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Catholic29
Guest
I can’t help but believe that Fr. Francis is in the midst of serious spiritual crisis right now, and that his problems go far deeper than what was relayed in the letter read by Fr. Anthony.
Here is the letter in real player format.
This has become a major scandal for EWTN and for the Church in general, especially since it involves a program centering on Catholic youth. The speculation and gossip is now quite simply out of control. And I’m sure Father, EWTN and the friars now regret releasing this information into the public domain.
They need our prayers (and not our gossip).
Here is the letter in real player format.
This has become a major scandal for EWTN and for the Church in general, especially since it involves a program centering on Catholic youth. The speculation and gossip is now quite simply out of control. And I’m sure Father, EWTN and the friars now regret releasing this information into the public domain.
They need our prayers (and not our gossip).
V
Ver0nica
Guest
Dear Father Francis,do you not realize the damage you would do to the faith, hope and love of many thousands of struggling families across this poor world if you fail to return to your chosen, established and consecrated vocation? You are a Catholic priest; an extremely inluential one with a vast flock worldwide, who love and respect you, but who are now hurt, shocked, betrayed and disillusioned. Think, please, of all those struggling for salvation: youth raised in concupiscent culture, older returnees tentatively trusting the Church of Christ again after discovering EWTN, enthralled by its truth and love and moral integrity, mustering courage to go to Confession, new converts thru EWTN, waivering husbands looking for a moral red light on adultery (‘If a priest can follow his feelings then I’m OK too’).
The world, the devil and the flesh have been victorious in encroaching on the Catholic Church; you are not called to be part of that. You know full well, dear Father, that you are called to put right every wrong choice and act that you made in betraying your vocation as you laid up hurt for the family involved.
I read that your action so far is a nail in the coffin of EWTN. I would add that it is a nail in the right hand of Christ Himself, who chose you for His priest in the way of St. Francis.
Your call to righteousness in truth, in sacrifice and in love should now be clear: return to your flock in humility and compassion for them, the priesthood, and EWTN. By taking up your true responsibilities on your strong shoulders you will turn the shame into which you have cast EWTN and the image of the Catholic Church, into a triumph for goodness, fortitude and love. Returning to that altar and declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord in your life, would inspire so many to do the same. Greatness is demanded of the saints but our wonderful Lord, who gave His life for you, in His mercy and forgiveness, gives all the graces necessary, in His good time, for the fulfilment of the vocation He gave you, as He did for St. Francis, whom you resemble more than you think.
Dear Father Francis, return to your spouse in faithfulness to reaffirm the faith of thousands and repel this evil attack on us,the Body of Christ.
God save and abide in you always.
The world, the devil and the flesh have been victorious in encroaching on the Catholic Church; you are not called to be part of that. You know full well, dear Father, that you are called to put right every wrong choice and act that you made in betraying your vocation as you laid up hurt for the family involved.
I read that your action so far is a nail in the coffin of EWTN. I would add that it is a nail in the right hand of Christ Himself, who chose you for His priest in the way of St. Francis.
Your call to righteousness in truth, in sacrifice and in love should now be clear: return to your flock in humility and compassion for them, the priesthood, and EWTN. By taking up your true responsibilities on your strong shoulders you will turn the shame into which you have cast EWTN and the image of the Catholic Church, into a triumph for goodness, fortitude and love. Returning to that altar and declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord in your life, would inspire so many to do the same. Greatness is demanded of the saints but our wonderful Lord, who gave His life for you, in His mercy and forgiveness, gives all the graces necessary, in His good time, for the fulfilment of the vocation He gave you, as He did for St. Francis, whom you resemble more than you think.
Dear Father Francis, return to your spouse in faithfulness to reaffirm the faith of thousands and repel this evil attack on us,the Body of Christ.
God save and abide in you always.
V
Ver0nica
Guest
Dear Father Francis,do you not realize the damage you would do to the faith, hope and love of many thousands of struggling families across this poor world if you fail to return to your chosen, established and consecrated vocation? You are a Catholic priest; an extremely inluential one with a vast flock worldwide, who love and respect you, but who are now hurt, shocked, betrayed and disillusioned. Think, please, of all those struggling for salvation: youth raised in concupiscent culture, older returnees tentatively trusting the Church of Christ again after discovering EWTN, enthralled by its truth and love and moral integrity, mustering courage to go to Confession, new converts thru EWTN, waivering husbands looking for a moral red light on adultery (‘If a priest can follow his feelings then I’m OK too’).
