Celebrity priest punished after being caught with woman

[MusicaDonumDei]

I’m sure everyone will call me naive, but is it really known that he indeed had sexual relations and broke his vow of celibacy? Obviously the actions we know about are scandalous enough and sins in and of themselves. But it seems to me that he has been convicted so long ago over this that I can’t remember the trial.

And were he to deny that aspect of the scandal (a la Bill Clinton), would any of us not be cynical enough not to believe him?

And although it looks like he may have indeed broken his vow of celibacy, I intend to withhold judgement and err on the side of faith in his good nature.

-Bonifaz

 

[Serap]

I’m sure everyone will call me naive, but is it really known that he indeed had sexual relations and broke his vow of celibacy? Obviously the actions we know about are scandalous enough and sins in and of themselves. But it seems to me that he has been convicted so long ago over this that I can’t remember the trial.

And were he to deny that aspect of the scandal (a la Bill Clinton), would any of us not be cynical enough not to believe him?

And although it looks like he may have indeed broken his vow of celibacy, I intend to withhold judgement and err on the side of faith in his good nature.

-Bonifaz

You are more Catholic than most of us! Good for you!

 

[JPUSC]

Yeah, I don’t think this should be made into a big deal. Compared to the stories from the abuse scandal and the recent story of the priest who tried to get a teen to commi suicide, this guy is a saint!

 

[cathgal]

I suppose it’s kinda like the patient going after her doctor.
But the bottom line is…the priest should have said NO…don’t blame it all on the woman

Blame on the woman for taking the initiative, if this was the case. The man is flesh and blood. How many times can he avoid the advances.

He should be put in the monastery, doing prayer and penance for the rest of his days. That’ll fix him up.

 

[elgar]

Once a man is ordained he can not be maried no matter what. Allowing someone that is already married has been allowed only is very specific situations.

The changing of a discipline can be done. But, let me tell you that this does not cure anything in the long run. Most Small parishes can not support an average American family much less a large Catholic family. Do you want a priest wife waiting tables to make ends meet? Would you like for your priest to be your insurance salesman or whatever? How about when (and it will happen) a priest or his wife is unfaithful and divorce? Or the kids get into trouble? Or if personal issues stop a priest from being available for your wedding or funeral? Who takes the priests place in an emergency visit to the hospital? And the list goes on and on.

Always beware of you pray for God just might give it to you.

II consider myself to be quite Orthodox on all things catholic, but keep an open mind towards a change in the mandatory discipline of priestly celibacy for the Catholic Western Rite.

Since married clergy (as you mentioned, married before becoming priests and no aspirations of becoming a bishop) are allowed in Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches–and they’ve been doing this for a VERY LONG TIME-- they certainly must have addressed your above concerns. Maybe the Vatican should do a serious study of this.

 

[Cracker_Mom]

I wonder what made him think he wouldn’t get caught on a public beach?

Hey…this is interesting. His parish website says:

“When you come to the beach…don’t forget WHO made it”
saintfrancisonthebeach.com/english/saintfrancisenglish.html

Yup, you can’t be overly bright & behave this way in public…Yes, I know that’s uncharitable. But come on…

 

[redrosetea]

Blame on the woman for taking the initiative, if this was the case. The man is flesh and blood. How many times can he avoid the advances.

He should be put in the monastery, doing prayer and penance for the rest of his days. That’ll fix him up.

I am glad you are not my confessor…just think of how Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery, and the woman at the well

When someone is brought low they need a hand extended to help them, not a boot to kick them down even farther

Lets try to be a bit charitable, we may need the same charity extended to us at some point in our lives

 

[Cracker_Mom]

I am glad you are not my confessor…just think of how Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery, and the woman at the well

When someone is brought low they need a hand extended to help them, not a boot to kick them down even farther

Lets try to be a bit charitable, we may need the same charity extended to us at some point in our lives

I think the poster was being a but humorous, but I think the monastery idea’s good!

 

[redrosetea]

I think the poster was being a but humorous, but I think the monastery idea’s good!

