The sad story of Fr. Alberto Cutié continues. After being caught frolicking at a beach with a woman, he has left the Catholic Church and become Episcopal. Cutié eventually intends to become an Episcopal priest and marry his girlfriend.

For those who are not aware of who Fr. Cutié is, he is an immensely popular preacher in the Latino world. Nicknamed “Father Oprah,” his popularity with Spanish-speaking Catholics is comparable to Fr. Corapi and Fr. Groeschel combined. This is a devastating scandal and we need to pray fervently that Fr. Cutié returns to the Catholic fold. The bishop of his (former) diocese has beautiful advice:

In my nearly 50 years as a priest, I have often preached on Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son – which really should be called the parable of the Forgiving Father (Luke 15, 11-32). Perhaps the story told by the Lord so long ago is applicable to our discussions this afternoon.

A father had two sons. One of them took his inheritance early and left home, spending his money wantonly. The father waited patiently for the return of his prodigal son, who after he had seen the error of his ways, repented and returned home. Upon his return, the father lovingly embraced him and called him his son. I pray that Father Cutié will “come to his senses” (Luke 15, 17) and return home. The Catholic Church seeks the conversion and salvation of sinners, not their condemnation. The same is my attitude toward Father Cutié.

We must not forget, however, that there were two sons in the Lord’s story. The other son, who never left home, was angry that his erring brother was welcomed home by the father. To all faithful Catholics, I say what the father said to this second son: “You are with me always and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice. This brother of yours was dead and has come back to life. He was lost, and is found” (Luke 15, 31-32).

In this beautiful parable Jesus teaches us that God is a loving and forgiving Father. Each of us has experienced that love, each of us needs that forgiveness; for we are all sinners. If our brother comes home, let us celebrate with the Father.

Read the bishop’s entire statement here.

Saint John Vianney, pray for us!