Frank Pavone Blocks Sacerdotus

A Controversial Priest Silences a fellow Catholic on Social Media

In a recent episode of online censorship, Father Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life, has blocked a fellow Catholic blogger who goes by the name of Sacerdotus on Twitter. The reason for this blockage seems to be that Sacerdotus had mentioned Pavone's account in a tweet with an article by The Pillar detailing the allegations of sexual misconduct that have been made against Pavone by several former employees and associates of his pro-life organization.

Sacerdotus, who describes himself as a "Catholic philosopher, theologian, scientist, and blogger", had tweeted a link to an article by the National Catholic Reporter that detailed the accusations against Pavone, along with the comment: "Interesting read. I wonder how @frfrankpavone will respond to this." Pavone apparently did not appreciate this reference to the scandal that has been plaguing him for years, and decided to block Sacerdotus from viewing or interacting with his tweets.

This is not the first time that Pavone has resorted to blocking critics or dissenters on social media. He has also blocked several prominent Catholic journalists, theologians, and activists who have questioned his methods, motives, or theology. Some of these include Michael Sean Winters, Mark Shea, Simcha Fisher, and John Gehring. Pavone has also been known to lash out at those who challenge him, calling them names such as "idiots", "morons", and "demonic".

Pavone's behavior on social media raises serious questions about his credibility and integrity as a leader of a Catholic pro-life movement. How can he claim to be a defender of human dignity and life when he treats his fellow Catholics with such disrespect and contempt? How can he expect to persuade others to join his cause when he silences and insults those who disagree with him? How can he preach the Gospel of Life when he ignores or denies the allegations of sexual abuse that have been made against him?

Pavone's actions also reveal a lack of accountability and transparency in his organization. Priests for Life has been under investigation by several dioceses and the Vatican for financial irregularities and mismanagement. Pavone has refused to cooperate with these investigations, claiming that he is not subject to any ecclesiastical authority. He has also refused to disclose how much money he raises and spends, or how he uses it for his personal or professional expenses. He has been accused of using donations for lavish travel, luxury cars, and political campaigns.

@frfrankpavone did you see this?

— ☧✝️Sacerdotus™⚛✡🇻🇦☧ (@Sacerdotus) January 25, 2023

Pavone's blocking of Sacerdotus on Twitter is a symptom of a deeper problem: his unwillingness to face the truth and to repent of his sins. He has shown no signs of remorse or repentance for the harm he has caused to the Church, the pro-life movement, and the victims of his alleged abuse. He has shown no signs of humility or obedience to the Church's teachings and laws. He has shown no signs of charity or compassion to his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pavone's blocking of Sacerdotus on Twitter is also a warning to all Catholics who care about the sanctity of life and the integrity of the Church: beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). Do not follow them blindly or uncritically. Do not let them deceive you with their rhetoric or charisma. Do not let them silence you with their threats or intimidation. Do not let them divide you with their polarization or extremism.

Instead, follow the example of Sacerdotus and other courageous Catholics who speak the truth in love, who expose the darkness with light, who confront the evil with good. Follow the example of Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Follow the example of Mary, who is the mother of life and the queen of peace. Follow the example of Francis, who is the pope of mercy and the shepherd of souls.

And pray for Pavone and all those who have been hurt by him. Pray that they may find healing and justice. Pray that they may find forgiveness and reconciliation. Pray that they may find hope and joy.

What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus.  Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can go through.  

Norma McCorvey 'Jane Roe' Dead at 69

The "Jane Roe" of the infamous case, Roe vs Wade has passed away at the age of 69. "Roe" later on after the case revealed her real name, Norma McCorvey. McCorvey was born on September 22, 1947 in Louisiana.

At the age of 13, her father left home which eventually led to divorce. Norma and her brother were left with their mother Mildred who suffered from alcoholism. She had a troublesome childhood. However, she would become famous when she took the state of Texas to court demanding the right to privacy and abortion. The case went to the Supreme Court and would forever be known as "Roe Vs Wade." The court decided in favor of "Roe" making abortion legal in the United States of America. The decision is held in high regard among radical feminists and those who call themselves pro-choice. Ironically, McCorvey never had an abortion.  She fought hard to get her name far away from the evil legacy of abortion.

