Archbishop of Miami ‘deeply saddened’ by priest’s photo scandal

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Comments: 51

Fr. Alberto Cutié

Miami, Fla., May 5, 2009 / 01:46 pm (CNA).- Archbishop of Miami John C. Favalora has said he is "deeply saddened" by news that a South Florida priest well-known for his Spanish language television and radio shows was photographed in "compromising positions" with a woman on a beach.

Fr. Alberto Cutié hosted Spanish language television show on Telemundo and had a radio show on Radio Paz, CBS 4 Miami reports. He also wrote an advice column in El Nuevo Herald.

A Spanish-language tabloid magazine released pictures of the priest and a woman on a beach in what CBS 4 Miami characterized as "several compromising positions."

Fr. Cutié serves Mass in the Miami Beach parish of St. Francis De Sales and could be removed from performing priestly functions because he is believed to have violated his vow of chastity.

In a Tuesday statement, Archbishop Favalora said he was "deeply saddened" by the news about Fr. Cutié.

"I apologize on behalf of the Church in Miami to the parishioners of Saint Francis de Sales Parish, where he serves as administrator, to the listeners and supporters of Radio Paz and Radio Peace, and to the entire Archdiocese," he wrote.

The archbishop explained that the priest had made a promise of celibacy that all priests are expected to fulfill "with the help of God."

"Father Cutié's actions cannot be condoned despite the good works he has done as a priest. I ask for everyone's prayers at this time. Scandals such as this offer an occasion for the Church on all levels to examine our consciences regarding the integrity of our commitments to the Lord and to his Church," Archbishop Favalora said.

El Nuevo Herald reported that Fr. Cutié was to meet with the archbishop on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the pictures.

Comments: 51

Subscriber comments:

Published by: MRP
Cerritos 05/18/2009 10:39 PM EST

Treat Fr.Albert as a servant of God. He is also human being like us. Let us pray for him so that he will descern the good spirit of God. With God's infinite mercy, we will have to step back and leave it all to the hands of God. God works in very a mysterious way.

Published by: Marcus
Dothan, Al 05/13/2009 10:09 PM EST

As a Free-Mason, I support and pray for Fr. Alberto Cutié. All men should be married, even priests.

Published by: Noel Gutierrez
Dothan. Al 05/13/2009 10:05 PM EST

I was about to become a catholic priest a few years ago, but something inside me stoped me from doing so because I always felt that a priest is also a human being with needs. Fr. Cutié should get married and if he wants to continue celebrating Holy Mass, he could contact the OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH or any other "catholic" church so he could continue his ministry.. The people who love him and follow him will continue after he decides what to do.

Published by: Tran Bao
Santa Clara/CA/95035 05/13/2009 12:11 AM EST

Rate: Good

The huge problem is that this lady Rahuma is divorced. That is WRONG. You can't marry a divorcee in a Catholic Church. He admitted that had sex with her outside of marriage. That's another violation of the 10 Commandment! The point that he had an affair is wrong, the sex and the divorce just tops it off to make the ultimate worse situation. When he made a vow to God as a priest, he was supposed to keep the vow. Now it seems like he's divorcing God. The lady needs to go crack her head open and realize that she's an idiot. Alberto Cutie (not even gonna call him 'Father') needs to stop being a stupid idiot too. I can't believe he wants to leave the church just to marry that woman and one day when she's an old hag, he'll realize that it was only lust.

Published by: Mariam
Canada 05/08/2009 06:13 PM EST

This priest has done something to bring disgrace not only on himself and family but on his parishoners and the Church itself. This will not and may not be the only incident and I think that he should voluntarily leave the Priesthood and pursue the course in life he is bent on leading, rather than living a lie or double life. Should the Church sanction marriage of Priests, then obviously they will have to contend subsequently with divorce, alimony, adultery, child abuse, etc!
Why in God's name should the Church or parishoners have to deal with and add that mess as well as other disgusting Church scandals to God's Church? Think about it - an unfaithful priest is an unfaithful priest. This prist obviously does not have a true vocation or devotion to the vows he publicly made to God, his family, and congregation nor the strength of will to control his wayward thoughts and actions. I feel sorry for and have no respect for the woman who without conscience cooperated in and helped bring about the downfall for a consecrated priest. I would not like to be in her shoes when she faces Our Blessed Mother one day after this life is over.

