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

[sojo]

Me, too, and something I think I probably cannot understand unless I belong to a religious society and have that sort of support for the truly impoverished (not just possessions, but opinions and beliefs that conflict with and distract from the love of Christ) yet rich beyond measure, life here on earth.

The best I seem to be able to do is to offer everything I have and everything I am up to that cross of Jesus, every day. To be willing to lose it all, everything including my life, if that is what Jesus requires of me.

I’m not so sure one must be a religious to learn about and embrace poverty. When I converted from non-practicing (but very cultural) Jew, I had to give up some strong beliefs and embrace some doctrines that went against the grain. And I was still holding onto 2 very big ones as I approached the final weeks before baptism. Giving up these beliefs I was not even aware I owned was far more painful than I ever would have imagined.

As a mother dealing with infertility, I had to give up more cherished dreams and beliefs in what being a woman was about. Later, when finally presented with my “miracle” baby against all odds, only to learn he would be born with Down syndrome - more loss that had to be embraced instead of cursed.

Finally, as a mother, I embrace a bit of poverty every time I give up a delicious meal in order to provide for my son, or give him the best, most tasty part, or even go hungry on occasion, or spend a rare day off doing some childish thing instead of something for myself. So many Masses that went by in a blur, not hearing a word, just trying to keep him entertained and as a late convert, this was very painful - I “needed” the peace and healing of Mass! Driving a long ways for a fun outing and having to leave when the leg brace malfunctioned, or the rental wheelchairs were sold out, or they served nothing he could tolerate and we ran out of his special foods.

Learning to gracefully give up one’s own pleasure, comfort, sleep, desires and occasionally good health… enduring stares, or pitiful glances, or disdain (why on EARTH did that woman not get an amnio and abort… she’s clearly old enough to qualify for an amnio)… are these not all forms of poverty and mortification?

Many new moms would trade a fortune for a solid 8 hours of sleep and a decent meal SITTING DOWN. I believe this, too, is a taste of poverty. Its a matter of resent it or embrace it.

In the disability world we say that parents of disabled kids either get “better or bitter.” It is a choice each one makes for himself.

So all this talk about obedience and poverty and what is truly meant by it is very important, I think. And if this sad story of Fr. Corapi has brought some of us to contemplate these things, I think it is a very lovely gift and opportunity that our Lord has lovingly extended to us.

 

[coco2]

I’m not so sure one must be a religious to learn about and embrace poverty. When I converted from non-practicing (but very cultural) Jew, I had to give up some strong beliefs and embrace some doctrines that went against the grain. And I was still holding onto 2 very big ones as I approached the final weeks before baptism. Giving up these beliefs I was not even aware I owned was far more painful than I ever would have imagined.

As a mother dealing with infertility, I had to give up more cherished dreams and beliefs in what being a woman was about. Later, when finally presented with my “miracle” baby against all odds, only to learn he would be born with Down syndrome - more loss that had to be embraced instead of cursed.

Finally, as a mother, I embrace a bit of poverty every time I give up a delicious meal in order to provide for my son, or give him the best, most tasty part, or even go hungry on occasion, or spend a rare day off doing some childish thing instead of something for myself. So many Masses that went by in a blur, not hearing a word, just trying to keep him entertained and as a late convert, this was very painful - I “needed” the peace and healing of Mass! Driving a long ways for a fun outing and having to leave when the leg brace malfunctioned, or the rental wheelchairs were sold out, or they served nothing he could tolerate and we ran out of his special foods.

Learning to gracefully give up one’s own pleasure, comfort, sleep, desires and occasionally good health… enduring stares, or pitiful glances, or disdain (why on EARTH did that woman not get an amnio and abort… she’s clearly old enough to qualify for an amnio)… are these not all forms of poverty and mortification?

Many new moms would trade a fortune for a solid 8 hours of sleep and a decent meal SITTING DOWN. I believe this, too, is a taste of poverty. Its a matter of resent it or embrace it.

