Fr John Corapi has Announced in a Video Message that he is Leaving the Priesthood

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dfp42 said:
Fr. Corapi’s latest tweet today below…

To quote a fan, “Please, please, resist the temptation to turn this circumstance into a dividing force among Catholics.” Pray! Pray! Pray!
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Does this causing a division really surprise him? Hasn’t he even read his own statements?? :eek:
 
dfp42 said:
So then he’s not the highly respected Bishop Fr. Corapi said he talked to then about his decisions then? What about Fr. Flanagan has he made a comment about talking to Corapi?
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This what Father Corapi wrote:
I filed the civil defamation suit against the accuser on the advice of Fr. James Flanagan, Founder of the Society of Our Lady; and Bishop Rene Gracida, former Bishop of Corpus Christi. They felt it was the only way I could receive justice.
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Father Flanagan doesn’t seem to have a blog or email address. I couldn’t find any comment or if anyone has tried to reach him. I couldn’t find any contact information other than he resides in Robstown, TX. He is 87 years old so he might not be healthy enough to use the computer. He doesn’t appear to have an active role in managing SOLT so maybe he is retired. It would be nice if someone could get his comment on this.

The Bishop that Father Corapi identified in his statement wrote this:
FIRST OF ALL LET ME ESTABLISH THAT I HAVE NOT SPOKEN WITH FATHER CORAPI.
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Nothing makes sense, I wish he had just handled the whole thing quietly. I have weakness for watching train wrecks, so this is particularly bad for me. I get stuck trying to make sense of things that don’t make sense.
 
Marie5890 said:
Does this causing a division really surprise him? Hasn’t he even read his own statements?? :eek:
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I had the same reaction.

I’m perfectly willing to believe that he didn’t intend for all this to happen, but still…
 
OneAugustKnight said:
This what Father Corapi wrote:

Father Flanagan doesn’t seem to have a blog or email address. I couldn’t find any comment or if anyone has tried to reach him. I couldn’t find any contact information other than he resides in Robstown, TX. He is 87 years old so he might not be healthy enough to use the computer. He doesn’t appear to have an active role in managing SOLT so maybe he is retired. It would be nice if someone could get his comment on this.

The Bishop that Father Corapi identified in his statement wrote this:

Nothing makes sense, I wish he had just handled the whole thing quietly. I have weakness for watching train wrecks, so this is particularly bad for me. I get stuck trying to make sense of things that don’t make sense.
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There’s a definite train wreck to this whole thing.
Not well thought out at all.

I was remembering when I read Come Be My Light about Mother Theresa. She was called by God to leave her community and start the Missionaries of Charity, but there were all these checks and balances that she needed before she went ahead to start it. She went through her confessor, her superior, her bishop, she even needed approval for the Vatican. Granted, that was a very different circumstance, but there’s a sense in this whole thing that Fr. Corapi is flying blind. Just my impressions.
 
A reminder to everyone to take a deep breath.

Somewhere in the world, Catholic priests, religious, and laity are being persecuted. Let’s spare a thought for them, and put our own problems in perspective.
 
valient_Lucy said:
Blessed Pope John Paul might have cared, but think about it. He must have ordained a lot of priests during his reign as bishop and then later as pope. Why should he have cared more about Fr. Corapi than any of the other priests he ordained?
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Code:
Let us not be so sure of this. JP@ had a photographic memory and remembered seminarians from years and years ago. I know, I have read thousands of pages on him…he also could listen to one person reading to him on one side, and another on the other side and during this time, read a text himself.:eek:

He would remember the priests he ordained. Just read 'Witness to Hope, another huge book by George Weigel and especially the latest on why he is a saint.
 
Just a little note before saying have a blessed night…

St Paul was a really rough character also. He stood for his civil rights when he was to be killed by authorities. He called people stupid, etc etc etc. He was a prophet of his times. The old testament prophets were a motley crew also. Yet God chose them.

I, imho, believe Fr Corapi is a prophet. I believe in obedience but someone said that one should obey the bishop without question but we must remember if there is no sin involved.

I believe that with my whole heart. There have been saints, like Catherine of Sienna (or is it genoa?) who put the Pope in his place.

Bishops are mostly faithful just like most of our priests. But there some who are disobedient. This is not speculation but fact: SOME bishops got together here in Canada, back in the day of Humanae Vitae and poo-ppoed the document and refused to implement it. Nobody blew the whistel then…and it is much too late now. This does exist.

Albeit Fr corapi is in distress at this point, I believe he is a prophet of our times. He is paying the price. We will see what unfolds. He is not superman nor batman. He is not not a celebrity, but a priest. My faith was deeped by his teachings, and my faith is stable. I am very sad, and I would not want to be walking in his shoes.

My own priest was threatened of child molestation for a couple of years which led my priest to literally live in fear. He knew he would be doomed if this mentally unstable man went to the papers. His anguish was immense…and still is. He has not returned to ‘himself’ since. Let us not add to any priest’s pain…let us just pray for them…
 
TheRealJuliane said:
Anyone’s parish who has a VERY popular priest knows what I am talking about. People come to church to hear HIM, not the Word of God. But most parish priests don’t rise to the level of John Corapi.

