?
From 2011-Mar to 2011-Jun is plenty of time for anyone to determine if an allegation is credible or not. Why was there no determination in this case for such a long time? What was the hold up? Why is it that such matters take so long? Are the accuser’s lawyers in the way? Well, simply tell them we need to know X and Y and Z before 1 week or we will dismiss the case. Etc. This is serious stuff and should be handled quickly. Sheesh.
For those who still wish to follow the Corapi - just remember: Jesus saves, not Fr. Corapi.
“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” – Paul VI
http://www.shawnthebaptist.org/2011/06/the-witness-of-fr-corapi/
From Bishop Gracida’s (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Corpus Christi) “Abyssum” blog: http://abyssum.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/a-few-thoughts-on-father-corapis-announcement-yesterday/
From the Bishop: “Commentators seem to be unaware of is the fact that Father John Corapi does not belong to a religious order or congregation. He belongs to a Society of Apostolic Life. He is not a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, he is incardinated in the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, a diocesan Society of Apostolic life that I established in the Diocese of Corpus Christi when I was the Ordinary of the Diocese. He has never held an assignment in the Diocese nor has he ever worked in the Diocese. Following his ordination in Rome in 1991 by Blessed Pope John Paul II he has ministered in many places, but not in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. With the permission of his superiors he established his media company in Montana and has lived there ever since. As a member of that Society (The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) Father John is not bound by a vow of poverty. He is bound by a promise of obedience to his superior, the General Priest Servant of the Society.”
Dear Roman Catholic - Those of us following Fr Corapi are very aware that Jesus is the one that saves. We were taught by the best, the black sheep dog. And we are after liberty and justice for all our priests the good and the bad. Those non supporters that accuse us of loving Father Corapi more than we love Jesus are WRONG!!
Mr. Corapi, you arrogantly condemn the legal system (civil & canonical) to which you have been subjected & abandon your priestly vows barely 3 months after accusations are lodged against you that have not yet been found “credible” (let alone “true”) by the Church. Sorry, dear Brother, but man-made justice systems don’t work that fast. Setting up a “Black Sheep Dog” life (complete with instant autobiography) may make you the darling of the talk show circuit but also looks like an audition for the role of Anti-Christ, especially since you already have such a widespread following. I pray for your soul and for the souls of all who follow you along the Way of the Black Sheep. What a sorrowful time this is.
Dr. Corapi is a professional businessman from way back, and a highly successfull one. How many readers here can claim to be a multimillionaire real estate professional. Many moves he makes are from his training in his former life. He is no dummy, and no sucker. He understands you have to protect yourself from extortionists and the like. The sad thing is, he is an orthodox priest surrounded by infiltrators and liberals. He is sharp enough to know that this whole situation is being used to shut him down, this is not the 1940’s with a mostly holy church and superiors who are on the up and up. the american church is poisoned by phony clerics bent on taking down the catholic church. . H e has no more obligation to submit to illegitimate authorities on a crusade to destroy a truth preaching pastor than we do to submit to an antipope. His best bet is to beat them at their own game, by keeping his hard earned company out of their clutches and by coming out from under their auspices. He will be freer to be a whistleblower as a free man. GOD BLESS YOU DR CORAPI!!
The accuser entered into a non-disclosure contract, forbidding her to reveal details of her tenure at Santa Cruz Ministries. I know nothing about what John Corapi did, or did not do. However, the fact that Santa Cruz Ministries (owned by Corapi) required employees to sign a non-disclosure contract casts a dark shadow over what may have taken place there.
Why would any person involved with Santa Cruz Ministries have to sign such a contract? Even if there was no impropriety, the existence of such a contract clearly raises major questions.
An explanation of why there was such a requirement would dispel a lot of suspicion. If this information is withheld, Corapi loses his credibility period!
All -
Regarding who is in charge of what, please note the following.
“The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter’s successor…. has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.” Catechism Of The Catholic Church. Paragraph 882.
“The college or body of bishops has no authority unless united with the Roman Pontiff, Peter’s successor, as its head….” Catechism Of The Catholic Church. Paragraph 883.
