St. John’s Parishoners Plan Vatican Appeal

Parishioners of St. John's The Baptist Church in New Bedford continue to protest the decision by the Fall River Diocese to shut down the church on November 4.  Bishop George Coleman says dropping attendance and the costs associated with operating a 98 year old building are the primary reasons for the closing.  But parishioner Fred Langevin insists the church has turned itself around over the past two years.

Langevin tells WBSM News, parishoners are in the process of hiring a cannon lawyer, and taking the fight directly to the Vatican.

About 100 parishoners gathered outside St. John The Bapist church on Thursday night for another candlelight vigil and prayer service, hoping to convince Bishop Colemen to reverse his decision.

TSM