The Persecution of Priests?

It is very difficult to discern what is exactly going on within American Catholicism today. We see many cases of popular priests within media having difficulties with their bishops. Fr. John Corapi, Fr. Frank Pravone, and outspoken priests within various dioceses such as Corpus Christi have been transferred, recalled or probably informally disciplined within their dioceses.  Either way these events have been very public contentions.

Are Priests Persecuted?
Foremost in my mind is the case of St. Padre Pio, whose was silenced for decades for alleged affair with a woman. It turned out that the bishop was actually the one who was having the affair. This was a grave injustice. I do not want to see a case like St. Pio happen again.

St. Pio's case shows that injustice against priests is not a new dynamic. If you look back into history even further, even St. Jerome was excommunicated, then later canonized. Abuse of power is not a new thing within Catholicism. It is ongoing today, especially by the hierarchy within Christ's Church.

The Case of Fr. Pavone
Fr. Frank Pavone, whose case is still ongoing, has been exonerated by his diocese, although the bishop is currently away. He was accused of not informing his bishop of the finances of Priests For Life, of which Pavone is the President. Even though Priests for Life is a Private Association of the Faithful, which has no accountability to Pavone's Bishop (Canon 321-326). While there are other restrictions on him, the important note to make is that bishops oversee Priests for Life, just not Pavone's ordinary.

Is Persecution of Priests on the Rise in the United States?
Diocesan priests take a vow of obedience to their bishop, while religious priests take a vow of obedience to their religious order superiors (Canon 573, §2). Therefore a religious priest does not need to obey a local bishop. This, however, does not prevent abuse by religious orders as has been the case with some Saints.

While some very public priests seem to have been persecuted, recently, I cannot say persecution of priests is on the rise. However, research should be conducted to examine if such is the case.

Perception Schmerception
We have an obligation to check our perceptions and discern the objective truth. I know from Psychology that perception is a tricky thing. A person cannot hear everything, yet many people think they can. This is why in law there is a process called due diligence: you have to give time and effort to research any undertaking in which you endeavor, before you take action.

Winging it does not cut it. Personal attacks do not cut it. Here is a case in point:

"I would venture to say that the supreme importance that he has attributed to his PFL ministry and the reductionist attitude toward the diocesan priesthood has inflated his ego with a sense of self-importance and self-determination." (Bishop Patrick Zurek).

Here is a thought for the bishop. Father Pavone is important. Priests for Life is one of the most successful ministries in the American Church today. His ministry with Priests for Life is becoming international in scope. Those are just the facts. Accept it and move on.

Humility is the virtue of accepting the truth about yourself, including the good. Father Pavone is important. Humility should tell him he is, although this does not call for braggery. It should also drive home his grave duty to finances and his other duties. He should also keep in mind that Christ is the source of all good works.

Yes, There is Persecution
The personal attack leveled by Bishop Zurek, constitutes persecution. Why do Catholics feel the need to engage in them, and not just stick to the facts? Father Pavone's spiritual state is between him, his spiritual director and his confessor. Unless Bishop Zurek is his spiritual director or confessor, he should be silent on this aspect of the case and remember the words of Saint Paul:

"It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor 4:3).

I think persecution could be tamped down if certain bishops would stop the personal attacks. Father Pavone has a right to defend his good name.  Stop attacking his good name, and things might go more smoothly.  Stop the persecution and personal attacks!  Just stick to the facts.