May I ask what your thoughts are on the conflicting message in the new video?
I reserved comment on the new video, until I'd given it a lot of thought. I've prayed for John Corapi, but I still find this facet disturbing; in his latest video, he wants to ensure us that he is 'still alive'. This may be a metaphor, but again and again, he repeats that he has either the option of leaving or 'crawling under a rock to die'.
He says; 'What I thought were two choices': Stay with SOLT or 'die'. This might represent how he feels, but in actual fact would his life be in danger/would he be killed were he to stay a in active ministry? If his life's blood is not really in danger, should he continually talk about it as though it were?
He asks us to 'always love the Church'. But at the same time tells us that he would have no life had he stayed in the priesthood. It's too much of a heady, contrasting, antithetical message - does it not beg the question of how sincere is he in telling us to follow the Church, when the implicit message is that he tells us the Church is out to get him?
Mary, what seems to be happening to this man is this; he sees himself as "alive" in so far as he is active, in the public arena, supported and followed etc. This now is his life. he cannot let go of it. He has become a "celebrity" in his own eyes if not in others' and cannot let go of it. He has an addictive personality and is addicted to public acceptance and approval. This is one reason why he cannot admit his faults. He might have been able to do that in private if he had then been able to continue his "road show". Unfortunately he cannot now acknowledge his faults and is in "denial" This happens to addicts at times, and it may seems strange that his denial is for the purpose of maintaining some public creditability. He cannot see that his credibility has been draining away and there is hardly anything left. Also, like addictive personalities and very insecure neurotics he is portraying himself as a victim - a martyr complex. Again, this is to avoid facing the truth. He clearly has deep psychological problems which were not resolved. In my opinion he needs long-term therapy and, perhaps, deliverance prayer. He could still be a priest, and a very good one, if he only had the humility to live in obedience with his order and with their support.
Celibacy is not normal to the human race period. I sincerely believe this is the cause of Corapi's fall. So what if Corapi does not mention his faults. I have mine and you have yours--thats the beauty of being human. The church should reconsider reversing the politics of not allowing priests to engage in marriage.
Thank you for your comprehensive comment. You make a good point about Corapi losing credibilty. For people inside and outside the Church he comes across as one who doth protest too much.
Hi Mary, I think that Fr. Copari is in a very bad place. This is a personal struggle and for some reason he has chosen to live it out in the public domain. He may find this cathartic in some way. We are not in possession of all the facts nor should we be. This is after all a very personal crisis. Yes, he has problems with regard to obedience to his Order and one does wonder if the whole situation could have been handled better and they should have stepped in sooner to limit the damage.
It looks as if he is really hurting and we can't imagine his pain. He will struggle but he will come through this. Let us pray that he will emerge a better person and that we will have learnt a valuable lesson about putting a priest on a pedestal.
Just thought you should know that I have deliberately avoided reading all copy, for and against on Fr Corapi; that includes video clips. In a situation such as this I believe that I need to keep my mind free from scandal as far as possible (only because I am weak minded). The only thing to do is to pray. Full stop. Pax et Lux!
Thank you for your forthright comment. There have been many times when I've 'stayed away' from scandals because they damaged my hope; and I felt too down in the dumpa after reading them.
Keep up your great blogging! You have that spirit and joy for the Tridentine Mass that is infectious!
Today is Christmas Eve, simply a collection of hours impatiently awaiting the celebration of the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, King of eternity, Savior of mankind. It is a fitting moment to reflect upon the suffered and conflicted life on Fr John Corapi, a once noble priest. But why speak of this at Christmastime? How easy to dismiss unpleasant thoughts through busy neglet. During this season of new life and the holy birth of God's Son we must not forget those who fall. When they were strong and valient in fighting the enemy of souls how enthused we were to call them "Champion"!
