Saint-Mike website?

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Certainly, Catholic Culture is itself a lay Catholic apostolate and not some sort of official ecclesial entity, so their reviews are not infallible or morally binding.

However, that review in particular raises some serious red flags about the Order of the Legion of St. Michael that would lead me to recommend staying far away. Being a lay Catholic apostolate without being connected to the local diocese is one thing. Being a self-described religious order without being connected to the local diocese is quite another. That’s a huge red flag.

The fact that he claims a STL degree without stating where it is from is another red flag (not to even mention the allegations that he has an alternate identity as a convicted sex offender).

EDIT: In looking at the site, it appears they have changed their name (less than three weeks ago!) from “Order of the Legion of St. Michael” to “Oblates and Missioners of St. Michael”. That reduces the confusion of them with a religious order.

In any case, there are other sites out there I’d trust a great deal more for reliable information.
 
Based on that review, I would certainly say absolutely NO! A doctorate in theology from an unknown school, a registered sex offender doing deliverance ministry sounds like a new show on HBO or Showtime. There’s a reason why deliverance/exorcism is usually left to priests and under normal circumstances requires the permission of the Bishop. It is DANGEROUS both spiritually and psychologically not only to the patient but, the exorcist himself. Just because someone thinks they’re possessed doesn’t mean they are. Don’t send them money and don’t request their services.
 
My personal opinion: I have frequented the St. Mike’s website as an info and prayer resource and I have to tell you that they are consistently in line with Catholic teaching and always stress obedience to the magestarium when giving advice. I have never seen anything other than adherence to Church teachings and sound advice. The site does not declare itself to be infallible. The people who run the site give no-nonsense advice on avoiding evil and subjecting ones self to the prescriptions of the Church when one is harassed by evil. In addition, they have an excellent prayer catalog.
 
In just read this line:
*John Paul Ignatius is apparently Richard Lee Collett Jr., a sex offender convicted as recently as 2005. *
Whoa 😦 Does anyone have more info on this?
 
Some additonal info which confirms, Ignatius is infact a registered sex offdender for posessing porn that featured teenagers: saint-mike.org/detractors/?p=151

Very sad and troubling to me, especially since he gives SUCH sound advice. Though he often mentions that he is the worst of the sinners and never has a “holy roller” attitude.
 
It is interesting that the Saint Mike “detractor” page which spends a lot of time defending against slander and their right to hold the organization, does not defend against the claim that the real identity of Bro.Ignatius Mary is Richard Lee Collett who does have a conviction of 2 counts of child pornography from 2005.

Would I necessarily be concerned about this? Well, if it is true, he is a suffering brother in Christ and needs our prayers more than our condemnation. Does a conviction 5 years ago really detract from the work he is doing for our Lord now?

You know, some of us are not born saints.:whistle: I was a horrible sinner before coming to our Lord. Those who are forgiven much, love much. God does this to show His glorious power and mercy 😃 I know more than one priest who was a drunk or a womanizer before coming to the priesthood. Our gracious Lord has the power to change the contrite of heart. Sometimes it takes an arrest to become repentant. Whatever. 🤷 It takes what it takes.

Unfortunately, not all offenders are reformed disciples of our Lord. Prudence and caution is always advisable when status is uncertain and you live in closer proximity and have need to protect someone. Sex offense is a serious crime against one’s spirit, but if it does happen, then consider it an opportunity for God to show His healing power. (Remember Rom 8:28!) If concerned, you can check map for sex offenders and conviction type (whether it was child-related, rape related, etc) here:
familywatchdog.us
 
Joe_5859 said:
Thanks for the additional info.

So does this mean that Bro. Ignatius is not a convicted sex offender, but that it’s simply a case of mistaken identity?
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No, he was convicted. Brother explains the details of his conviction here.

The only mistaken identity issue I know of was started by the now-defunct “Faith Cop” blog that posted a picture of a person with a similar name, claiming it was Bro. Ignatius.
 
beckycmarie said:
No, he was convicted. Brother explains the details of his conviction here.

The only mistaken identity issue I know of was started by the now-defunct “Faith Cop” blog that posted a picture of a person with a similar name, claiming it was Bro. Ignatius.
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Thanks. I missed that. I definitely appreciate his candor and humility about the whole ordeal. It doesn’t seem Catholic Culture gave him enough credit on that front.
 
There are numerous problems with the “StMike.org” website.

The “Brother” in question has questionable credentials to be answering all manner of Catholic questions. He claims an STL, but lists no accredited theology program where it was earned. He exaggerates other accomplishments, especially in the area of his self-appointed “deliverance” ministry. Ironically, his answer to many questions on “spiritual warfare” can be summed up as, “You don’t know and I do and this is not something you should be curious about.”