Norma McCorvey, the "roe" in roe v wade dead at 69. She had converted to the #Catholic faith and became #prolife. #RestInPeace

— ☧Sacerdotنs☧ (@Sacerdotus) February 18, 2017

Norma McCorvey was at one time, a lesbian who lived with long-time partner, Connie Gonzales. In 1994, she became a Born-Again Christian, but later on, entered the Catholic Church after working with Father Frank Pavone of Priests For Life. Father Pavone received her into the Church on August 17, 1998. Consequently, she renounced her lesbianism and worked hard to overturn the court case she was a part of. She regretted the decision and wanted it overturned. You can read more of her conversion here: www.priestsforlife.org/columns/conversionofnorma.html. Father Pavone tweeted this today:

Norma McCorvey has passed away; I just prayed with the family and they all appreciate your prayers.

— Fr. Frank Pavone (@frfrankpavone) February 18, 2017

Norma McCorvey made a big mistake in 1973 with "Roe vs Wade." However, she repented and followed the Lord as a Catholic. She is testament that even the hardest of hearts can convert. If the lady who brought about the legalization of abortion can convert, so can stubborn pro-abortion advocates. God works wonders and is merciful. Now Norma can pray to the Lord and ask for an end to abortion now that she has gone to meet Him.

BREAKING: Norma McCorvey aka Jane Roe has died at 69. Her case was used to legalize abortion in the US, then she became a #prolife activist.

— LifeSiteNews.com (@LifeSite) February 18, 2017

Norma McCorvey was called home to the Lord today succumbing to heart failure after battling pneumonia. Eternal rest grant to her Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Norma McCorvey rest in peace.





Source: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/norma-mccorvey-jane-roe-of-roe-v-wade-decision-legalizing-abortion-dies-at-69/2017/02/18/24b83108-396e-11e6-8f7c-d4c723a2becb_story.html?utm_term=.8676b88c6ee4 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/18/obituaries/norma-mccorvey-dead-roe-v-wade.html 

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/02/18/515972447/norma-mccorvey-roe-of-landmark-roe-v-wade-ruling-on-abortion-dies-at-69 

http://www.wnd.com/2017/02/norma-mccorvey-jane-roe-of-roe-v-wade-passes-away/

Office Depot Refuses to Print Pro-Life Prayer

If you do not believe that there are malignant forces at work both spiritual and physical, then you may believe now.

Office products giant "Office Depot" is refusing to print a "Priests For Life" prayer sheet with info on Planned Parenthood meant to call for the conversion of those who support abortion and for a promotion for the cause of life.  The incident took place at a store in Chicago.  Maria Goldstein went to Office Depot to have a few hundred copies printed for her parish.  The store declined to fulfill her order citing that the prayer 'advocates the persecution of people who support abortion rights.' Here is a statement from Priests For Life:

http://www.priestsforlife.org/pressreleases/5387-time-to-fight-back-business-blocks-printing-of-pro-life-prayer


It is absurd that Office Depot would refuse to print a prayer!  Christians are sued for refusing to bake cakes with pro same-sex marriage imagery or pizzas and are called bigots and every name in the book.  However, there is no outrage against Office Depot which is refusing to print a prayer on the basis of its own "conscience."  The world has gone mad.

Please contact Office Depot and protest their discrimination:

CONTACT US
Corporate Address:
Office Depot
6600 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33496

Call 24 Hours a day: 1-800-GO-DEPOT (1-800-463-3768)
Fax 24 Hours a day: 1-800-685-5010
http://www.officedepot.com/a/companyinfo/contactus/



Source:

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/09/10/office-depot-refuses-to-print-copies-of-pro-life-prayer/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-office-depot-refused-printing-prayer-20150910-story.html

http://www.wnd.com/2015/09/lawsuit-office-depot-refused-christian-print-job/

Rogue Priest?

