Fr. Corapi = The Black Sheep Dog?

[Irishgal49]

My feeling is that you should keep quiet. Why are you so intent on saying bad things about Father Corapi. You are not in a position to judge.
Leave it alone!!

I didn’t see this as judgemental…this person even said they believed he was innocent, they were creeped out by the name. I’m VERY creeped out by the time. I am not taking any side, I only pray for the truth to come out…whatever that is.

 

[Eliza10]

All that reading gave me much to think about. So here are some thoughts that stem from what I learned. (and I reccommend the above links more than my own thoughts. There is so much good insight!)

Okay, so, who can know? The accusations may well be altogether false, and Mr. Corapi may be in fact unfairly maligned and defamed, and for nefarious reasons!

On the other hand, they may be true, and given the circumstances and situation of Mr. Corapi, its not so far-fetched.

There are so many reasons why the accusations may be false. Mostly his sermons! Also his wonderful person! We most certainly see the Holy Spirit in him! And in his work! SO much fruit of the Spirit! There is no denying it!

However, if the accusation against the now “Mr.” Corapi are false, then the anonymous, unimportant crazy-woman/alcohol-abuser is a LIAR!

Now, we can’t go on accusing people of being liars. God is quite severe about that! Even when good people tell us the accuser is a bad, mixed-up, crazy and unimportant person, we still aren’t free to judge so ourselves!

We must remember this: God has a LOT more esteem for the “unimportant anonymous lowly” than we do. We are only human. We love those we know, and we do love the beautiful people. But God wants us to be superhuman, like Him, and see things His way, not our way.

So, in defense of this unimportant crazy accuser, lets use our imaginations and entertain the thought that her accusations could be true:

Drug use - he was a drug user, a cocaine user, he told us himself. At a time, pre-conversion, when he was making his millions, living in the fast lane, he was a major abuser of cocaine. As a lot of people in the spotlight of power and celebrity do. Its a powerful addiction, and addicts will tell you - its not UNHEARD OF to have relapses!

And fast-forward twenty years or so, and here he is in surprisingly similar circumstances that he lived in during his drug-abuse days. Living in the fast lane. He runs his own private enterprise. He is a priest, but seems hardly accountable to anyone but self. He made millions on a [justifiable] lawsuit and, not being legally obligated to turn the windfall over to his order, or to the Catholic Church, or to EWTN, he bought himself a ranch in Montana where he now lives, alone, in style. Yes, he does not live in community. He has no parish.

Besides his own private home on his own ranch in Montana he has his own private company which he runs himself. And he is a popular, exalted celebrity - he is at his apex of popularity!

He is fit; he works out with a private trainer and he indulges in fancy cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles and takes people on private hunting expeditions on his private acres. Yes, Google “Fr. Corapi” Images, and you will see him decked out in camoflauge, rifle proudly displayed, posing with his trophy bear, his trophy elk with a fine rack, etc.

Okay, mix together the public adulation, the alone-ness and unaccountably, millions of dollars to spend as he wishes (and he does buy his toys, he tells us) and the focus on his looks (he sports a tan now and dyed beard and dyed eyebrows and tells us he gave all his “fat clothes” away) - and the world loves good looks! - mix this with the past cocaine abuse. That he might be tempted - when he has millions to indulge in, and lives a worldly life that is not at all monastic – to use a little cocaine again to give him that dependable energy-rush to keep all these balls in the air is not that far-fetched.

So, mix the worldly lifestyle, the focus on self, the money, the fast cars, the private business, the lack of accountability with possible drug use and THEN you can see that an impropriety with a vulnerable woman that he has counseled and helped and is in very regular close contact with (she was a longtime employee, and apparently some woman who doesn’t matter because she “has problems” and “abuses alcohol”) while possibly under the influence - is not THAT much of a stretch…

And you must concede that the evil one tempts powerfully, and the stage was well-set for such a fall, as described above.

So I am saying only, we don’t know! But he is human, and may have slipped. To err is human. People on pedestals have further to fall, even though we all slip. An investigation by the church would reveal some truths. But he is stepping away from the investigation by leaving, and has been working hard in recent months to recreate a new persona for his public and his new life “in the whole world” (his words). The Black Sheepdog…

 

[Eliza10]

Jimmy Aiken weighs in, in the National Catholic Register:
ncregister.com/blog/fr.-corapi-has-lost-it

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

The article is very good (although a few of the conclusions seem to be a bit of a stretch).