Because, after all, “Brother” has been called to play demonologist and you haven’t.

His knowledge of Latin is nonexistent, and he has a rather poor grasp of liturgical issues that can summed up as, “The normative Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000” [sic]. For a self-proclaimed Divine Office expert, his posts are littered with rubrical errors re: the Office.

As for the sex offense, well, in the current ecclesiastical climate…I mean really. And he’s now Provost, or Superior, or Webmaster, or whatever of his “order”…oversight, or lack thereof, indeed.
 
It never ceases to amaze me when people sin through rash judgment and the like. Such people always throw out accusations, but never any proof.

I have to wonder what credentials Alex has to make the comments and assessments he does? Since he has never met me, and I imagine he is not a canon lawyer, or in any way competent to offer an intelligent opinion, his statements read like water through a sieve.

By the way, I have the permission from my priestly spiritual director to begin a spiritual warfare ministry. There are dioceses and archdiocese that have referred clients to us, and one of our students is a deacon who has his bishop’s permission to be trained in Deliverance Counseling by us. But, as the saying goes, “never let the facts get in the way” of rash judgments against someone.

As for Liturgy and the Divine office it is interesting that you do not quote a single example of my alleged lack of understanding. But, I know that is too much to ask.

Accusations galore to exaggerating accomplishments, lack of understanding of liturgy, lack of credential to answer questions, nada, nads, nada, but not a single shred of examples and proof.

A person who does nothing but accuse and mock without backing up his err, opinion, is not a credible person.

Tell me. From your hostility, did I kick you cat?
 
BroIgnatius said:
It never ceases to amaze me when people sin through rash judgment and the like. Such people always throw out accusations, but never any proof.

I have to wonder what credentials Alex has to make the comments and assessments he does? Since he has never met me, and I imagine he is not a canon lawyer, or in any way competent to offer an intelligent opinion, his statements read like water through a sieve.

By the way, I have the permission from my priestly spiritual director to begin a spiritual warfare ministry. There are dioceses and archdiocese that have referred clients to us, and one of our students is a deacon who has his bishop’s permission to be trained in Deliverance Counseling by us. But, as the saying goes, “never let the facts get in the way” of rash judgments against someone.

As for Liturgy and the Divine office it is interesting that you do not quote a single example of my alleged lack of understanding. But, I know that is too much to ask.

Accusations galore to exaggerating accomplishments, lack of understanding of liturgy, lack of credential to answer questions, nada, nads, nada, but not a single shred of examples and proof.

A person who does nothing but accuse and mock without backing up his err, opinion, is not a credible person.

Tell me. From your hostility, did I kick you cat?
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FYI, Brother, this is an old thread. Alex posted that over a year ago and, in looking at his profile, he hasn’t logged into CAF since May 2011. So if you were looking to engage him in conversation, you may be waiting a long time. 😉

You mention that he offers “not a single shred of examples and proof”, but he did in fact mention some specifics such as “He claims an STL, but lists no accredited theology program where it was earned.” If Alex missed the reference on your website, this would be something that would be easy enough to correct him on.

Honestly, I found the tone of your post to be somewhat hostile itself. I understand being frustrated by unjust accusations, but I don’t know that responding as such helps matters.
 
I did not respond point-by-point. His comments are obviously biased and sinful (rash judgment). That is true regardless of the one point about my schooling. In fact, what is person is doing is a well-known tactic of the worldly mine – nitpicking.

He also nitpicked about another non-issue, such as whether or not I know Latin. I have never claimed to know Latin. Latin is not a requirement for anything. I know a little Latin from Church documents, that is all

These non-issues are a hallmark of the worldly mind according to St. Francis de Sales.

In other words, it is nothing more than a cheap shot.

The other comments, however, were outright false accusations and mis-characterizations. That is what I responded to.

By the way, the name of the school is in my online bio. I received both the L.Th. and D.D. (not the STL) from Schola Sancti Anthonii Domusque Studiorum Bibliorum in Montana. Before those of ill-will pounce on it, no, this is not a Catholic School. Canon Law does not require a degree from a Catholic school unless you are going for priesthood. For example, Scott Hahn’s BA degree is from a secular college and his M.Div. from a Protestant graduate school, yet he still got the job at Franciscan University of Steubenville as Professor of Theology and Scripture It was only later that he receive a doctorate at a Catholic school

I went to this school because I a full scholarship was offered to me and that is the only reason. I take a vow of poverty and do not have the money for a Catholic school, which are all very expensive. I accepted the scholarship, however, on the condition that I will not compromise a single dotted “i” on Catholic Teaching in any assignment, exam, term paper, or thesis. They agreed.