Just the length of this thread, in a very short time, says that Corapi has drawn people to HIM instead of to the Church. Otherwise people would be like

🤷

so what?
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What did Fr Corapi preach that people come to church to hear him? Economic…finance?

I thought it was the Word of God all along.

Fr Corapi has the gift to preach and people would flock to hear him preach the word of God. His preaching inspire them. He definitely inspired many to come back to the Church didn’t he. People do not want to listen to a boring preacher.

I don’t know about drawing people to him instead of the Church but it’s only natural for people to defend a good priest.
 
Marie5890 said:
:confused:

Well… really :confused: now if Bp Gracida says he hasn’t spoken w/ Fr Corapi
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Bishop Gracida did not directly communicate, that is; spoke with Father Corapi, but, he did communicate through someone as we learned some time later when Father Corapi specified:

"Many have asked, or criticized, me concerning the reason I filed a civil defamation suit against the accuser in this case. It is because the two men I respect most in the Catholic Church advised me to do so. Fr. James Flanagan, Founder and most respected member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, and Bishop Rene Gracida, the former Bishop of Corpus Christi, had a meeting on this matter. The result was that they advised me strongly to file a civil defamation suit. Why would they do this? Because they felt it was the only way I could receive a fair and just hearing. This advice was conveyed to me through Fr. Tony Anderson of the Society of Our Lady.
Confusion also happens when people try to control the thoughts of the mass, when communicators are being intentionally ambiguous and vague. Great diplomats are great at this. They say something in such away that the enemy can take it as pro for him and the allies can take it as pro for them. It’s something they learn in international relations communication. But, when the mass is confused that means the diplomats failed.

The information given to us has been contradictory, vague, limited and ambiguous. This way the attention is kept on the matter and the least amount of people walk away. Again, part of good diplomacy is to communicate in such a general and vague way as to keep every one happy and in suspension. Perhaps, until the autobiography comes out? Then, clearly explain to people matters which in good faith should have been cleared already (e.g. the priesthood and being laicized). The problem here is that the** faithfuls are guided by the Holy Spirit** and many things here do not appear right to most of us. The laity are not sitting ducks. (I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves). We are not going to throw stones at our Bishops and the Church just because someone claims that the Church will not provide a fair trial. How foolish to have thought that the Holy Spirit can be manipulated and controlled!

In Catholic terms, what all this appears to me as is a great attempt to manipulate the sensus fidelium and in response - having the Holy Spirit demonstrate that He cannot be manipulated nor controlled. There was an attempt to evade Bishop Mulvey and Servant Priest Sheehan the proper and legitimate Church authorities of this matter, and have a public trial on account of fame, but, it has all turned around. Now, accusations are flying high against Catholic commentators and everyone else that is pointing out the incorrectness of this direction. What I see happening now is a great retreat to the ditches.

It is not proper to attempt to control the sensus fidelium. Is the lesson, I hope, has been learned. Also, minor detail, the cause at the very minimum must be in accordance with the teachings of the Church and in communion with the Magisterium.
What impresses me and grants me peace is the silence and humility of Bishop Mulvey.
A very insightful theme that emerges in this section with its inclusive emphasis on the entire people of God revolves around the nuances that attend its affirmation of the importance of the sensus fidei for the Church’s abiding in the truth. Itself an aspect of the gift of faith the sensus fidei enables each believer by the Spirit of Truth “to recognize and respond to the Word of God, to discern truth from falsehood in matters of faith and morals, to gain deeper insights into what they believe and to apply that belief to daily life.” This rather comprehensive notion of the sensus fidei (note that it embraces the daily life of discipleship!) may not, however, be presumed upon. Individuals and groups may fall away from it – truth is not separated from holiness – and the individual act of faith (“I believe”) must always participate in the communal act of the Church (“we believe”) (37). Believers are indeed co-workers with the truth and for that reason their participation in the process of authoritative discernment is as dependent on the gift of the Holy Spirit as are those entrusted with office in the Church. Contemplation and study are necessary so as not to reduce the sensus fidelium to an “opinion poll or referendum on matters of faith” (43). Certainly this is a fair warning in our postmodern age with its rapidly accessible media and consumerist mentality. vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_071101_speaking_the_truth_com_en.html
Peace,

Abba
 
None of this changes any of his previous messages. They were instrumental in bringing me to the Church, and this year I really missed hearing his lectures on the Easter Triduum.
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Well said!!!

I was a lukewarm Catholic, with the tendency to be satisfied with the comfort of the world most of the time, and when I was in trouble run to God. EWTN and the sermons of my beloved Fr. Corapi turned my soul to the right path.
For this reason, I’m so thankful to my Lord for sending the “dog” to save His “sheep” from the tricks of the enemy and to Fr. Corapi for his courage to talk without fear, like he knew I needed desperately.
Now the enemy is delighted destroying Fr. Corapi’s life but we Catholics should have mercy and do not condemn him, what he needs is our prayers to the Mother in Heaven whom he loves so much, for She is responsible for bringing him back to her Son and to the priesthood.
The mercy of God is greater than any evil!

