Fr. Corapi placed on Administrative Leave Following Accusations

[dfp42]

patheos.com/community/deaconsbench/2011/03/21/statement-from-fr-corapis-superior/

The statement below, from the accused priest’s superior, just popped up over at Pat Archbold’s blog at the National Catholic Register. It is dated the same day as Fr. Corapi’s statement on his blog:
Statement from Rev. Gerald Sheehan, Regional Priest Servant
Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity
18 March 2011
Today, as Regional Priest Servant for the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, I have the unhappy responsibility to announce that Father John Corapi, SOLT has been placed on administrative leave from priestly ministry, in accordance to the Code of Cannon Law of the Catholic Church. We have received an allegation that Father Corapi has behaved in a manner unbecoming of a priest and are duty-bound to conduct an investigation in this accusation.
It is important to keep in mind that this action in no way implies Father Corapi is guilty of the allegation. It is equally important to know that, based on the information we have received thus far, the claim of misconduct does not involve minors and does not arise to the of criminal conduct. Consequently, this matter will be investigated internally, and unless and until information suggests otherwise it will not be referred to civil authorities. In the event that we learn of any occasion where the criminal civil law may have been breached we will immediately refer the matter to civil authorities.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Had this happened ten years ago, I doubt EWTN would make such a move. It is a clear overreation because even if FC did those things, they are sinful, but not illegal. His teachings and writings and videos should not be deemed false if he did commit sinful acts.

However, every charge aimed a Priests today always results in overreation and a wife spread assumption of guilt.

It is just how things are today and Priests have a very, very heavy cross to bear.

Also, the secular media and society will scream “Hypocrisy!!!”

CNN and MSNBC would devote an entire program debating (actually advocating) whether priests should marry and whether the Church needs to finally allow gay marriage, abortion, and women priests. Basically, “join the 21st century.”

 

[BernadetteE1959]

EWTN’s statement regarding the situation.

Dear Family: This past weekend EWTN became aware that Fr John Corapi had posted a statement on his website indicating that he was being placed on administrative leave. The facts related to this troubling situation are outlined by Fr John himself in his website statement at www.fathercorapi.com . We join Fr. John in asking all our family to not only pray for him but for all who may be involved. As a result of this evolving story EWTN has deemed it prudent to place Fr. John’s TV and Radio programs “on leave” as well, pending the resolution of this situation. We take this step reluctantly and hope for a speedy resolution.

Would you mind providing a link to this statement by EWTN? I’ve been unable to locate it on either their website or Facebook page.

Thank you!
Bernadette

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

patheos.com/community/deaconsbench/2011/03/21/statement-from-fr-corapis-superior/

The statement below, from the accused priest’s superior, just popped up over at Pat Archbold’s blog at the National Catholic Register. It is dated the same day as Fr. Corapi’s statement on his blog:
Statement from Rev. Gerald Sheehan, Regional Priest Servant
Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity
18 March 2011
Today, as Regional Priest Servant for the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, I have the unhappy responsibility to announce that Father John Corapi, SOLT has been placed on administrative leave from priestly ministry, in accordance to the Code of Cannon Law of the Catholic Church. We have received an allegation that Father Corapi has behaved in a manner unbecoming of a priest and are duty-bound to conduct an investigation in this accusation.
It is important to keep in mind that this action in no way implies Father Corapi is guilty of the allegation. It is equally important to know that, based on the information we have received thus far, the claim of misconduct does not involve minors and does not arise to the of criminal conduct. Consequently, this matter will be investigated internally, and unless and until information suggests otherwise it will not be referred to civil authorities. In the event that we learn of any occasion where the criminal civil law may have been breached we will immediately refer the matter to civil authorities.

Much better way of handling it than Fr Corapi’s statement.

 

[Micki]

If you would like to submit a Spiritual Bouquet for Fr. Corapi follow this link—

domesticchurchmedia.org/Home/SpiritualBouquet.aspx

 

[SwizzleStick]

Would you mind providing a link to this statement by EWTN? I’ve been unable to locate it on either their website or Facebook page.

Thank you!
Bernadette

I too did a search but couldn’t find it online. Maybe it was a statement made on the radio?

 

[ac_claire]

Just occurred to me that it seems kind of odd that the accuser would send a letter to several bishops. Isn’t a priest under the jurisdiction of only ONE bishop?

 

[Gift_from_God]

If ti is true, may he receive the proper discipline. If it is untrue, well, then this woman should be sued.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Just occurred to me that it seems kind of odd that the accuser would send a letter to several bishops. Isn’t a priest under the jurisdiction of only ONE bishop?

No. A priest who is a member of a religious order/congregation is under the jurisdiction of his superior. If he works in more than one diocese then each of those bishops should be contacted along with the priest’s superior.

 

[dfp42]

I too did a search but couldn’t find it online. Maybe it was a statement made on the radio?

It was a statement that someone on his facebook page received from an email via ewtn. Sorry. I hope there is an official statement although this is really considered news

 

[dfp42]

No. A priest who is a member of a religious order/congregation is under the jurisdiction of his superior. If he works in more than one diocese then each of those bishops should be contacted along with the priest’s superior.

