Court order sought to cease Mater Dolorosa vigil

Court order sought to cease Mater Dolorosa vigil

By Dennis P. Hohenberger
Turley Publications Correspondent

HOLYOKE – The Springfield Catholic Diocese filed suit last week in Hampden Superior Court against a group of former parishioners who continue a vigil inside Mater Dolorosa Church which closed in June.
Both sides were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, where the diocese sought a civil action to end the vigil. The diocese contends the church, particularly the steeple, poses a danger to the occupants, public and the structure is in need of repairs.
Shortly after Mater Dolorosa held its final mass more than 100 days ago, the around-the-clock vigil began. Neither side seems willing to compromise and it appears that court action will either end or prolong the vigil.
In a statement issued by the diocese, it was said the vigil amounted to trespassing and was without permission and unauthorized. “This action was undertaken with heavy heart, but it should be noted after repeated efforts by the diocese to convince these individuals to end their trespass,” read the statement.
The diocese said the occupation “prevents the very necessary work of addressing the safety of the steeple.”
“We had hoped that through their prayerful vigil, the very rapid rejection of their Vatican appeal and two separate and independent findings on the deterioration of the steeple they would have come to accept these most difficult but equally necessary decisions.”
The diocese concluded that a civil action was the only way to resolve the issue. “We again ask them to end this divisive action and join with their sisters and brothers at the new Our Lady of the Cross Parish,” read the statement.
Victor Anop, an attorney who represents the group of steadfast parishioners, said he was served with the suit on Thursday, which left little preparation time for the Wednesday court appearance. He did, though, file a 74-page rebuttal to prevent the civil action by the diocese. “Our position is simply ‘Why would the leader of your church go to a civil court and try to restrain you from praying in a place of worship?’” he said.
Anop said the diocese was acting in an “autocratic and dictatorial fashion,” which he claimed is “out of touch with today’s world.” He added that representatives from the diocese had “lost their moral compass” and treated to the vigil holders in an “insensitive” way.
He said the diocese is “embroiled” in two other cases, one in Northampton and one in Springfield, but judges in those cases have held off on final decisions until the Vatican decides on both matters. The attorneys for the Mater Dolorosa vigil holders filed an appeal with the Vatican shortly after the closing. Rome rejected the groups appeal, but Anop said another appeal, with supporting documents, was re-filed and they are waiting for an answer.
Anop called the vigil and the appeal an “internal matter” which should remain a dispute within the Roman Catholic Church and not become a civil matter. Anop said the group’s appeal is still before the Vatican’s Congregation of Clergy, who reviews and decides on such matters.
He wants Canon Law and not civil law to decide if Mater Dolorosa should reopen or not. In the case of Mater Dolorosa, a civil judge can grant the diocese’s injunction, and thus end the vigil, or allow the Vatican to render judgment.

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