Fr. Corapi Responds to Some of His Order's Charges

[guanophore]

Why doesn’t he just tell us then? It would be nice if SOLT follows up with answers at the end of this month. Was it also not his choice to write his letter to SOLT resigning?

Yes, it was his choice to resign. He did not want to go through the investigative process with SOLT. He was convinced he would never get his faculties reinstated (or at least, that is his story). Obviously, there are good reasons for this. He knows a lot more about what he has done than SOLT, and what SOLT found already is sufficient for them to say that he is not fit for ministry.

The one area he has been obedient, is to not pretend he is a priest in good standing with the Church. I appreciate that.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Did you ever stop to think that the persons who are making the decisions, (e.g. the Bishop of Corpus Christi and the Major Superior of SOLT) might have more information then they have put in the public forum?

You really ought to go back and read every one of Brother JR’s posts in this, and the other threads on Father Corapi. If you do, you will learn that the Superior is not subject to the standard of a criminal trial or even a civil trial. It his his judgement to make, period. If Cather Corpai believes that he is being treated unfairly he has the right to appeal to Rome for a trial. To date, he has not done so.

Please stop comparing this situation to the US Judicial system. It is not the same thing and not subject to the same standards.

I agree. This should not be tried in public like Nancy Grace does! It is proper that the information remain private to protect the accusers and Fr Corapi.

If he hadn’t sown discord with the civil suit and his announcements 3 months in, we would not be having this discussion now. The investigation would have continued and concluded properly. Fr would have been notified and he could then have appealed to Rome if necessary. None of us would have been involved, stirred up, or divided.

Even if he had been suspended and ‘silenced’ for a few years, it would not have worked people up the way all this scandal has. Without his BlackSheepDog announcement, the SOLT would very likely never had released the statement of their findings the way they did.

Yes, he might have been ‘forgetten’ by some who were regular listeners, but it would have been better for him and them if he had taken the route of obedience. I continue to pray for him, for his physical,mental, andspiritual well-being. And for those who are still struggling with the scandal all this has caused.

 

[guanophore]

I never heard that he did that. He was suspended, he filed a lawsuit, he was told to come back to SOLT, he refused to do that. I never heard that he formally resigned. Or, if I did, I have forgotten it.

Yes. In the SOLT statement, they said he resigned, back in June. That was his
“fathers day” decision.

Father Sheehan said the investigation was still ongoing when Father Corapi told the order on June 3 that he could no longer function as a priest or a member of SOLT because of “the physical, emotional and spiritual distress he has endured over the past few years.”
soltnews.blogspot.com/2011/06/official-solt-statement-on-behalf-of-fr.html

 

[guanophore]

You bring up a good point. How will the past 10 years be different from what he is wanting to do in the future? Does he not want to do speaking engagments? Preaching? I really dont see what the difference may be other than he doesn’t want to be a priest while doing it.

I could be wrong of course, but I dont see what the difference will be other than outside of the priesthood?

He would not have the stress produced from living a double life, and the guilt of presenting himself as someone he is not (person who is not keeping promises he made).

 

[guanophore]

Respectfully, I would encourage you if possible to read through all of the threads associated with this topic, although they are many. People ARE praying for Fr. Corapi. I do not know that a dedicated thread, etc., has been started to that end, but nearly everyone who has posted to date has mentioned that they have been and are continuing to pray for him. Beyond that, I am not sure how we can help a man who apparently sees nothing awry in what he is doing and therefore doesn’t see himself as in need of assistance. And that is the crux of this biscuit - he initiated the break from his Order, not the other way around, he is the one who wants to enter this “new era” as he has called it. His Order and the Bishop just want him to return home.

I have started a continuous rosary for Fr. Corapi here on CAF in the prayer intentions thread. For those of you who are interested in joining together to pray that Our Lady will rescue Fr. Corapi, here is the link:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=8110176#post8110176
Just post and pray the next prayer in the rosary, and come back as often as you like to continue it. Thanks!

 

[guanophore]

Hard evidence, really? There’s something called credible evidence. As far as I can tell, no names have been named, nothing is authenticated. If we only have the quality of witnesses like the accuser’s husband, the whole judicial system will collapse in one day. From where I’m looking at, there’s just uonconfirmed rumors and heresays. Anyway,we can agree to disagree. God bless.

Franas, it is not a civil procedure, and the canonical does not work the way “the whole judicial system” does. The reason that the procedures call for suspension when serious allegations have been made is so that the accused priest will not be in a position to offend while the investigation proceeds. As I am sure you are aware, many priests accused of pedophiliac behavior were not stopped in a timely manner, and continued to wound people while swift and decisive action was not taken. I realize that it may seem like a “guilty until proven innocent” method, but the Church had to take drastic measures to protect the flock.

If the priest who is accused is innocent, then they may have to endure a year or two of a slow moving investigation in order to be cleared. This is a hardship on the priest, as well as those who are helped by his ministry (since his faculties are suspended during the process). This is a cost that the whole church has to bear because a blind eye was turned to corruption for way too long.