Eternal Father in Heaven, I ask in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, and through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, please enlist the Pope, and the Church Militant, and the Church Suffering, and all the Blessed, to bring Father John Corapi, and all such Priests everywhere, back into full unity and harmony and peace and faculty with Roman Catholic Church, in accordance with your Holy Will.
HTH.
Slave To The Virgin Mary, I am yours,
- Mark Kamoski
While I am saddened by Fr. Corapi’s decision to cease functioning as a Priest and as a member of SOLT, his decision is understandable. Left to the snail like investigation by a part of the Church, the suspension imposed on him by a part of the Church could go on for many years, with justice being stood on its head by him being guilty until proven innocent. No, people, he is innocent until proven guilty.
Some of the envious commentators above elevate themselves to judge and jury, rather than leave it up to God, the civil court system and even the Canonical Legal System at some point in the distant future.
To the sanctimonious above who, with their own petty EGOS on display, criticize Fr. Corapi’s ego and who, without the talent or intellect, presume to preach to and about others, please read 1 Corinthians 13, say a sincere Act of Contrition and move on with your lives.
Perpetual Inquirer strikes me as perhaps being in most need of 1 Corinthians 13, and Jesus’ admonition to love one another as I have loved you.
@Michele - Dr. Corapi spins a tale of tremendous business success and hanging out in Hollywood with stars and big-shots.
But here’s the funny part, Michele - no one, not a single person, has ever corroborated his fantasy past. His entire persona is a scam.
And, who are these “infiltrators and liberals”? Do you mean JPII and his appointed Bishops? Or do you mean Pope Benedict and the conservative Bishops he has appointed?
And why do you think he’s keeping his “hard earned company out of their clutches…”? It’s a private company and the Church has zero claim to it - that’s the way the Black Sheep Dog arranged it in the first place.
Do yourself a favor and shake off the Corapi blinders before it’s too late…..
Strange Change:
Does he really believe that quietly submitting himself to the canonical process of the church and his religious community is equivalent to “crawl under a rock and die”?
Fr. Corapi always preached that heroic obedience to the lawful authority of the church, in times of trial, brings immensely abundant grace from God, and used Padre Pio as an example.
Now with questionable procedures that have awaken suspicion is taking exactly the opposite stand by claiming that obedience will bring him death.
It does not look good, if He is guilty repentance would be marvelous.
Thank you, “impossible,” for your June 22 suggestion that I consider 1 Corinthians 13. At your suggestion, I re-read that chapter today and thank you for reminding me of it. I agree with you that, when read in its entirety, 1 Corinthians 13 is “on point” regarding the Corapi situation, regarding my own comments and, in fact, regarding all aspects of human life. Thank you again—and I shall continue to pray for the souls of everyone involved in the Corapi situation (including all who have posted to this blog), which is something I believe 1 Corinthians 13 asks me to do and which I would hope all who have posted to or read entries on this blog will also do.
Like so many others, my mother and I have been strenghened so greatly in our faith through Fr. Corapi. We are praying earnestly for him that he finds the strength needed to walk through this darkness. Please don’t leave the priesthood, Fr. Remember, your “Mother wears army boots”. She will hold you close in her heart just like she did with her Son.
why are you doing this to our loving and devoted father corapi whom we need so much in our daily lives ? what will we do without him? god bless and be with you all who are doing wrongfully to him. may you all rest in peace with the lord, god have mercy on you all! margaret father corapi i pray for you every day that god may keep you near us , we need your kind works so badly, even though the devil is tryin to take you away from us!
No one can deny that Fr.Corapi was an inspiration to everyone and brought many many people back to the church. That must have made Satan so furious. He has been targetting good Catholic priests for years and Fr.C is no exception, so we must pray hard for all our priests that God will help them in such circumstances to overcome the evil one.
to the priests at solt read tour bible he without sin cast the first stone your problem is your jelious of father john corapi your not men your little children i spit in your face as a protest im stoping my diabetic meds and my other meds till father corapi returns as a priest
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