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

[valient_Lucy]

The SOLT has already addressed this. It does not involve children, and even if the allegations were true, the actions are not illegal.

Well, the sexual allegations would not be illegal, but the drugs I’m assuming would be, depending on what kind of drugs he was abusing.

 

[CTCatholic5]

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…

Fair enough, but Mr./Fr. Corapi is one rich man. He’s not saying anything particularly (1) original or (2) against-the-current of his time. He’s just (a) saying it in a ridiculously deep, ‘how-dare-you-question-my-masculinity’-voice, (b) telling stories about how bad he was at one point, and (c) implicitly contrasting them with his current priesthood, which we assume is along the pattern set by Christ and therefore pure.

In fact, his edgiest protest against his time was to denounce ‘the bishops,’ only after they threatened his ‘ministry’ which consisted of a media company and wealth that would be impossible to square with his religious priesthood. He’s not putting anyone in ‘their place,’ because everyone else is in their place. Our bishops are finally cracking down on the miscreants behind the collar, and I mean that without exception–by hook or by crook, the filth is being purged from the Church.

Now that the whole tension between (b) and (c) is removed from his repertoire, because–duh–he’s no longer a priest (i.e., in active ministry) and it wouldn’t exactly be wise for him to dwell on how hopelessly sinful he has been given the present scandal, his shtick is reduced to (a) his Darth Vader voice. Which we’ll be able to hear a lot in coming weeks, as he struggles to carve out a place for himself in what Michael Voris calls the media of ‘professional Catholics.’

 

[cathgal]

Mr. Limbaugh ‘besmirches’ his own reputation. I could listen to Mr. Limbaugh and (Mr./Fr., whichever he is these days) Corapi and would probably agree with 80-90% of everything they say.

However, my statement was intended to mean that the Church does not need this kind of blustery, in-your-face rhetoric. I believe that–at best–it is something to be avoided in most situations, or–at worst–antithetical to Christianity.

(1) Go over Mr./Fr. Corapi’s recent statements.
(2) Consider that the content and form of these statements are more reflective of Mr./Fr. Corapi’s actual message, as he is no longer officially yoked to the bishops/superiors/Church and by his own words ‘free.’​

(3) Now, consider what the sort of hyperbole Mr./Fr. uses to describe his present situation: “being shot in the head like a dog / laying down and dying.”
(4) This whole schtick isn’t Christian. Its all well and good that we have a preacher here, Mr./Fr. Corapi, who can come out with his Darth Vader voice and be talk about relevant topics… but now his message has shifted to criticizing the bishops–easy target–with all this bogus cowboy-talk, because they were very interested in a case of alleged abuse and misbehavior on the part of an extremely wealthy religious priest who insists on living alone and apart from his community’s guidelines.

Do not let yourself be hoodwinked by someone, just because he is standing behind the Cross and the collar. Do not sell your bishops short–they might be imperfect, but I don’t think the Corapi incident is an example of them mishandling a case. See if I’m wrong.

How do you know he is extremely wealthy?

 

[Kat_L]

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. .

I agree. If I were satan, I’d want to shut Corapi up. He spoke the truth-not the sugar coated version that appealed to the masses but the actual truths of our faith. I learned more about my faith while listening to him teach the catechism than I learned in Catholic school. His preaching and teaching brought me back to church not back to Montana (or wherever Corapi lives).

Fr Corapi’s initial statements were confusing and that resulted in a lot of discussion. The very title of this thread states he’s leaving the priesthood (which he hasn’t). Follow up messages from him seem bitter-although I suppose I’d be bitter if I was falsely accused and felt as if the church, which I served faithfully, didn’t have my back.

Comments that state Fr Corapi draws people to him (rather than to the church) are inaccurate and misleading. Listen to him teach the catechism and THEN make judgments on what he’s trying to do.

 

[guanophore]

I suppose this is my point. Coming from a Protestant background, I’ve known so many who believed they were called one way or another but who hadn’t the gift of authority to confirm that. I believe this is where the vow of obedience comes in, though. If God truly has other plans for him, He will speak (at least permission) through His Church. If those in authority are being disobedient, they will be held accountable.

Yes, of course. But it seems that the authorities that put him on leave are not the only authorities that might be relevant.

I'm not sure I've seen the notion in writing anywhere that his superiors believed this was an unjust process that ought to cause suffering.

No, and I did not claim that they did. Although, Corapi stated that his superior at SOLT put him on leave against their will and judgment, or some similar language. Basically they were ordered to do so by the bishop, and in accord with the procedure, complied.

If they were not supportive of him at SOLT, they would not be asking him to return to live in community with them.

  Only Fr. Corapi has said this.  But what good is a vow if it only binds while it is comfortable?  I ask in sincerity, acknowledging that Father certainly has seemed to find it very painful of late.

I agree. But just because the community may not be the right one for him anymore does not mean he does not still want to keep his vows. He has lived in several communites, and has always (by his report) kept his vows as a priest and a religious. In his talks, he relates how painful it was to have to leave community because it was not working out. He is very staunch about his priniciples, and holds to his conscience when others are doing that which he finds immoral, or downright evil.