In the disability world we say that parents of disabled kids either get “better or bitter.” It is a choice each one makes for himself.

So all this talk about obedience and poverty and what is truly meant by it is very important, I think. And if this sad story of Fr. Corapi has brought some of us to contemplate these things, I think it is a very lovely gift and opportunity that our Lord has lovingly extended to us.

Amen, sister!

 

[ioan]

Spooky!

 

[J_Katherine]

I’m not so sure one must be a religious to learn about and embrace poverty. When I converted from non-practicing (but very cultural) Jew, I had to give up some strong beliefs and embrace some doctrines that went against the grain. And I was still holding onto 2 very big ones as I approached the final weeks before baptism. Giving up these beliefs I was not even aware I owned was far more painful than I ever would have imagined.

As a mother dealing with infertility, I had to give up more cherished dreams and beliefs in what being a woman was about. Later, when finally presented with my “miracle” baby against all odds, only to learn he would be born with Down syndrome - more loss that had to be embraced instead of cursed.

Finally, as a mother, I embrace a bit of poverty every time I give up a delicious meal in order to provide for my son, or give him the best, most tasty part, or even go hungry on occasion, or spend a rare day off doing some childish thing instead of something for myself. So many Masses that went by in a blur, not hearing a word, just trying to keep him entertained and as a late convert, this was very painful - I “needed” the peace and healing of Mass! Driving a long ways for a fun outing and having to leave when the leg brace malfunctioned, or the rental wheelchairs were sold out, or they served nothing he could tolerate and we ran out of his special foods.

Learning to gracefully give up one’s own pleasure, comfort, sleep, desires and occasionally good health… enduring stares, or pitiful glances, or disdain (why on EARTH did that woman not get an amnio and abort… she’s clearly old enough to qualify for an amnio)… are these not all forms of poverty and mortification?

Many new moms would trade a fortune for a solid 8 hours of sleep and a decent meal SITTING DOWN. I believe this, too, is a taste of poverty. Its a matter of resent it or embrace it.

In the disability world we say that parents of disabled kids either get “better or bitter.” It is a choice each one makes for himself.

So all this talk about obedience and poverty and what is truly meant by it is very important, I think. And if this sad story of Fr. Corapi has brought some of us to contemplate these things, I think it is a very lovely gift and opportunity that our Lord has lovingly extended to us.

God bless you and your family. You are evangelizing by witnessing to your own struggle, and coming to know people like you on this board is strengthening my own faith as a revert more than any DVD or arena speech could do. That is good fruit out of suffering, indeed.

 

[MichaelTDoyle]

I’m not so sure one must be a religious to learn about and embrace poverty. When I converted from non-practicing (but very cultural) Jew, I had to give up some strong beliefs and embrace some doctrines that went against the grain. And I was still holding onto 2 very big ones as I approached the final weeks before baptism. Giving up these beliefs I was not even aware I owned was far more painful than I ever would have imagined.

As a mother dealing with infertility, I had to give up more cherished dreams and beliefs in what being a woman was about. Later, when finally presented with my “miracle” baby against all odds, only to learn he would be born with Down syndrome - more loss that had to be embraced instead of cursed.

Finally, as a mother, I embrace a bit of poverty every time I give up a delicious meal in order to provide for my son, or give him the best, most tasty part, or even go hungry on occasion, or spend a rare day off doing some childish thing instead of something for myself. So many Masses that went by in a blur, not hearing a word, just trying to keep him entertained and as a late convert, this was very painful - I “needed” the peace and healing of Mass! Driving a long ways for a fun outing and having to leave when the leg brace malfunctioned, or the rental wheelchairs were sold out, or they served nothing he could tolerate and we ran out of his special foods.

Learning to gracefully give up one’s own pleasure, comfort, sleep, desires and occasionally good health… enduring stares, or pitiful glances, or disdain (why on EARTH did that woman not get an amnio and abort… she’s clearly old enough to qualify for an amnio)… are these not all forms of poverty and mortification?