One of the comments said (I’m parapharsing): “I am grateful for the guidance of the Church”.

Me, too

 

[Snowball7]

The bottom line is that John Corapi chose to pursue a civil lawsuit
against his accuser, rather than allow the Church to conduct an
investigation (in which the accuser would not be under duress).

Read more: ncregister.com/site/article/father-john-corapis-surprise-decision/#ixzz1Qc9Yxi5W

 

[Eliza10]

Words of wisdom from Father Joseph Jenkins of the Diocese of Washington, D.C.

" …More grievous than any genuine or false indiscretion with a woman, the skirting or outright violation of obedience is the greatest possible failing for any priest. Everything from his assignments to the moral life is covered in his fidelity to the Church and Christ. He is to discern God’s will in his obedience to the bishop and his superiors. Evidently, he has become a dissenter on the nature of priesthood and its obligations, as well as upon Catholic ecclesiology…"

The above came from some of Father Joe’s excellent writing, here: fatherjoe.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/father-corapi-priest-or-black-sheep-dog/

 

[Eliza10]

The bottom line is that John Corapi chose to pursue a civil lawsuit
against his accuser, rather than allow the Church to conduct an
investigation (in which the accuser would not be under duress).

Read more: ncregister.com/site/article/father-john-corapis-surprise-decision/#ixzz1Qc9Yxi5W

From that article: **" Father Gerard Sheehan, the regional priest-servant of SOLT and the best-selling preacher’s religious superior, issued a public statement reporting that the order had received a letter from the priest earlier in the month, *****“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.”
**
*Mr. Corapi’s words sound unconvincing in light of what he told audiences about his wonderful purchases of man-toys. Physical distress - he tells us he is in the best shape ever! And he looks pretty happy in his trophy-game pics on Google images from his ranch. Spiritual distress? That’s believable.

Father Sheehan confirmed that the society’s investigation had faced complications created by a civil suit filed by Father Corapi against the former employee who had accused him of sexual misconduct.
“When she left the company, she signed a contract that she would not reveal anything that happened to her while she was at Santa Cruz Media. Father Corapi paid her for this. Father was suing her for a breach of contract,” said Father Sheehan, though he did not specify why Father Corapi had initiated the non-disclosure agreement.

Mr. Corapi’s superior’s statements are sadly telling.

The National Catholic Register has excellent writing now. They really have become a place to go to for solid Catholic information.

 

[Eliza10]

Father Joe Jenkins, Diocese of Washington, D.C.:
FATHER CORAPI: I shall continue, black sheep that I am, to speak; and sheep dog that I am, to guard the sheep—this time around not just in the Church, but also in the entire world. I am, indeed, not ready to be extinguished. Under the name “The Black Sheep Dog,” I shall be with you through radio broadcasts and writing.
FATHER JOE: The sheep dog has no occupation separated from the chief shepherd or bishop. A dog that runs after the sheep on its own is not a true sheep dog, but rather we use another name for that canine… we call him a wolf. I would suggest that Fr. Corapi change the name of his blog and new label to BLACK WOLF. Indeed, in the future, if he carries out his intent to keep selling his wares and writing and making radio broadcasts, that is what I shall call him.

---

The above is from here: fatherjoe.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/father-corapi-priest-or-black-sheep-dog/ I really reccommned reading the whole thing if you want to hear wise words from a true priest on the matter.

 

[music2]

"Even when good people tell us the accuser is a bad, mixed-up, crazy and unimportant person, we still aren’t free to judge so ourselves!

We must remember this: God has a LOT more esteem for the “unimportant anonymous lowly” than we do. We are only human. We love those we know, and we do love the beautiful people. But God wants us to be superhuman, like Him, and see things His way, not our way.

So, in defense of this unimportant crazy accuser,…"

Don’t worry.:hug3:Noone is in reality a 'crazy unimportant person".
If anyone suggests this about another,then they are being unkind.
Even if,hypothetically, the accussee woman had emotional/psychological issues and this somehow influenced the accusations,this still doesnt make her or anyone unimportant,crazy etc.
They are still another valuable human being.

