Father Cutie Defects to the Episcopal Church
Father Cutie, Scandal & a Reflection on Celibacy
Where Does a FIRED Catholic Priest Go?
Was Peter, the First Pope, Married?
Celibacy, a Dangerous Suppression of Natural Desires?
May 11, 2009 – Miami Catholic Priest – Father Cutie Discuses Being Caught Kissing & Fondling A Women On CBS’s Early Show.
MIAMI (CBS4) ― Father Alberto Cutie, CBS A well-known South Florida priest is under fire after a Spanish-language tabloid magazine released pictures of Father Alberto Cutié with a woman. Father Cutié, better known as Father Alberto, had his own Spanish language television show on Telemundo. He hosts a radio show on Radio Paz and writes an advice column in El Nuevo Herald.
Father Cutié serves Mass in the parish of St. Francis de Sales on Miami Beach and faces possible removal from performing Church functions at his parish because church leaders believe he violated his vow of chastity.
CNN’s Rick Sanchez And Miami CBS & FOX Station Report: Photos released of a Miami priest [Father Albert Cutie]. He’s supposed to be celibate, but the pictures show him getting very cozy with a woman on a South Florida beach. Father Alberto Cutie is now on leave as the church tries to figure out how to deal with this scandal. Parishioners are shocked by these photos showing their priest, Father Alberto Cutie, locked in a loving embrace with a brunette on the beach. The pictures, from TV Notas magazine and obtained by the Miami Herald, were reportedly taken on Miami Beach in February.
Father Albert Cutie gives his interpretation of his favorite parable: The Prodigal Son.
PRAY FOR FATHER CUTIE!
I think we should all pray for Father Cutie as much as we are able. He is being sorely tempted by Satan.
No doubt he now thinks himself in love with the woman. I saw some of the photos and they say otherwise. No man behaves this way with a woman he loves. He would protect her from the eyes of others, not fondle her so intimately and openly in broad daylight where others might see. Whatever he may feel for this woman, it is not true love which puts the good of the other first.
Maybe now that he has fallen, he sees no way to get back up but thinks he can’t live anymore without that which he obtained illicitly.
Also too, he may feel that he has been treated unjustly because he lost everything when priests who have affairs with men or who openly subvert the teachings of the Church are often not disciplined, but even rewarded.
Father Cutie reminds me of Bishop Sheen. Both are or were charismatic speakers and physically attractive men. It must have been difficult for both of them to resist temptation at times, even if the strongest temptation was to pride, and not to lust.
But Bishop Sheen spent one hour a day, every day of his priesthood, with the Blessed Sacrament. He told everyone that this was the source of his strength and he urged all priests to do likewise.
Let us all pray that Father Cutie will embrace his cross, turn his back upon the easy way, and realize that he cannot get back up on his own; but that Christ will lift him up and also that, so long as he has not lost Christ, he has lost nothing of value.
DAVID: Celibacy is a gift from God?
FATHER JOE: Yes, celibacy is a gift from God. It has tremendous value and was praised by St. Paul.
DAVID: Why then did he make sexual attraction so powerful?
FATHER JOE: Remember that concupiscence is the result of original sin.
DAVID: The Catholic Church is kidding itself.
FATHER JOE: No, the Catholic Church protects important and lasting truths in a fickle world.
DAVID: I was baptized and raised Catholic and, therefore, did not experience any other religion by choice until I was in my late twenties. I can tell you, my beliefs changed.
FATHER JOE: Did you go to Church every Sunday? Did you say your morning and evening prayers? Did you go regularly to Confession? Did you study your faith beyond that of child or did you presume to know it all and allowed a secular world to form you instead? I find that many Catholics who abandon the Church were only superficial believers, hardly Catholic in mind or heart at all. If we do not cooperate with the gift of faith, it can sour and die. You were fortunate to be given the Catholic faith. But you turned your back on it. There is no authentic Christianity without the Church. And, those religions that reject Christ and the prophets are far from the revelation of God to men.
DAVID: Fr. Cutie and I are the same age. When I was 18 (as he was when he entered the seminary) and 26 (as he was when he was ordained) I had different beliefs.
