Protestors Should Leave Mater Dolorosa Church, Vatican Says

By Anthony Fay
WWLP
June 5, 2012

www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampden/protestors-should-leave-mater-dolorosa-church-vatican-says




[with video]

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A spokesperson for the Diocese of Springfield says that the Vatican has upheld a ruling that the Diocese was within its right to merge Holyoke's Mater Dolorosa Parish . Further, the Vatican tribunal is telling those holding vigil inside the church that they must leave.

In a news release sent to 22News, diocesan spokesperson Mark Dupont said that the Superme Apostolic Signatura upheld the earlier ruling by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy that the Diocese had the right to merge Mater Dolorosa. Citing concerns about debt and the structural integrity of the Maple Street church, the parish was merged in 2011 with Holy Cross Parish to form the new Our Lady of the Cross Parish. The Mater Dolorosa church building was closed, as Masses for that parish are held at the Holy Cross Church on Sycamore Street.

The merger angered some Mater Dolorosa parishioners, who appealed the decision to the Vatican, and have held protests at the church and outside diocesan headquarters in Springfield. Since the church closed, they have also been holding 24-hour vigil inside the building.

Dupont says that the tribunal's initial ruling has directed: "Those who are occupying the church must leave."

The ruling, however, has not yet made clear what the Diocese will ultimately be allowed to do about the church building itself. Dupont said that there will be a separate review of that question, and that in the meantime, the Diocese cannot sell or demolish the building, and must ensure they are doing all they can to keep everyone safe.

Victor Anop, who represents those holding the vigil, says that they still want more clarification.

"The Bishop still is on the kick of trying to take down our steeple and that basically is severe damage and destruction to our church, which we feel is against the order. We want clarification of that," Anop says.

The parishioners will vote to decide whether or not to leave the church.

The Diocese says they expect a final decision on the church's status in the next three to four months.