In his testimony Fr. He is a good looking man and Im sure there are many women who were in his parish just wishing that they may have the opportunity to find someone in life like him. I am not dealing here with the questions posed by such a basic problem of discernment. There is a considerable difference between the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood. Flynn, said on social media that he had made the decision several weeks prior "for personal and family reasons.". She met Stone in 1998, went to confession with him as her priest and considered him her spiritual adviser, then began a sexual relationship with him in 2001. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Gomez said that the cellphone video footage recorded by Gonzalez had been turned over to the police and sent to the New York Archdiocese and the Holy See. I would hope our era is special enough to embrace reality rather than continue being willfully blind and ignorant about the reasons priests went from being allowed wives and families to not. Ed Condon, the Washington bureau chief, told NCR that he made the decision to leave on his own terms, and editor-in-chief, J.D. A floor mosaic inscribed with the words "The Truth Above All Things" welcomes visitors to the Church of St. Michael in midtown Manhattan where popular priest Fr. Morris, and his immediate Legionaire predecessor, chose to function, deprived them of the priestly exercises essential for a priest to fulfill his spiritual needs! Zwilling told NCR that Rutler "does not have an assignment at this time" and "he is not serving as a priest," although the church signage and the Nov. 29 bulletin from the church continues to list Rutler as pastor. Rather, they issue a declaration of nullity, a recognition that there was no marriage bond in the first place. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[3]='MMERGE3';ftypes[3]='text';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[4]='MMERGE4';ftypes[4]='text';fnames[5]='MMERGE5';ftypes[5]='text';fnames[6]='MMERGE6';ftypes[6]='number';fnames[7]='MMERGE7';ftypes[7]='radio';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Cardinal Sarah offers five ways to deal with crisis of faith in the world, Indiana Supreme Court: Abortion ban does not violate state constitution, U.S. bishops praise Supreme Courts unanimous Groff v. DeJoy religious freedom decision, Catholic universities blast Supreme Court affirmative action decision, Former New Mexico priest indicted on child sex abuse charges, I would simply say the first movie was greatly comic book adventure with minimal true gore, while the following movies, Well, at least I know the difference between perpetrating and perpetuating. It would be possible, though difficult, to perform a point-by-point critique of Morris public statements. From Morris comes from a Kong line of priests who, professing orthodoxy cant seem to live in celibacy. The mother was fired from EWTN and Stone was put on long-term leave of absence, according to Jefferson County court documents. One difference between marriage and ordination is that no man is ordained a priest without years of training and discernment. Our Savior did not commission Jonathan Morris to dictate how Priests should be formed for the church. I havent seen him, but if, as I suspect, he has been on television specifically because he is a priest (Now were going to hear comment and analysis from a priest as opposed to Heres Jonathan Morris, who is an expert on canon law or whatever), then youre quite right. Msgr R Knox whom I learned of more closely on this Site gives the most pointed response to the question, Gods Antecedent and Consequent will. Im just tired of people blaming the wrong people for the ills of the Church. At the same time as the network faced criticism over its ouster of its one regular African American voices,another EWTN host, Jesuit Fr. And, again, you can apply your same argument to, Well, it makes me ask how necessary or healthy monogamy is. A former Roman Catholic priest who left the church to marry his girlfriend after the two were photographed embracing on a South Florida beach is getting a new TV show. Yet Rutler now stands accused of sexually assaulting a female security guard after she allegedly filmed him watching gay pornography last month. , It has been deemed quite necessary and quite healthy for centuries. This is after he stated that one of the reasons he chose the priesthood was not to disappoint those who expected me to become a priest. The webpage and the content for the show were subsequently restored, though as of Jan. 5 the webpage was again "not found."*. The Church is not the media, Catholic or otherwise. Thats not true. But Ladner noted that even if Stone were awarded visitation with his son, it's prohibited in the terms of his bond, and could be delayed pending the outcome of the criminal case. The man seen watching the screen is seemingly bald, as is Rutler, although his identity could not be confirmed. Nor has he misrepresented himself or the Church in any way Personally, I think he is a very good example to the American public of an intelligent, faithful Catholic man. Perhaps its a bit like an annulment? As to the percentage of priests who are are homosexual, I have no idea; even one is too many. Knox offers this word of consolation (and challenge) after a long consideration of the struggles priests undergo, particularly the temptation to doubt the discernment of their seminary years. The points he makes are, in my opinion, spot on. "It will do no one any good if EWTN becomes EVTN: Eternal Vigan Television Network.". The answer: because hes still a human being, a child of God and a fellow Catholic. Marriage and children for priests was ended over