The parishioners of St. Patrick’s Parish in St. John’s are not giving up on the property, and are hoping to get enough support to buy the church back.

The historic building recently went on the market for $1.5 million, but the determined group of parishioners say it should never have been put on the block in the first place.

Anna Jasinska notes the Vatican recently made an official decree that the Archdiocese of St. John’s did not have the right to sell it, according to Canon Law.

Jasinska represented parishioners in recent meetings on the issue in Rome.

She says the Vatican has since determined that Canon Law was not followed.

The Vatican’s decision is similar to one that helped save the Roman Catholic Church in Portugal Cove.

Jasinska acknowledges Canon Law is different from civil law, and the decision came too late to prevent St. Patrick’s from going on the market.

But she, and others, are hoping the cathedral can be bought back and continue as a church.

“I’m hoping for a little support … or a lot of support!” she said enthusiastically.