His situation (living and minstry) were consisten with the SOLT until recently when their constitutions were changed. Now, his lifestyle and business practices are in conflict with the order, where they were not before. He was in a position where he had to make a choice, to either continue along the path to which he has been called, or to change direction along with the rest of SOLT.

"Unleashed," in even the best sense, means "set free from restraint."  It seems to imply that the authority of the Church was "holding him back" and that now he is "free."

What if this is the case? What if he is called to do something that is not consistent with the apostolate of his order? Or his bishop?

What if he needs to move under the authority of someone else?

I agree with you, the Church will confirm a calling.

 

[valient_Lucy]

The SOLT has already addressed this. It does not involve children, and even if the allegations were true, the actions are not illegal.

Well, the sexual allegations would not be illegal, but the drugs I’m assuming would be, depending on what kind of drugs he was abusing.

But of course, this is not the same thing as charges of child molestation.

 

[CTCatholic5]

How do you know he is extremely wealthy?

I wouldn’t call Mr./Fr. Corapi wealthy–and I’m only judging by an extremely conservative estimate of what his media company is worth and what he won in the so-called whistle blower suit.

I would, however, say that he is absurdly wealthy for a religious priest, and that–given the statements he makes about his present lifestyle*–he pretty much defeats the purpose of the three evangelical vows.

What we’ve witnessed is a ministry that gained force until it became its own negation.

*Yeah, that’s pretty much the answer to your question there, fella/missy.

 

[cathgal]

Fair enough, but Mr./Fr. Corapi is one rich man. He’s not saying anything particularly (1) original or (2) against-the-current of his time. He’s just (a) saying it in a ridiculously deep, ‘how-dare-you-question-my-masculinity’-voice, (b) telling stories about how bad he was at one point, and (c) implicitly contrasting them with his current priesthood, which we assume is along the pattern set by Christ and therefore pure.

No, he’s not saying anything original, just the truth will do, and in his ridiculously deep voice. But I wonder why he inspired so many reverts and converts.

In fact, his edgiest protest against his time was to denounce ‘the bishops,’ only after they threatened his ‘ministry’ which consisted of a media company and wealth that would be impossible to square with his religious priesthood. He’s not putting anyone in ‘their place,’ because everyone else is in their place. Our bishops are finally cracking down on the miscreants behind the collar, and I mean that without exception–by hook or by crook, the filth is being purged from the Church.

Now that the whole tension between (b) and (c) is removed from his repertoire, because–duh–he’s no longer a priest (i.e., in active ministry) and it wouldn’t exactly be wise for him to dwell on how hopelessly sinful he has been given the present scandal, his shtick is reduced to (a) his Darth Vader voice. Which we’ll be able to hear a lot in coming weeks, as he struggles to carve out a place for himself in what Michael Voris calls the media of ‘professional Catholics.’

My, you are vicious. Did Fr. Corapi do anything to you?

 

[CTCatholic5]

Well, the sexual allegations would not be illegal, but the drugs I’m assuming would be, depending on what kind of drugs he was abusing.

Actually, an even better response is that the Church and SOLT order don’t have a criminal court. They’re priests, not police.

 

[valient_Lucy]

Actually, an even better response is that the Church and SOLT order don’t have a criminal court. They’re priests, not police.

No denying that. My point was that some of the allegations did involve a criminal activity.

If he was just accused of consensual sex, that would not be illegal in any way.

That’s all I’m saying.

 

[cathgal]

I wouldn’t call Mr./Fr. Corapi wealthy–and I’m only judging by an extremely conservative estimate of what his media company is worth and what he won in the so-called whistle blower suit.

I would, however, say that he is absurdly wealthy for a religious priest, and that–given the statements he makes about his present lifestyle*–he pretty much defeats the purpose of the three evangelical vows.

What we’ve witnessed is a ministry that gained force until it became its own negation.

*Yeah, that’s pretty much the answer to your question there, fella/missy.

Religious vows in general, I can understand, but vows that he took, can’t say I know too much about it. If he’s ‘wealthy’, do you know what he does with his wealth?

 

[Mary_Gail_36]

Actually, an even better response is that the Church and SOLT order don’t have a criminal court. They’re priests, not police.

Especially since the SOLT and the Bishop are in Texas and Father John is in Montana.

 

[kitkatty]

This whole thing bothers me greatly. It’s not really even about Fr. Corapi himself. It’s about Catholics getting involved in a cult of personality which is what this seems to be. People are attracted to the PERSONA of Fr. Corapi instead of seeing Christ reflected in him. Very heady stuff for someone who has an ego, and Fr. Corapi definitely has that.

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?

Good point , yes I can think of an instance concerning a parish priest where the congregation idolized him so much they followed him to his next parish when he got transferred, in fact as I recall the people actually wrote a petition to the bishop petitioning he not be transferred. He got transferred anyhow. Just sayin:shrug: sometimes it can go too far even if the priest is a good pastor. Maybe instead of trying to analyze Father we ought to be analyzing our reactions more. Yup, there are some people who are susceptible to something like a cult following, certainly not all of his followers and certainly not suggesting he encourages such a thing. Maybe we all need to stop and remember the best of us are only human and susceptible to sin this side of the veil. Maybe we are being called upon to exercise charity to the Bishops concerned in this case and to Father, the dust is a long way from settling here. And maybe we all need to learn patience and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide His Church, will let befall us what does sometimes before we can understand the reasons. Just some thoughts.