The world, the devil and the flesh have been victorious in encroaching on the Catholic Church; you are not called to be part of that. You know full well, dear Father, that you are called to put right every wrong choice and act that you made in betraying your vocation as you laid up hurt for the family involved.
I read that your action so far is a nail in the coffin of EWTN. I would add that it is a nail in the right hand of Christ Himself, who chose you for His priest in the way of St. Francis.
Your call to righteousness in truth, in sacrifice and in love should now be clear: return to your flock in humility and compassion for them, the priesthood, and EWTN. By taking up your true responsibilities on your strong shoulders you will turn the shame into which you have cast EWTN and the image of the Catholic Church, into a triumph for goodness, fortitude and love. Returning to that altar and declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord in your life, would inspire so many to do the same. Greatness is demanded of the saints but our wonderful Lord, who gave His life for you, in His mercy and forgiveness, gives all the graces necessary, in His good time, for the fulfilment of the vocation He gave you, as He did for St. Francis, whom you resemble more than you think.
Dear Father Francis, return to your spouse in faithfulness to reaffirm the faith of thousands and repel this evil attack on us,the Body of Christ.
God save and abide in you always.
The world, the devil and the flesh have been victorious in encroaching on the Catholic Church; you are not called to be part of that. You know full well, dear Father, that you are called to put right every wrong choice and act that you made in betraying your vocation as you laid up hurt for the family involved.
I read that your action so far is a nail in the coffin of EWTN. I would add that it is a nail in the right hand of Christ Himself, who chose you for His priest in the way of St. Francis.
Your call to righteousness in truth, in sacrifice and in love should now be clear: return to your flock in humility and compassion for them, the priesthood, and EWTN. By taking up your true responsibilities on your strong shoulders you will turn the shame into which you have cast EWTN and the image of the Catholic Church, into a triumph for goodness, fortitude and love. Returning to that altar and declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord in your life, would inspire so many to do the same. Greatness is demanded of the saints but our wonderful Lord, who gave His life for you, in His mercy and forgiveness, gives all the graces necessary, in His good time, for the fulfilment of the vocation He gave you, as He did for St. Francis, whom you resemble more than you think.
Dear Father Francis, return to your spouse in faithfulness to reaffirm the faith of thousands and repel this evil attack on us,the Body of Christ.
God save and abide in you always.
W
WICatholic
Guest
That is because it isn’t there. Anything other than what Fr FM said is speculation.
This is the seriousness of the situation. His Vows and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. This is where we need to lift up that shield for him and pray.
His statement says they have grown very close, but we cannot read more into that than is said without getting into speculation and gossip. I agree with you completely, in that we need to pray for each party involved.
I am in agreement here.
I am not in complete agreement with this, though I, too, would rather not have illicit secret relationships.
Compare this to a marriage, however, and I can’t say that I would rather have him leave his wife and children to marry another women. I would aim for the higher ground in my prayers, and pray that he remember his Vows, repent and reconcile with his wife, for his sake, for their sake, and for the children’s sake.
Again, total agreement! Well said!
My husband came home one day and told me that he, too, had made a mistake (Me) after 12 yrs of marriage and three very young children. Many others have heard the same words from their spouses. Some have even been told that the only reason that they married was that a baby was on the way… Others have been told that their spouse has found their TRUE soul-mate…
Remember the Vows. Remember how God sees Vows (Covenant). Remember that His Grace is sufficient. Remember that He does not break Covenant. Remember that Holy Orders is one of only three that leaves a permanent, indelible mark on the soul of the one ordained…
Pray hard for all involved.
We are ‘free’ to rescind our Vows, but this is possibly/probably Grave Sin. It is our God-given right to choose, called ‘Free Will’. When the person has fallen, it is our duty to lift them up in prayer to return to Him.
When Vows are present, they need to be kept.
God bless!
W
WICatholic
Guest
It is, and I agree with you.
Agreed.
I cannot tell you how many times I have had someone tell me that ‘God has someone better for me’ after my husband served the no fault divorce papers and left his vows behind. Nor how many times I have had good Catholics tell me that if I loved him, I would let him go and get on with my life (instead of remembering that God is a Witness to Covenant, and does not break Covenant.)
If Fr FM chooses to leave after his time of discernment, this is not necessarily what God wants.