" and the focus on his looks (he sports a tan now and dyed beard and dyed eyebrows and tells us he gave all his “fat clothes” away)"

Do his looks really matter?
I’ve heard a few mentions of this by others.Is there some reason why a Father isn’t allowed to dye hair etc?
If there isn’t then perhaps talking about his looks is unnecessary as its not relevant to situation.
Is it that they arnt allowed to dye hair?Or is it that people are projecting their own issues/feelings about this?Or is it that people are presuming/fearing that doing something to external looks = vanity?
Hair/beauty etc doesn’t equal vanity for everyone.Its ok.

“People on pedestals have further to fall, even though we all slip.”


**We shouldn’t put Fathers (or anyone) on pedestals.Its not good for them and its not good for the laity.

In general,best maybe just to pray for him and for this woman,and for any emotional problems that either/both could have.
For truth,a fair hearing/ resolution,for Father Corapi to have support and not be alone and at the same time for people to not same unkind things about the woman,for God’s will be done etc…**

 

[Eliza10]

Don’t worry.:hug3:Noone is in reality a 'crazy unimportant person".
I**…**

I realize the post of mine you quoted from is long, but you must not have read it to make this comment [and the others].

If you actually read what I wrote rather than pull out a sentence out of context to comment on, you will discover that I was only referring to the unknown woman* as she has been widely characterized*, both by Mr. Corapi and his fans - and that I pointed out that, although such a characterization may sit well with us, it doesn’t with God. That’s what I meant when I said: “God’s ways are not our ways”. The further point I made was that maybe those we deem “least” are, in fact, “most” in God’s eyes.

If you find my writing hard to follow, check out those links I provided. They are some really excellent writers.

 

[Eliza10]

Also, Music2, if you read the whole post, my comment on the the startling new dyed-facial hair change was not in fact a lone comment on the pros and cons of hair dying --after all, many woman do, normally, as a matter of course, and also so do many celebrity men whose worldly careers are dependent on their looks.

Instead, my hair-dye comment was in the context of his recent thorough personal makeover, which we not only see, but he has talked about (i.e., he has a female personal trainer, he got rid of all his “fat clothes”…) The personal body/image makeover was mentioned in the context of his fast-lane, indulgent lifestyle he now has – which happens to be the same lifestyle he has described himself as having when he had been a cocaine addict in the past. Which was relevant because one of the accusations was that he had used cocaine recently.

Which I only mentioned because the “unimportant anonymous person with personal problems” has been maligned as a liar. I said: lets imagine she is not lying. How plausible is it? The point was, the accusations were within the bounds of plausibility. So, we really can’t throw her under the bus.

However, that doesn’t mean he is guilty. He could be innocent. He paid the woman off for her to not ever talk about what happened during her years under his employ, and now is pulling away from the church’s investigation, where the church is not bound to that pay-off/no-talk contract. So, there will be no investigation. And the facts will never be examined. And the truth of the matter will not come out. So we really can’t know.

But I already wrote that. You should just read it. Or skip it if my writing if makes no sense to you, and read a better writer!

 

[music2]

I realize the post of mine you quoted from is long, but you must not have read it to make this comment [and the others].

If you actually read what I wrote rather than pull out a sentence out of context to comment on, you will discover that I was only referring to the unknown woman* as she has been widely characterized*, both by Mr. Corapi and his fans - and that I pointed out that, although such a characterization may sit well with us, it doesn’t with God. That’s what I meant when I said: “God’s ways are not our ways”. The further point I made was that maybe those we deem “least” are, in fact, “most” in God’s eyes.

If you find my writing hard to follow, check out those links I provided. They are some really excellent writers.

I think we’re having a communication error/simple misunderstanding.
Did it appear like i was critisizing you?If it did,i’m sorry.My writing probably wasn’t clear.
I wasn’t criticising you.I was agreeing with you.I was aware that you were referring to the way “she had been widely characterized by some Fr Corapi’s fans” and my comment regarding unkindness was directed about them not about you.
I was also agreeing about your comment re:
people putting people on pedestals.

The only thing i differed in my comment was regarding the hair dying and i was curious if there is something specific that the Church says that Father arn’t allowed to dye hair because i am not aware of all the rules for priests.