Frankly, most schools, Catholic or non-Catholic, would not allow that. I had a friend who went to seminary to study for the priesthood. He dropped out because this so-called Catholic school was requiring him to propose heresy and heterodoxy in order to get a good grade on papers. There are only a few schools in the U.S. that are truly orthodox and loyal to the Pope.

In any event, this is a non-issue, just a person nitpicking to make mountains out of molehills.

If one wishes to test my competence to do apologetics, examine the thousands of answers I have answered publicly since 1998 on our Q&A forum. The proof is in the pudding, not in a diploma on the wall.

In fact, canon law allows anyone, with or without a degree to:
  • Canon 211: All the Christian faithful have the duty and the right to work so that the divine message of salvation may increasingly reach the whole of humankind in every age and in every land.
  • Canon 218: Those who are engaged in the sacred disciplines enjoy a lawful freedom of inquiry and of prudently expressing their opinions on matters in which they have expertise, while observing a due respect for the magisterium of the Church.
  • Canon 212.3: They [the faithful] have the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred Pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church. They have the right also to make their views known to others of Christ’s faithful, but in doing so they must always respect the integrity of faith and morals, show due reverence to the Pastors and take into account both the common good and the dignity of individuals.
Most of the answers I give in the Q&As are merely repeating what the Church or the saints say, not my personal opinions.

I challenge anyone to point out any factual error. If any is found, I am happy to correct it.

While I have many warts, to which I admit freely and publicly, this person has attacked with defamation on issues that I do have a good reputation. Canon law 220 says:

“No one may unlawfully harm the good reputation which a person enjoys, or violate the right of every person to protect his or her privacy.”

And the Catechism says:
2477 Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty:
  • of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor;
  • of *detraction *who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another’s faults and failings to persons who did not know them;
  • of *calumny *who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.
As for wanting to engage this person, I have no interest. Since this is a public forum, public accusations need to be addressed publicly, for the record. I follow St. de Sales’ advice on these matters.

Sorry, I was not “nicer” in responding to getting hit on the face for the nth time. I am a warrior, a polemicist, for the faith. I am not as nice as others want me to be. (Nice, by the way, comes from the Latin, meaning “ignorant”).
 
I don’t know Brother Ignatius from Adam, and I am not concerned with his credentials. I have not scoured every last corner of his website, but I can tell you, what I have seen is good from a practical standpoint. The 7 steps to Self Deliverance and the Spritual Warfare Catalog are especially effective for those in need. The Hedge Prayer they have listed has become part of my nightly regimen.

I myself don’t blame him for being peeved. He, and perhaps others, have put a lot of work into this website, and have made it available for anyone in need of help. And yet, while he and his associates put forth this valuable effort, others want to sit on their butts and criticize, apparently for the sport.
 
BroIgnatius said:
While I have many warts, to which I admit freely and publicly, this person has attacked with defamation on issues that I do have a good reputation. Canon law 220 says:

“No one may unlawfully harm the good reputation which a person enjoys, or violate the right of every person to protect his or her privacy.”

And the Catechism says:
2477 Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty:
  • of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor;
  • of *detraction *who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another’s faults and failings to persons who did not know them;
  • of *calumny *who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.
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A quote by Br. Ignatius from Saint-Mike.org:
“But, frankly, Father Amorth is well-known to make imprudent statements and frankly, rash judgments.”

Is this a case of the pot calling the kettle black?
 
Since you have given no examples, you comment is worthless.
 
BroIgnatius said:
Since you have given no examples, you comment is worthless.
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Assuming that this comment is directed at my post which immediately precedes it, the examples I gave were Br. Ignatius criticizing a CAF member for defaming his character. Then I posted a Br. Ignatius quote in which he defames Fr. Amorth’s character by stating that Fr. Amorth is well known to make imprudent statements and rash judgements. The quotation from Br. Ignatius can be found here: saint-mike.org/qa/sw/viewanswer.asp?QID=1184

“The pot calling the kettle black” is an idiom used to accuse a person guilty of the very thing of which they accuse another. My question was whether or not this phrase applies to Br. Ignatius’ comment about the CAF poster in light of the fact that he apparently also publicly defamed another person’s character.

Fr. Amorth is a well known and much loved priest. I have known his statements to be prudent and thoughtful. I am sure that Fr. Amorth did not include rash statements in his book. Rather than thinking of Fr. Amorth as imprudent and rash, I have always thought of him as willing to state the truth, even when the truth is unsettling.
 
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