Published by: kate
UK 05/08/2009 05:15 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

Look, it takes TWO to tango; whoever the woman involved was, unless Fr. Cutie hid fron her his status as a priest, she may also be culpable here.
Some men are always off limits : married men and Priests.
Women need to take more responsibility here.

Published by: Frank
Fort Lauderdale FL 05/08/2009 02:46 PM EST

The Lord already made this clear - Jesus said that "those who are married are concerned about the desires of their spouse, while those who are single are concerned about the Will of God" - this speaks for itself...

And, as someone on another Catholic web site wisely said - Priests (and Nuns) are already married - to the Church.

All that this sin has done is to harden the hearts of those already against His Church, and gives the enemy more power in it's attempt to destroy His Church.

Fortunately, as the Lord said to the Apostles, the gates of Hell will not prevail...

Published by: dolores machik
virginia beach va. 05/07/2009 04:59 PM EST

Rate: Regular

If the catholic hierarchy would again start to follow the scriptures and allow men to make a choice to remain celibate or to be married this problem would be non-existent. Catholic hierarchy should stop trying to improve on God's Word. God chose married and unmarried to be apostles. When we pick and choose the parts of the bible to follow this is an example of what happens.Follow Jesus Christ example of how to live and stop imposing your arrogant , misguided will.

Published by: Paul Lennon
Alexandria, VA 05/07/2009 01:06 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Father needs not our shock or Phariseeism, or our throwing stones, nor our airing our own Catholic or political agenda. He needs our prayers, our support and a good therapist/counselor to help him sort out his priorities and make responsible decisions

Published by: Yoyita
Los Angeles, CA 05/06/2009 07:38 PM EST

It is being reported the he has resigned the Priesthood, on Spanish TV, as I am typing this. It saddens me that he gave in so quickly. Perhaps it was over a period of time he had his struggles, who knows. But he was stupid in his behavior and should have resigned first before carrying on the way he did, for all the world to see. He scandalized many in and out of the Church, may God have mercy on him and on those who will commit spiritual suicide as a result of this latest scandal. I agree that our dear Priests need our continued prayers and our support and our love. Help us dear Lord, to pray in the mist of chaos, always. Amen

Published by: Rafael Viego
Miami, FL, US 05/06/2009 06:20 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Francis Xavier,

Your argument is illogical. You are explictly stating that Canon Law forces Priests to prey on young men. Does Canon Law force Parents, teachers, strangers, family members, and others to molest children? Or to have homosexual sex? Or to cheat on their spouses? Canon law has nothing to do with sexual misbehavior nor does it scandalize the Church. No one forced Padre Alberto to sin. He was fully aware of the rules regarding priestly celibacy. He gave into temptation and now is facing the consequences. We now have to forgive him and pray for him and the Church.
Your statement about the Melkites means nothing. It is common knowledge to educated Catholics that other rites are allowed to marry. However, most other rites have a different tradition. Did you know that in the other rites you cannot be married and become a bishop? Or once you are a priest you cannot be married? Did you know you have to already be married to become a Priest? Obedience is a must and he broke his vow. There is no room for blame on the Church in this situation.

Published by: Bob
USA 05/06/2009 03:12 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

Priests should spend more time in front of abortion clinics and trying to stop the killing of babies. And more time in front of Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 05/06/2009 03:12 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Virginia has quite a few being removed like Fr. Alberto Cutie in the past 30 years. The problem is the rediculous Roman Catholic Canon laws that scandalize the whole church. Most of the Canon laws is not even based on the Mosaic laws in the Holy Scripture and most of Lord Jesus' disciples were married. You should note that many Melkite Catholic priests who obey to the Vatican Holy See are married. The Canon laws is not God's laws. Many unfortunate divorcees are forced out from Holy Communion. The same Canon laws produce many Roman Catholic priests that prey on our sons and grand children for sex.

Published by: rita
Houston/Tx/USA 05/06/2009 02:46 PM EST

Just another example of the persecution of Christ's dear priests. We must pray and fast they do no not succumb to the temptations of the evil one.