Getting to Divorce Court does not mean that a marriage is Invalid, nor that I married the wrong person, nor that this is/was God’s Will.
But God has given us Free Will, and He still loves us even when we don’t live up to what we promised to do. That is when He calls us to Repentance, turning away from Sin and returning to Him.
I pray that he is able to remember his Vows, his Covenant with God and his Order.
God bless!
W
WICatholic
Guest
TAC?
W
WICatholic
Guest
I have the same memories of Eddie and Debbie, and how saddened I was, how my thinking even as an 8 yr old was how tragic it was that he had been unfaithful. I had loved him as a child, and loved them together.
WISDOM comes through your letter, and I hope that Fr FM can read it. I would say much the same to him, and to my own children.
God bless!
W
WICatholic
Guest
Hi, Jim! Shalom!
It has to do with Vows, primarily, and to the specialness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Compare it to Marital Vows. Fr FM is, by way of the Sacrament of Holy Orders and his Vows in his Community, ‘married’ to His Church. Father FM’s ‘first Wife’ if you will… perhaps in that context, it may be easier to understand the gravity and significance/seriousness of the situation.
God doesn’t break Covenant, and He witnesses our Vows, whether Marital or Professed Religious. He takes Covenant seriously.
This is why we must pray for all involved.
God bless!
W
WICatholic
Guest
No, he can’t. Rent a priest is not correct in its teaching.
W
WICatholic
Guest
Fr FM has vowed Obedience.
Y
yinekka
Guest
I was absolutely gutted when I read this thread. I listened to the archived programme and found it was true. I admire EWTN for making this sad event public but I am very sad to think of the scandal it will cause particularly among the young.
Fr Francis Mary was married to the Church. He put himself in a proximate occasion of sin. He is old enough to have known what was happening and should have returned to the friary and really worked on his prayer life. The widow also knew what was happening, probably before Fr Francis, and she should have severed contact with him.
Would we have any sympathy for a married EWTN employee who kept helping a widow knowing he was attracted to her and then told his wife that he had to take some time off from the marriage to discern whether he should leave his wife or not?
I doubt that Fr Francis will return because the letter would not have said why he was discerning or mentioned a woman if he had not made up his mind what he means to do. I hope I am wrong.
Fr Francis Mary was married to the Church. He put himself in a proximate occasion of sin. He is old enough to have known what was happening and should have returned to the friary and really worked on his prayer life. The widow also knew what was happening, probably before Fr Francis, and she should have severed contact with him.
Would we have any sympathy for a married EWTN employee who kept helping a widow knowing he was attracted to her and then told his wife that he had to take some time off from the marriage to discern whether he should leave his wife or not?
I doubt that Fr Francis will return because the letter would not have said why he was discerning or mentioned a woman if he had not made up his mind what he means to do. I hope I am wrong.
J
jman507
Guest
While I think it is unfortunate that making this public will bring quite a bit of scandal and gossip, I think it is important to realize that after wedding then don’t end up happily ever after, there is a lot of work to do and ups and down. When it comes to a religious vocation, things are not happily ever after either. Problems can always crop up. Even if you look at the Saints, most have faced spiritual troubles.
I think it seemed as if there was something wrong when Mother Teresa being on the path to Sainthood after it came out she had spiritual doubts to many who don’t know much on the subject. To those who know a bit more about the subject, it seems it is the exact opposite, she acted even more Saint-like with those doubts.
People who are discerning a vocation, must take this in light. Not so much dissuade them from a vocation, but to be prepared upon taking a vocation. In general we need to take this story as a reminder to not to forget to pray for those who’ve taken vows. It can seem like a hard blow to take, when someone of this status seems to have stumbled, but even those who lead us can be weak and fall like us.
But let us pray for him, the widow and her family, those at EWTN who may be affected, and all the viewers who are affected by LOTR. While I think this is certianly a good topic to discuss, let try to stay away from gossip and assuming things we do not know, for he may just need time away from the situtaion.
Peace.
I think it seemed as if there was something wrong when Mother Teresa being on the path to Sainthood after it came out she had spiritual doubts to many who don’t know much on the subject. To those who know a bit more about the subject, it seems it is the exact opposite, she acted even more Saint-like with those doubts.