It pains me to write this post because it is about two people that I have great respect for. Nevertheless, I will try to be fair.

Has Father Pavone Gone Rogue?
Cardinal Dolan in a letter voiced his concern that Father Frank Pavone of Priests For Life is nto cooperating with him after the Vatican had him do a study or apostolic visit on the organization. He wrote in a letter:

“My requests of Father Pavone were clear and simple: one, that Priests for Life undergo a forensic audit; two, that a new, independent board be established to provide oversight and accountability,”
“Although Father Pavone initially assured me of his support, he did not cooperate. Frequent requests that he do so went unheeded. I finally asked him to comply by October 1st. He did not,” 

This is not the first time Father Pavone has been in hot water with bishops.  Ordained in New York, he was appointed to work at Priests For Life under the episcopacy of the late John Cardinal O' Connor. During that tenure, he and the Cardinal had several disputes. It is not end there.  When Edward Cardinal Egan took over as archbishop of New York in 2000, the dispute continued as Cardinal Egan appointed Fr. Pavone to work in a parish and he refused to do so insisting that his work was to be at Priest For life.

Because of this, Fr. Frank sought to be transferred to the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas.  His transfer was accepted and he continued his work in the Pro-Life movement there. However, when the bishop of Amarillo retired and Bishop Patrick Zurek took over, the problems began in Texas with Bishop Zurek suspending Fr. Frank.  Bishop Zurek's complained that Fr. Frank was not transparenta about Priests For LIfe finances and found other problems with the group.  He also wanted Fr. Frank to work as a diocesan priest since that is what he was called to do and went to seminary for. Fr. Pavone appealed to the Vatican and the Vatican sided with him. What happened next was troublesome to me. Fr. Frank said that he will not be cowed by any bishop.  A priest whether diocesan or religious must be obedient to the local ordinary which is the Bishop. His defiance is unbecoming of a loyal son of the Church in my opinion.

Now the Vatican had Cardinal Dolan conduct an apostolic visitation and things went downhill from there.  Cardinal Dolan claims that Fr. Pavone would help him in this investigation and they refused to do so. Cardinal Dolan found that Priest For Life has a big deficit and also problems with mismanagement. Since Fr. Pavone refused to work with Cardinal Dolan in the recommendations and investigation, Cardinal Dolan cut ties with him and Priests For Life.

The whole situation is disturbing indeed.  Not only is Fr. Pavone being disobedient, but his supporters are attacking Cardinal Dolan for doing what the Vatican asked of him. They have been trying to make this into a "control" issue. This is not it at all.  All priests must be obedient to their bishops. They cannot do whatever they want in regards to ministry or dictate their appointments. Priests For Life is not above the Vatican or Canon Law. It must comply with any investigation or apostolic visits the Vatican orders be done.  Most likely, the Vatican will probably punish Fr. Pavone for his disobedience since he is openly defying them as well. Both Popes Francis and Benedict XVI made it clear that Catholics cannot get caught up in movements such as the Pro-Life one as if that is what the Church exists for. I understand Fr. Pavone's passion to fight against abortion, but his obligation is to Holy Mother Church and above all, Christ.  He cannot be this rogue priest going around defying bishops and getting his way.  Perhaps a lengthy suspension and a sabbatical to a life of prayer would be best if Fr. Pavone continues this behavior.