FATHER JOE: Different or no beliefs at all worth talking about? Did someone help steal you away from Christ’s Church or was your defection something you did all by yourself? Many who leave the Church have a pretty shallow faith. Yours did not last long. Did you read the catechism? Have you studied the spiritual classics? How often did you offer the rosary? Again, it is my bet that you allowed your catechism to be taught by those unsympathetic to the Church.
DAVID: I can relate to him when he says he is a different person now than he was then.
FATHER JOE: People say that after being married, too. It is a pathetic excuse. We all change as we get older, but we are essentially the same people. I find that people really change very little from the time they are about 12 years old onward. They might get bored or develop bad habits. But these are sad reasons for abandoning a vocation.
DAVID: I wish him the best. May he make the correct decision for himself. As for me, I still believe in God, however, I do not believe in religion. It is the cause of too much trouble.
FATHER JOE: Would you wish him the best if he says goodbye to the girl and resumes his celibate life as a priest? Separated from the Church, any belief in God becomes nebulous and lacks focus. Such a belief is likely more an agnostic philosophy than a religion. Do you pray? Obviously, you no longer worship God. Who or what do you think God is? Read the Creed and come back to Mass before it is too late. The Church is the only safe port in this turbulent world. By encountering the Church, you meet Jesus Christ.
Fr. Joe- A big AMEN to you from this person in the pew who completely agrees with the text you have authored at this post and all the other related posts regarding this matter of Fr. Cutie and the priesthood in general!!!!!!!
Please, Fr. Cutie, enough already with the media interviews/expose’! Is there no shame? Could the sacred priesthood appear more plebeain than this? Some silence and discretion would speak volumes to a very unbelieving world.
Hello Fr Joe,
Its Mary again from the other blog from a similar subject, but I won’t re-open that can of worms again (by the way, your advice to me on priests and relationships with women parishoners is still a great help)!
My question is this: Fr Cutie was only 18 when he went into the seminary. Several priests I know went in at 14. Isn’t it now a requirement to enter the seminary at an older age? It seems that 18 and esp. 14 would be much too young to make a solid choice……
Thanks Fr Joe!
I agree with @MaryO, if Fr. Cutie really love the woman and vice versa, then they would not be in such a compromising situation. I’m saying this based on experience, at 19 I have fallen in love with a priest. That time, I was a very active parishioner and volunteered in some apostolates working hand in hand with this priest. At 19 I was so stubborn, I didn’t even listen to my parents who kept on nagging at me not to be so close with this priest. The priest and I eventually became good friends, and we would enjoy good chats from time to time. Until one day, things blew out of proportion, gossips started steaming in the parish, people started thinking that something is going on with me and the priest. He then seriously talked to me about the issues. I remember him asking me if I like to live in misery all my life then we can go on. I’m just glad that this priest did not take advantage of me being so naive and stubborn and instead he helped me find my path. I may have hated him for some time but now at 33 looking back at what happened 14 years ago, I just really feel blessed that it happened that way or I would have lived my life in great regret.
I love and appreciate the dialogue between Fr. Joe and David. As a practicing catholic, I have to remember something that Fr. Cutie said “We have faith in God but God also has faith in us”. I will pray for Fr. Cutie, that he remember that our God is a forgiving God and if he made a mistake, it’s time accept it and move forward. But the television interviews need to stop. He has asked for forgiveness from all the catholic community, he should now focus on making a decision…making things right with God…either way.
May God bless him and keep him safe.
Father Alberto should go to hell. He is in California – Venice Beach having a honey moon with his lover. The world is praying for him and “he is laughing at the Catholic Church.”
I wish he burn in hell. I know I should not be wishing anybody the worst in this world. The “Catholic Church” has not done nothing to him, but he has laughed all the way to California.
He does not have ethich of “MORAL”!!!!!
I invite all of you to the new photos of Padre Alberto Cutie with his lover in California – leaving as a marriage couple.
FATHER ALBERTO CUTIE IS THE MOST HIPOCRITICAL PRIST. I HOPE THE POPE WILL EXPEL HIM OUT OF THE CATHELIC CHURCH; RIGHT OF WAY.
PLEASE, SEEK THE NEW PHOTO OF CUTIE IN VENICE BEACH – CALIFORNIA IN THE INTERNET.