 

[Eliza10]

Oh, I completely misunderstood you. I think all this focus on understanding the Corapi issue has tired me!

Hair dye – no the church has no such ban on hair-dye! Never will. I completely don’t think its sinful (though, like anything, for certain individuals in certain circumstances it might contribute to an occasion for sin - like any other thing not inherently evil). Once a very orthodox friend criticized some mystic on the basis that she dyed her hair. I thought that was off-base. I was thinking that he was probably clueless how many holy people around him dyed their hair, because they could afford an expert or they had good taste and/or talent and did it expertly themselves. And that some whose dye-work is obvious are in fact less worldly; they don’t fuss as much to keep it right! Or they lack talent in that area. (Not that fussing over hair is bad in itself!). Anyway, I thought he was off-base. Later he became SSPX. Too orthodox!

 

[fred_conty]

Hi,
I believe he is making a stand for his innocense and his right to defend himself in a fair and just way. This is what I am hearing from what he said. He will not receive that fair trial since he will not be given the opportunity to answer the accusor face to face. His case will be reviewed by the bishop(s) and then the judgment will be made according to their review. What Fr. Corapi is saying is that in his judgement, he wants to face his accusor and present his side of the situation.

He also referred to certain bishops as being ill disposed toward him and wanting to quiet him. And I know from listening to him, I have heard him say things that some would take offense; birth control, liturgy, libertarian policies, ignorance. And Fr. Corapi’s conservative thoughts are not in alignment with some of the bishops.

He also feels that he is a preacher not a parish priest. Billy Grahm made the same comment about himself, namely, that he was called to preach the word of God and not to be a pastor. There are different gifts that the Holy Spirit give to each person.

He said that because he will not submit to this trial by paper alone, that he would carry out his work in some other way although he can’t do it with the title of priest since the bishops probably will not give him the right to exorcise his priesthood without submitting to the paper trial. So without their approval, it would be wrong. So it sounds like he will carry on his work under the title of Doctor, which he has in scripture, or some other title. If I were to guess, he will probably go on radio or TV as narrator or interviewer of guests on current or historical events/teachings affecting the church. I hope he does because he has a feel and ability for making points.

And maybe in time, things will work out even better. I know that a man of his ability will continue to do a great deal of good no matter how it pans out and I wish him all my best wishes, and look forward to his new presentation.

 

[mariafransisca2]

Maybe he meant : The black sheep (accused of wrong but is innocent.)

And dog, is when Jesus with the woman of Filistine or Canaan (I forgot) whose child is possesed and ask Jesus to heal her child and Jesus said “It is not right to give the bread of the children to dogs” and the woman said "Yes, Lord, but the dog eat the crumbles from his master’s table "

And Jesus said, “big is your faith, go and be it done like you believe” (more less, not exact)

He’s trying to say he’s innocently accused like a black sheep, and he’s a miserable sinner, like the Cannaite / Filistine woman

 

[music2]

Oh, I completely misunderstood you. I think all this focus on understanding the Corapi issue has tired me!

Hair dye – no the church has no such ban on hair-dye! Never will. I completely don’t think its sinful (though, like anything, for certain individuals in certain circumstances it might contribute to an occasion for sin - like any other thing not inherently evil). Once a very orthodox friend criticized some mystic on the basis that she dyed her hair. I thought that was off-base. I was thinking that he was probably clueless how many holy people around him dyed their hair, because they could afford an expert or they had good taste and/or talent and did it expertly themselves. And that some whose dye-work is obvious are in fact less worldly; they don’t fuss as much to keep it right! Or they lack talent in that area. (Not that fussing over hair is bad in itself!). Anyway, I thought he was off-base. Later he became SSPX. Too orthodox!

OK thanks:thumbsup:

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Keeping my comments just to the name - Black Sheep Dog. This is the name of his autobiography, as yet to be released, I believe. The domain name was reserved over a year ago to go along with the book - long before any of this other stuff happened. The name is supposed to be a combo of “Black Sheep” as a reference to his past and “Sheep Dog” as a reference to protecting the Church and the fathful.

If this latest issue had not developed, I don’t think anyone would have thought twice about the nick name.

