Mater Dolorosa prayer vigil continues

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The prayer vigil at Mater Dolorosa church in Holyoke continues since the court ruled that any issue between the parishioners and the Diocese is an internal church dispute.

The nonstop prayer vigil has been going on for the last 222 days, and the church members said they believe this court ruling, dismissing two counts of trespass, is an answer to their prayer and a sign that they should be able to keep the church that's been part of the community for more than a century.

Spokesperson for the Mater Dolorosa parishioners Victor Anop told 22News, “Any indication that this wasn't a clear win for the parishioners is not telling the truth.”

He also said because Mater Dolorosa offers worship services in Polish, the church plays a vital role in local the Polish-American community.

“[The church members] don't want to be told that they have to go to other churches,” Anop said. “This is America. They want their freedom of choice. They want to be here at this Polish American church, and they want to have their Polish mass here.”

The Diocese of Springfield has released a written statement, calling this court decision a “significant disappointment.”

Mark Dupont, the Diocese spokesperson said in the statement, “The Court has refused to recognize the legitimate and lawful rights of the Diocese as a property owner. The Diocese is currently exploring its options with regard to further review of this decision.”

The parishioners say the Diocese is ignoring the Canon Law 1214 that says everyone has a right to a place of worship.

Anop said, “It takes the soul out of the people, and they are supposed to be saving the souls in the Catholic religion.”

Zofia Sroka of Holyoke, a parishioner who is participating in the nonstop vigil, told 22News, “I miss coming to church, and I'm here to pray.”

And the parishioners say they'll continue the vigil until they get their church back.

Anop said, “Now what they do from here we'd like to see them just give us keys to the church and let us continue as friends in worship,” and he said the next step is appealing to the Supreme Court of Rome.