Parishioners at Holy Rosary Church in Portugal Cove South are vowing that their building will never be sold, and they’ve written the archbishop to make their views clear.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John’s continues to sell off properties to settle abuse claims.
Parishioners at Holy Rosary were informed by their parish priest during Sunday mass on August 25th that an offer for their church was in the process of being accepted.
In an open letter to Archbishop Peter Hundt, parishioners say the news came as a shock and they are informing him that they will not allow the church to be sold, claiming that they own the property after spending $134,000 on renovations in 2019.
The parishioners say the Portugal Cove South Historical Corporation was formed back in 2015 with a mandate to preserve, restore, develop and promote the historic and cultural assets of the town, beginning with the church. They note funds were raised to restore the church, and the newly renovated building was celebrated during a mass in November of 2019.
They say in 2022 residents were angered when asked if they were interested in “buying back” the church, sparking protests in the community, adding their response today is the same as it was then: They won’t buy back what they already own.