By Matt Caron
WWLP
December 27, 2011
www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampshire/diocese-to-make-case-against-protesters
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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Since June, protesters have been holding vigil inside the closed Mater Dolorosa church in Holyoke. On Wednesday, the Diocese heads to court again to try and get them out.
The protesters say their just holding a peaceful vigil. The diocese says they have no right to be there.
Spokesman for the Springfield Diocese Mark Dupont told 22News the parish was about $750,000 in debt, attendance was down about 20% and a report showed structural concerns about the church's steeple.
According to Victor Anop, a spokesman for the protesting parishioners, a judge ruled the steeple was not an immanent danger and that they were blindsided by the closing.
Each side has had their share of victories and defeats.
The Parishioners tried to appeal the church closing to the Vatican in Rome but were denied.
And on October 29th, a judge rejected an injunction request from the Springfield Diocese that would have evicted the protesters.
Since the closing, neither side has budged and protesters have said they'll stay as long as necessary.
In October, an attorney for one of the protesters offered to buy the church but the diocese rejected the offer.
All the parishioners who chose not to protest the church's closing have been merged with the Our Lady of the Cross Parish.
The hearing is set for Wednesday at the Hampden County Hall of Justice.
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