Fr. John Corapi, SOLT: a man of few words...?

This is a continuation of my reflection on Fr. John Corapi, SOLT and his recent conference in Buffalo, New York. Part one of this two-part post may be found here.


Father Corapi is a man of few words.

Many would disagree, and if taken literally, my statement can be easily dismissed. He is an author of several books, a fixture on EWTN, and a staple of most Catholic radio stations; his voice is circulated on CD’s and DVD’s, and his conversion story has been heard by millions across the globe. His style is dramatic and bold, and he easily enlivens the faithful looking to be confirmed in their struggle. Others less favorable to obedience to Mother Church are convicted by his words, which cut through theological rationalizations and double-speak with deliberate and precise blows. Still others are converted, both by the power of the message and the frank humanity of the messenger.

Despite the proliferation of his word both spoken and printed, I repeat my original statement: Fr. Corapi is a man of few words.

A few short years ago I was preparing to attend a conference in Buffalo in which Fr. Corapi was the featured speaker, back in the days when he travelled and spoke throughout the year. Like a child who grows tired of too much of a good thing, I was conflicted as to whether I wanted to go at all. I had seen him speak at similar conferences the previous two years, heard him on Catholic radio, seen him on EWTN, and was, for lack of a better phrase, “Corapi-ed out”. A friend of mine echoed my sentiments: “I’m not going. I mean, he just keeps repeating the same message pretty much every year.” We discussed the poetic, prose-like musings of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, whom we had both seen speak a few weeks prior, and recounted the varied and winding intellectual roads his conferences led us down. Not so with Fr. Corapi. His message was perennial: obedience to God and to the Church, Holiness through prayer and the sacraments, and the imperative need to re-claim the culture through faithfulness and perseverance.

I didn’t go to that conference. A few short years later, I would attend the only speaking engagement he would accept in 2009 and considered it a pearl of great price. Predictably, his message didn’t change. But I did.

Eleven thousand were present at the Buffalo conference. Many, I suppose, were there because of his great notoriety. His followers hang on every word. Some were present because it was a Catholic event of great importance, and they were not going to miss out. Still others were there to lend their voice to a movement of orthodox Catholicism that is finding a voice after years of institutional and personal dissent. I was there to reacquaint myself with a man whom I had seen many times before, but, I had found, I did not pay much attention to. You see, I was very cognizant of the style and mannerisms of Fr. Corapi, and I do a really convincing impression, but I had not internalized his message. I was a “fan” of the man, the personality.

The outrageous claims of the disintegration of society, the loss of decency in our culture, and the breakdown of leadership in the Church deserved some reflection. His demanding assertion that the surest way to hell was disobedience needed to be brought to prayer. His challenge that in avoiding the sacraments and the call to prayer was tantamount to death could not to be dismissed lightly but taken in small, deliberate bites and internalized. As I listened anew to his message I realized that Fr. Corapi is a man of few words. He just has to keep repeating them for the blind, the deaf, and the dumb. Like me.

The truth of his prophecies cannot be denied, in my opinion: the Church continues to suffer from the disobedience of her priests, religious and faithful who continue to attempt to transform it into their own image and likeness. Our culture is perverse, as pornography finds a respected place in media and license replaces responsibility. The pews grow more and more empty as the faithful dismiss the gentle yoke of obedience and holiness and embrace the enticements the world offers. Fr. Corapi’s voice, like a clanging bell calling the faithful to task, continues to repeat the same message: Obedience. Holiness. Faithfulness. Perseverance.

Some will criticize his style. Others will point out his apparent “errors” when quoting or citing historical events. Not a few dismiss his political opinions and confrontational tone. But beneath the stories, bold assertions, and colloquialisms unique to his persona lies a message that is not only perennial but perennially fresh and true, precisely because WE do not change. Until we do there is great need for Fr. Corapi and those like him.

Will his message stand the test of time? Archbishop Fulton Sheen was arguably one of the most important Catholic teachers of the last century. His words, for decades a staple of society, are once again resurfacing in a world that desperately needs to hear them again. We forgot his message, or perhaps so many were never really listening in the first place. I believe Fr. Corapi will share the same legacy. We see him as a celebrity, we revel in his presence, and take pride in his place among us; but too many are not listening. Why else would a majority of Catholics dismiss the clear teaching on contraception and the reality of the Eucharist? Why else would a majority of Catholics assist in the election of an anti-life president? Why else would theologians, religious, and even bishops openly challenge tenets of the Church and confuse the faithful? Why else would millions upon millions of unborn children be slaughtered year after year?

