The scandalized priest, Fr. Alberto Cutie, popped up on The Early Show on CBS this morning. USA TODAY has this write-up about his appearance. You can watch the video at this link.

Meantime, Deacon Keith Fournier opines:

The real story behind this fall in the life of this celibate priest is the media feeding frenzy. The secular press has used it to attack the countercultural witness of consecrated celibacy in Catholic life. Fr. Cutie was exceedingly popular and is a very gifted communicator. He was the head of the Archdiocese of Miami’s Radio Paz and Radio Peace broadcasts and loved by the faithful. He has been affectionately named “Father Oprah” because he dispensed advice for people in relationships on Radio and in his syndicated column. He also authored a popular book entitled “Real Life, Real Love: 7 Paths to a Strong, Lasting Relationship.” Celibacy was not the “cause” of Fr. Cutie’s sin.

The reports demonstrate the agenda; using this story of a priest who broke his vows as an opportunity for talking heads and ill informed pundits to mock the Catholic Church. Many have presented the vocation of consecrated celibacy as an “antiquated practice.” They made smug comments about how “behind the times” the Catholic Church is and how long it will take to change such outdated practices. They even took polls! All of this has nothing to do with the facts of this story – a young celibate priest sinned.

Visit the Catholic Online link for the rest.