Many new moms would trade a fortune for a solid 8 hours of sleep and a decent meal SITTING DOWN. I believe this, too, is a taste of poverty. Its a matter of resent it or embrace it.

In the disability world we say that parents of disabled kids either get “better or bitter.” It is a choice each one makes for himself.

So all this talk about obedience and poverty and what is truly meant by it is very important, I think. And if this sad story of Fr. Corapi has brought some of us to contemplate these things, I think it is a very lovely gift and opportunity that our Lord has lovingly extended to us.

What a powerful testimony. Thank you

 

[Shoshana]

I’m not so sure one must be a religious to learn about and embrace poverty. When I converted from non-practicing (but very cultural) Jew, I had to give up some strong beliefs and embrace some doctrines that went against the grain. And I was still holding onto 2 very big ones as I approached the final weeks before baptism. Giving up these beliefs I was not even aware I owned was far more painful than I ever would have imagined.

As a mother dealing with infertility, I had to give up more cherished dreams and beliefs in what being a woman was about. Later, when finally presented with my “miracle” baby against all odds, only to learn he would be born with Down syndrome - more loss that had to be embraced instead of cursed.

Finally, as a mother, I embrace a bit of poverty every time I give up a delicious meal in order to provide for my son, or give him the best, most tasty part, or even go hungry on occasion, or spend a rare day off doing some childish thing instead of something for myself. So many Masses that went by in a blur, not hearing a word, just trying to keep him entertained and as a late convert, this was very painful - I “needed” the peace and healing of Mass! Driving a long ways for a fun outing and having to leave when the leg brace malfunctioned, or the rental wheelchairs were sold out, or they served nothing he could tolerate and we ran out of his special foods.

Learning to gracefully give up one’s own pleasure, comfort, sleep, desires and occasionally good health… enduring stares, or pitiful glances, or disdain (why on EARTH did that woman not get an amnio and abort… she’s clearly old enough to qualify for an amnio)… are these not all forms of poverty and mortification?

Many new moms would trade a fortune for a solid 8 hours of sleep and a decent meal SITTING DOWN. I believe this, too, is a taste of poverty. Its a matter of resent it or embrace it.

In the disability world we say that parents of disabled kids either get “better or bitter.” It is a choice each one makes for himself.

So all this talk about obedience and poverty and what is truly meant by it is very important, I think. And if this sad story of Fr. Corapi has brought some of us to contemplate these things, I think it is a very lovely gift and opportunity that our Lord has lovingly extended to us.

This testimony is so very edifying! Thank you for giving us such a good and holy example of true poverty ‘in the world’…May the Lord bless and keep both of you, May He shine His Face upon you both, and grant you his most wonderful peace…

 

[JReducation]

B) In both situations, the faithful are left in a quandary: Are the messages of CDs produced by Fr. Corapi prior to the recent SOLT action, or the manuals produced by IOTL prior to the Suppression still offering valid teaching and information? Does ordering such material now constitute a sin or violation of some sort?

I’m not an expert on Moral Theology, but here is what I think (it’s worth $.02). On the one hand, there is nothing bad in these publications. It’s certainly not a sin to own them. On the other hand, if I can get the same material elsewhere, so that I’m supporting an organization that is not in an irregular relationship with the Church, it would be better to go there.

I got over it, but this is where I am at the moment: I trust and assent to the Church, but I don’t trust individual bishops. And, yes, I see the problem: it’s like saying I love mankind while I hate my brother-- or maybe not. Is that a correct analogy?

That’s part of our journey. We work at loving our brother. It’s easier to love humanity, because humanity is a concept. Our brother is tangible. That’s why we always say that love is a choice. Sometimes, that choice is difficult.

Am I right? As long as I am not a religious it doesn’t matter.