St. John Paul II gave an audience on this:

Priestly Obedience Is an Act of Charity 

General Audience — August 25, 1993 

The communion desired by Jesus among all who share in the sacrament of Orders should appear in an altogether special way in priests' relations with their bishops. On this subject the Second Vatican Council speaks of a "hierarchical communion" deriving from the unity of consecration and mission. We read: "All priests, in union with bishops, so share in one and the same priesthood and ministry of Christ that the very unity of their consecration and mission requires their hierarchical communion with the order of bishops. At times in an excellent manner they manifest this communion in liturgical concelebration as joined with the bishop when they celebrate the Eucharistic sacrifice" (PO 7). Clearly, the mystery of the Eucharist also appears here as a sign and source of unity. The sacrament of Orders is connected with the Eucharist. Orders establishes the hierarchical communion between all those who share Christ's priesthood: "All priests," the Council adds, "both diocesan and religious, by reason of Orders and ministry, fit into this body of bishops and priests, and serve the good of the whole Church according to their vocation and the grace given to them" (LG 28).
This bond between priests of any type or rank and the bishops is essential to exercising the priestly ministry. Priests receive from the bishop sacramental power and hierarchical authorization for this ministry. Religious too receive this power and authorization from the bishop who ordains them and from the one who governs the diocese where they exercise their ministry. Even when they belong to orders that are exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishops in regard to their internal governance, they receive from the bishop, in accordance with the norm of canon law, the mandate and consent for their involvement and activity within the diocese. Exception must always be made of the authority by which the Roman Pontiff, as head of the Church, can confer on religious orders or other institutes the power to govern themselves according to their own constitutions and to work on a universal scale. In their turn bishops regard priests as their "necessary helpers and counselors in the ministry and in their role of teaching, sanctifying and nourishing the People of God" (PO 7).
Because of this bond of sacramental communion between priests and bishops, presbyters are a support and instrument of the episcopal order, as Lumen Gentium states (cf. n. 28). In each community they continue the bishop's action and in a certain way represent him as pastor in various areas.
By virtue of its same pastoral identity and sacramental origin, the ministry of priests is clearly exercised under the authority of the bishop. According to Lumen Gentium, it is under this authority that they lend their efforts to the pastoral work of the whole diocese by sanctifying and governing that portion of the Lord's flock entrusted to them (cf. LG 28).
It is true that presbyters represent Christ and act in his name, sharing in his office as the one Mediator, according to their degree of ministry. However, they can act only as the bishop's co-workers, thus extending the ministry of the diocesan pastor in the local communities.
Spiritually rich relationships between bishops and presbyters are based on this theological principle of sharing within the framework of hierarchical communion. Lumen Gentium describes these relationships as follows: "On account of this sharing in their priesthood and mission, let priests sincerely look upon the bishop as their father and reverently obey him. And let the bishop regard his priests as his co-workers and as sons and friends, just as Christ called his disciples now not servants but friends (cf. Jn 15:15)" (LG 28).
Here Christ's example is the rule of conduct for bishops and presbyters alike. If he who had divine authority did not want to treat his disciples as servants but as friends, the bishop cannot consider his priests as servants in his employ. They serve the People of God with him. For their part presbyters should respond to the bishop as demanded by the law of reciprocal love in ecclesial and priestly communion, that is, as friends and spiritual "sons." The bishop's authority and the obedience of his co-workers, the priests, should thus be exercised in an atmosphere of true, sincere friendship.
This duty is based not only on the brotherhood existing among all Christians by virtue of Baptism and on that arising from the sacrament of Orders, but also on the word and example of Jesus. Even in triumph as the resurrected one, he lowered himself from that incomparable height to his disciples and called them "my brothers," declaring that his Father was "theirs" too (cf. Jn 20:17; Mt. 28:10). Thus, following Jesus' example and teaching, the bishop should treat his co-workers, the priests, as brothers and friends, without diminishing his authority as their pastor and ecclesiastical superior.
An atmosphere of brotherhood and friendship fosters the presbyters' trust and their willingness to cooperate and work harmoniously in friendship and in fraternal and filial charity toward their bishops.
The Council spells out some of the bishop's duties toward presbyters. Here one need only mention them: bishops should take the greatest interest they are capable of in the temporal and spiritual welfare of their priests; they should foster their sanctification and be concerned for their ongoing formation, examining with them problems that concern the needs of their pastoral work and the good of the diocese (cf. PO 7).
Likewise, the presbyters' duties toward their bishops are summarized in these words: "Priests, never losing sight of the fullness of the priesthood which the bishops enjoy, must respect in them the authority of Christ, the supreme shepherd. They must therefore stand by their bishops in sincere charity and obedience" (PO 7).
Charity and obedience are two spiritual essentials which should guide their conduct toward their own bishop. It is an obedience motivated by charity. The presbyter's basic intention in his ministry can only be to cooperate with his bishop. If the priest has a spirit of faith, he recognizes the will of Christ in his bishop's decisions.
Understandably, obedience can sometimes be more difficult, especially when different opinions clash. However, obedience was Jesus' fundamental attitude in sacrificing himself, and it bore fruit in the salvation that the whole world has received. The presbyter who lives by faith knows that he too is called to an obedience which, by fulfilling Jesus' saying about self-denial, gives him the power and the glory of sharing the redemptive fruitfulness of the sacrifice of the cross.
Lastly it should be added that, as everyone knows, today more than in the past, priests' cooperation and thus their union with the bishops are required by the pastoral ministry because of its complexity and vastness. As the Council says: "This union of priests with their bishops is all the more necessary today since in our present age, for various reasons, apostolic undertakings must necessarily not only take on many forms but frequently extend even beyond the boundaries of one parish or diocese. No priest, therefore, can on his own accomplish his mission in a satisfactory way. He can do so only by joining forces with other priests under the direction of the Church authorities" (PO 7).
For this reason "presbyteral councils" too have tried to structure and organize the consultation of priests by their bishops [1] . On their part, presbyters participate in these councils in a spirit of enlightened and loyal cooperation, with the intention of helping to build up the "one body." Individually too, in their personal relations with their own bishop they should remember and keep in mind one thing above all: the growth in charity of each and every one, which is the fruit of self-sacrifice in the light of the cross.
[1] Â  cf. 1971 Synod of Bishops, Ench. Vat., IV, 1224
(http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19930825en.html)

