Churches Holding Vigil Upset Pope Not Coming to MA, by Jim Smith, WBZ, April 13, 2008

Churches Holding Vigil Upset Pope Not Coming to MA

By Jim Smith
WBZ
April 13, 2008

http://wbztv.com/local/pope.visit.archdiocese.2.698760.html

BOSTON (WBZ) — When Pope Benedict XVI visits the U.S. this week, his travel plans will not include a trip to Boston, but if he did come here, he would get an earful from local Catholics, including those who continue to occupy churches slated for closing by the archdiocese.

One group says parish closings are a direct result of a financial crisis created by the priest sex abuse crisis. "This is a real issue, and yes we wanted him to come to Boston," said Mary Beth Carmondy, a member of the Council of Parishes.

Parishioners have stood in vigil at St. James the Great Church in Wellesley for more than three years.

They gathered at St. James the Great Church in Wellesley, where parishioners have stood in vigil for more than three years. Many believe a papal visit would have healed wounds. "I would have been glad to see the pope here," said Suzanne Hurley, of the Council of Parishes, "but I think he didn't want to be linked with what's going on here."

These activists say church closings actually violate church law and they're appealing to the Vatican. "We ask that the Holy Father act now to prevent a second type of abuse from being brought upon us," said Warren Hutchison.

Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley says he too is disappointed Benedict will not be here, but he says the pope's visit will still be an uplifting event for Boston area Catholics.