Published by: Clare
Albuquerque NM 05/06/2009 02:17 PM EST

Christ said "only a few of you can lead this life" - he is right. Our Bishops are weak and condone allowed behavior. But the Church will prevail in spite of its behavior.

Published by: Nora Bravo
Bolton On tario Canada 05/06/2009 01:48 PM EST

I feel very sad, because he is a very good priest,and deserves our compassion and our prayers. His fall is ours as a Chuch.

Published by: Andrea Tellechea
Miami, FL 05/06/2009 01:43 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

I know Father Albert and have attended his masses. It is very dissapointing news, hearing something so terrible like this from any priest. But, this priest in particular because he had so much going for him, especially with getting the word out. I mean he was featured on Television and Radio. He is a very popular man so, it's not something that's going to stay within the community. Word will be Spread throughout the world about his case. It will be spoken about amongst people everywhere and the Church will be Criticized by such acts commited by Father Albert.He obviously did not put a stop to this when he should of,This does not just happen over night. Satan will continue to persist you until you finally commit the Sin! And this is what happen to him. Unfortunately, he fell into Satans trap and will now have to pay for it. We all need to know when it is that the Devil is trying to make us fall. This is his Goal to have us turn against Christ and commit such sins. All we can do now is pray for Father Albert and that he stay in the right path. Not as a priest anymore but, as a child of GOD. Because no matter what, he did teach many good things and he had the right mind set but, he screwed up tremendously.

Published by: mark
Ireland 05/06/2009 01:14 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Fr cutie has been caught with a cutie!!

Published by: Paul
Nartick, Mass. 05/06/2009 01:14 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

We should remember that Father Cutie is a human being like the rest of us.And like the rest of us, if not more, is in need of our prayers. We are all sinners.

Published by: Anthony,T.O.Carm.
Nebraska 05/06/2009 12:53 PM EST

I believe that the only response to such scandals is daily prayer, sacrifices and penance for the sanctification of priests. Both John Paul II and Pope Benedict have given the Church several specific programs to support priests. Judgment is to be left to the Mercy of God. as . We are never to condone the sin of another, make excuses for their actions but rather to plead the Mercy og God on each priest after first pleading mercy upon ourselves. Eucharistic Adoration and daily prayer heal both victim and accuser, as the spiritual wellbeing of both are at stake. The evil one seeks out the priest to destroy the Church and discredit it in public. I remember daily, no priests, no Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. I also stand firm that the gates of hell shall not prevail!

Published by: Fr. J
Washington 05/06/2009 12:45 PM EST

Whenever I see Protestant clergy who are married caught in compromising situations I always think "too bad they can't be celibate because this marriage thing just doesn't seem to work." I guess Arthur is not concerned about the scandal of those clergy. Rather selective don't you think?

Published by: Billy G
Cherry Hill, NJ, US 05/06/2009 12:39 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Actually, it's kind of refreshing to find a priest that prefers women.

Published by: Billy G
Cherry Hill, NJ 05/06/2009 12:37 PM EST

Rate: Bad

Well, I had heard that priests were permitted to date nuns - as long as they didn't get in the habit.

Published by: Leticia Velasquez
Canterbury, CT 05/06/2009 12:18 PM EST

This is tragic,Fr Cutie was a gifted preacher. Catholics, please remember to pray for priests, especially those with a high public profile. They are special targets for Satan, the father of lies, because of the damage caused by their scandals.

Published by: Dave
Palm Harbor FL USA 05/06/2009 12:00 PM EST

Pray for this guy. He is probably a good pastor but was not meant to be celibate.

Published by: Joe Vadis
NY 05/06/2009 11:24 AM EST

Let he without sin cast the first stone.

Published by: Mary
Royal Oak, MI 05/06/2009 09:09 AM EST

Who are we to Judge,
Lets just say , prayer is needed.

Published by: mawst
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA 05/06/2009 08:54 AM EST

No amount of foolishness, misguided zeal, or cruelty by man can undo the divine foundation of the Church.

