Priest and nuns sentenced to prison after botched crucifixion/exorcism

A priest and four nuns were sentenced to prison yesterday for their roles in the death of a nun during an exorcism to rid her of "the devil," Ireland Online reported today.

Sister Maricica Irina Cornici, 23, who was being treated for schizophrenia, said she believed the devil was talking to her.

Daniel Petru Corogeanu, a monk who served as the priest for a secluded Holy Trinity convent in northeast Romania, and four other nuns, chained Cornici to a cross in an attempt at exorcism.

She survived several days without food or water, but died of dehydration, exhaustion and suffocation.

"God has performed a miracle for her, finally Irina is delivered from evil," the priest told reporters back in June, 2005 when this crime occurred.

"I don't understand why journalists are making such a fuss about this. Exorcism is a common practice in the heart of the Romanian Orthodox church and my methods are not at all unknown to other priests," Father Daniel added.

What is it about religion that makes people so damn crazy? How do certain illogical beliefs become so all-encompassing that you'll willingly place yourself in a position to kill like this, or to be killed like this?

Image: Father Daniel Petru Corogeanu

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Las Vegas priest assaults church worker

George Chaanine, a Roman Catholic priest was arrested Thursday in Arizona after allegedly beating, groping and choking a member of his congregation and church employee at his Las Vegas church, CNN reported.

The alleged assault occured on Jan. 26 at the Our Lady of Las Vegas parish office.

He has been charged wtih attempted murder, sexual assault, kidnapping and battery with a deadly weapon. He allegedly broke a full bottle of wine over the woman's head and dragged her down a hall by her hair.

She fought back, lost consciousness and awoke with Chaanine groping her breasts and genitals, police said. She continued fighting until Chaanine straddled her and grabbed her throat, police said.

The woman said she began praying, and the priest stopped his assault and said he was going to kill himself, and left.

Chaanine has been suspended with pay from his position as church administrative pastor.

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