Unprecedented Community Action

In a remarkable show of community unity, the residents of Portugal Cove South, a small fishing town in Newfoundland, have taken unprecedented steps to protect their cherished church, Holy Rosary. This extraordinary development unfolded last month when community leaders, led by Mayor Clarence Molloy, physically seized control of the church in a move that has sent shockwaves through the local and religious community alike.

A Bold Statement

On a seemingly typical Sunday in early September, Mayor Molloy and a group of residents arrived at the church ready for action. They replaced the locks, fortifying the building against any prospective buyers, declaring boldly, “Our church is NOT for sale.” A menacing handwritten "no trespassing" sign was affixed to the entrance, specifying a ban on several individuals, including the local archbishop and any real estate agents.

A Catalyst for Change

The community's fierce response arose after it was revealed that the church, built in 1917 by the town's founding families, was up for sale to settle a staggering $104 million legal obligation related to historical abuse cases involving the Catholic Church. Residents like Cynthia Power, chair of the Portugal Cove Historical Corporation, expressed their outrage and resolve, insisting, “We’re going to stand firm and we will not welcome any buyers in our town.”

Community Commitment

Holy Rosary Church, a place of worship and a cornerstone of community life, has dwindled in congregation size due to changing economic circumstances, most notably the collapse of the cod fishing industry. Many townsfolk have invested their time, effort, and financial resources into maintaining and improving the church—having raised over $136,000 for renovations and repairs in recent years alone.

A Longstanding Concern

Regrettably, the sale of the church was not a sudden development; it had been a possibility since 2022 when Holy Rosary was listed among other church properties earmarked for liquidation to compensate victims of abuse. When the prospect of losing their church became real, the locals united in opposition, having spent years fundraising for their beloved sanctuary.

Outrage Over Sale Price

Their emotional upheaval peaked when they learned of the $48,000 asking price for the church—an insult considering the community's heavy investments. Outraged, Power and others urged Archbishop Peter Hundt to reconsider the sale, attempting to negotiate for their community’s future.

Legal Complications

Unfortunately for the residents, Archbishop Hundt has stated that the church legally belongs to the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s, and their hands are tied by court mandates. He noted that the necessity to sell is a painful but unavoidable consequence of the church's past failures.

Impact on the Community

The complexities surrounding the sale also have implications on both the spiritual and socioeconomic landscape of Portugal Cove South. Father Peter Golden, who has served as a priest in the community for decades, echoes the residents' sentiments, acknowledging the unfairness of penalizing them for historical injustices. “I’ve got a funeral again tomorrow,” he lamented, highlighting the alarming trend of dwindling population and church attendance.

Ongoing Fight

As legal wranglings continue, with a real estate deal in progress and local parishioners now hiring their own legal representation, the fight to keep Holy Rosary Church may be far from over. With only a handful of locals possessing the keys, the community vigilantly protects what they hold dear—hoping that their drastic measures will ensure the preservation of their treasured church on the hill.

A Community's Legacy

This saga serves not only as a reflection of a community's deep ties to their history and heritage, but as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by small towns grappling with the ramifications of the past. Stay tuned, as this story continues to unfold.