HOLYOKE (MA)
The Republic
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: February 06, 2012 – 10:59 am
HOLYOKE, Mass. — The future of a Holyoke church where parishioners have been holding a 24-hour vigil to protest its closure by the Diocese of Springfield is now in the hands of the Vatican.
A state judge on Friday dismissed a trespassing lawsuit brought against Mater Dolorosa parishioners by Springfield Bishop Timothy McDonnell, and also dismissed countersuits filed by those in vigil.
The Hampden Superior Court judge ruled that the dispute is a church matter not to be decided by American civil courts.
Attorney Victor Anop (ANN’-up), a spokesman for parishioners in vigil, called it a major victory for religious freedom.
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