St. Frances X. Cabrini Parishioners Keep Vigil, 10 Years Later
SCITUATE (CBS) – Sunday marks 10 years since parishioners at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini began holding vigil.
"It's been difficult. It's been rewarding, it's been long," parishioner Margy O'Brien said.
Ten years ago the Archdiocese of Boston closed the church. At the time, parishioners got in through a mistakenly unlocked door, and never left.
"This is about faith and really, this is about the simplicity of right versus wrong," said Jon Rogers of The Friends of St. Frances.
Even without a priest, services are still held every Sunday. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the church is occupied. Parishioners stay overnight in pairs.
"I just feel like what I'm doing is the right thing and is what the Lord has taught me to do," parishioner Barbara Nappa said.
Parishioners lost an appeal to the Vatican's highest court last summer. In July, Cardinal Sean O'Malley sent a letter, asking the group to end the occupation.
"Our desire continues to be for a peaceful and prayerful end to the vigil and for the members of the group to transition to a neighboring parish," writes Terrence Donilon of the Archdiocese of Boston.
The Friends of St. Frances X. Cabrini say appeals will continue, especially in light of recent financial audits.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports:
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