Assuredly, though, SOLT has more than “hearsays”. Since they know that Corapi is in a litigious frame of mind right now, they would not have posted such explicit material without just cause.

 

[Elizabeth502]

ESL English has a different pattern of wrongness to it - if you know what I mean. When you pronounce it out loud, you get the “feeling” of a high school student or first year college student, rather than a person from a different country.

I’ll have to politely differ with you, as education is my profession, and my families are heavily ESL. Written ESL communication sometimes differs from oral. In any case, i.m.o., the expression being discussed signifies nothing plus or minus about the person in question, in terms of education, knowledge, sincerity, etc. (That’s also the larger point I was making.)

In Christ,
Elizabeth

 

[CreedalCatholic]

Did you ever stop to think that the persons who are making the decisions, (e.g. the Bishop of Corpus Christi and the Major Superior of SOLT) might have more information then they have put in the public forum?

You really ought to go back and read every one of Brother JR’s posts in this, and the other threads on Father Corapi. If you do, you will learn that the Superior is not subject to the standard of a criminal trial or even a civil trial. It his his judgement to make, period. If Cather Corpai believes that he is being treated unfairly he has the right to appeal to Rome for a trial. To date, he has not done so.

Please stop comparing this situation to the US Judicial system. It is not the same thing and not subject to the same standards.

Actually, one can compare the the judicial system in so far as justice is concerned. The Church has historicaly provided much more just procedures because of the concern for justice (especially during most trials at the time of the inquisitions.) In fact, the Church has had and generally still continues to have a high regard for justice (consider the defense of the unborn.)

In the case of Father Corapi, he was advised to seek a better process for justice by a civil process (which can be considered to be compatible with the Church’s regard) rather than under Canonical law (because there are some reasonable concerns about the “lack of due process”.) Thus, the problem doesn’t necessarily orginate from Canon law; rather, the problem stems from the lack of upholding procedures with a high regard for justice (both for accused and accuser)

Furthermore, the Church always regards justice with Charity. The Church even upholds Charity as the essential foundation for justice (God is love; the greatest of all virtues is Charity; He is a God of justice and mercy; He gave His only begotten Son; Jesus is the Truth, the Life, and the Way; no one goes to the Father except through Him; He (Jesus) sends the Paraclete; the Spirit of Truth; Caritas et Veritatem .)

 

[jwinch2]

Since they know that Corapi is in a litigious frame of mind right now, they would not have posted such explicit material without just cause.

This brings up a good point. If Father Corapi believes that they are making this stuff up and that SOLT does not in fact, have the evidence they claim to have, then why has he not sued them for defamation or better yet, appealed his situation to Rome?

If he truly believes he is being wronged, I really wish he would appeal to Rome.

 

[jwinch2]

Actually, one can compare the the judicial system in so far as justice is concerned. The Church has historicaly provided much more just procedures because of the concern for justice (especially during most trials at the time of the inquisitions.) In fact, the Church has had and generally still continues to have a high regard for justice (consider the defense of the unborn.)

Social justice as in defense of the unborn, and Canon law, are not the same thing at all.

In the case of Father Corapi, he was advised to seek a better process for justice by a civil process (which can be considered to be compatible with the Church’s regard) rather than under Canonical law (because there are some reasonable concerns about the “lack of due process”.) Thus, the problem doesn’t necessarily orginate from Canon law; rather, the problem stems from the lack of upholding procedures with a high regard for justice (both for accused and accuser)

The problem does in fact stem from Canon law particularly since the people who supposedly advised him to seek civil suit, are people who had no business involved as a retired bishop and the former head of SOLT. The procedures for how these things are in fact in place, he simply chose not to follow them.

Furthermore, the Church always regards justice with Charity. The Church even upholds Charity as the essential foundation for justice (God is love; the greatest of all virtues is Charity; He is a God of justice and mercy; He gave His only begotten Son; Jesus is the Truth, the Life, and the Way; no one goes to the Father except through Him; He (Jesus) sends the Paraclete; the Spirit of Truth; Caritas et Veritatem .)

Charity is indeed important and if father Corpai feels that the process is problematic, then he can appeal his case to the Vicar of Christ. Pretty darn charitable if you ask me.

 

[reachtheLamb]

Doesn’t IT say…no one knows the way but the Father…PRAY for him as you would want

others to pray for you in a time of crisis

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle.

 

[mom4mary]

Doesn’t IT say…no one knows the way but the Father…PRAY for him as you would want

others to pray for you in a time of crisis

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle.

And I think if you review all of the Fr. Corapi related threads, you will see that everyone is doing just that.

 

[byeveryword]

Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Didache Chap.XVI, 1-5

“Watch for your life’s sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself.”

 

[guanophore]

Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Didache Chap.XVI, 1-5

“Watch for your life’s sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself.”

I am glad you are reading the writings of the earliest Catholics. What else have you read? Ante-Nicean Fathers?

 

[CreedalCatholic]

Social justice as in defense of the unborn, and Canon law, are not the same thing at all.