Religious life is given to the Church for the salvation of the religious, for the salvation of the Church and as a witness to how the Christian life is to be lived. We can’t just say that Religious have one set of rules and the rest of the world has another. There are some rules exist for the good of the religious community. Those rules do not apply to people who are not Religious. There are principles and values that Religious vow to observe, but are for everyone. Poverty, chastity and obedience are three of them. Everyone is called to observe the Evangelical Counsels. The Religious puts his or her soul on the line. He or she vows to get it right or perish. However, God calls everyone to detachment and austerity (poverty), to live purity (chastity), and to obey the voice of Christ as he speaks through legitimate authority, civil or religious.

Does an individual bishop’s teaching ever matter compared to the teaching of the Pope and Magisterium?

A bishop is the highest authority over the Local Church. He must teach in communion with the pope. He cannot teach anything contrary to the pope. He can build on something that the pope has said. This happens. Popes do not micromanage the Church. They do not speak about situations in every diocese. They often speak in broad strokes. The bishop will take a broad teaching and make specific pronouncements to his Church. The members of his Church must give an assent of the will, even if they are not about to believe. An assent of the will and an assent of the faith are different. The former means that I do what I’m told, because it comes from legitimate authority. The latter is that I believe what I’m told, because it is part of the faith. Both are required.

Sorry, I am having trouble expressing myself here. I know bishops’ teachings “matter” but I am free for example to read the writings of the archbishops of Denver, New York, and Washington if I admire them, in addition to my own bishop’s.

As long as they do not teach contrary to the faith, bishops can have different takes on certain issues. For example, Bishop A may say that we should give every illegal immigrant a timeshare on the beach and a Ferrari. Bishop B may say that we must provide healthcare, housing and education for the illegal immigrant. The residents of the diocese must do whatever their bishop tells them to do, because neither bishop is teaching contrary to the faith. We tend to think that if a bishop asks for something that the Church has not required, then we’re not bound to comply. That’s not true. A bishop cannot ask for anything that is contrary to the faith or to morals. The bishops, just like the Apostles, take different approaches to different situations. Paul insisted on celibacy, no other Apostle did. The law in the Latin Church eventually changed and we require that a man be celibate to be a priest. In the Eastern Churches a man must be celibate to be a bishop. That’s how this works.

 

[JReducation]

People change though, If someone was Catholic because of him alone, they might leave, but they should have also learned who is really in charge. I don’t think the church took a big hit at all, but EWTN has had 2 priests leave, one part of their own group and one who was on their shows. That’s part of life, I guess, but I hope they can recover and I know they have some nice young men becoming priests soon.

The two priests did not belong to the network. Fr. Corapi is an SOLT and Fr. Francis Mary was a Franciscan Friar of the Eternal Word. They did work for the network. As far as the Franciscan Friars of the Eternal Word, they have nothing to do with the network. They do not own it or administer it. Some of them are employed by the network. It’s a means to generate income for the fraternity. Their life is really about preaching, doing spiritual direction, retreats, silence and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They could just as well preach on CA Radio or any other organization. Their connection to the network is Mother Angelica. She and a Capuchin Friar founded them. They don’t have too many priests, but that’s not a big deal for Franciscans. St. Francis did not found an order of priests. As long as they have friars, they’re OK. They have several novices and postulants. I don’t know how many are going to be ordained and it does not matter to the Church. As far as the Church is concerned, she wants the Franciscan life and the Franciscan presence. We can get priests through the dioceses. However, dioceses cannot give us the spirit and life of St. Francis. Only the Franciscan family can deliver that.

I would hope that anyone who meets any Franciscan, from any branch of the order, will appreciate us for our way of life, not because we say mass. The mass is the epicenter of the Christian life, but a man does not have to be a consecrated religious to be a priest. When you meet a religious, we hope that you will have an “Oh wow!” moment and say, “I saw a Benedictine, Franciscan, Dominican, Jesuit, Salesian, or other.” In other words, we have come in contact with a way of life that the Holy Spirit has given to the Church for our common good.

Something Im going to ponder. Im getting the feeling that what I think of when I think of poverty may be something more surface in meaning that what you mean you you say poverty? I’m getting the sense that you mean something more deeper and profound than my simple understanding.