MONEY, not Christ or some spiritual revelation. Naval offices before their commissioning: Post-decision steadiness is more important than pre-decision certainty. Fr. holy men in power should not lie, or hide the truth. number three the new formula to consecrate a Bishop who knows if he ever was a Priest?number four JPII Assisi gathering it doesnt matter if you are catholic we all going to heaven right? ', They are excellent pastors, in some respects better than celibate priests, because they are husbands, fathers, grandfathers. (A history professor at Norte Dame,in a recent biography, u noted the same thing of Fr. 3. The News 12 report also chronicles a series of texts Gonzalez sent to her mother saying she didn't feel safe and that she was almost raped. "God bless these guys. How do you know, apart from St. Peter whose mother-in-law is mentioned? She claimed that on the early morning of Nov. 4, the priest "aggressively threw . How its current members can still remember fondly the psychopath Maciel boggles the mind. Its better to be a lay person living in grace than a priest living in sin. I wonder about this celebrity priests. As Paul says in the bible, it is better to marry than to burn. Who are YOU to cast the first stone? Whereas laicization does not declare that the ordination was invalid, as far as I know. Mitch Pacwa, Vatican launches investigation of firebrand Texas Bishop Strickland, diocese confirms, Pope Francis accepts resignation of Knoxville's embattled Bishop Stika, Portland archbishop closes schools office amid gender document backlash. So, clearly its a serious, but valid decision that can be discerned. "I strongly deny this allegation, which I maintain is incoherent and painful to my reputation and inconsistent with how I have conducted myself in fifty years of ministerial service without any accusation of misbehavior," he wrote. Despite serving on theVatican's Dicastery for Communications, EWTN's top executive, Warsaw, has continued to allow the network's most controversial host, Raymond Arroyo, to regularly promote and to interview the schismatic former papal nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan. Not necessarily vast knowledge; just a brilliant, incisive intellect, exceeded only by my extreme humility. They were plenty tough. These apostles and the others, who abandoned their Savior in His Passion erred and failed, as Mr. Morris. Im thinking of Fr. I need to understand what's going on with our opposition.". George Rutler, following charges that he sexually assaulted a. David Stone, 54, formerly known as Father Francis Mary Stone, was host of the TV program "Life on the Rock" on Eternal Word Television Network. Morris in plain clothes. BTW Father, I dont think giving scandal is an issue here. God bless you. (Screenshot: YouTube), Send your thoughts to Letters to the Editor. Id feel better if hed remained more quiet about this and perhaps after he was laicized been a bit more open about it. Then there is the praise Morris offers to Cardinal Dolan for his role in the petition process. Gerald Murray, pointing to the recent removal of a Puerto Rican bishop and the pope's refusal . It would strike me that is a frequent reasons for priests to leave the Priesthood. The evil spirit discourages, proposes problems with the positive course of ones life, stirs disquiet and anxiety, as well as sadness for things left behind when one follows Jesus, and generally prompts turmoil and the temptation to turn away from Jesus and to something else. Lets be kind to those who experience this, but lets not speak of it as something good. In addition to its programming and staffing changes, over the last year EWTN has undergone a number of shifts at the top of the multi-million dollar enterprise. . He had two choices, get out because he was forced, or, give himself to the Sacred Heart of the Son of God, the Merciful one. Saint Vincent DePauls Church, Miami FL. counter/reparation ,for the occasions when there might have been the opposite , in the father wounds of desiring any one in similar category , who has been accused of any wrong doing , to be hounded and treated with harshness .The hope that comes from trusting in the Lord and not just the human optimism our Holy Father brings up this timely topic http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-francis-whatever-happens-hope-does-not-disappoint If it becomes too much for a person to continue in either vocation, and it is truly necessary to leave the priesthood or marriage, so be it. Its a tough world out there. When I heard Fr. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Or, to cause scandal. He has not committed any impropriety, nor has he dragged anyone else into sin and humiliation. Of course, a priest can live in grace as well. VOCATION INQUIRY FORM MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES EWTN APOSTOLATE SHRINE OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT MISSIONARY OUTREACH & EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGES EVENTS CALENDAR PRAYER PETITIONS LIFE ON THE ROCK SHOW INFORMATION number one he belong to the most sick and perverted religious order ever Morris , I am much more than sad , disappointed, discouraged. As such, Morris gets a pass in my books. Christ, who has given the impulse to say yes, now wishes to hear no? (JPII) I have no sympathy for a man who leaves the priesthood. Father Fidelis Moscinski (lower left, standing behind the cross), a well-known pro-life activist and priest of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) is seen during a tense standoff between . I wish Morris the affective maturity and vocational contentment he clearly was doing without all these years. Thanks to all who have commented and expressed empathy