I think that Father Alberto should leave this woman and resign from the priesthood. It’s so obvious that this relationship is unnatural and I sincerely doubt that it’ll be long lasting if you take into consideration all the circumstances, he should know that. I pray that Father take time out of the spot-light for a while(at least 18 months), mediate and if God wills it, share his experiences in a book prehaps. I definitely think he should return to the media at some point; although newly converted and repentant. He could continue serving the Lord as a Lay-Catholic Evangalist and continue teaching the truths about the Church. Although God indeed has the power to forgive him and he should humbly and publicly work out his salvation in fear and trembling. What better way than living out his life as the prodigal son who’s come back home. God Bless.
Apparently Fr. Cutie didn’t take much time for reflection. Seems as though he has already joined the Episcopal church. It makes me wonder…. if he believes in the Church’s teaching on transubstantiation, then he must believe that he is turning from the actual presence & person of Christ in the Mass… and if he doesn’t believe… that is terrible too… as he has been acting as a priest at the Mass & teaching the faith that he doesn’t believe…. either way it’s terrible.
I am very saddened that Father Cutie has joined the Episcopal Church. I am curious to see if his marriage will last. If he could not keep his church vows, why would he be able to keep marriage vows? There are also several issues that are disturbing as well that many people don’t mention: Yes, he had an adult relationship but, no. 1: he broke his church vows. no. 2: he had sex outside of marriage. no. 3: he had sex with a divorced person. no.4: he will marry someone who is divorced (unless her marriage is anulled. I don’t know if it is or not) All the while professing his Catholic faith. I am very saddened. It would have been less scandalous if he had left the church when he knew he couldn’t keep his promise.
Alberto Cutie has left the Catholic Church and will become an Episcopalian minister.
Father, it is hard not to be angry at someone who has intentionally lead Catholics astray. Obviously, he only became a Priest because he liked the attention he was getting from it. When the Bishop told him he would be permitted no further public ministry, he left. As his Bishop said, he didn’t even have the grace to notify the Church or his decision (neither did the Episcopalians) and that may have actually set back ecumenical relations in the area.
Obviously, he didn’t believe in the Church enough to ask to be laicized so that he could marry. Instead he went and got married (according to Spanish television) while he was still a Priest.
Perhaps we should wait until Priests are of a bit “older” age – or at least with more maturity – to take on a public life that might be tempting with power?
Welcome to the REAL world. Uleash the beast… it’s a Jungle. Be happy Father Alberto Cutie.
Most of the people knows that a forbidden relationship is atractive. The poor Priest didn’t know what was sex or love… in spanish we say “lejos de la paila” (far away from pan) and I strongly beleive that he is infatuated, not in love. I wish him THE BEST and I hope it was worth-it! I am praying, specially because there is a strong battle inside every one of us each day. The thing is that he lied and behave like a 15 year old. Giving communion, talking in the media about moral, confession, etc.
In my opinion he act irresponsable. Heaven and hell are around the corner, is life! Let’s face it; we cannot condem him, but we cannot admire and celebrate the way he did things. He is “in love” fine… say good bye to Catholic Roman Church and do whatever you want, but don’t lie for two years and behave like a moral person. “Predicando la moral en calzoncillos” (preaching about moral in underwear”.
But hey … GOOD LUCK!
I am very sad by the actions of Alberto Cutie. He was a role model for many people. He lied. It is upsetting that he appears defiant and not fully aware of the implications of his action. Some support him, but from what I hear, the majority do not support his lack of honesty. His behavior “on the beach”, “on the streets of Miami Beach” has not excuse. He has hurt the Roman Catholic Church with this “circus”, but, I think that mainly he has hurt himself. It is an incredible fact that the joined another church and abandoned what he has been preaching for so long. Adding to all this, I hear and read(univision and telemundo sites) so many negative comments about this woman. Who likes her?. She is perceived as a ver low class person. I personally have a few words about her that I rather do not say here. He has chosen to make a mess out of his life. But now, he is more famous and will probably make a lot of money with this scandal. I hope he does not marry this woman; that will be just “just too much”. He seems to be blind about her. She is Satan. He is Judas. Shame on you Alberto Cutie!!!!!!
How the father Alberto is going to reconcile with the Episcopalian or Anglicans believes in abortion, euthanasia , same sex marriage and homosexual priest that is a common practice in those two denominations and very different from from the The Roman Catholic Church ?