I think he could do a great deal of good still perhaps in a setting for the terminally ill, or for people trying to overcome addictions

When someone has been shamed by their own actions, and they are sincere, they usually find a fountain of mercy to help others

He could be a great deal of use to the church in many areas, we want our people to feel forgiven not like lepers…if he isn’t cut out for monastic life I doubt that it would do anyone much good…God puts us in the place we are most useful

He has served as a bad example, but he can turn that around to do great works for God

 

[CatholicBoy1957]

Interesting that you brought this subject up. There is a discussion of it currently taking place on an anti-Catholic website called cowsill.com. That’s right, the 1960’s bubblegum pop band. What they have to do with such anti-Catholicism and far left politics beats me. Pray for Fr. Cutie, and for the salvation of the Cowsills. The answer is not a married priesthood, but rather better screening of candidates, which they are now doing. Protestant churches have the same problem, but it’s worse for them when a cleric is married, because the spouse then suffers.

cowsill.com/forums/index.php?topic=12735.0

 

[redrosetea]

I wouldn’t give a site like that any publicity…I for one will not be going there

 

[johnnykins]

Here we go! I knew this judgemental response was coming.

Fr. Alberto is not a ephebophile!!! Hardly can you compare this situation to that!

I never said anything about what should be done to priests who are sexual deviants. They of course should not be priests, but that is an entirely different situation than Fr. Alberto.

Have a heart and give this man the benefit of the doubt!

Read what I wrote - not what you want to think I wrote. His problem now with simply being transferred is what the Bishops have wrought through the sex scandal. This poor priest is paying a price for it - as are all priests and all of us. He more so than many. Nonetheless, it’s reality. That’s why he cannot simply be moved - and it can’t simply be suggested. Simplicity no longer exists and you can start by thanking Cardinal Law and a slew of Bishops.

 

[redrosetea]

This may sound strange to some, but this priest has been given a heavy cross to bear…He could become a better priest than he was before because of it

He is have to get used to a lot of scorn instead of being praised, like he was before…God help him carry it with grace

 

[JPUSC]

Interesting that you brought this subject up. There is a discussion of it currently taking place on an anti-Catholic website called cowsill.com. That’s right, the 1960’s bubblegum pop band. What they have to do with such anti-Catholicism and far left politics beats me. Pray for Fr. Cutie, and for the salvation of the Cowsills. The answer is not a married priesthood, but rather better screening of candidates, which they are now doing. Protestant churches have the same problem, but it’s worse for them when a cleric is married, because the spouse then suffers.

cowsill.com/forums/index.php?topic=12735.0

LOL, there’s only 3 responses…hardly anything to get worked up over. Plus, the responses don’t even sound that bad.

 

[bobzills]

Married clergy are torn, they are divided between God and their family!

Allowing clergy to marry is not solving the problem, it’s just creating more problems!!! (i’ve been married for 30 years and i cannot even serve my wife and family faithfully, much less them and an entire Parish!)

It is better to have fewer Priest who are devout and dedicated, than to have millions of luke warm priests who fail and betray Jesus and His Church!

"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth." (Rev 3:16).

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!

mark

I would disagree with you on that because we have the example of the Eastern Orthodox clergy who are allowed to marry. In many cases, the wife of the priest adds a new and nice dimension to the Church as she greets people and discusses with people after the liturgy. The Catholic Church allows married deacons and I would be OK with the Church allowing priests to marry.

 

[Serap]

I would disagree with you on that because we have the example of the Eastern Orthodox clergy who are allowed to marry. In many cases, the wife of the priest adds a new and nice dimension to the Church as she greets people and discusses with people after the liturgy. The Catholic Church allows married deacons and I would be OK with the Church allowing priests to marry.

But this doesn’t address the issue. A latin rite Catholic priest having an affair with a woman is the same as a man having an affair on his wife. He is breaking a promise to God.

Being married to the same woman for years - we all know can get boring and we end up with the same temptations that a priest would have. We all long for new romance, excitement, young love…Married priests won’t change this yearning that people have.

I sometimes wish I had that excitement that my husband and I had when we were dating and before I was pregnant. This is just human nature. We get complacent and bored.

Priests getting married will just change the dynamics to priests cheating on their wives with parishners. It won’t change a thing…just like birth control didn’t lower the rate of abortion. The rate of abortion sky-rocketed when contraception became the norm.

