Father Stefano Manelli is one of two founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate (FFI). This past year that order, devoted to the traditional Mass and by all accounts growing and thriving, was all but obliterated through the machinations of Father Fidenzio Volpi, Apostolic Commissioner of the FFI. Father Volpi was appointed to that position by Pope Francis himself. Owing to Volpi's "work", the FFI is a shadow of its former self.
Comes now the news from Rorate Caeli that Father Volpi has been found guilty of spreading "defamation and lies". He'll have to pay 20,000 euros to the Manelli family as well as issue public apologies. So now it appears that the FFI was deliberately reduced to tatters; for what reason we can only speculate. Volpi apparently set about to destroy Father Manelli's good name; now his own is besmirched.
Now the question is, "will Pope Francis allow the FFI to reestablish itself and will they be allowed to pursue their holy calling?" In short, will the pope do right by the FFI?
If Pope Francis restores the FFI, I will look at him differently.
ReplyDeleteAny leader can get bad advice. It's what they do after they find out about the bad advice that shows their colors. I'm praying the FFI are restored.