I know we should not dam him but I think that he is doing that to himself .
I only hope that he realize what he is doing not only to the Church but to himself.
I would like to know your opinion.
Thank you
Goodness…..there is so much beauty in the royal priesthood here on earth.. I feel very proud to be fathered by a wonderful magesterium…
how could you leave a field of gold for a field of tin.
Thank God for Roman Caholic church who is my refuge, my garden, my feast, my joy…oh..eternal home what a spendor you are.
We should all pray for Father Cutie’s conversion no matter what happens. There is always hope. Jesus said to Saint Faustina (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska – Divine Merccy in My Soul) – #723 – The greater the sinner, the greater the right to My Mercy.” and on #687 Jesus said “Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy.” We should always remember to pray for our priests, and pray a Chaplet of Divine Mercy for them on #796 – Jesus said “By this novena (Novena of the Divine Mercy), I will grant every possible grace to souls.” On the novena, the second day is for priests. We should always pray for our priets and thank them for all the sacrifices they make.- “No priest, No Eucharist.” There is always hope for conversion. I myself have been a cradle Catholic but have not been practicing my faith for a few years, then there was a very hard time in my live/suffering which involved my son, then slowly by praying the rosary, watching EWTN, Eucharistic adoration, I came back to God, but my conversion is a daily conversion and I keep on praying to God and asking for His forgiveness. Let us unite our sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus in the Cross and offer it to God for salvation of souls and conversion including for Father Cutie. On #1032, Jesus said “Join your suffering to My Passion and offer them to the heavenly Father for sinners.” Also we should pray “O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a Fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You” for Father Cutie’s conversion. Even the greatest sinners can become the greatest saints (like Saint Paul).
Yes, of course we should pray for Alberto Cutie but let us not blind ourselves to the fact that this man has scandalised many, could possibly lead Catholics out of the Faith, had been in discussion with the Episcopalian bishop for two years and would have entered the Episcopalian denomination at the end of the year had not the publishing of the scandalous photos brought the jumping ship forward, had not told his bishop of his desire to leave the barque of Peter and enter the Episcopalian denomination. Had placed himself in a proximate occasion of sin for ten years and had been in a ‘serious relationship’ with a woman for two years all the while celebrating the Sacrifice of the Mass.
“Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy.”
So what is the guarantee for this? Recitation of the chaplet one year before death, two years, two minutes? Does the hardened sinner also have to confess his sins or does the recitation of the chaplet take care of that also?
This makes the recitation of the chaplet of Divine Mercy sound like a magic charm. It is private revelation binding only on the recipient. Jesus’ mercy does not deny His justice.
Well, it looks like Fr Cutie got married…….this is very disappointing……
I was friends with Fr. Cutie in high school and worked closely with him in a Miami parish. He lived and breathed the Catholic mission; humility, love, giving, selflessness, and the love of the Eucharist. What is most upsetting to me is the fact he can turn his back on the body and blood of Christ so easily. In high school we would stand guard at Communion lines making sure the Eucharist was not taken by “santeria” people many times. I cannot fathom how he can dismiss the transubstantiation after being so devout. I know his family must be suffering and pray for them. I hope the Holy Spirit and Our Blessed Mother help him realize the grave mistake he has made, swallow his pride, and come home! We are not perfect and I believe that correcting our inappropriate actions is seen as a glorification of God in itself. It is a fact that not all holy men are able to live the lives of priests, but they are still able to stay true to their calling in the Divinity of Christ.
It really is beginning to seem as though he is purposefully and aggressively attempting to challenge the Church. I could understand leaving the priesthood…… I could accept, unwillingly, his “conversion” to the episcopal church in order to retain a kind of priesthood….. but I cannot fathom why it was so necessary to get married by a judge…. he didn’t even get married in his new church!
It doesn’t make any sense, and really hurts the Catholic faithful.
What a bunch of crazy freaks you all are. Leave the man alone, he was only doing what’s normal and natural… At least he’s not a pedophile!