Published by: Ralph
Miami, FL, US 05/06/2009 08:40 AM EST

I live in Miami and have frequented Saint Francis de Sales on many occasions. I have confessed with Father Alberto too. He married one of my best friends so I make this comment from someone in the local community. This DOES bring great shame. He was someone who was respected in the Public eye. He was a celebrity. Above all that he IS a Priest and the vow of chasity cannot be taken lightly. His commitment is to the Church and not any Woman. He has to walk the walk and live by example. We all have to pray for him, forgive him and pray that the Bishop makes a wise choice in whatever actions he takes. God bless the Church.

Published by: lh
McKinney, TX, USA 05/06/2009 08:37 AM EST

The evil one is always prowling about to see who he can devour, is it any surprise he goes after priests? We must continually pray for priests and religious.

Published by: mark
staten island, ny 05/06/2009 08:24 AM EST

Let us allow a space for dialogue and clarity of allegations addressed to Fr Alberto. He's still a priest and let this moment of pain and sadness be also a source of healing and forgiveness. However, it will take a while and let's continue praying for him and for the Mother Church especially where he's acting as the administrator of the parish.

Orémus pro invicem.

Published by: Bernadette
Mullica Hill, NJ,USA 05/06/2009 08:08 AM EST

Remember, the woman is also responsible for her actions too.

Published by: Kyle
Pelham,NH 05/06/2009 07:50 AM EST

I have sinned and constantly sin. No one on this planet is free from sin or temptation. A priest sins too! Before anyone judges this man, look at yourself and your own struggles and failures

Published by: Mr Flapatap
Potomac, MD 05/06/2009 07:24 AM EST

Couple of details:
- If Fr. Cutie is a diocesan priest, he is not subject to a vow of chastity (not celibacy) as the members of many orders are. He IS, however, subjected to the same commandments we all are. He appears to be guilty of scandalous behavior too.
- As a diocesan priest, he would be subjected to a promise of celibacy (again, not a vow) which he has not violated as the article does not say anything about him marrying this woman.

- Finally, he is guilty of great stupidity (which addresses the scandal part mentioned above); everybody knows who you are and you still behave like that in public?

Again, his behavior is reprehensible and he needs to be disciplined. However, let's use the correct terms.

Published by: Johann
NEw York City USA 05/06/2009 07:07 AM EST

Ok, let's step back. This is a pecadillo, not a major problem. We don't want to lose this priest! Slap him on the wrist, assign him a new mission and let's forget about it.

Published by: Warren Anderson
Victoria, BC, Canada 05/06/2009 01:45 AM EST

The point is, this man made a promise to God and Church. If, indeed, he has violated his vow the he will have to answer for his actions. If the secular media has manipulated the circumstances (whoa, that's never happened before...), then all the voyeurs and gossip mongers should be first in the confession line. As it is, other than the Archbishop's reaction, the reports are vague. C'mon - a tabloid rag prints photos... yeah, there's conclusive evidence for ya. Though for some, it seems, it takes precious little to assume a license to bash the Church.

Published by: Mark
KAnsas City 05/06/2009 01:03 AM EST

WE see Priests and Nuns as perfect and Holy But they are human and need are prayers as well.

I don't think he had sexual relations but was in the beach with her.

Published by: JFJ
Miami 05/06/2009 01:01 AM EST

It saddens me to see how many people are so prompt to believe the worse in every person. If a person has done wrong, let us be ready to help that person, let us not bury him/her alive. I am saddened by what has happened, and more so for the pain it has caused, nevertheless, the pain for Fr. Alberto's family must be great, and no one is measuring the hurt they cause with their comments. Let him who is free from sin, throw the first stone. As for me and my family, we will pray for him to be happy in and with his life.

John

Published by: Theo West
Denver, CO 05/05/2009 11:40 PM EST

I'm tired too of hearing how "deeply saddened" and "disappointed" church officials are over seriousness sinfulness and scandal. It's the new catch-phrase - and it's revolting. Just once I'd like to hear that a bishop is actually furious, revolted, scandalized by sin - like how St. Paul was in 1 Corinthians. This "deeply saddened" and "disappointed" business just makes me sick.