 

[Marie5890]

Is this why he’s being persecuted…just my thought of course. .

I’m uncomfortable with the use of the word “persecuted” when it comes to this situation.

Middle East Christians and elsewhere in the world are facing persecution. Those of us in the free world may face inconvienances or annoyances. Trials and tribulations even because of religious faith. But truly persecuted? IMO, I think to use that word takes away from those who really are. I would honestly pity Fr Corapi if he seems himself as persecuted. To me, and this is only my opinion based on having to deal with family members who are paranoid, Fr Corapi may be struggling more with paranoia than persecution.

My opinion and only my opinion of course and I take full responsibility for it.

Good night all. May all those of our brothers and sisters thru out the world whose very lives are at risk because they are Christians be held safely in the Palms of Our Lord, and the Arms of Our Blessed Mother.

 

[CTCatholic5]

No, he’s not saying anything original, just the truth will do, and in his ridiculously deep voice. But I wonder why he inspired so many reverts and converts.

Yeah… but notice what (1) and (2) are in response to: a poster comparing him to St. Paul and likening him to a prophet. This is a person who we have legitimate concern over whether he is cavorting with a married woman and using drugs.

My, you are vicious. Did Fr. Corapi do anything to you?

**Just the facts.

Did the blacksheepdog do anything to me? Hm. Let’s see. He asked me–not personally, of course–to pity him, while at the same time: (1) personally attacking his accuser, (2) intentionally obfuscating the circumstances of his denunciation, (3) completely blowing his hardships out of proportion and (4) still standing behind the Cross and collar. This is on the level of abuse.

It might not be pleasant to read this about your hero, but I revere the men in the collar only in their capacity as ‘alter Christi.’ Mr./Fr. Corapi has long since forfeited this comparison. **

 

[guanophore]

I am glad he is not leavng the priesthood. I don’t understand why he would tell people not to call him Father if he was not planning on leaving the priesthood. Even priests not in active ministry are called Father, unless they are laicized.

It is one of the requirements of being on admin leave. He is not to put himself out to the public as a “father”.

I also wish he had not said that 90% of his time was not spent doing the sacraments, implying that his being an active priest or not was irrelevant to his public ministry. It seems an irreverent thing to say about the sacramental nature of the priesthood.

I wish he had not also, but it is an accurate statement. He is pursuaded that his calling is to preach, and has never felt called to be a parish priest, or spend the majority of his Right now, he is faced with not acting on his calling at all, or finding a way to do so within the restrictions of his status as suspended.

 

[CTCatholic5]

Religious vows in general, I can understand, but vows that he took, can’t say I know too much about it. If he’s ‘wealthy’, do you know what he does with his wealth?

I don’t see what you are trying to accomplish with this comment… Is this a tooth and nail battle to protect this guy, for you?

He tells us himself. Go learn from the horse’s mouth what the Stud does with his wealth.

 

[guanophore]

Obedience ? If I understand it right suspending Fr. Corapi was illicit, how can one be obedient to that ? It is about time that we send messages to our bishops that their actions that are incompatible with the Church’s teachings are no longer tolerated.

I want my Church back.

Rey

It is not “illicit”. It was not done according to procedure, or it might be better to say that a procedure was improperly applied to him. But every priest serves at the discretion of his bishop or superior. They could suspend him for the simple reason that they thought he needed time for quiet contemplation.

He is being obedient to the suspension. He has asked everyone not to call him “father”, cancelled all his speaking engagements, and started using a non-priestly representation f himself to the public. This is what they wanted.

 

[CTCatholic5]

No denying that. My point was that some of the allegations did involve a criminal activity.

If he was just accused of consensual sex, that would not be illegal in any way.

That’s all I’m saying.

Sure, sure.

The Church and the SOLT couldn’t do anything about the directly illegal accusations, though. Let’s be real: this guy has been out of the SOLT’s hands for a long time. He’s been living alone, and there is little to nothing the SOLT could do in terms of collecting evidence, in order to present to civil authorities.

On the other hand, the apparently ‘licit’ accusation of consensual sex would be of more interest to the Church and the SOLT: Mr./Fr. Corapi stood behind the Roman collar, and this might have perverted the allegedly ‘consensual’-conditions of the charge. Archbishop Weakland’s case is a good example of this principle in effect.

Just wanted to bring further clarity, sorry if I’m pointing out the obvious.

 

[guanophore]

He chose to fight with the hierarchy and to indict the bishops as a whole and the seminaries as a whole. That was wrong, and not the proper way for any Catholic, let alone a priest, to behave.

This is the kind of calumny and baseless accusation that will get the thread closed. He has done nothing of the kind!

His attitude about seminaries has not changed since he made this video.