Do you happen to know what exactly it means to be on administrative leave? If he is not allowed to have any public ministry, how come it appears he posted a video on his “Our Sunday Homily” from yesterday 3/20/11? Is he still allowed to record and post new videos online via his website or would this constitute not being obedient to him being on leave?

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Do you happen to know what exactly it means to be on administrative leave? If he is not allowed to have any public ministry, how come it appears he posted a video on his “Our Sunday Homily” from yesterday 3/20/11? Is he still allowed to record and post new videos online via his website or would this constitute not being obedient to him being on leave?

I do not know what “administrative leave” means.

Usually when a priest is put on leave he must stop all public ministry. At least that is how it is in my community.

It is my understanding that one has to pay to get his Sunday Homilies so there might be a contractual agreement with Santa Cruz Media that he has to continue these.

If one has questions about this I would direct them to Rev. Gerald Sheehan, Regional Priest Servant, who appears to be Fr Corapi’s superior in the SOLT.

 

[jediliz]

I am praying for Father Corapi. I got to see him give one of his conferences in person last September and I ordered the CD set for my brother in law and the DVD for myself.

I believe that Satan is attacking him because he is a modern day Saint Augustine (turned from a life of Sin and came back to Catholicism). I pray these allegations will be found to be untrue and he will be allowed to preach again.

 

[iamrefreshed]

Much better way of handling it than Fr Corapi’s statement.

Having been a sinner and very likely still terribly ashamed of the way he used to be Fr. Corapi is probably very hurt by these accusations.

I’d give him a pass on his statement.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Do you happen to know what exactly it means to be on administrative leave?

Usually when someone is on a “leave” they are restricted from public ministry, but there can be certain permissions granted.

If he is not allowed to have any public ministry, how come it appears he posted a video on his “Our Sunday Homily” from yesterday 3/20/11? Is he still allowed to record and post new videos online via his website or would this constitute not being obedient to him being on leave?

It depends. As stated, he might have permission to continue internet ministry but not personally appear anywhere. Or his homilies were written several weeks in advance and are automatically being posted by the site.

 

[BernadetteE1959]

It was a statement that someone on his facebook page received from an email via ewtn. Sorry. I hope there is an official statement although this is really considered news

Thank you.

 

[Jesus_123]

Father John Corapi has long been following in the . . . holy bloodstained footsteps . . . of . . . Jesus . . . the Blessed Christ . . . our Crucified Lord . . . in full view of the entire world . . . following his God ordained preaching vocation in our wonderful Apostolic Holy Roman Catholic Church . . . remember . . . Our Saviour and Lord . . . Christ Jesus . . . God the Son . . . was betrayed by one near him and falsely accused . . .

Following in **Jesus our ** **Lord’s **holy footsteps is known as the walking along the holy pathway known as the . . . Via Dolorosa . . . the . . . Way of Sorrows . . . which is also known as the . . . Way of the Cross . . . and many of **God’s **children and Saints and Martyrs of our Holy Mother Church have followed this holy pathway . . . some all the way to being crucified for Christ’s sake . . .

St. Padre Pio was also accused in a very like manner as Father Corapi has been . . . and was set aside from his regular mission and ministry within the Church for a time . . . in due season he was vindicated and his miraculous holy ministry continued on in all holiness and great power . . . and he is now a canonized Saint of our Holy Mother Church . . .

Be careful . . . dear children of God . . . that your response to this crisis situation does not further bruise and wound our . . . so Terribly Bruised and Wounded. . . Crucifed Lord Jesus Christ . . . God the Son . . . during this holy season of Lent . . . as our brother priest carries this heavy cross of persecution during his walk day by day following in the . . . bloodstained footsteps . . . of his and our . . . Redeemer . . . Christ Jesus our Saviour and our Lord . . . in this new circumstance . . .

Sacred :bible1: Scripture and our Holy Mother Church teach us and warn us as to how respond in such a situation as this . . .

:bible1:
Against a priest receive NOT an accusation,
but under two or three witnesses.
1 Timothy 5:19

We as God’s children are instructed to NOT TO EVEN RECEIVE this accusation against our brother priest under these revealed circumstances . . . Satanic lies were at the heart of the accusations against . . . Jesus our Blessed Lord . . . we need to be extremely careful that the ghastly sex abuse scandal that has so shocked, sickened, and horrified all the world of late . . . does not mistakenly cause us to paint . . . or taint . . .** God’s** many many holy priests who have so faithfully . . . by the grace of God . . . fulfilled their holy vocations . . .

Our family very prayerfully went through this with a dear friend much beloved of God . . . who was a national well known public figure . . .* in due season* . . . even as in **Padre Pio’s **case . . . ***now **St. Pio *****. . . he was completely exonerated and proven with irrefutable evidence completely innocent . . . *the wheels of justice . . . in or out of the Church . . . may grind exceedingly slow . . . but they do move . . . *

Father Corapi has personally stated firmly . . . "All of the allegations in the complaint are false, and I ask you to pray for all concerned."