Published by: Terry
Rochester, NY 05/05/2009 11:09 PM EST

Allow Catholic priests to marry and this would not be an issue! The Church secretly reassigned priests who sexually abused children. Yet, when a priests has a love affair with a woman his age, he is immediately removed from ministry. To this I can only say - Go Figure.

Published by: Mary
Conway, NH 05/05/2009 10:53 PM EST

We need to pray for our priests, no matter what. God help us to offer sacrifices and penance to strengthen our priests, religious and all clergy AND the faithful during this most trying time on earth! Amen.

Published by: Diane
Houston, TX USA 05/05/2009 10:17 PM EST

Nobody forced this guy to become a priest who embraces celibacy...it was voluntary. If he's not going to do that, he should not be a priest. If he wants to fulfill his vow and needs help doing so, get him assistance.

Published by: sam,dallas
irving,texas 05/05/2009 09:33 PM EST

This is the hypocrisy that is so abhorrent with church officials in this country today.They cherish politics than the spiritual well being of their clergy and followers.They'd rather get fixated on trivial and divisive issues like the hate campaign against President Obama.Thank God majority of catholics,who follow true christian teachings,read the bible thoroughly and are not swayed by personal edicts from these men of the cloth.They are able to decide for themselves when the clergy are not being guided by the holy spirit.They are able to tell truth from simple malicious hate especially against Obama.Let church leaders remove the logs in their eyes ,so that they can clearly see the speck in the society's eye. Lets never follow some of these leaders blindly,,they are human beings like the rest of us after all,with devilish passions and gluttonous greed for power and money.

Published by: Juan Rodriguez
Lansing, MI, USA 05/05/2009 08:42 PM EST

Give me a break. So the guy got caught doing something many married men are doing everyday, including Catholic men. Isn't there any forgiveness?
Tell him to knock it off and get back to work.

Published by: Eric
Los Angeles, Ca USA 05/05/2009 07:44 PM EST

I think it might be an imposter trying to ruin him. Satan works in so many evil ways. I think satan is up to all this. Satan will do almost anything to ruin servants of GOD.

Published by: John
Freeport NY 05/05/2009 07:01 PM EST

Let's remember that this Priest is Human,
like the rest of us.
"Let him without sin
cast the first stone"
Pray for him and the Church.

Published by: Sergio Potes
Miami 05/05/2009 05:33 PM EST

We are in support of father Alberto: Is about time the church I belong gets with the times and lets priest get marry. Going against human nature is the real sin. If are to save our church lets be honest with our self and make the correct changes. Martin Luther a great catholic was promoting the right changes...but was ponished by small narrow minded group of the church.

Published by: dAVID LARSEN
Scituate Mass 05/05/2009 04:19 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

"Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus".
In serving "The Woman"our Holy Mother,the Church is served in the power of the Holy Spirit,through the love of Christ,for the glory of God. This is what ,I believe,John Paul 2 saw in his devotion to our Holy Mother,so how could his love be divided? For the Priest he has been made a son to serve God. He is the beloved Apostle that received Mary as his mother at the blessing of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,at the foot of the cross. This is the gift of Holy Orders.
"Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners and at the hour of death". Amen

Published by: ARTHUR BASELICE
MANUTA NJ 05/05/2009 04:09 PM EST

Rate: Regular

CHURCH OFFICIALS ARE ALWAYS "SADDENED" AND 'DEEPLY ASHAMED" ON A REGULAR BASIS HOWEVER IT DOES NOTHING TO RELIEVE THE PAIN AND SUFFERING NOR THE CONDUCT OF ITS PRIESTS.

Published by: Ted
Dayton, NJ 05/05/2009 03:33 PM EST

Rate: Good

Obviously, if this is what happened, it cannot be defended. What also cannot also be defended is the Democrat Party giving pedophiles protected class status under the anti-hate bill being fast tract through the Democrat controlled Congress. This must come as a terrible shock to the victims of this now “protected class.”

Published by: hrh
miami, fl 05/05/2009 03:31 PM EST

Rate: Regular

This is scandalous! A priest caught having sex with a (gulp) woman?!?!?!?!?! Just how low can the church sink? A woman?!?!?! A WOMAN?!?!?!?!

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