A bid to protect and preserve the block of ecclesiastical buildings surrounding and including the Basilica has met with success.

That will mean, the Basilica, St. Bonaventure’s College, and the St. Bon’s Forum will be owned by a partnership that was formed to protect the buildings from potential developers after they were put up for sale to meet financial obligations to settle sex abuse claims related to the former Mount Cashel orphanage.

The bid process still requires court approval, but the group involved is expressing relief knowing that the future of the property, school and arena has been secured.