Holy Mother of God intercede again for your son, Fr. Corapi.
 
None of this changes any of his previous messages. They were instrumental in bringing me to the Church, and this year I really missed hearing his lectures on the Easter Triduum.
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Well said!!!

I was a lukewarm Catholic, with the tendency to be satisfied with the comfort of the world most of the time, and when I was in trouble run to God. EWTN and the sermons of my beloved Fr. Corapi turned my soul to the right path.

For this reason, I’m so thankful to my Lord for sending the “dog” to save His “sheep” from the tricks of the enemy and to Fr. Corapi for his courage to talk without fear, like he knew I needed desperately.

Now the enemy is delighted destroying Fr. Corapi’s life but we Catholics should have mercy and do not condemn him, what he needs is our prayers to the Mother in Heaven whom he loves so much, for She is responsible for bringing him back to her Son and to the priesthood. And She’ll restore the dignity of his priesthood granted by her Son Himself, the High Priest.

The mercy of God is greater than any evil!

Holy Mother of God intercede again for your son, Fr. Corapi.
 
cathgal said:
What did Fr Corapi preach that people come to church to hear him? Economic…finance?

Simply because it wasn’t materially useful, doesn’t mean that it was the Word of God or even authentically Christian. There are plenty of ‘positive thinking’ tutorials lining the fringe of Christian spirituality that don’t profit anyone, but also fall short of Gospel Truth.

I thought it was the Word of God all along.

Not quite.

Fr Corapi has the gift to preach and people would flock to hear him preach the word of God. His preaching inspire them. He definitely inspired many to come back to the Church didn’t he. People do not want to listen to a boring preacher.

I don’t know about drawing people to him instead of the Church but it’s only natural for people to defend a good priest.

Good preacher?–possibly. Good priest? …
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valient_Lucy said:
A reminder to everyone to take a deep breath.

Somewhere in the world, Catholic priests, religious, and laity are being persecuted. Let’s spare a thought for them, and put our own problems in perspective.
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Amen to that. Thank you for the reminder.
 
Cinette said:
For me the big thing is, if he is giving up the priesthood, he is giving up the power to consecrate the Body and Blood of Jesus - the most precious gift given to him as priest.

So what is most important? His public persona or his priesthood?

THAT is the crux of the matter.

God bless Fr Corapi and all who are hurting for him
Cinette:)*
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I think the thread title is misleading on this point. He has not said he is leaving the priesthood. In fact, he has posted the opposite. He has been suspended from public ministry AS a priest, so he can only celebrate Eucharist by himself. But this has been the case since Ash Wed. when he was placed on Admin. leave. His status has not changed since then. Since the investigation is blocked, it is likely he would have remained on admin leave indefinitely, or so his mentors and lawyers indicated. He considered this option “to lie down and die”, and he still feels called to preach and to teach. If he cannot do this AS a priest, he will find some other venue.
 
TheRealJuliane said:
Anyone’s parish who has a VERY popular priest knows what I am talking about. People come to church to hear HIM, not the Word of God. But most parish priests don’t rise to the level of John Corapi.
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You said most don’t rise to the level of Fr. Corapi. He’s a rare one indeed. Is this why he’s being persecuted…just my thought of course. Anyone who hates him would love to shut him up, starting with Satan. If he succeeds, however that’d play out, imagine all the potential converts and reverts. And I thought saving souls is the most important thing in this passing world.

I pray it’s God’s will that Fr. Corapi continue to use his gift to preach the Word of God.
 
Crumpy said:
I think that the Church and Corapi’s order are in a shaky position. If an accusation has been made against him, why aren’t they (or have they?) begun a criminal investigation? How can they ignore the law and the rights of the accuser?
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The SOLT has already addressed this. It does not involve children, and even if the allegations were true, the actions are not illegal.
Crumpy said:
If the police were to dismiss the allegations, that would be one thing. But, not to get the police involved is opening themselves to a big lawsuit (nothing new, eh?). Aren’t they responsible for harassment in their workplace? If that is what Corapi did, then even that should be litigated to its conclusion.
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Yes, they would be, but the woman did not work for the Church. She worked for Corapi’s media outlet. As his employee, yes, he would be responsible if there were harassment in the workplace, but this is not the nature of the accusation.
Crumpy said:
I don’t see “nothing doing” as a solution or remedy to what is going on here.

For Corapi’s part, I don’t think that he has to obey when the orders are immoral or illegal or improper.
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I think you need to read the thread, Crumpy. They have done all that they can, under the circumstances.

Corapi has been suspended, and cannot function in public ministry as a priest. He is compliant with this situation. Hurt, and angry, but compliant.
 
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