Archdiocese Issues Statement on Fr Cutie Scandal, CBS 4, May 5, 2009

Archdiocese Issues Statement on Fr. Cutie Scandal

CBS 4
May 5, 2009

http://cbs4.com/local/Father.Alberto.Cutie.2.1001697.html

[with video]

Father Alberto Cutie

Photographs in TV NOTAS Magazine show popular priest in love embrace with brunette on the beach

Popular priest Alberto Cutie, who's been seen worldwide on Spanish-language TV shows, has been quickly relieved of his duties running his Catholic church and the Catholic radio station of the Archdiocese of Miami.

It's a swift reaction by the Archdiocese of Miami after photographs surfaced of Cutie and an unidentified woman caressing and kissing each other while in bathing suits on the beach. Sources say the photos were taken in February. TV NOTAS Magazine will have an 8-page spread when the publication hits the news stands on Thursday.

Some of the photos were obtained by our news partner at the Miami Herald, and they showed Cutie locked in an embrace with the woman. The photographer has also not been identified, but according to the Herald, he had initially tried to sell the photos to MEGATV for several thousand dollars. But his offer was turned down.

The photos raise a question: did Cutie, who was ordained as a priest in 1995, break his church-cherished vow of celibacy?

"The vow of celibacy really means there is a commitment outside the vow that stresses the focus on the holy order," said Archdiocese of Miami spokeswoman Mary Ross Agosta. "The vow of celibacy is there for a reason."

Ross Agosta said Cutie would no longer be administrator of the St. Francis de Sales parish on Miami Beach, and will no longer run the Catholic radio station, Radio Peace and Radio Paz. "He's on a prayerful journey," said Ross Agosta. "He's still a priest, but he is on leave."

This is the cover of the TV Notas Magazine featuring the controversial pictures of Father Alberto Cutie hugging and kissing a woman.

She said Cutie's future is not clear, and also said Cutie had been traveling and would now "do what he had to do." She said a new administrator is being named for the church and said Father Jose Hernando would now run the catholic radio station.

"This is a difficult day for everyone in the Archdiocese of Miami," said Ross Agosta. "We pray for Father Alberto."

Since 1998, Father Cutie has hosted several Spanish-language talk shows and programs. He's been seen in 24 million homes in 22 countries. He writes a syndicated newspaper advice column called "Advice from a friend." He's been dubbed "Father Oprah" by his fans. He also was published. His book is "Real Life, Real Love---7 paths to a strong and lasting relationship." He was the son of Cuban parents. He grew up in Miami and attended Southwest High School.

Meanwhile, many parishioners we spoke with were in disbelief. "He's a saint," said Amelia Ortiz. The pictures are false and manipulated." Maria Martinez said, "He's a good man. He's good for the community. I don't believe these pictures. It's impossible. It's impossible that he would do something like that."

Another parishioner, Maria Cerna, said of Cutie, "He's a good man. He usually helps everybody, like the young people. He's a gentleman. Oh my God, I don't believe it. I don't believe it."

CBS4 News tried to find Father Cutie at the parish, but two employees told us he was not inside his apartment above the parish office. They told us to leave the parish property---and called Miami Beach Police, who responded and told us that we had to leave because we are on private property. They also confirmed that Father Cutie was not in his apartment.

However, Fr. Cutie did release the following statement:

"Before God - full of love and mercy - I ask for the forgiveness of those who may be hurt or saddened by my actions. Since I entered the seminary at the age of 18, the priesthood has brought me great joy. The commitment that I made to serve God will remain intact. I am grateful for the love and support I have received today from so many in our community, especially my parishioners and the supporters of the radio stations who have demonstrated great compassion and understanding toward me as a human being. I ask for your continued prayers and support."

A spokeswoman for TV NOTAS Magazine on Michigan Avenue declined to give us an advance preview of the photos or identify the photographer. "Wait until Thursday," she said. "Wait until Thursday."

Monday, Archbishop John Favalora released this statement:

"I am deeply saddened by the news surrounding Father Alberto Cutie. 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.

Father Cutie made a promise of celibacy and all priests are expected to fulfill that promise with the help of God.

Father Cutie'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."