Boston Archdiocese Sells Closed Church Occupied by Protesters

[Dale_M]

The Boston Archdiocese announced Saturday that it had sold the properties of a Framingham parish that's been occupied by protesters since it was closed six years ago, but the protesters said they won't leave.

The archdiocese announced the sale of St. Jeremiah's church building, parking lot and rectory for $2 million to the Syro-Malabar diocese, a part of the Eastern Catholic Church that shares the same fundamental doctrines as the Roman Catholic Church. The archdiocese said it would put the proceeds into its remaining parishes.

"The completion of this transaction provides the Syro-Malabar community a much needed location for their parishioners," said the Rev. Walter J. Edyvean, the archdiocese's auxiliary bishop for its western region.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/02...by-protesters/

The article seems to refer to the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. It is the only Syro-Malabar diocese outside of India. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, of course, is one of the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches, and is fully part of the Catholic Church headed by Pope Benedict.

However, the former parishioners of the recently sold church are vowing to continue their six year fight. They hope to use canon law to put the transfer of property on hold.
http://bostonherald.com/news/regiona...icleid=1370352

[IrishRush]

I went to the funeral of a friend a little over a year ago at the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church that you refer to in the Chicago area. It is truly a beautiful church, and the mass is done so reverently. Communion is only given on the tongue, no hands, and the funeral mass was said in both Malayalam (sp?) and English (my friend was obviously Indian). Truly an experience I'll never forget.

[joanofarc2008]

People need to learn to embrace obedience. No, no one likes a parish closing but it is what it is and at least the parish was not sold to a secular organization - it was sold to another Church that shares the same doctrines. Please move on. Disobedience breeds contempt.

[WetCatechumen]

Parishes closing sucks.

But it has to happen in some areas. My home parish just built two new parishes. There is life in some places, like here. We're blessed.

But some places have to deal with reality.

I am glad that another Catholic church took it over, though.

[Holly3278]

Originally Posted by joanofarc2008

People need to learn to embrace obedience. No, no one likes a parish closing but it is what it is and at least the parish was not sold to a secular organization - it was sold to another Church that shares the same doctrines. Please move on. Disobedience breeds contempt.

I agree. They need to be obedient and leave the parish. That said, it was sold to another Catholic Church, just one of a different rite, so they really shouldn't have much complaints, if any.

[BVT]

So sad..