I hope both parties can work things out and that Fr. Pavone once again realizes that he is a Catholic priest and not the Pro-Life movement's Al Sharpton.  As a priest, he can do much more for life than as head of Priests For Life.







Source:

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=23496

http://www.religionnews.com/2014/12/15/cardinal-timothy-dolan-cuts-ties-anti-abortion-crusader-frank-pavone/

http://gerardnadal.com/2014/12/16/as-cardinal-dolan-washes-hands-of-father-pavone-whither-fidelity/

http://www.jillstanek.com/2011/10/fr-frank-pavone-in-exile/

http://drrichswier.com/2014/12/19/catholic-clash-big-apple-priests-life-vs-cardinal-dolan/

"Brain Dead" and Pregnant

A news story about a pregnant woman who is brain dead has nearly taken the media by storm almost as much as Terri Schiavo.

Marlise Munoz was found by her husband Erick Munoz when she was 14 weeks pregnant unconscious on November 26. Hospital officials believed it was due to a blood clot.  Marlise became brain dead and this has brought up a big debate.  Since she was pregnant and the unborn child is still alive, the hospital left her on life support despite wishes from her husband to remove her.

Many supporters on both the pro-life and pro-abortion movements have voice their opinions on the story. The pro-life side says the unborn child is still alive and a patient and should not be killed.  Moreover, the pro-abortion side claims that this is an affront on bodily autonomy.

The issue is extremely complicated because it brings to questoin what death is exactly and what can be and should be done if a brain dead woman is pregnant. Priests For Life director, Fr. Frank Pavone made a statement on the issue:

“The lawsuit launched by Erick Munoz is nothing less than an attempt to kill his wife and #unborn child. It’s a sad mockery of the meaning of fatherhood and of love, life and law.”

This statement brought outrage from pro-abortion supporters and media personalities on Fox New and elsewhere who considered them to be harsh and out of touch with reality. Erick Munoz claims that his wife is dead and is literally decaying before his eyes.  A judge recently ordered that the life support be removed after doctors stated that the unborn child had severe defects and would not survive outside of the womb.

