The Holy Rosary Church, a historic fixture in the community, is being sold to help fund a $104-million settlement for abuse survivors.

The town's parishioners have vowed to block any sale, locking the church doors and barring potential buyers.

After a Sunday mass in September, Mayor Clarence Molloy and a group of locals replaced the church locks. They say they are determined to keep out any would-be purchasers.

"Potential buyers are NOT welcome" declared signs taped to the windows.

One hand-written sign even banned Archbishop Peter Hundt of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St John's from the property.

Buyers not welcome

The sale is part of the archdiocese's effort to pay compensation to abuse survivors from the Mount Cashel orphanage scandal which occurred decades ago. In July, it was announced that the archdiocesan episcopal corporation owes $104 million to 292 plaintiffs.

However, residents of Portugal Cove South who have maintained Holy Rosary Church for over a century, feel unjustly targeted. "We're going to stand firm and make it clear that anyone wanting to buy the church will not be welcome" said Cynthia Power, chair of the Portugal Cove Historical Corporation.

Power proudly declares that she has been a lifelong resident of Portugal Cove South and describes Holy Rosary "as a constant source of strength".

Built in 1917, the church is not just a place of worship but the heart of the community. Over the years, locals have raised more than $136,000 to renovate the building which holds significant sentimental value.

"We're protecting what is ours" Power added, stressing the deep connection families in the town have to the church.

Despite the pleas of the community, Archbishop Hundt stated that his hands were tied. He explained that the sale is a legal necessity to compensate abuse survivors.

"The church legally belongs to the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St John's. It must be sold to meet court-ordered financial obligations" Archbishop Hundt said. He urged parishioners to accept the decision and focus on reconciliation and healing.

However, the community has hired a legal team and remains vigilant and determined to protect their church from outsiders.

Sources

The Catholic Register

The Globe and Mail

CathNews New Zealand

Holy Rosary Parish, in Portugal Cove-St Philips in the Canadian province of Newfoundland, was one of 18 parishes put up for sale after the archdiocese declared bankruptcy.

However, the Dicastery for the Clergy has overturned the decision by Archbishop Peter Hundt of St John's, Newfoundland, to suppress a parish and relegate the church building to profane use.

GoFundMe campaign

The Vatican decision follows the parishioners' successful bid to purchase their church in a 2022 auction.

The group raised funds through a successful GoFundMe campaign.

Nonetheless, uncertainty looms over the parish's future despite the triumph, with Archbishop Hundt reportedly declining to discuss the liturgical outlook.

Ed Martin, a dedicated parishioner and advocate for the appeal, said he is happy about the decision but is cautious.

"I asked for a meeting [with Archbishop Hundt] to discuss it, but he's not willing to meet at this point in time, so I don't know what his next move is" Martin said.

Archbishop Hundt's reluctance to engage in dialogue leaves the community grappling with unanswered questions. Despite attempts to seek clarification, the Archdiocese of St John's has remained conspicuously silent on the matter.

Discontent among parishioners

The parish's ordeal began amidst financial turmoil which led to the sale of 18 churches, including Holy Rosary, to resolve bankruptcy and compensate abuse victims.

While some locals aimed to preserve the church as a sacred space, others advocated for redevelopment, highlighting differing community interests.

In a bid to retain their cherished place of worship, parishioners strategically split the land purchase with community developers.

Discontent brewed among parishioners as they accused Archbishop Hundt of misleading them. They vehemently contested procedural irregularities and subsequently appealed to the Vatican, resulting in the recent favourable ruling.

The decision has undoubtedly reinvigorated Newfoundland Catholics, sparking renewed hope.

However, concerns persist as communication with Archbishop Hundt remains stalled, leaving the path forward shrouded in uncertainty.

Sources

The Pillar

CathNews New Zealand