 

[redrosetea]

But this doesn’t address the issue. A latin rite Catholic priest having an affair with a woman is the same as a man having an affair on his wife. He is breaking a promise to God.

Being married to the same woman for years - we all know can get boring and we end up with the same temptations that a priest would have. We all long for new romance, excitement, young love…Married priests won’t change this yearning that people have.

I sometimes wish I had that excitement that my husband and I had when we were dating and before I was pregnant. This is just human nature. We get complacent and bored.

Priests getting married will just change the dynamics to priests cheating on their wives with parishners. It won’t change a thing…just like birth control didn’t lower the rate of abortion. The rate of abortion sky-rocketed when contraception became the norm.

You are right if you break one vow you will break another…It is about faithfulness, and not about marriage…It’s about being a person of your word and putting God first in times of temptation…

 

[bobzills]

But this doesn’t address the issue. A latin rite Catholic priest having an affair with a woman is the same as a man having an affair on his wife. He is breaking a promise to God.

Being married to the same woman for years - we all know can get boring and we end up with the same temptations that a priest would have. We all long for new romance, excitement, young love…Married priests won’t change this yearning that people have.

I sometimes wish I had that excitement that my husband and I had when we were dating and before I was pregnant. This is just human nature. We get complacent and bored.

Priests getting married will just change the dynamics to priests cheating on their wives with parishners. It won’t change a thing…just like birth control didn’t lower the rate of abortion. The rate of abortion sky-rocketed when contraception became the norm.

I disagree. it is not the same. Celibacy is pretty difficult for many heterosexual men, and marriage may be appropriate for them. Also, the wife of the priest oftentimes makes things very nice for newcomers to the parish and for old time parishoners as well. While the priest is busy with many other chores, the wife can offer the warm hospitality which will encourage many people to remain firm in the faith.
If a married clergy works well for the Eastern Orthodox Church, then I don’t see why it cannot be an option for Catholic men contemplating the priesthood.

 

[katy]

I disagree. it is not the same. Celibacy is pretty difficult for many heterosexual men, and marriage may be appropriate for them. Also, the wife of the priest oftentimes makes things very nice for newcomers to the parish and for old time parishoners as well. While the priest is busy with many other chores, the wife can offer the warm hospitality which will encourage many people to remain firm in the faith.
If a married clergy works well for the Eastern Orthodox Church, then I don’t see why it cannot be an option for Catholic men contemplating the priesthood.

It doesn’t always work all that well for Eastern priests, just from what I’ve heard, and I know for certain that there are serious problems for and with the spouses of Protestant clergy. If warm hospitality is desired, how about the members of the parish acting that way instead of the cold fish they usually behave as? Chastity in whatever form is usually difficult for everybody, married or not.

 

[CatholicBoy1957]

Questions, dear fellow forum members, for those who might care to take a stab at these.

In the case of something like this, what has happened to the man’s free and conscious choice? Did they ever make it? Are they psychically mature? Did Fr. Cutie experience frustration?

PRIESTLY CELIBACY IN THE LIGHT OF MEDICINE AND PSYCHOLOGY
Wanda Poltawska, Professor of Pastoral Medicine, Pontifical Academy of Cracow​

Unlike celibacy for lay people, the celibacy of the priest is determined by the free and conscious choice made by a psychically mature man (it is one of the main conditions put to anyone wishing to take Holy Orders) and as such does not cause a sense of frustration. This however is a very common psychological reaction among single lay people who would like to get married but cannot, and so feel ‘condemned’ to a life of loneliness. Reactions of this sort are more common in women than in men, and in many cases the ungratified desire for married life and motherhood gives rise to bouts of psychic depression.

Making a choice always means giving up other possibilities, other values, but a free choice willingly made also bears witness to the conviction that the value chosen is superior to all the other ones. The priesthood is so charged with potential for self-realization as to give the life of the man who has chosen it a sense of fullness which is often lacking in the lives of ordinary people. Spiritual fatherhood, the power to bind and loose, the joy of bearing, with his own hands, the supreme gift of God himself to others: these place the priestly dignity on so high a plane in the hierarchy of human possibilities that it cannot be compared with anything else what-so-ever and leaves no room for frustration.

ewtn.com/library/PRIESTS/CELMDPSY.HTM