This story is tragic and I feel for everyone. The Catholic ethics teach that the normal essentials (food/drink) be provided in order to allow a natural death and that no one should be kept alive by extraordinary means or artifical means if there is no chance of recovery. It acknowledges that brain dead people are in fact dead.

Source:


http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/texas-hospital-end-care-brain-dead-woman-22029041

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/01/24/marlise_munoz_texas_judge_orders_brain_dead_pregnant_woman_to_be_taken_off.html

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/health/pregnant-brain-dead-woman-texas/

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/24/22433012-texas-judge-orders-brain-dead-pregnant-woman-off-life-support?lite

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-24/news/chi-brain-dead-pregnant-woman-life-support_1_life-support-texas-judge-brain-dead-pregnant-woman

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-fetus-abnormalities-mother-brain-dead/story?id=21639616

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/08/newser-pregnant-life-support/4370971/

http://healthland.time.com/2014/01/10/why-the-dad-has-no-say-in-dismal-texas-brain-death-case/

http://www.medpagetoday.com/OBGYN/Pregnancy/43951?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1400137.htm

http://ncronline.org/news/people/ethicists-criticize-treatment-brain-dead-patients

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/ethicist-texas-end-of-life-debate-must-consider-unborn-child/

Fr. Pavone's Appeal Upheld by Vatican

The Vatican has upheld Fr. Pavone's appeal.  As you may know, Fr. Pavone was ordered to return to his diocese in Amarillo, Texas by his Bishop.  It seems to be that his Bishop wants to keep an eye on him and Priests For Life, an organization which fights against abortion by training priests and others on the topic and how to speak out against it.

No one really knows the reason why this Bishop is doing this.  Some speculate it is due to charges of misappropriation of funds by Priests For Life.  Most likely, this is an attempt by the Bishop to control Father Pavone's activities which can sometimes be borderline political.

Source:

http://www.priestsforlife.org/articles/4243-vatican-upholds-fr-frank-pavones-appeal

http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2012-06-28/priest-must-have-bishops-ok-participating-protest-activities#.T-03Lxee7yg

http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/otn.cfm?id=923

Wolves in Shepherd's Clothing

I really don't like to comment on individual priests who have fallen from grace; however, many have asked my take on it.  After reading fallen Catholic priest, Alberto Cutie's blog on the Huffington Post, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/father-alberto-cutie/missing-gone-or-just-elim_b_968201.html)

I decided to write something here since my comment on the Huffington Post was never posted.

The Priest is a man who is supposed to be "another Christ."  This of course is in a Sacramental sense.  The man does not become Jesus literally.  He just participates in the priesthood of Christ.  Jesus is the priest.

It is like someone buying a franchise in the McDonalds corporation.  The purchaser did not create the brand or owns it, he or she merely pays to use the brand to make money.  The Priesthood is almost the same in that the powers of the Priest do not belong to the ordained man, they are Christ's and the ordained man merely participates in that power or office acting in Jesus' place.

In the blog, Mr. Cutie lists some priests who have been involved in scandals.  He insinuates that they "disappeared" after their respective scandals broke out.

He goes on bashing the Catholic Church and basically points a finger at its leaders and the way the Church operates.




He includes Fr. Frank Pavone which is strange because he is a priest in good standing.  His Bishop called him back to function as a priest in the Diocese of Amarillo.  He was never accused of any wrong doing.

This is not the first time Fr. Pavone has had disputes with his bishop.  In New York, he was at odds with Cardinal Egan's request to put him back in parish work.  Fr. Pavone feels called to solely dedicate his priesthood ministry to the preach the Gospel of Life in the Pro-life cause.    

UPDATE: December 17, 2022 - Frank Pavone was defrocked and laicized by the Vatican.  Pope Francis himself removed Pavone from the priesthood. Frank Pavone is now a layman and cannot function as a priest.  