Fr. Corapi is a man of few words.
Listen to them carefully.

Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival XVII

Greetings carnies!  I would like to highlight two submissions this week, both on well-loved Catholic speakers: Raymond Arroyo (as part of the Support a Catholic Speaker Month) and Fr. John Corapi, SOLT (a reflection on his recent conference in Buffalo).  Have a blessed week, and please be sure to visit our host!

Seven Quick Takes Friday...the Saturday edition?

Bishop Edward Kmiec, local ordinary for the Diocese of Buffalo, New York (home of the INCREDIBLE Buffalo Sabres hockey club) has issued a directive to all parishes that Holy Communion distributed in the cup is suspended until further notice. He has also asked (not a directive) that the shaking of hands during the Sign of Peace should be avoided as well. Of the two, the congregation of our church seem to understand that in receiving Jesus in the Eucharistic host we are receiving Christ fully. The latter has propelled the “happy huggers” of my parish into touchy-feely withdrawal complete with sweaty palms, nervous twitches, and a bevy of unfulfilled needs. Some resorted to “elbow touching” during the Our Father. I withheld. I sneeze in my elbow.

My beloved wife allowed my eldest son and I to attend the Sabres game tonight (facing the hapless Leafs, who played like a desperate hockey team). It was an impulse decision, she acquiesced, and we had a bang-up time watching the Leafs fans stream out of the arena disappointed. Again. As a reward I intend on sitting quietly with her in Panara’s Bakery Café sipping coffee and eating bagels tomorrow morning. Will we discuss the weeks events? No. Will we plan our weekend? No. Will we share our thoughts and feelings at all? No. We will be sitting at a booth with our laptops enjoying computer time without interruption. No crying children, no fights over who’s turn it is to empty the dishwasher, no requests for snacks, money or extensions of curfews. Just bagels and wi-fi. Life is good.

Speaking of children, I never thought I would utter these words: My daughter is in a long-distance relationship with a Merchant Marine. There. I’ve said it. Actually, he’s a rather nice young man. It just sounds like a set up for a Cosby episode.

A local health care agency generously donates free seasonal flu vaccines every year for the men and women in the community surrounding the Mission and for those sheltered in any of our houses. The big day for vaccines was to be tomorrow morning…unfortunately, most agencies in the state have run fresh out of vaccines, including our generous benefactor. Apparently New York policy-makers didn’t take into account the fact that if you mandate every health worker to get a vaccine you won’t have any left for the at-risk in our state. Small matter. We’ll just have to step up on the sneeze in your elbow thing. Unless you plan on touching elbows at Mass, in which case you may sneeze in your belly button.

I got the H1N1 vaccine last week and survived, as did every one of my colleagues. Some amazingly outrageous claims have been made regarding the preparation of the vaccine, but none have been proven worthy of reporting here. Everyone came through with flying colors and no side effects (we can’t be sure if the hair that grew on our tongues was related, nor is there any evidence that the skin sluffing or unusual tail growth eminating from our buttocks had anything to do with the shot, either). While many vaccines can have side effects, and some can be quite serious, the nervous inner-turmoil, lack of sleep, and institutional anger and rebellion exhibited by those torn apart with worry over the H1N1 vaccine seems to have been the most serious complication to date. After all that, they ran out of vaccines. Oh well. Back to work.

I’m not sure if I mentioned it earlier, but the Sabres won tonight. I was there with my son. Club seats, first row, posh. The club improves to 8-1-1, and the Leafs continue their slow spiral to the septic tank of the league. Buffalo’s close proximity to the city of Toronto brings many Leafs fans to HSBC, where the average ticket price is about one hundred and fifty bucks less than in their own city. And we’ve got Sahlens hot dogs, far superior to anything our Canadian neighbors have to snack on. Except for those McCain Superfries. Man, those are good. Anyhoo, we beat ‘em. In attendance tonight were five beer-drinking penguins and a dancing bear. Gotta love Halloween.

The bishops are asking our help to stop passage of the health care bill as it is. They’re right. We are not consequentialists; the ends do not justify the means. We cannot allow funding of abortions even if it means delaying the provision of government health care to those in need. Patrick Kennedy, D-RI railed against the Church and charged that the Church’s actions are in defiance of a pro-life stance. Hardly. Each and every day Catholic hospitals, health care agencies and providers throughout the country provide free and affordable care to those most in need. We’ve been doing it for centuries, long before Obama, Medicaid, or the United States for that matter. We will continue to do so. Killing innocent unborn children is an abomination. We won’t pay for it, we won’t condone it, and we darn well aren’t going to do it. Join the fight.

