Dear Sam:
Well first, we can no longer call John Corapi, "father", since he has resigned as a clergyman thereby, I presume, he has requested laicization (a return to the lay state).
The whole situation is very sad, but the culpability for what has happened belongs not only to John Corapi but also to his superiors. I think the situation has been handled badly by both sides.
It is difficult to know what is fact and what is speculation, and I really don't want to speculate. From the press release by S.O.L.T. it appears that John was disobedient by not returning to community when he was ordered to do so. Violating obedience when one is in religious life is a major issue.
Concerns about whether or not John violated his vow or promise of poverty there may be culpability on both sides. It is the duty of the religious superiors to oversee those kinds of issues so that they do not develop into a major problem.
The press release also states that there is evidence of sexual impropriety on the part of John. We will never know whether or not those allegations are credible and true because there was never a hearing. John took himself out of the equation by his resignation before there was a chance for his superiors to complete the due process procedures.
John believes that he would not have a fair shake in that due process procedure. I think this was a mistake, a big mistake. Rather than to submit to the due process procedures the Church has established, he ran away. In my opinion that does not bode well for him. I say this knowing, and even on some points agreeing with him, that the procedures here in the United States concerning sexual impropriety allegations is deeply flawed.
Had he submitted to the Church process and was found guilty he would be in the same spot that he is today — a laicized priest. Thus I don't understand why he did not go through the process. At best it would've exonerated him, at worst he would be in a place that's no different than where he is today.
Some of the statements that John has made are deeply troubling. He talks much like a 14-year-old saying for example, some in the Church "want me to go, so I will be gone." But, even more troubling are these statements which are melodramatic in a way that 14 year olds are keen to use. He said, "I am not altogether ready to be extinguished just yet. In the final analysis I have only one of two viable choices, One, I can quietly lie down and die, or two, I can go on in ways that I am able to go on." Come on, John, there is a third choice — come down from the cross and mortify and humble yourself.
I, too, have been a victim of slander, libel, defamation, rash judgment. It has happened to me so many times I have lost count, and it is still going on. I learned the hard way truth of the wisdom of St. Francis deSales on how we should act when falsely accused. Perhaps John needs to learn this lesion to.
St. Francis deSales said:
When any evil happens to you, apply whatever remedies you can and do this in a way agreeable to God, since to do otherwise is to tempt God. Having done this, wait with resignation for the results it may please God to send. If He pleases to let the evil be remedied, thank Him humbly; but if it be His will that the evil grow greater than the remedies, patiently bless His Holy Name.
Follow Saint Gregory’s advice: When you are justly blamed for some fault you have committed, humble yourself deeply, and confess that you deserve the blame. If the accusation be false, defend yourself quietly, denying the fact; this is but due respect for truth and your neighbour’s edification. But if after you have made your true and legitimate defence you are still accused, do not be troubled, and do not try to press your defence—you have had due respect for truth, have the same now for humility. By acting thus you will not infringe either a due care for your good name, or the affection you are bound to entertain for peace, humility and gentleness of heart.
Although such judgment [detraction, rash judgment, calumny) are passed on to us by foolish and stupid people, we must not forsake the path of virtue even if we suffer loss of reputation.
If because of exercise of piety, advancement in devotion, or progress toward heaven men grumble, murmur, and speak ill of us, let us leave them to bay at the moon. If at times they can cast aspersions on our good name and thus cut and shave off the hair and beard of our reputation, it will quickly grow out again. The razor of detraction will be as useful toward our honor as the pruning knife is to the vine, which makes it abound and multiply in fruit.
Let us always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ crucified and go forward in his service with confidence and sincerity but with prudence and discretion. He will protect our reputation. If he permits it to be taken away from us, it will either be to give us a better one or to make us profit by holy humility, of which a single ounce is preferable to a thousand pounds of honor. (my emphasis) If we are condemned unjustly, let us calmly oppose truth to calumny. If the calumny continues, let us continue to humble ourselves. By surrendering our reputation together with our soul into God’s hands, we safeguard it in the best way possible.
Nevertheless, I except from this certain crimes so horrid and infamous that no man should put up with being falsely charged with them is he can justly acquit himself of it.
I also except certain persons on whose reputation the edification of many others depends. According to the opinion of theologians, in such cases we must quietly seek reparation of the wrong received.
God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary