Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "We're joyous," said Mary Pruski, of Save Our Buffalo Churches on the decree suspending the closure of St. John Kanty Church on Buffalo's East Side.
"St. John Kanty is one of our parishes that joined the recourse movement late. They had missed the window to file an appeal. We worked with them to challenge the dates and Rome listened. It' a nice victory for them," she added.
It is the third recent victory for Save Our Buffalo Churches. In addition to St. John Kanty, two other churches in the Diocese received notices over the weekend. All Saints in Lockport and St. Josaphat's in Cheektowaga. Pruski
described it as "more good news," saying, "our hope and prayers are strong."
More than 30 parishes have submitted recourse documentation. Pruski said not one has been rejected yet for investigation.
"One of the first things that the Dicastery is very concerned about, and has already ruled on, is on if and when these parishes close, funds from the sale would be used toward the settlement for sexual abuse survivors. The Dicastery is saying that the funds have to stay with the people in the parish.
Our concern is that the Diocese is looking the other way. They are not respecting what Rome has decreed. The Bishop will be going to Rome next month. We'll see what comes of that," added Pruski.
The next step for these three churches, is to get them reopened. Pruski said it's the biggest challenge at the moment. It's proving to be easier said than done.
St. Jude the Apostle, which received it's decree a month or two ago, is still not reopened.
"The Diocese is lagging on letting them get masses scheduled and reopening their doors. Same with St Mother Theresa Calcutta in Depew," said Pruski.
These decisions from Rome are being made on a case by case basis. They are for 90 days or much longer, depending on when the Dicastery makes its final decision.
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