Thank you to our gracious host!  Sorry so late...did I mention I was at the Sabres game?  Yeah, it was cool

Father John Corapi, SOLT: A personal reflection

In August of 2009 Fr. John Corapi SOLT, delivered a series of talks in what would be his only public appearance of the year. The event, coordinated by Holy Family Communications (WLOF Buffalo, WHIC Rochester) was a celebration of its tenth anniversary on the air. It was an international affair, drawing attendees from across the nation, Canada, and beyond. Eleven thousand listened attentively as Fr. Corapi delivered his message in a style so uniquely his own.

I was in attendance on that memorable day, and posted a brief piece on my impressions, but hesitated to expound on his message initially despite a few requests to do so. There are specific reasons for that hesitation, and I will share them shortly. That will be enough for one post; within the week I will continue by reflecting on the prophetic nature of the talks, and whether even at this early juncture his words ring true. Finally, I will offer my thoughts on the celebrity of Fr. Corapi and whether his message will pass the test of time, particularly in comparison to one of the most effective Catholic voices in American society in recent memory (in my opinion and the opinion of many others), Bishop Fulton Sheen.

The atmosphere of the event was electrifying, and I briefly spoke of that in my original post; I will not elaborate on the overall “feel” except to repeat, it was AMAZING to share a space with eleven thousand men, women and children hanging on the words of a talented Catholic speaker. Nor was the fact that the venue, HSBC Arena, was in my home town, a point of pride. I don’t dare make a connection between the conference and the incredible start to the Buffalo Sabres nearly flawless season, but I would speak falsely if I denied that many in attendance were hoping there would be residual graces for our beloved hockey team…

I first learned of Fr. Corapi several years ago after hearing him speak at the novena to St. Joseph at the Carmelite’s beautiful chapel here in Buffalo, only a few blocks from my home. He was little known at the time, but the Carmelite sisters recognized a gift in him that we all saw quite plainly before long. I recall the phone conversation from a dear friend prior to the second day of the novena (I had missed day one): “Dave, I don’t care what you are doing tonight. Cancel your plans and get to Carmel.” I was not disappointed. Through the years I have listened to him on the radio and television, through the generosity of EWTN and Holy Family Communications. I have also been in attendance at three additional conferences led by Fr. Corapi in the Buffalo area. Most poignantly I recall the conference talk he delivered after receiving a phone call that his father had died. We who were present grieved with him, and marveled at his complete trust in God.

An incredible international following has developed over the years; he is quite literally a Catholic “Superstar”. His conferences have been disseminated throughout the world, and he is among the most recognizable personalities in the Church today. Despite the fact that the Buffalo event was his only speaking engagement 2009 Fr. Corapi continues to be recognized as one of the Church’s most talented speakers.

His popularity seems to center on his unambiguous preaching style that is both uncompromising and uplifting. Catholics who have suffered through societal changes that denigrate life and through a period of liberal Church leadership in America that disenfranchised many of the faithful hear a champion for their cause when he speaks. He is not prone to flowery, erudite discussion; his approach is straightforward from the hip. His pastoral style is not one of acquiescence; he embraces the spiritual works of mercy and makes no bones about his call to instruct the ignorant and admonish the sinner. He is a student of the age and prophesies the consequences of sin, lack of devotion, ambivalence and disobedience. He makes claims that few, if any, in our Church today have the courage to make, let alone speak publicly and forcefully. In the light of these characteristics that have made him wildly popular among Catholics I felt profoundly called, for my own sake and for no other reason, to carefully consider his words and message.

In a previous post I have clearly documented my skeptical nature; I am not prone to jump into the fray and never have been. So it was with Fr. Corapi…and continues to be. His message is SO powerful, SO poignant, SO self-assured that it intrigues me greatly. His prophesies are incredible, to say the least; would they pass the test of time? I had to know. That is precisely why I didn’t spend considerable time after the conference documenting his message. I had to see for myself if it rang true in the ensuing months immediately following.

Tomorrow I will share some of my conclusions.

Support a Catholic Speaker Month: Raymond Arroyo

The term “Renaissance Man” is coined for many, rather flippantly, I am afraid. I do believe, contrary to its overuse, the moniker may quite readily stick to Catholicism’s answer to Walter Cronkite: the indomitable Raymond Arroyo. Blessed with many talents that have vaulted him to a position of importance, not only in Catholic circles, but quite rightly among the ranks of the finest journalists and commentators of our day, Raymond is a point of pride for the entire Church.