Me, too, and something I think I probably cannot understand unless I belong to a religious society and have that sort of support for the truly impoverished (not just possessions, but opinions and beliefs that conflict with and distract from the love of Christ) yet rich beyond measure, life here on earth.

The best I seem to be able to do is to offer everything I have and everything I am up to that cross of Jesus, every day. To be willing to lose it all, everything including my life, if that is what Jesus requires of me.

I’m not so sure one must be a religious to learn about and embrace poverty. When I converted from non-practicing (but very cultural) Jew, I had to give up some strong beliefs and embrace some doctrines that went against the grain. And I was still holding onto 2 very big ones as I approached the final weeks before baptism. Giving up these beliefs I was not even aware I owned was far more painful than I ever would have imagined.

As a mother dealing with infertility, I had to give up more cherished dreams and beliefs in what being a woman was about. Later, when finally presented with my “miracle” baby against all odds, only to learn he would be born with Down syndrome - more loss that had to be embraced instead of cursed.

Finally, as a mother, I embrace a bit of poverty every time I give up a delicious meal in order to provide for my son, or give him the best, most tasty part, or even go hungry on occasion, or spend a rare day off doing some childish thing instead of something for myself. So many Masses that went by in a blur, not hearing a word, just trying to keep him entertained and as a late convert, this was very painful - I “needed” the peace and healing of Mass! Driving a long ways for a fun outing and having to leave when the leg brace malfunctioned, or the rental wheelchairs were sold out, or they served nothing he could tolerate and we ran out of his special foods.

Learning to gracefully give up one’s own pleasure, comfort, sleep, desires and occasionally good health… enduring stares, or pitiful glances, or disdain (why on EARTH did that woman not get an amnio and abort… she’s clearly old enough to qualify for an amnio)… are these not all forms of poverty and mortification?

Many new moms would trade a fortune for a solid 8 hours of sleep and a decent meal SITTING DOWN. I believe this, too, is a taste of poverty. Its a matter of resent it or embrace it.

In the disability world we say that parents of disabled kids either get “better or bitter.” It is a choice each one makes for himself.

So all this talk about obedience and poverty and what is truly meant by it is very important, I think. And if this sad story of Fr. Corapi has brought some of us to contemplate these things, I think it is a very lovely gift and opportunity that our Lord has lovingly extended to us.

This is Evangelical Poverty. It begins with detachment from the material and the tangible. But it does not stop there. We detach from many things that interfere with the soul’s journey into God. We surrender to God’s will. We give God what he asks of us and we accept what he gives.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[EddieAlbania]

I’m not an expert on Moral Theology, but here is what I think (it’s worth $.02). On the one hand, there is nothing bad in these publications. It’s certainly not a sin to own them. On the other hand, if I can get the same material elsewhere, so that I’m supporting an organization that is not in an irregular relationship with the Church, it would be better to go there.

Thanks for your response, and I especially thank you for having the grace not to point out that I sequenced my three points in my first-ever post here as “A”, “B”, and “B.”



My defense would be that it was 3 AM.

I’m on fairly good terms with the Pastor at our Parish, and now I’m curious, so I will bounce this off him, If he says anything radically different, I will let you know.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I’m not so sure one must be a religious to learn about and embrace poverty. When I converted from non-practicing (but very cultural) Jew, I had to give up some strong beliefs and embrace some doctrines that went against the grain. And I was still holding onto 2 very big ones as I approached the final weeks before baptism. Giving up these beliefs I was not even aware I owned was far more painful than I ever would have imagined.

As a mother dealing with infertility, I had to give up more cherished dreams and beliefs in what being a woman was about. Later, when finally presented with my “miracle” baby against all odds, only to learn he would be born with Down syndrome - more loss that had to be embraced instead of cursed.