for Jonathan. I know nothing about him; how do you know that he was a good priest? May God have mercy on all of us who seek to live into the struggles, sorrows, and sanctity of our once-chosen vocations; and may he have mercy, too, on those who fail. I cant comment on the LOC that he was part of. Benedict could have stopped Maciel with 2 phone calls: the police and the press. Rather, I would like to offer some general thoughts regarding petitions for laicization, and a more specific critique of Morris public statements. Morris was more than a bit pressured into joining the L of C while attending Franciscan University, and enjoying a wholesome social life with the other students. I think what is so disappoint is not necessary him leaving. Pope appoints new head of Vatican doctrinal office to promote theologians, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Hospitality turned inside out, This July 4th, celebrate the promise America holds and work to fulfill it, New film recalls LeBron James' days on a Catholic high school basketball team. If this subjectivity is egoistic or self-serving we do not know but we shall continue to pray for him and all priests who are continually troubled with similar issues. This is a complex and to some degree a personal question. It does strike me that some people (of both sexes) are looking to belong, to a group, a brotherhood or sisterhood. Among thenew showsannounced for EWTN's 2021 line-up will be a weekly television news analysis show hosted by Montserrat Alvarado, current executive director of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and a new radio show on women with Kimberly Hahn, wife of Catholic apologist and author Scott Hahn. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. I wish the best for him but cant help thinking that celebrity priests are more tempted than others may be. "It didn't add up to me.". Fr. Not that I am questioning whether it is or not I just wish he would of not used that wording. Wodehouses super-valet Jeeves: The contingency is a remote one.. Shrine. Morris isnt the first former LOC priest to seek laicization. I dont like the previous comments. I think if Fr.Morris would like to begin being a good example, please withdraw from TV appearances for awhile because it appears that hes just beginning a second career after discerning his first one was a mistake. Jonathan Morris, at Schroom Fest. Crucify him. And we Catholics are the first ones to throw those insults at him. Ah yes, humility only truly comes through embracing humiliations for the sake of Christ. I am living a much healthier life as a Christian man since I am no longer a part of a community of homosexuals. Im sure someone whos studied Canon law could explain better. . The characteristics of the priest in the post-Tridentine Church: a. To be honest, its refreshingly normal and wholesome compared to what the clergy have subjected us to these last 50 years. A Service of EWTN News, Inc. David was not discussing the LOC, as far as I could tell, he was discussing priests in general. Webpages featuring Father George Rutler was pulled after the longtime EWTN program host, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, stepped aside as pastor of his New York City parish following . He shared his discovery that our country is big, diverse, and beautiful. Which led me to question which rock hed been under all his life. Leaving the priesthood is essentially a dishonoring of a sacramental vow. I get the idea that Fr.Morris may feel the laity have less problems and temptations. The day a man is ordained a priest, everyone congratulates him and exclaims: Hosanna in the highest. Years later, the same man perhaps unhappy, probably disheartened and possibly depressed, leaves the priesthood, what does he hear? I hunt varmints and I hunt food. The practical effect of misunderstanding these movements is clear. Perhaps Father Morris decision to handle his decision differently from other clerics by making public statements has not been as helpful as he hoped it would be. I am a Legionary of Christ. God bless him. He also urges parishioners to face the lessons of Advent: death, judgment, heaven and hell. Right on Marion. Discussions about the environment typically consist of agreement that the environment needs to be protected, even if were []. You provide nothing but shrill vituperation to support whatever case you think you have. I have not seen him make any mention of what he would do if he were instructed to return to the active ministry. Walther died Nov. 1 of complications related to leukemia. Whatever some Laity may think of their inured sensibilities to difficulties its the young man considering a vocation who is adversely affected by Fr Morris words on FOX as well as the ordained priest in doubt. I dont agree. Features, Opinion She brought Christ-and His saving Word-into the world and, therefore, we can rely on her . Fox is both kind and balanced. Saint Paul may have written in the Bible that it is better to marry than to burn, and of course scandal should be avoided; but the time to decide that is before being ordained. I could be wrong. Theyre all over the place. Forced celibacy is THE number one negative about a life of service.. Following his graduation from Seminary, he entered the MFVA community in October 2004 and he . It is quite another to put *considerable* pressure on him when he is still trying to discern what direction to lead his life. That is what JM needed to do. Physical custody for Stone "should be a viable option in this case," he wrote. PPS: Im still an orthodox practicing Catholic. However I also, questioned the wording in his interview about Gods will. number two how can a man be truly celibate celebrating the new mass???