People who are discerning a vocation, must take this in light. Not so much dissuade them from a vocation, but to be prepared upon taking a vocation. In general we need to take this story as a reminder to not to forget to pray for those who’ve taken vows. It can seem like a hard blow to take, when someone of this status seems to have stumbled, but even those who lead us can be weak and fall like us.
But let us pray for him, the widow and her family, those at EWTN who may be affected, and all the viewers who are affected by LOTR. While I think this is certianly a good topic to discuss, let try to stay away from gossip and assuming things we do not know, for he may just need time away from the situtaion.
Peace.
F
fin
Guest
LOTR was definitely one of the major factors that I became interested in the Faith, an instrument God used, and of course, EWTN at large.
I was watching another channel , waiting for LOTR to start. I clicked Jump, then I saw Fr. Mark reading the letter. I was really surprised. I wasn’t able to hear to beginning of the letter, so I didn’t know what it was all about. I watched the replay hours later, so I finally knew.
I was thinking about this often after hearing the news. All these thoughts came into my mind. Why would Fr. Francis apologize? Was it something bad? Fr. Mark and Anthony looked and sounded so somber. It was so different.
Another thing, just this week, maybe during Wednesday, I went to the EWTN website. I wanted to listen to the past LOTR shows.
I couldn’t find the recent ones. I just realized later that ALL episodes hosted by Fr. Francis Mary was deleted. Shucks. And there’s a lot that I want to listen again to.
His picture on the website was also deleted? WHy?
My feelings? Weird &
I am praying for him.
I was watching another channel , waiting for LOTR to start. I clicked Jump, then I saw Fr. Mark reading the letter. I was really surprised. I wasn’t able to hear to beginning of the letter, so I didn’t know what it was all about. I watched the replay hours later, so I finally knew.
I was thinking about this often after hearing the news. All these thoughts came into my mind. Why would Fr. Francis apologize? Was it something bad? Fr. Mark and Anthony looked and sounded so somber. It was so different.
Another thing, just this week, maybe during Wednesday, I went to the EWTN website. I wanted to listen to the past LOTR shows.
I couldn’t find the recent ones. I just realized later that ALL episodes hosted by Fr. Francis Mary was deleted. Shucks. And there’s a lot that I want to listen again to.
His picture on the website was also deleted? WHy?
My feelings? Weird &
I am praying for him.
S
Shoshana
Guest
By the way guys, you are on Spiritdaily.com!!!
C
chicago
Guest
I can understand them taking down his picture, as he is no longer a part of the network. I wish that they would not have removed his episodes, however. Certainly, they have a lot to offer in what was genuine ministry. All remembrance of him can not be erased nor can they simply move on by taking this away and pretending as if it never existed. It has to be taken for what it is, in proper context and honestly acknowledged for the greater good.
N
nonsumd
Guest
I join with everyone in praying for Fr. Francis Mary, for his fellow brothers, for EWTN, and, yes, for the woman with whom Father has become involved.
But I would also ask that we also pray for all the Catholics, especially our young Catholics, who may have their faith shaken by this news – and for the non-Catholics who watch LOTR, that they may not be turned away from Catholicism or from Christianity or from belief in God or from striving to live moral lives by this news.
It was good for ETWN to be up front about what Fr. Francis is going through. I myself do not wish to speculate beyond what was announced. Fr. Francis has become emotionally attached to a widow he has been counseling, and this attachment has made him question what his vocation truly is. It is right that he should take time off from his public ministry to re-consider his vocation.
I prefer to assume that he has “crossed the line” only in his heart and that he is showing wisdom and self-honesty in withdrawing himself from public ministry at this time. The temptation to keep up appearances must be overwhelming for someone so much in the public eye.
What I hope we can all learn or relearn from all this is that we should not hang our faith on any celebrity, on any personality, save that of Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
In my parish, we have a wonderful pastor, and we all feel so grateful to be blessed to have him. Sometimes I wonder to myself how horrible it would be if this inspirational priest were involved in some scandal, I wonder how many of his “fans” would drop the Church if their hero “dropped the ball,” as it were.
But when I worry myself over such a scenario, I remind myself that my faith in Christ and in the Church He founded is not based on the conduct of the sinners who make up the Church and for whom the Church was made: it is founded on Him who was like us in all things but sin. I think of myself and of how far I fall short of what I believe and indeed of what I preach to others through my words.
May we all be strengthened in our faith, however all this turns out. Father Francis, we are praying for you!
Laudetur!