I am not sure how I found this blog concerning Father Cutie,
and I really don’t know much about him. I find it interesting
that so many people seem to have all the answers, and forget
there but for the grace of God go all of us, and he that is
without sin cast the first stone. All of the comments and criticism will not change what happened. Believe me when I say the entire situation gives me a terrible feeling of sadness
for all concerned, I wish it never happened. Keep in mind,
everyone makes choices throughtout their lifetime, some good
some bad, for the bad there is always a price to pay and its something to live with until death, it is a heavy burden. I
would think any priest that makes a choice as Father Cutie
will live with remorse and much more. We, as the people of God need to pray and pray for a fallen priest while also praying for all the faithful priests that continue to serve God
and His people, that they may live their lives walking hand in
hand with Jesus, living in the world but not of the world.
From Genesis to our modern times, the woman is always the temptress. She should have left this priest dedicated to God alone. The priest succumbed to the forbidden fruit. I know of a priest here in Northern California who got married to a divorcee, fathered a child, then was given divorce papers when the daughter was in her teens. The marriage DID NOT worked out ” from death do us part”.
Father Joe, I am in agreement with you ! I am not very good at explanations but the actions of Father Cutie is tragic. We
have been taught when we truly love someone we should never do anything to harm them in body and in soul. Father
Cutie has to know his actions and that of the woman will have
an overwhelming price to pay, he especially because as you said he knew better —resist the devil and he will flee. I
would think when he closes his eyes, especially at night, he will remember his vows to God, the remorse will be tragic.
he has compromised what he knows to be truth, for what?
pleasure that is fleeting____very sad. ! have a question,
if this situation was going on for a few years, where were
the Bishops or those in authority that didn’t stop this earlier?
It reminds me of the priests that abused children and others,
from what I have heard or read, those in authority knew some
of what was going on, but did nothing until it was brought
out by the media etc. this is another sad story.
I am a young Catholic woman in the Archdiocese of Miami. Although I don’t know Fr. Cutié personally, he and I have many mutual friends and I am saddened and at a loss over how this could have happened. I wholeheartedly agree with Archbishop Favalorawhose sentiments can be summarized as follows: although we can in no way condone Father Alberto’s behavior, should he choose to repent and come back, we will welcome him with mercy and joy like the forgiving father welcomed back the Prodigal Son. I pray that God grant Fr. Alberto the grace of deeper conversion and lead him back home.
Pope Benedict couldn’t have declared the “Year for Priests” at a better time….. we, the Faithful, really, really, really need to keep our priests lifted up in prayer: the faithful and fervent ones as well as the lukewarm and unfaithful ones. Our priests have been given to us by God for our needs, so we must continue to pray for them in theirs!
“should he choose to repent and come back, we will welcome him with mercy and joy like the forgiving father welcomed back the Prodigal Son. I pray that God grant Fr. Alberto the grace of deeper conversion and lead him back home. ”
While we are all praying for Alberto and planning the ‘welcome home’ party let’s also spare some prayers for his bishop, his fellow priests, the thousands he has scandalised and those who followed him as a cult figure and may leave the Church.
His was no spur of the moment decision. He had been planning to leave the Church for two years.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/17/father.cutie.married/index.html
Did he think so little of the Catholic church, he couldn’t wait to be dismissed of his priestly duties? Or maybe he knew it would be a long, questionable process. So sad that he and others like him, make it seem impossible.
What bothers me is that he seemed so devout in some ways but the whole time was living 2 lives. Many people do that, but when priests do it, it hurts in a different way, because they, after all their training and vows, don’t really believe it.
To those questioning the “vow of celibacy”; have you ever wonder if the Catholic church did not have this discipline, the more it will have problems of divorced priests, alimony, broken families-relationships, infidelities, financial issues, etc?
To the true Church founded by Christ, “many are called but few are chosen”. Father Cutie was called but now he chose not to be included among the few. He rationalizes and exercised his free will. Will he keep his marriage vows to this divorced woman? What if the woman won’t as she did on the first marriage? History repeats itself. Only time and the all-knowing God can tell. He struggled with celibacy for years but this time he compounded it with marriage struggles- not only to please God foremost but to please his wife.