Finally, as a mother, I embrace a bit of poverty every time I give up a delicious meal in order to provide for my son, or give him the best, most tasty part, or even go hungry on occasion, or spend a rare day off doing some childish thing instead of something for myself. So many Masses that went by in a blur, not hearing a word, just trying to keep him entertained and as a late convert, this was very painful - I “needed” the peace and healing of Mass! Driving a long ways for a fun outing and having to leave when the leg brace malfunctioned, or the rental wheelchairs were sold out, or they served nothing he could tolerate and we ran out of his special foods.

Learning to gracefully give up one’s own pleasure, comfort, sleep, desires and occasionally good health… enduring stares, or pitiful glances, or disdain (why on EARTH did that woman not get an amnio and abort… she’s clearly old enough to qualify for an amnio)… are these not all forms of poverty and mortification?

Many new moms would trade a fortune for a solid 8 hours of sleep and a decent meal SITTING DOWN. I believe this, too, is a taste of poverty. Its a matter of resent it or embrace it.

In the disability world we say that parents of disabled kids either get “better or bitter.” It is a choice each one makes for himself.

So all this talk about obedience and poverty and what is truly meant by it is very important, I think. And if this sad story of Fr. Corapi has brought some of us to contemplate these things, I think it is a very lovely gift and opportunity that our Lord has lovingly extended to us.

I never have thought about my sacrifices for my family in that way, Sojo. Thank you for that gift. And God bless you. Your post brought me to tears. Indeed, you know of obedience and poverty.

 

[JReducation]

Thanks for your response, and I especially thank you for having the grace not to point out that I sequenced my three points in my first-ever post here as “A”, “B”, and “B.”



My defense would be that it was 3 AM.

I’m on fairly good terms with the Pastor at our Parish, and now I’m curious, so I will bounce this off him, If he says anything radically different, I will let you know.

I would be curious to hear his answer. If he’s a parish priest, he’s probably not a theologian. Theologians are rarely assigned to work in parishes. Even if one is theologian, theology is like medicine, there are areas of specialization. Let’s see what Father says.

Fr. Corapi is a trained theologian. He has a doctorate in theology.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Cinette]

God has a way of bringing good out of every situation. I’ve been thinking that even in this thread, God has brought some good.

1. Many people are praying.
2. People are truly concerned and showing their concern.
3. Others are learning about the consecrated life . . . things that they did not know.
4. Posters are talking to each other rather than attacking each other.
5. I have not seen a single person say that they are leaving the Church because of this.

“Give praise to the Lord for he is good. Eternal is his mercy.”

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

*You are so right. Why would anybody abandon the Apostles because of Judas? John Corapi has been instrumental in bringing people to a greater understanding of the Church and encouraged people to pray the Rosary and to a more devout life.

We do not understand what is driving him right now but Jesus did say we are not to judge and to leave the tares among the wheat. Time will tell and hopefully John Corapi will come back to his true self.

Cinette*

 

[JReducation]

I look at men like Fr. Corapi and then I look at me. I’m brought to my knees. I know what “I have done and what I have failed to do,” as we say in the Confiteor. Just today, I was at mass and I felt as if I was about to cry at several points during the mass . . . the penitential rite, the consecration and communion. I felt the burden of my own sinfulness, my weaknesses, my past and my uncertain future. I can’t promise God that I will never fall. I can’t offer him that perfect love that I would like to offer. I can only look at him and remind myself that I must continue to struggle to fine the First Cause.

God is the First Cause, the Origin without origin, the beginning that has no past and no future. He is who he is and I am who I am. I was remembering this at mass today. I felt very heavy, very weighed down by my own sinfulness and my own inability to be better. I remember asking God, “make me a saint.” I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I could feel the knot in my stomach, because I know what I am.

With this knowledge of who I am and who I am not, I can’t find it in my heart or in my soul to judge Fr. Corapi. I can only find it in my heart to feel the pain, the struggle, the conflict and the knot at the pit of the stomach as we struggle between what we preach and who we are. I can’t bring myself to say that he’s drifted away anymore than I can bring myself to justify myself. All I can say is that I too am drifting. If I ignore that fact, how can I ever learn to be merciful toward others?