But there sure are a lot of people eager to express their ‘concern’ in great and speculative detail, including his appearance and hair color, without ever once mentioning his year-long illness.

 

[Eliza10]

Fred Conty - Clearly you have read/listened to Mr. Corapi’s statement [and it is Mr., NOT “Father” anymore; he has officially, and of his own accord, bailed on the holy priesthood, as he is unwilling to submit to his superiors] and you have repeated back to us all of his own published sentiments, in your own words.

But realize he has pitted himself against the Catholic Church by a deliberate act of disobedience. As a Catholic, don’t you think its fair to consider what Catholic authorities, obedient priests, Mr. Corapi’s own religious superiors, and faithful, prudent, seasoned Catholic writers have said about the case?

There are two sides to the story, and you ought to hear them. And these people tell plenty, without any need to reveal the details of the particular accusations [only that they are drug use and impropriety with a woman he was closely associated with for a long time]. I provided many links on page 2 of this thread. You can read the public statements of the superior of his order, which is very telling. Very straightforward and fair is what Father Joe Jenkins of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. had to say in his article here: fatherjoe.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/father-corapi-priest-or-black-sheep-dog/

The whole article is readable and very worth reading. He takes the P.R. statement of Mr. Corapi - the one you have almost memorized - and responds to his words, section by section, from the Church’s view. Consider the strong words in this excerpt:FATHER CORAPI: I shall continue, black sheep that I am, to speak; and sheep dog that I am, to guard the sheep—this time around not just in the Church, but also in the entire world. I am, indeed, not ready to be extinguished. Under the name “The Black Sheep Dog,” I shall be with you through radio broadcasts and writing.
FATHER JOE: The sheep dog has no occupation separated from the chief shepherd or bishop. A dog that runs after the sheep on its own is not a true sheep dog, but rather we use another name for that canine… we call him a wolf. I would suggest that Fr. Corapi change the name of his blog and new label to BLACK WOLF. Indeed, in the future, if he carries out his intent to keep selling his wares and writing and making radio broadcasts, that is what I shall call him.FATHER CORAPI: I hope you stay with us and follow us into our new domain and name of “The Black Sheep Dog.” Through writing and broadcasting we hope to continue to dispense truth and hope to a world so much in need of it.
FATHER JOE: Those who collaborate, defend and buy his products will be offering material support to a suspended priest. In other words, he will be making his sin, their own.

So, that involves you directly now Fred. If you defend and buy his products you will make Mr. Corapi’s sin your own! It might be worth reading some of those links and gain clarification why this Church authority makes such a strong statement about your interest in Mr. Corapi’s new private business venture.

 

[Eliza10]

But there sure are a lot of people eager to express their ‘concern’ in great and speculative detail, including his appearance and hair color, without ever once mentioning his year-long illness.

There is really nothing to say about the yearlong illness - he gave no clues as to what or how he suffered. It was just something he said once. During the illness, his private business grew, he took people on private hunting expeditions from his private ranch and bagged some trophy game, he bought many man-toys he told us about, he told us about how he got in great physical shape – he said a lot of things about himself and his belongings, but the yearlong illness was a mystery thing, so there is nothing to say about it.

Who knows? Maybe it goes in the category of his Green Beret training?

 

[mariafransisca2]

Listen to his talk (free mp3)
mp3s.pl/mp3/Father_Corapi/

Be careful though, the site host have immodest images, just download and leave.

youtube.com/user/FatherCorapi
youtube.com/user/TheBlackSheepdog1

Father John Corapi Conversion Story
youtube.com/watch?v=mhAyEZR4gUk
youtube.com/watch?v=rZ2mVtE1tWo
youtube.com/watch?v=29VL4llXkvY&NR=1

You can download his talks using a free program called atube catcher
download.cnet.com/aTube-Catch…-10969422.html

He is a modern st. Paul.

Father John Corapi, we pray for you !!

Check out the comments on youtube channel, it’s very moving. He has a tumor, falsely accused, he’s like Jesus.

What he meant by black SheepDog is Sheep Dog is protecting the sheep from the wolves. Check out the image of the Dog protecting the sheep from the wolves in the Black SheepDog channel.

He is a SheepDog and we are the Sheeps!