Father Joe,
Father Joe:
Regarding your reply to my last blog I would have to say “The grapevine in a church grows rapidly” good or bad, its difficult to believe this situation was kept secret for two years, only between the two people involved. In my blog it was not my intent to make accusations toward anyone, the thought of Alberto going to his superiors NEVER entered my mind. I have to believe “‘He who is without sin, cast the first stone” I cast no stones. I would have given my life to stand up for priests
and sexual abuse believing in their innocence, we have learned differently. Many times the superiors were aware of
inappropriate behavior, instead of bringing it out in the open
and doing something positive, the offenders were moved from parish to parish only to repeat abuse, that left innocent
children to pay a price for the rest of their life. Hearing I’m sorry from the pulpit or monetary payments can never correct the deeds done. I am sad for Alberto and all people that
make bad choices. I pray we always hear the call of The Good
Shepherd and find ourselves in His arms. Blessings to all !
All the nutcases out there who believe in the “Immaculate Deception” are still living in the Dark Ages. Please tell me how in the hell a man who has never lived the life of a married man is qualified to advise married couples.
Go father Cutie and live life to the fullest. I am sure you are not going to rot in Hell. The Catholics believe this [deleted] with totally closed minds.
I know this is an older blog, but it seems “Father” Cutie’s wife is “speaking out” now regarding their relationship…..hmm…….I do have a hard time believing that he is not grieving what he had and what he had to give up………Fr Joe, I don’t know if you remember, but I spoke frequently about an attachment I experienced with a wonderful priest that our family has known for years. After all of the press with Fr Cutie, I thought long and hard about my situation, and thought, what another problem for him if I had attempted anything. Thats the last thing he would need is another problem parishoner to add to his many issues during the day. Plus, I cannot even imagine the pain and scandal that would have been created if I had pursued my own selfishness. I would never be able to live with myself. I still struggle at times with this anchor, but whenever I can I visit a 24 hour chapel and sit in front of the exposed Eucharist and converse with Christ. I know he won’t abandon me. He has been giving me the strength I need when I feel the most needy for human companionship.
Please tell me how in the hell a man who has never lived the life of a married man is qualified to advise married couples.
Please tell me how in the hell a man who has never had a baby can be a gynocologist and give advice to a married couple?
Please tell me how in the hell a psychologist who has never had a mental illness can treat someone with a mental illness?
I admire Father Alberto.
He writes: For a long time, I endured a tug-of-war between something that was good – my love of God – and another thing that was good – my love for the woman I wanted to honour and cherish in marriage. Now I believe that both were given to me by the same God, who is ultimately the source of all love.
I hope that the Roman Catholic Church learn from this. Celibacy should be optional – it is a personal calling from God, and not living in celibacy should not stop people serving in ministry.
1 John 4… God is Love.
Father Joe,
I wish not to argue with you, but simply to respond from what I feel within.
Father Cutie was in love. And as he so rightly said, God is the source of all love. And natural humanity calls so many people into these relationships in marriage. Fr Cutie left because he wanted to be able to love his God and love his wife.
You say there is nothing of repentance about him, but he had nothing to repent for. He may have lied out of fear of the ways in which so many would see his acting in leaving the Roman Catholic Church, but there is nothing bad at all in his decision to love a woman and love his God. As St Francis said, if your love for a woman will distract you from your love of God, know that you can love both. Ignoring your love for a woman to love God will only make you sad and distracted, and God wants you to be happy and to live in love. You don’t have to be celibate to love God. Celibacy is a personal call.
Fr Cutie loves his wife and is in a healthy relationship, now with a daughter. He is not sinning in any way. He is loving, and all that is of love, is of God.
Fr Joe, God is Love. And those who live in love live in God because God lives in them. Fr Joe, Fr Cutie loves his wife, loves the people in his congregation, loves his God. God is Love. And Fr Cutie’s love for his wife is a very genuine love, and it most certainly is good. It is not evil, and it does not have any kind of falseness about it. The love of a man, of a priest, towards his partner, his wife in this case, is completely natural, healthy, and of God.
Love, is God. God, is Love. Love comes in so many forms. And Fr Alberto Cutie shows us one of those forms. His love is not an evil thing, it is a beautiful thing.
His book attacks the Roman Catholic Church yes, but with a very fair point.
And Fr Joe, our Anglican church does not, as you have said, replace truth and morality with a whim of desire. As a Liberal Anglican I recognize the need for love, for openness, for the truth of the joy that Christ brought into every life. His Ruach, his breath in all things. Fr Cutie’s love is truthful, and moral. Fr Cutie’s love was also his desire for his wife. But it is no whim.