It is no small matter that Raymond’s voice can be heard in 100 million homes weekly, nor is the trust and respect he has earned undeserved. EWTN’s international news magazine, “The World Over Live”, created and hosted by Arroyo, has highlighted his innate ability to get to the heart of the matter, whether reporting the good work of a loyal son or daughter of the Church, prodding a guest whose opinion is in opposition to Magisterial teaching, or helping Catholics understand the relationship of politics and faith. Talking with a Pope or President, politician or cardinal, Raymond Arroyo’s news and interviews capture the pulse of Catholicism.

True to the term “Renaissance Man”, Arroyo’s success extends beyond the news format. An accomplished author whose books have graced the New York Times Bestseller List, he has the gift of expression on paper that captures the imagination of the reader and expresses his thoughts and stories in engaging and dramatic fashion. He has produced an all-star audio bible, has been featured on major news networks, radio programs, news journals and magazines, and is presently working on a mystery series and an original musical. A musical, you may ask? The theatre was his “launching pad”, and he studied under respected teachers who helped him to hone his presence and craft. He acted and directed in New York and London.

As a speaker Raymond Arroyo is captivating, inspiring, and witty. I have had the privilege of attending several of Arroyo’s talks and can personally attest to his ability to recognize the needs of the listeners and to translate that in a presentation that affirms, challenges and brings laughter. Discussing the role of the culture and pop culture and translating that into a force for evangelism and religious expression is his delight, and most recently at the Fr. Corapi conference in Buffalo, New York Arroyo treated the audience to an insightful treatise on the power of the culture that has not been fully tapped as a force for bringing the faith to the forefront of society. Sounds deep, doesn’t it? Throw in an incredibly authentic Dean Martin impersonation and the hilarious and poignant stories of Mother Angelica, and you have the essence of the talent of the man.

I have been blessed to personally speak to Raymond Arroyo on two occasions, and in preparing this story was thrilled to receive his thoughts via email. He is gracious, amiable and inviting, and a true gentleman. The Catholic Church is a better place because of the vocation and ministry of this true Renaissance Man.

Support a Catholic Speaker Month: Thanks to Fallible Blogma for this opportunity!

I need my mom.

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy.

I have many friends who have a distinctly Marian spirituality.  They have consecrated themselves to Our Blessed Mother and rely on her intercession in all they do.  They have a deep devotion to the rosary and Marian prayers are their predominant form of spiritual expression.  I have great admiration for their religious expression manifested in their deep love of Mary.  Perhaps you, dear reader, share these admirable traits.

While I do, indeed, honor Our Blessed Mother, recognize her as Queen of Heaven and Earth, and ask for her intercession both formally and informally in prayer, I do not consider my spirituality to be distinctly Marian.  There are many like me, and there is room aplenty in our Church for both expressions of faith, and many more as well.  That being said, there are times in my pilgrimage to Heaven that I have leaned on the Blessed Mother more than at others; at present I am in such a mode.  There are characteristics in my life, at given moments, that I can identify as predispositioned to leaning on Mary.  Interestingly enough, they mirror such times when I seek the support and guidance of my earthly mother as well. 

When I am feeling particularly weak, overwhelmed, and defeated I find great comfort in Mary.  As a child those, too, were moments in which my mother was most adept at loving and soothing her son.  I wanted, as most boys do, to please my father and make him proud of my accomplishments; mom was at her best when there was little to be proud of, and was quick to provide love and encouragement.  In my spiritual journey I find that to be reflected in my reliance on Mary during times of trial and defeat, weakness and discouragement.  It is during those moments in which I find comfort enveloped in her mantle, wrapped in her love. 

As my own mother, Mary is ever patient, content to lift me in prayer as I run from task to task, sometimes forgetting or taking for granted the encouragement that has brought me to new confidence.  She is aware that in time of need I will run to her, much as a child who scraped his knee at play runs for the comfort of his mother.  So it is with me, a grown man, who finds there are times when I need my Mother, and I run to her. 

I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.  In thy mercy, hear and answer me.

Thank you sir, may I have another?

On occasion after dinner I will recline on my luxurious sofa (as long as there isn't dried cereal stuck to it or the milk spilled between the cushions doesn't smell like feta cheese that has been partially digested).  From my pampered position I will summon my beloved children, one by one, to my side...but they won't come.  They have learned over the years that I merely intend to yank them onto the couch, tickle them mercilessly, and send them unceremonioulsly down to the floor in a crumpled, giggling heap.  Like Pavolv's dogs who drooled at the tinkle of a bell, my children have recognized the consequences of certain behaviors, specifically that approaching a seemingly placid father lying on the couch means ticklepalooza.  But every once in a while, carelessly detatched from impending events, one of them will wander near...and I get 'em.  Oh, boy I get 'em.