We come to God as we are. We speak to him from the pits of our sinfulness. We remember the words that we heard at mass this Sunday. God is just and infinitely merciful. He prefers to use his mercy than his justice. I for one am grateful beyond belief. If God were to be just with me, I wouldn’t stand a chance. I’m one of those weeds that were mentioned in the parable. God, has been merciful with weeds like me. He allows us to remain among the wheat and gives us one more day to make things right, to become wheat. What can I say about a man (Fr. Corapi) who is no different from me? I can only pray for both of us.

I envy those who have not struggled and have not failed. I can’t claim that kind of success. My life has been one of struggles to inch forward one notch at a time on the path to holiness. I can’t condemn, judge or stop loving a man who seems to be engaged in a struggle. I do not know his conscience, nor do I want to know it. However, I can recognize a struggle that tears at your gut day in and day out. I’ve been there and am still there.

We struggle with different challenges: obedience, chastity, humility, generosity, patience, faith or fidelity. I used to believe that one would arrive at a resting place, where obedience would come spontaneously, charity would be joyful, prayer was easy, and trust was abundant. I have come to the realization that there is no such resting place in this life. We struggle. We fall. We get up and we fall again. Even Jesus needed help to stay on his feet after falling three times.

If we look at the temptations that Satan put before Jesus while he was fasting in the desert, we can understand why he fell three times on the way to Calvary. His falls correlate to the three temptations and the three most common falls of man: power, pleasure, and wealth. His falls remind us of our own. He fell, because he bore the weight of the many times that we have fallen before the temptations of the flesh, temptations to do our will and be in control, and the temptation to posses rather than detach.

I look at these cases and I can only see my own struggles, my falls, and my need of God’s help and the help of my brothers and sisters to get up and try again. How can I say anything other than what I see? I certainly cannot judge what I cannot see, the man’s soul, conscience and interior struggle.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[qui_est_ce]

God has a way of bringing good out of every situation. I’ve been thinking that even in this thread, God has brought some good.

1. Many people are praying.
2. People are truly concerned and showing their concern.
3. Others are learning about the consecrated life . . . things that they did not know.
4. Posters are talking to each other rather than attacking each other.
5. I have not seen a single person say that they are leaving the Church because of this.

“Give praise to the Lord for he is good. Eternal is his mercy.”

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Marauder]

I look at men like Fr. Corapi and then I look at me. I’m brought to my knees. I know what “I have done and what I have failed to do,” as we say in the Confiteor. …

Very powerful Brother JR, as always from you

Pax et bonum,
Jim

 

[steve711]

Very powerful Brother JR, as always from you

Pax et bonum,
Jim

I agree, I read this from Brother JR, and I felt like crying. I often feel this way at Mass every Sunday when I reflect on how truly weak I am to temptation. I to often feel like a weed amongst the wheat.

Go with Gods Grace!!!

 

[Shoshana]

Thank you Bro so much…this confirms what I have felt all along…God bless!

 

[Adonia]

This is a deeply troubled man. Watch his eyes, they go to the left, to the right, down and up with only fleeting glances straight ahead. Wow, I never thought this could happen. I will pray for him is all I can say right now.

 

[cecelia81]

I look at men like Fr. Corapi and then I look at me. I’m brought to my knees. I know what “I have done and what I have failed to do,” as we say in the Confiteor…

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

God Bless you, Brother! An internet forum is hardly worthy of words as eloquent and truthful as these- but we are blessed to be able to read them in such an immense and casual setting from our homes all over the world. I truly hope you or someone is collecting your writings here. Thank you for being so accessible to us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[bquinnan]

I look at men like Fr. Corapi and then I look at me.

Powerful stuff. I sometimes think the devil goes especially hard to corrupt those in the public spotlight who are identified with teaching the faith. He’ll find whatever weaknesses he can exploit and tempt the person with everything he can, knowing that such a scandal will not only hurt the corrupted, but will frustrate those who have been looking to him for inspiration and hope.