It is Love. Pure, open, Love.
FR. Joe—On yur reply to Rachael Eliz……Thank you
I myself needed that response for my own rationalizations. May God bless us all….Raypad
Rachael Eliz wrote: “Father Cutie was in love. And as he so rightly said, God is the source of all love.”
Does that include self-love?
PHILOMENA: Many of you are missing the point about Fr. Cutie completely,
FATHER JOE: Oh, is that true, then enlighten us.
PHILOMENA: it is The Pope who should be condemed not the priest, the Pope has the catholic hurch in a mess and lots of you are critsizing Fr. Cutie,
FATHER JOE:
Hum, let me see, the Pope has been a faithful shepherd and in his over half-century of service to the Church became one of the greatest Christian theological minds in history. Now, there is Fr. Cutie, who had a secret adulterous affair, disrespected the authority of his bishop and dissents on a whole list of moral teachings, particularly about sexuality and ecclesiology. Um, sorry, but I think we had it right first, Father Cutie is to blame. Trying to shift the blame to the Holy Father is not only pathetic, but a display of a shallow “Catholic” faith.
It seems to me that the Holy Father is trying very hard to offer correctives to the scandals and dissent we suffer in the Church in the modern world.
PHILOMENA: I don’t agree with how he has gone about his relationship but, I can understand the frustration it is causing, and he does love his wife, he loves her dearly that marriage is one of very few that will last forever,
FATHER JOE: You might not agree, but evidently you do not think that his actions were any big deal. I would disagree. He may love the woman with whom he has attempted marriage, but lacking laicization and an annulment (on her part), she is still someone else’s wife. Will this so-called marriage last forever? That is still quite uncertain. In an analogous sense, the priest was in love and married (forever) to his first spouse, the Church. If a man can betray one love, who is to say that it would not happen again? He left the true Church for this woman, and for a religion which celebrates everything from contraception and abortion to sexual deviancy. Admittedly, he has valid orders but must take his direction from a fake bishop who has no power to forgive sins or to confect the Eucharist.
PHILOMENA: lots of people are saying (if he has not kept his vow of celibacy, how can he keep his marriage vows to his wife?)
FATHER JOE: Yes, and I am one to say it, first because the marriage is invalid and second because he has yet to display genuine integrity and sacrificial love. He did not even go public with this gal until he was caught on camera!
PHILOMENA: It is quite a simple answere, he loves her the problem here is the Pope and St. Peter was married,
FATHER JOE: Married clergy will not fix problems, indeed, it will make new ones. In any case, while I favor a celibate clergy, the real issue is not “married clergy” but DISOBEDIENCE and ECCLESIOLOGY.
PHILOMENA: Vicars can marry and so can permanent Deacons and in fact the church is so short of priests now that the pope has gone as far as converting Anglicans into catholic priests so what does that tell you, don none of you understand any of it, there is plenty to understand.
FATHER JOE:
The Holy Father is not bringing in Anglicans because of problems in the Catholic Church. You have the scenario reversed. Conservative Anglicans, themselves, petitioned the Holy See because they could no longer stomach the liberality and corruption of Christianity within Anglicanism. The issue has ripped apart the Episcopalian communion in the United States, with churches separating to join with more orthodox African Anglican bishops. Permanent deacons must be married BEFORE taking Holy Orders. If the spouse dies, they must become celibate. Even if the discipline changes Catholic clergy will never be allowed to date. That means that no retroactive policy will ever allow Fr. Cutie and similar renegades to return to their ministries in the Catholic Church. He never showed any remorse for his sins. Instead, Fr. Cutie broke his promises and publicly embarrassed his bishop by defecting without notice. There is nothing good about such a situation.
He and his woman now have a child. I hope he will be a better father to this child than he was to his flock.
PHILOMENA: Thank you
FATHER JOE: Thank you for coming by. I apologize if my tone seems strident, but as one of the many faithful Catholic priests, it is hard not to get upset at one who brought disdain upon the ministry and the Church. Fr. Cutie became the one thing that he said he did not want to be, a poster boy for dissenting married priests. In doing so he hurt his many brother priests.