So be it . . . in accordance with the compassionate teaching of . . . **Sacred Scripture **. . . I DO NOT even receive this accusation aimed at Father Corapi . . . and we are praying even as requested by Father . . . enuf said . . .


PRAYER TO
**SAINT MICHAEL
THE ARCHANGEL **

**St. Michael the Archangel, **
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness
and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray,
and do
**thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, **
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.


O blood and Water,
which gushed forth from the
Heart of Jesus
as a fount of mercy for us,
I trust in You.
- St. Faustina’s Diary
Entry #84

A blessed Lent to you all . . .

. . . all for Jesus+
. . . Jesus I trust in You+

​

 

[deborahssong]

Just this morning I watched Daystar, as I am a protestant on my way BACK to the catholic church. I love Joni and Marcus lamb. As many may already know, Marcus, back a few years ago, had a moral failure. However he came forward with it, before anyone knew, like the media! He was removed from preaching for a time, and they have been in intense therapy and accountability since. That is scriptural. I BELIEVE and understand that the church is the magesterium, and the root. However I pray thay handle this, matching the word of GOD.
Read Galatians 6;1. That says it all…OF course there is a way to restore and that damage CAN be repairable, IN JESUS CHRIST! However I am amazed at how many want to just "nail"him, before he is ever proven so. I love this man, and believe he is called at “such a time as this.”…He tells the CHURCH the truth,…he is sent I believe to WAKE UP catholics, who have become…complacent…I said to my hubby we must remember the past he had. satan is major ticked that his life, is so changed! so of course he sends someone in to destroy the work of the Lord! or he thinks it will. and ya know what? if it turns out to be true? Fr Corpai is deserving of forgiveness, and restoration, just how GODs word says to do!!! Yes they are called to holiness living however so are we all!!! I pray for this to be resolved quickly!!! In Jesus name…

 

[Seamus_L]

I’ve gone back and read Father Corapi’s statement on the matter and i couldn’t agree with him more. If this is the new standard procedure for dealing with claims against priests (and it appears it is still the word of one individual) it now means that no priest is safe from the wildest of accusations.

 

[dfp42]

Fr. Corapi’s superior pulls plug on Catholic Charities fund-raiser

                                                                                    Father John Corapi will not appear as planned at                          the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center on                          Saturday, March 26, or meet with sponsors of the event                          the night before in Rockford.Corapi was to be the only speaker at a major                          conference planned as a fund-raising program for                          Catholic Charities, according to Frank Vonch, director                          of the agency. “Without him there is no program,” Vonch                          said.He added that all ticket sales and sponsorships                          would be refunded, although he is still working on                          details regarding how the refund process will proceed.                          “We hope to have those details worked out in the next 72                          hours,” he said, adding that they will be posted on the                          Catholic Charities website ([www.fathercorapidekalb.com](http://www.fathercorapidekalb.com))                          as soon as they are finalized. If people have questions,                          they are welcome to call the Catholic Charities office                          at 815- 387-3373 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.Vonch said today that he received word from                          Father Corapi’s religious superior, Father Gerard                          Sheehan, Regional Priest Servant of the Society of Our                          Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, that Father Corapi would                          not be able to fulfill his engagements in DeKalb and                          Rockford because he “has been placed on administrative                          leave from priestly ministry, in accordance to the Code                          of Canon Law of the Catholic Church.”  On his website, Father Corapi reported: “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 women.” He concluded                          his statement by saying: “All of the allegations are                          false, and I ask you to pray for all concerned.”On Friday, March 18, all bishops in the U.S. were                          sent a memo by Msgr. David Malloy, General Secretary of                          the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, that read:“The Diocese of Corpus Christi has informed the                          Conference of its concerns with regard to Fr. John                          Corapi, SOLT. The superiors of the Society of Our Lady                          of the Holy Trinity (SOLT), headquartered in the Diocese                          of Corpus Christi, have notified the diocese that Fr.                          Corapi has been placed on administrative leave and has                          had all of his priestly faculties removed. The superiors                          of SOLT have further advised the diocese that this                          action was taken after SOLT received allegations of                          misconduct on Fr. Corapi’s part, but that these                          allegations do not appear to involve minors or claims of                          criminal activity.”
                                                                                   Vonch expressed regret over any inconvenience the                          incident is causing people, but said he is gratified to                          learn that all the people involved have their priorities                          in order. 
                                                                                   “Obviously, we are devastated” Vonch said. “We                          have been working for almost two years building support                          for this event and we have been looking forward to a                          very special day. The proceeds would have provided vital                          support to our many Catholic Charities ministries. But                          at this moment, I don’t know how we’re going to recover                          the expenses of our preparations, much less forgo the                          contributions we have been anticipating to help fund our                          programs for children.
                                                                                   “Of course, we’re also sorry for the                          inconvenience this is to the many people who stepped up                          to support and attend the program, and now we are                          focused on working out the details to see that everyone                          gets a full refund of their donations,” he added.
                                                                                   “But it’s good to know that those who are making                          the decisions about this matter agree that resolving                          these accusations has to be given first priority.”