John Corapi and the facts of his story are still not complete so it is hard to make a conclusion regarding him. Supposed texts were found and what not, but we have not seen them.  His order claims he was living the high life with women, but no real proof was shown, just a statement of this.

In any case, it is suspicious that he left the priesthood and remained in the complex he build which is worth millions and generates millions.  It is also strange that after the statement by the SOTL order, he seemed to have quieted down his defensive stance.  Only God knows what is really going on with him. UPDATE 1/26/2024 here: https://www.sacerdotus.com/2024/01/no-evidence-john-corapi-returned-to.html


Ironically, Cutie does not include himself in the blog: surprise surprise.  This is a case of the "pot calling kettle," so to speak.  Cutie as we all know was photographed on a beach with a woman.  Now this seems harmless right?  Well yes and no.  There is nothing wrong with a man having a woman for company.  She might be a relative, friend or even co-worker.  However, when that man is an ordained Catholic priest and is kissing that women, then there is a problem.

Priests make promises to live a celibate life.  Religious priests take vows to live in chastity and celibacy.  Now these promises and vows are made to God through His Church.  Any priest who breaks them offends God and the Church.  They have value in that they are directed towards God.  

No man should even consider the priesthood if he cannot handle it.  It is not an easy life.  This life is only for the Spiritually, Emotionally and Intellectually mature- and not in any specific order, each must be present equally.  This is why discernment is important. Unfortunately some vocation directors are quick to accept any guy who smiles and seems nice.  That cannot be done.  Many do this to get as many in as possible.

It must be quality over quantity.  An inquirer must be 100% sure he wants to enter the priesthood and can live up to its high standards.  Vocation directors must be keen on spotting the real inquirer from the "wishy washy" one.  Men with homosexual tendencies should not even be on the table for discussion.  This is not an attack or discrimination against homosexual men, but a reflection of reality.  A homosexual man is expected to live with other men.  Is he strong enough to control his tendencies?  A Diocese or Religious order cannot wait till a scandal breaks out to find out.  The same applies to heterosexual men.

Cutie was a DJ, so I read.  He was young when he entered and quickly rose to fame as a priest in the media.  Now, had I been director of vocations in Miami, I would have questioned his sincerity.  Having a career as a DJ is not a bad thing, but comes off as juvenile.  It is a job for those who like to party and enjoy musical atmospheres which is characteristic of the youth.  To a vocations director, this can demonstrate that the candidate is still immature.

Mr. Cutie himself said that he was young and changed a lot which eventually lead to his abandonment of Christ's Church.  He said, "I am not the same man I was when I entered the seminary 22 years ago." (http://archivo.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?cid=1941584)   In that same interview he says a very male chauvinistic thing: "under the cassock there are pants" implying masculinity is based on wearing pants.  He is making the priesthood out to be about the ordained man and his gender, not Christ.

He was labeled "Father Oprah" by the media in a sublime attempt to mock the priesthood and Cutie himself.  Fame can corrupt people.  We hear of the many celebrities who do crazy things after gaining it.  It is also a cash cow.  It was not a surprise that Mr. Cutie would write a book about his life after the scandals.  His intention became obvious that he was using the Catholic Church to make a name for himself and money.  Now he bashes the Church in a memoir and in interviews.  He recently attempted a new Talk show which flopped in ratings and was cancelled faster than one can flip a switch.

People despise hypocrisy.  People know he is using the image of the priest to make money.  A priest needs to be real with God, himself and the people. He needs to be authentic.  Cutie, Corapi and others have failed in doing this.  They were at war within themselves living double lives.

In Physics, anti matter and matter when coming in contact will annihilated one another.  The same of spirituality and anti spirituality.  As Jesus said, "One cannot serve two masters, either he will hate one or love one.  One cannot serve God and money." - Matthew 6:24    

Unfortunately the priesthood being spiritually based is susceptible to those who are opportunistic, ambitious and perverted.  This is not what the priesthood is about.  It is not about the man, but Christ.