Does the gift of hope beyond circumstances stay alive and like our troubled hearts does it continue to beat quietly in anticipation of a miracle? When the great warriors advocate and protect truth it is a joy to stand up and cheer but when wounded by arrows from the enemies quiver how soon we are inclined to abandon them. Is it possible to pray for redemption and to believe in restoration in face of impenetrable shadows? It must be possible for God knew of my sin and yours and Fr John's as well from eternity past and yet he gave Himself to us.
Let us reember John Corapi in our Christmas prayers and dare to live in uncertain hope. Peace through Christ, the Hope of Glory forever!
I humbly offer this view of John's present course - we need not shed a tear for the man, nor pause a moment in dismay for the decisions he's made; John has chosen a new path in his life's journey - and it is his choice, given fully of a free will. Perhaps he was once a gifted orator, a priest seemingly blessed with an unshakable conviction for his faith that could not be undone, but that is no longer so, if in fact, it was ever so. And it was John's decsion that it not be, and no others. I believe John is very saitisfied, and quite comfortable, with where he finds himself in life now; he has finally made a change he longed to undertake for years. And so it is we who must go one with our lives, for surely John has proceeded with his, and it does not include us. Merry Christmas.
Mary, I can't help but note you have not shared a thought with us in quite a while - how and where are you in your path through this life! And of course - the very best to you in fortune, health and blessings through the New Year!!
Mary - the very best in blessings, health and fortune to you and your family throughout the New Year. I would be very much interested in your views regarding the manner in which we might deal with the Corapi matter. A man - a leader in the Church, seemingly so confident, literate and assured in his direction - who has now taken such a diferent course. Where do we place his influence in our religious journey? How have you resolved this matter (if, indeed, it presented a delima for you)in your own heart and mind? Thank you - Steve
He doesn't look well at all. But in all honesty, my first instinct was "Charlie Sheen." He doesn't look like himself.
ReplyDeleteOne has to wonder about his state of mind. Very sad business. I shall keep him in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis is very very odd. He talks of the priesthood as if it's something one can leave at the drop of a hat.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Maria, Priest's Housekeeper, and Auricularis,
ReplyDeleteMay I ask what your thoughts are on the conflicting message in the new video?
I reserved comment on the new video, until I'd given it a lot of thought. I've prayed for John Corapi, but I still find this facet disturbing; in his latest video, he wants to ensure us that he is 'still alive'. This may be a metaphor, but again and again, he repeats that he has either the option of leaving or 'crawling under a rock to die'.
He says; 'What I thought were two choices': Stay with SOLT or 'die'. This might represent how he feels, but in actual fact would his life be in danger/would he be killed were he to stay a in active ministry? If his life's blood is not really in danger, should he continually talk about it as though it were?
He asks us to 'always love the Church'. But at the same time tells us that he would have no life had he stayed in the priesthood.
It's too much of a heady, contrasting, antithetical message - does it not beg the question of how sincere is he in telling us to follow the Church, when the implicit message is that he tells us the Church is out to get him?
God bless always,
Mary
Mary, what seems to be happening to this man is this; he sees himself as "alive" in so far as he is active, in the public arena, supported and followed etc. This now is his life. he cannot let go of it. He has become a "celebrity" in his own eyes if not in others' and cannot let go of it. He has an addictive personality and is addicted to public acceptance and approval. This is one reason why he cannot admit his faults. He might have been able to do that in private if he had then been able to continue his "road show". Unfortunately he cannot now acknowledge his faults and is in "denial" This happens to addicts at times, and it may seems strange that his denial is for the purpose of maintaining some public creditability. He cannot see that his credibility has been draining away and there is hardly anything left. Also, like addictive personalities and very insecure neurotics he is portraying himself as a victim - a martyr complex. Again, this is to avoid facing the truth. He clearly has deep psychological problems which were not resolved. In my opinion he needs long-term therapy and, perhaps, deliverance prayer. He could still be a priest, and a very good one, if he only had the humility to live in obedience with his order and with their support.
