Okay, So Father Albert Cutie Likes Women...

"At least he's not with a little boy," the Irish pub's patrons shouted when Father Albert Cutie's story broke on national news. Rev. Alberto Cutie is a very handsome priest. He has been a spokesperson for the Catholic faith. He has given relationship advice on the radio and t.v. Fr. Cutie, is;however, also a sinner. He recently admitted that he is in love with a woman. He was recently photographed kissing Ruhama Buni Canellis, 35, a divorced mother living in South Beach. He apparently met Ruhama 10 years ago. Despite his apparent breach of his celibacy vows, a sigh of relief fell over catholics because, in the words of the pub patrons, "it could be much worse, he could have been gay."

Cutie remains popular among Catholics, who also overwhelmingly disapprove of the church’s celibacy policy. A weekend poll of 400 Miami-Dade, Fla., Catholics shows that 74 percent of those surveyed oppose the Catholic Church’s requirements that priests remain celibate. The survey shows an overwhelming majority disapproving of the 12th Century rule. The poll also showed that 78% of Catholics supported and approved of Father Cutie. (That's even better then President Obama's numbers!)

Cutie is nick named “Father Oprah” for offering relationship advice on the radio. He was taken off the air after photos were published of him embracing a woman at a bar and at the beach. Cutie was pastor of St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Miami Beach. Cutie issued a statement Tuesday saying “I ask for the forgiveness of those who may be hurt or saddened by my actions.”

Cutie appeared this morning on CBS’ “The Early Show.” Cutie said he was not suspended, but he asked for time off for meditation and reflection. Cutie previously told The Miami Herald that marriage and a family were not out of the question for him. But one has to wonder, if Father Albert Cutie is allowed to marry, would he still be perceived as special or would he return to the ranks of being a "regular guy." Some speculate that is exactly what Cutie wanted. It will give him an out from the priesthood with a sound declaration of his sexual preference. Fr. Cutie told the t.v. audience that celibacy is a preferred goal and that he did not want to be the poster boy for allowing priests to marry. Yet, his popularity and the manner in which his heterosexual preference was exposed is suitable for a Hollywood script.

Update 5-29-09: Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? "Father Oprah" has left the Roman Catholic Church and joined the Episcopal Church. This change in employment comes a little less than a month after photos of him on the beach with his girlfriend hit the press. At the news conference at the Episcopal Church's Trinity Cathedral, Father Cutie appeared with the Episcopal bishop, a half-dozen Episcopal priests and his girlfriend.

Updated 6-17-09: On Tuesday, Father Cutie apparently married his sweetie. Welcome to the real world school of hard knocks, Father. Good luck.

Update 1-6-11: Father Alberto Cutié married his girl friend, Ruhamma Canellis. Cutie switched from the Roman Catholic to the Anglican in order to keep serving God as a married man. He has released a new book: 'Dilemma' which details his personal struggle.