A man lays down before the altar showing he is laying his life down.  He rises up, gets his hands anointed and the imposition of hands showing that he no longer lives but Christ like St. Paul says, "It is not I who live, but Christ living in me." -Galatians 2:20  Once ordained it is all about Christ and His Church.

It is sad to hear of the scandals priests get involved in whether sexual, adulterous, homosexual, pedophile, ephebophile, financial, theft, drugs, even murder.

This is what happens when a man leaves Christ out of his life.  When the priesthood is used to obtain power, fame and glory.  When the priesthood becomes a mere job -a mere career - and not a way of life in Christ, then anything can happen.

I wasn't surprised to learn about Mr. Cutie's fall.  I met him briefly at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City after the funeral Mass of Latin singer Celia Cruz.  I won't share my impressions of him nor what other priests and seminarians told me, but needless to say they were troubling to hear.

When he gave Holy Communion to a Presbyterian minister in Florida, his colors began to show.  I even emailed the Diocese complaining about this.  A Holy Bishop I worked for and am friends with who is with the Lord now in Heaven told me that one can tell the holiness of a priest by the reverence he gives the Holy Eucharist.  The Holy Eucharist shows unity, the Eucharist is the heart of the Church.  By giving the Holy Eucharist to a separated brother, it shows that he did not understand nor valued this Sacrament.   Therein was his inner dissent.  It was only a matter of time until this dissent fully came out and he would drown in the wave of sin, liberalism and heresy.

To see him dressed in a alb in an Episcopal church was embarrassing.  Here we have an ordained priest who has legitimate Apostolic succession wearing a lay man's server alb awaiting "ordination" from a mere lay man - Leo Frade- who has no Apostolic succession whatsoever.  It was ridiculous and sad.

If Leo Frade is a bishop, then I can wear a white cassock and be Pope as well.  I can even wear a Yankee uniform and say I am a New York Yankee!  Pope Leo XIII wrote in Apostolicae Curae that the Anglican orders are void and null. 

That being said, Is this how Christ wanted His Church?  A free for all?   Anyone can buy a collar shirt, miter, crosier and call him/herself a bishop?  This is a mockery of Christ and His Church.

Obviously he did not have the will power to control his attractions towards women.  This is why maturity is important.  We all get urges and have desires, but that does not mean we have to jump and act.  That is why God gave us reason and conscience.  Temperance is important.

Cutie says he's a man and was only doing what he is naturally inclined towards.  The natural part is true, but we all have the natural instinct to feed.  Does that mean we all should eat at the sight of food even when not hungry?  If we do, then we become addicted to food and eventually destroy our bodies.  Self-control is needed.  It prevents self-destruction.


St. Paul puts it well regarding celibacy:

"I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord.  


But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided."  - 1 Cor. 7: 32-33  


I am not attacking anyone in this blog.  I suffer with them and for them.  We all sin, we all make mistakes and we all deserve forgiveness from one another just like God forgives us.

We must pray for all priests, active and inactive; in good standing and suspended.  For those who committed crimes.  We must pray for those who have fallen from grace, and for those who left the ministry for whatever reason whether good or bad.

They are men, they are weak.  All men who feel called to the Priesthood must have a strong spiritual life.  There is no way around this.  The Priesthood is not a job.

I myself am an Academic and former Atheist. I love to study and learn, but I cannot skip praying to read a journal on Neutrinos or String Theory.  These studies enrich my prayer life and faith, they do not replace them.

My prayer life comes first if I am to be a good priest in the future.  Yes I am a male, I didn't shut down my attraction towards women.  However, I channel those feelings to God.  Yes woman is beautiful and made in God's image.  Yes, she shares in God's creative power by bearing children.

I praise God for woman instead of praising my sexuality and its urges.  Whatever love I would have given a woman had I married, I now spread it to all with a smile, by making them laugh when they are sad, by showing concerning, praying for them, helping in any way I can and am allowed to.

We must be aware of the Wolves in Shepherd's clothing.  Priests must not give in to temptation.  As 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."