The children are not unique to this behavior; I am certain each of us could conjure up examples of personal behaviors we are well aware to be detrimental and yet... For example, I am painfully aware that putting any hope in the Buffalo Bills will lead to bitter disappointment, yet I watch.  I have tasted the bitter gall of telling one's wife that one's mother makes a particular dish a bit better, yet I speak.  I have felt the the burn of the searing gaze of a teen-aged daughter when I comment on the location of her most recent blemish, yet my lips move.  I am Charlie Brown.  I must kick the ball, and so I run, with all my strength, and moments later I am on my back while Lucy howls in laughter. 

Today I am feeling very much like Charlie Brown, spinning in the air and awaiting a fleshy thud as I become one with the cold, hard ground.  Parenting can be like that...I have a child who can't seem to grow up.  This child will not take responsibility, will not commit himself to work, will not recognize that diligence and character define us.  He is neglectful of his studies, his faith, and his family.  Logical, reasonable, rational people would tell me to give up.  They would carefully justify the reasons for throwing up my hands and surrendering responsibility.  They would nod in grim agreement if I simply said, "enough".  But I can't.  I am a father.  And so I will rant, rave, cajole, advise, discipline, ground, punish and plead; but I will not give up.  Believe me when I say that many days I do want to give up, protect myself from disappointment, and abdicate responsibility for a boy who will take none.  It is a struggle.  But what of the father of the prodigal?  What of St. Monica?  What of our Heavenly Father who calls us to Himself despite our unyielding propensity to sin? 

Please, God, give me strength.  One of these times I will kick the ball. 

With my luck it will probably go wide right...

Thanks. I needed this.

Sometimes I get discouraged with the children at the Mission.  They have behavioral problems, some are fetal-alcohol kids, and all carry heavy crosses.  They act out.  They struggle.  But I just can't count them out.  This video has been around a few years, but today it was my gift, my affirmation to persevere.  Check it out.

I was a mule for a swine.

H1N1 is in the Marciniak house, and I can't come to any other conclusion other than I was a mule for the swine.  For those far removed from the drug trade, a mule is an individual who personally smuggles illegal substances into the country, either strapped to themselves, smuggled in luggage or in cars, or ingested and retrieved later in a mode that needs no explanation.  Usually a mule is a person down on their luck and  willing to put themselves at risk for meager compensation.  Emergency nurses reading this may recognize themselves in the previous statement, PPE  notwithstanding (PPE is medical techno-speak for personal protective equipment - you know, masks, gloves, gowns, tiarras, pumps, whatever).

My house sounds and looks like an Adirondack TB hospital.  The children are sitting around wrapped in blankets coughing like emphysematic smokers while their dutiful nurse scurrys from patient to patient dispensing antipyretics like precious shots of Kentucky bourbon.  Thankfully, none of them are exhibiting severe or troubling signs beyond elevated temps and yucky coughs.

The Bishop of our diocese, Most Rev. Edward Kmiec, has directed his flock to refrain from dispensing the precious blood and to omit the Sign of Peace from the liturgy in an attempt to protect us from passing the nasty virus like a green bean cassarole at a parish pot-luck.  He has also advised those who are ill that their obligation is lifted; it seems obvious, but there are those who so dearly love the Lord that they cannot imagine not attending Mass on Sunday, and will drag themselves in on a respirator and dialysis machine if necessary.  While admirable, in a pandemic it would be prudent to stay home.  So stay home.  Really.  Bishop said so.  It's okay. 

In the meantime my guilt consumes me.  And so I endure the coughing, the whining, the demands for this and that, the sound of Nintendo DS's game after game...praying for their health, expressing gratitude that things are not worse than they could be, and lifting mothers and fathers in prayer who have lost their children in the last few weeks to this insidious virus.  He gives and takes away.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival XVI

I began the week that was with observations and reflections on the new kitten and her love / hate relationship with the reigning feline of our castle, particularly on temptation and avoiding sin.  Closely on the heels of that submission came a celebration of this week's momentous gesture of our beloved Pope to the Anglican community.  "Fr. Stan Fortuna Not Welcome Here", my most "provocative" blog title judging by hits, documented reflections while walking my neighborhood.  I penned my second "Seven Quick Takes" and finished the week with a walk in the park, experiencing a "Sabbath Moment" according to our good friend  and expert in such matters, Colleen!

Be sure to visit our host, and join us if you care to - for carnies we are a pretty nice bunch!