ReplyDeleteCelibacy is not normal to the human race period. I sincerely believe this is the cause of Corapi's fall. So what if Corapi does not mention his faults. I have mine and you have yours--thats the beauty of being human. The church should reconsider reversing the politics of not allowing priests to engage in marriage.
DeleteDear Fr John Abberton,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comprehensive comment. You make a good point about Corapi losing credibilty. For people inside and outside the Church he comes across as one who doth protest too much.
God bless always,
Mary
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI think that Fr. Copari is in a very bad place. This is a personal struggle and for some reason he has chosen to live it out in the public domain. He may find this cathartic in some way.
We are not in possession of all the facts nor should we be. This is after all a very personal crisis. Yes, he has problems with regard to obedience to his Order and one does wonder if the whole situation could have been handled better and they should have stepped in sooner to limit the damage.
It looks as if he is really hurting and we can't imagine his pain. He will struggle but he will come through this. Let us pray that he will emerge a better person and that we will have learnt a valuable lesson about putting a priest on a pedestal.
Hi Mary
ReplyDeleteJust thought you should know that I have deliberately avoided reading all copy, for and against on Fr Corapi; that includes video clips.
In a situation such as this I believe that I need to keep my mind free from scandal as far as possible (only because I am weak minded).
The only thing to do is to pray. Full stop.
Pax et Lux!
Dear Richard,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your forthright comment. There have been many times when I've 'stayed away' from scandals because they damaged my hope; and I felt too down in the dumpa after reading them.
Keep up your great blogging! You have that spirit and joy for the Tridentine Mass that is infectious!
All the very best,
Mary
Today is Christmas Eve, simply a collection of hours impatiently awaiting the celebration of the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, King of eternity, Savior of mankind. It is a fitting moment to reflect upon the suffered and conflicted life on Fr John Corapi, a once noble priest. But why speak of this at Christmastime? How easy to dismiss unpleasant thoughts through busy neglet. During this season of new life and the holy birth of God's Son we must not forget those who fall. When they were strong and valient in fighting the enemy of souls how enthused we were to call them "Champion"!
ReplyDeleteDoes the gift of hope beyond circumstances stay alive and like our troubled hearts does it continue to beat quietly in anticipation of a miracle? When the great warriors advocate and protect truth it is a joy to stand up and cheer but when wounded by arrows from the enemies quiver how soon we are inclined to abandon them. Is it possible to pray for redemption and to believe in restoration in face of impenetrable shadows? It must be possible for God knew of my sin and yours and Fr John's as well from eternity past and yet he gave Himself to us.
Let us reember John Corapi in our Christmas prayers and dare to live in uncertain hope. Peace through Christ, the Hope of Glory forever!
I humbly offer this view of John's present course - we need not shed a tear for the man, nor pause a moment in dismay for the decisions he's made; John has chosen a new path in his life's journey - and it is his choice, given fully of a free will. Perhaps he was once a gifted orator, a priest seemingly blessed with an unshakable conviction for his faith that could not be undone, but that is no longer so, if in fact, it was ever so. And it was John's decsion that it not be, and no others. I believe John is very saitisfied, and quite comfortable, with where he finds himself in life now; he has finally made a change he longed to undertake for years. And so it is we who must go one with our lives, for surely John has proceeded with his, and it does not include us. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMary, I can't help but note you have not shared a thought with us in quite a while - how and where are you in your path through this life! And of course - the very best to you in fortune, health and blessings through the New Year!!
ReplyDeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteLife is going extremely well, thank you for enquiring. Forgive me in advance, I don't know which Steve you are, I can't access a profile.
God bless and May you have a wonderful New Year.
Mary
Mary - the very best in blessings, health and fortune to you and your family throughout the New Year. I would be very much interested in your views regarding the manner in which we might deal with the Corapi matter. A man - a leader in the Church, seemingly so confident, literate and assured in his direction - who has now taken such a diferent course. Where do we place his influence in our religious journey? How have you resolved this matter (if, indeed, it presented a delima for you)in your own heart and mind? Thank you - Steve
ReplyDelete