Posted on 05/11/2009 10:28:43 AM PDT by Alex Murphy
The Rev. Alberto Cutié, in his first English-language television interview since photos surfaced showing him frolicking with a woman on the beach, apologized profusely to the church and his fellow Catholics.
Though the photos have reignited the debate over priests and celibacy, he said he still believed in the vow.
''I don't want to be the anti-celibacy priest,'' he said. ``It's a debate in our society.''
Cutié appeared on CBS' The Early Show, telling anchor Maggie Rodriguez he had a romantic relationship for about two years, though he had known the woman much longer.
Unlike his interview with Spanish-language network Univisión, Cutié dressed casually for the CBS interview.
Missing in this interview: his white collar.
Cutié sought counseling from other priests, who have helped him deal with his feelings and said he was motivated by love.
The photos, which appeared in the Spanish-language magazine TVNotas, were taken on an isolated stretch of beach a few months ago. A lifeguard who works with the paparazzi alerted them he was there, Cutié said.
''It was imprudent,'' he said. ``It was stupid.''
Cutié said he's in the process of deciding what to do next.
When asked about marriage, Cutié responded: ``I think I need to pray.''
The woman has been identified in media reports as Ruhama Buni Canellis, 35, a divorced mother living in Miami Beach, but Cutié has declined to confirm her identity.
Cutié said he is not yet ready to talk about whether he will leave the church.
After the photos surfaced, the archdiocese stripped Cutié of his duties at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Miami Beach, but said ultimately it's up to Cutié whether he returns.
I did not know this.
Incorrect. Obviously you've never paid attention at an ordination.
Chastity is all about sex, specifically, no sex, no way. Historically speaking, of course, one could be consummately married, i.e., non-celibate, yet later chaste by vow.
Of course, the priestly ideal combines celibacy and chastity. I also recommend it for Osprey pilots, keeps'em sharp.
When I was studying to be a priest(I joined the Marines instead) one of the things we were taught was that celibacy was required to be pure enough in flesh and spirit to consecrate the sacraments.
Make whatever arguments you want for Having priest marry but the basic reason they are supposed to be celibate and poor is that they must be pure enough in the flesh and the spirit to administer the sacraments to the faithful.
I don’t see how marriage can help them remain pure.
Did that come from your priestly training?
Did that come from your priestly training?
No, My Marine training.
You know the old saying "If the Marine Corps had wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one", The same goes for being a priest, If the church wanted priests to be married they would be married first then become priests.
Only priest are able to perform the sacraments, and there is a reason for this, priest are supposed to be pure enough to actually be a vessel for god's love for his children.
Roman priests were first required to be celibate (i.e., unmarried) to prevent them from passing on benefices to their children, specifically, their sons, because that's the bishop's job (in the pre-celibacy days, they had plenty of sons to take care of, too!) I guess sex had SOMETHING to do with it (having children, I mean).
Diocesan priests do not take a vow of poverty. They live in the world and are paid, and can make money, lose money, spend money, etc. just like anyone else. How they do it is another story. Gotta watch'em like hawks with those parish or diocesan funds! Check Cutié's credit cards, now!
Now a priest (or nun) that belongs to an order (Franciscans, Dominicans, Benedictines, Jesuits, etc.) takes a Vow of Poverty. That which they need to live upon,or accomplish their work, is provided by the Religious Order. Write a best seller? Money goes to the order, not you. However, let's keep an eye on those credit cards, here, too, OK?
Which is not to say that members of Religious Orders don't live well. A great many do. However, a great many don't. All poverty is not equal.
I wish to personally thank Fr. Cutié for stimulating these fascinating discussions. Now, Good Reverend Sir, get your posterior outa Dodge and go do penance for a couple of years. We've had more than enough fun with you ... and you with what'sername.
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