But I would also ask that we also pray for all the Catholics, especially our young Catholics, who may have their faith shaken by this news – and for the non-Catholics who watch LOTR, that they may not be turned away from Catholicism or from Christianity or from belief in God or from striving to live moral lives by this news.
It was good for ETWN to be up front about what Fr. Francis is going through. I myself do not wish to speculate beyond what was announced. Fr. Francis has become emotionally attached to a widow he has been counseling, and this attachment has made him question what his vocation truly is. It is right that he should take time off from his public ministry to re-consider his vocation.
I prefer to assume that he has “crossed the line” only in his heart and that he is showing wisdom and self-honesty in withdrawing himself from public ministry at this time. The temptation to keep up appearances must be overwhelming for someone so much in the public eye.
What I hope we can all learn or relearn from all this is that we should not hang our faith on any celebrity, on any personality, save that of Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
In my parish, we have a wonderful pastor, and we all feel so grateful to be blessed to have him. Sometimes I wonder to myself how horrible it would be if this inspirational priest were involved in some scandal, I wonder how many of his “fans” would drop the Church if their hero “dropped the ball,” as it were.
But when I worry myself over such a scenario, I remind myself that my faith in Christ and in the Church He founded is not based on the conduct of the sinners who make up the Church and for whom the Church was made: it is founded on Him who was like us in all things but sin. I think of myself and of how far I fall short of what I believe and indeed of what I preach to others through my words.
May we all be strengthened in our faith, however all this turns out. Father Francis, we are praying for you!
Laudetur!
C
Charlesartiste
Guest
Time will heal the wound inflicted on the Friars. The leaders of EWTN have knowledge that we do not have and have taken the actions they feel appropriate for the moment. The Friars and the EWTN network are probably in the same ‘shock’ as we are.
Remember Father Francis Stone did not become a priest over night or on the spur of a moment. Nor did he become a Friar in a short quick manner. Years of discernement usually pass before a man or for that matter a woman are allowed to pronounce vows.
Years usually pass before a man is allowed the awsome priviledge of priesthood.
Not only are the actions of Father Stone shocking, they are intensely shocking because he was a television personality to boot.
I am sure his discernment is simply or complicatingly mind boggling one of whether he will remain a Friar and a Priest.
His vow (covenant) relationship is injured but can be healed.
One person wrote he can “simply rescind his vow.” I was so shocked by the statement. A simple perusal of scripture reveals that covenants with God are not ‘simply rescinded.’ There is a process to end active priesthood granted by Mother Church but one must do it correctly and appropriately. Then the Vatican decides the answer as to ‘rescinding’ a vow or priesthood.
Remember the Church is a hospital for sinners not a museum for saints only.
Pray for all priest.
Remember Father Francis Stone did not become a priest over night or on the spur of a moment. Nor did he become a Friar in a short quick manner. Years of discernement usually pass before a man or for that matter a woman are allowed to pronounce vows.
Years usually pass before a man is allowed the awsome priviledge of priesthood.
Not only are the actions of Father Stone shocking, they are intensely shocking because he was a television personality to boot.
I am sure his discernment is simply or complicatingly mind boggling one of whether he will remain a Friar and a Priest.
His vow (covenant) relationship is injured but can be healed.
One person wrote he can “simply rescind his vow.” I was so shocked by the statement. A simple perusal of scripture reveals that covenants with God are not ‘simply rescinded.’ There is a process to end active priesthood granted by Mother Church but one must do it correctly and appropriately. Then the Vatican decides the answer as to ‘rescinding’ a vow or priesthood.
Remember the Church is a hospital for sinners not a museum for saints only.
Pray for all priest.
M
Mike_King
Guest
Dear Father Francis I write to you as a person who has too many times been ruled by my emotions. All of us in our small Lay Missionary Movement here in Slovakia www.redletterkids.com are absolutely devasted by hearing your news. For us and for thousands maybe millions you are a roll model in a world which is ruled by emotions instead of allowing God to rule. I wept for this situation this morning as we said the Rosary together pleading with our Mother to pray strongly for your return. Please Father Francis reconsider and stay faithful to your Priestly calling. In the long run i.e. eternity you will reap such a great reward for returning to your vows. We will continue to hold you up in our prayers remebering the story of the Prodigal Son and the great joy there was when he returned. I would love to see you reinstated and maybe a much wiser and more humble person than ever before. From all 17 of us we sayWE LOVE YOU Come back home!!!
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