Episode 16: Exposing the Canceled Priest Scandal with Father John Lovell
Hosts Marco Salinas and Dan Sevigny welcome Father John Lovell, a diocesan priest removed from ministry for 14 years despite no canonical penalties. The conversation exposes shocking financial mismanagement in Catholic nonprofits and announces two new organizations to support faithful priests.
The Canceled Priest Crisis Father Lovell represents thousands of priests removed for defending truth, tradition, or opposing mandates. Removed by Bishop Malloy in 2012 using "non-penal, non-judicial" procedures that sidestep canon law, he receives only $1,700 monthly from his diocese while the Vatican has ruled his removal cannot be permanent.
Financial Scandal Exposed Dan Sevigny's investigation of a prominent canceled priest organization's 990 tax forms reveals devastating mismanagement: only $42,747 reached 7 priests (averaging $6,000 each) - approximately 6 cents per dollar donated. Over $1.5 million sits unused while executive compensation remains high and financial transparency is nonexistent.
Coalition Collapse Father Lovell founded the organization but was removed as a scapegoat after attempting to implement proper financial controls, monthly reporting, and investment strategies. Despite purchasing housing for priests, the board evicted him after his removal, damaging his credit.
New Solutions Launched
Unprofitable Servants: Partnership between Father Lovell and RCC Initiative providing $10,000 annual grants plus up to $25,000 additional support (minimum $35,000 living wage) with complete transparency and monthly reporting. Website: unprofitableservants.org
Companions of St. John Fisher: Addressing priestly isolation through fraternity, housing, retreats, and community building. Inspired by SSPX priory models where priests live together during the week.
The Bigger Picture RCC Initiative has already provided over $100,000 in support to canceled priests, with plans for multiple "safe houses" nationwide. The mission extends beyond priest support to building Catholic communities around traditional education and forming the next generation.
Key Takeaways
- Learn to read 990 forms and hold Catholic nonprofits accountable
- Understand the systematic persecution of faithful priests by chancery officials
- Support transparent organizations with direct pass-through funding models
- Build alternative Catholic structures outside compromised diocesan systems
Resources:
- unprofitableservants.org - canceled priest fund
- thercci.org - Restoring Christian Culture Initiative
- restoringchristianculture.org - podcast reviews
- Crisis Magazine article by Dan Sevigny
Father Lovell's "Hope in the Desert" podcast returning soon.
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