Boston archdiocese closes church, ending parishioners' vigil after 7 years

April 20, 2012

The Boston archdiocese has locked the doors of a church, ending a vigil by former parishioners, 7 years after the parish was formally closed.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel church was one of several in the Boston archdiocese were groups have organized vigils in an effort to avoid the final closing of the church. The archdiocese--which closed parishes in large part to trim spending--has spent millions of dollars to continue upkeep of the buildings.

Announcing that “the time for this vigil to end has come,” archdiocesan officials changed the locks of the doors on the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in East Boston. Former parishioners, who had organized their own services inside the church, had exhausted their appeals to the Vatican to reverse the decision by Cardinal Sean O’Malley to close the parish.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Boston Archdiocese locks out Eastie parishioners (AP)