The problem does in fact stem from Canon law particularly since the people who supposedly advised him to seek civil suit, are people who had no business involved as a retired bishop and the former head of SOLT. The procedures for how these things are in fact in place, he simply chose not to follow them.

Charity is indeed important and if father Corpai feels that the process is problematic, then he can appeal his case to the Vicar of Christ. Pretty darn charitable if you ask me.

For the first part - not necessarily true -, Social justice depends on justice. And so does Canon law depend - on justice. The Church can stipulate the necessity of social welfare of a person who is dependent upon justice (social justice and, in particular, the corporeal and incorporeal works of mercy; including using one’s civil duty to better protect the unborn) in the proceedings of justice in as much as She (the Bride of Christ) stipulates the need to shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, comfort the sick, and visit the imprisoned. And in regard to Father’s decision, the Church can advise anyone to take upon their civil duties (a.k.a rights, freedoms, and responsibilities; freedom to vote; freedom of speech; freedom of press; freedom of peacful assembly; freedom of religion) for the betterment of justice (and in Father’s case, which is the case; and as Benjamin Franklin replied, when asked what was the settled form government, “A republic, if you can keep it.” - words to that effect.)

With regard to the second part, there has been problems with the process of (meaning what is done with) Canon Law when priests are accused of a scandal. The religiously accused do not get the same quality (not necessarily a better one, either) of justice in a Canonical process as much as a civil one.

 

[byeveryword]

I am glad you are reading the writings of the earliest Catholics. What else have you read? Ante-Nicean Fathers?

Catholics have a lot to offer. I recently watched a catholic DVD on the house of Loretto.
The translation of the house of Mary and Jesus from Nazareth to Loretto, Italy seemed very persuasive. It reminded me of the future translation (rapture) of the church spoken by the apostle Paul, by John, by Tertullian, by Origen and by Methodius.

 

[Miriam1947]

Okay I haven’t yet gotten to the last page of this thread.

JR, thank you for you insight into obedience. I actually looked up the Rule of St. Benedict.

Here is what bothers me. SOLT let Fr. Corapi live away from community. Did they not know his history?

Fr. Corapi has said he has had issues or problems in communities in the past. Was no one taking notice? Did he keep his past a secret?

I pray for Fr. Corapi everyday. Guess I should add SOLT to that as well.

His series on the Catechism is wonderful and when I see pictures of him earlier in his ministry he looked so happy and fulfilled. Somehow he seems to have gotten off track and for that there seems to be plenty of blame to go around. Though blame does no good at all.

We must pray for him. He really, really needs our prayers right now. The mortal man we can see today has no resemblance to the man he was at the beginning of his priesthood.

 

[franas]

Assuredly, though, SOLT has more than “hearsays”. Since they know that Corapi is in a litigious frame of mind right now, they would not have posted such explicit material without just cause.

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t agree about this “litigious frame of mind” at all. Fr. Corapi has to do what’s necessary to clear his name in a civil court (where his original accuser will have to defend the charge of defamation and libel). I also happen to think that Fr. Corapi is truly a faithful son of the church and that he won’t even consider suing SOLT or the church. I’m not saying whether Fr. Corapi is or not guilty as charged. I say wait for more info to come forward before “throwing (him) under the bus” so quickly and judgmentally.

 

[Miriam1947]

He said it had been “a hard 10 years.” So if the last 10 years were hard for him, I guess he has wanted o.u.t. as you say. Wasn’t he doing what he wanted, speaking and preaching, during the last 10 years? Why would it have been hard - he could have stopped doing that at any point? I’m so confused…

Why do you think Fr. Corapi wanted out because the last 10 years have been difficult? Perhaps what has happened recently has been brewing for 10 years. Not necessarily wanting out but, having real problems with his calling and perhaps not able to live the priestly life he thought he could.

I don’t think it is ever easy to be a priest.

 

[CreedalCatholic]

Take the supposition of Father Corapi’s case. Suppose he is really innocent (thus far there has been the supposition of guilt without a verdict; unless I’m mistaken a verdict or something of the nature has been reached.)

When he is found to be innocent (a supposition and not my own belief), what are going to be the consequences? Will Father return to the Church, and as a result, return to the priesthood? But even leaving this question aside and unanswered, does anyone realize how greater the consequence is of him being found innocent than being guilty? Here you have a man who has been betokened the Sacred deposit faith and endowed with the Sacrament of Holy Orders upon his soul. Here you will have a man, if he is innocent, who will have had his soul and all he believed compromised by an unjust (and pretty bantering) action. Looking back, you can see a man, if he a turns out innocent, who was driven and pushed away from the priesthood (and quite as much as the Church.) What motive facinates and drives anyone to push another person so far from the Church (and consequently from the faith)? Wouldn’t this be worst than a heresy since a heresy generally draws the soul away from the Truth of Salvation rather than pushing one’s soul away from Salvation? Be careful of judging someone’s guilt ("which of you has not sinned, cast the first stone - Jesus Christ spoke when a woman ran away from the men trying to stone her.)