The group says it wants one Mass per week in Polish and one in English.
SPRINGFIELD – About 60 members of the Friends of Mater Dolorosa in Holyoke conducted a vigil in front of the Chancery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield on Elliot Street Thursday night, seeking a meeting with the Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, bishop of the diocese.
“We want to talk to the bishop about reopening Mater Dolorosa,” spokesman Victor Anop said. “If he has one Mass a week in Polish and one in English we’ll stop our vigil.”
The Friends of Mater Dolorosa have been holding a continuous vigil in the Holyoke church since June 30 in protest of the bishop’s decision to close the building.
Mater Dolorosa merged with Holy Cross to create a new parish, Our Lady of the Cross. It is located in the former Holy Cross Church in Holyoke.
Mark Dupont, spokesman for the bishop, said Thursday in a statement, “While we can appreciate the continuing sorrow over the decision to close the former Mater Dolorosa Parish church, the time has come for those occupying that church without permission and in defiance of their bishop, pastor and parish community to end these divisive actions.”