Church closings reflect lack of compassion
I am writing regarding the ill-advised closings of churches by the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. The lack of insight, communication, and consideration displayed by the archdiocese during the flawed process of reconfiguration has caused tremendous pain and anger throughout the region. The recent attempt by the archdiocese to "spin" the issue as due to a lack of generosity on the part of wealthy suburban parishes is genuinely offensive to many faithful Catholics.
I am familiar with the situation of Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Parish in Newton Upper Falls. The first Catholic church established in Newton, the building has been recognized for artistic and architectural significance. It was constructed through the sacrifices of immigrants and mill workers over a century ago. Newton Upper Falls is one of the most diverse villages of Newton, with a population including recent immigrant families and many elderly and handicapped individuals, and is home to multifamily dwellings with affordable housing both existing and under construction. Without other means of transportation, many parishioners walk to daily and weekly Masses at Mary Immaculate. The parish serves a vibrant and growing faith community. The church is the center of the community in Upper Falls, with many local organizations such as the Women's Club and two 12-step programs using its facilities for meetings. The church is entirely accessible to handicapped and disabled people. There is an energetic and well-loved pastor.
In discussions in Newton parish clusters prior to the closings, it was widely assumed by parish and lay participants that the church that would be closed was St. Philip Neri. This church, a mission church built by the parish of Mary Immaculate years ago, is much smaller and lacks handicap access. It is located in Waban, a neighborhood with far less socioeconomic diversity than Newton Upper Falls. To the shock and disappointment of many throughout Newton, Mary Immaculate was closed in favor of St. Philip Neri.
I was present at the recent Mass of Hope held two weeks ago on a Friday evening at Mary Immaculate and presided over by Archbishop Sean O'Malley. It was enormously moving to see the church filled with 550 parishioners, including small children and many infirm, elderly, and handicapped individuals. As a physician, I know the enormous effort required by many to attend and plead through their physical presence and prayer for the survival of their parish. But the archbishop appeared unmoved. Both in public homily and personal conversation, he seemed to display a true lack of compassion for the people he shepherds.
Many, many parishioners will be unable to attend weekly Mass in the geographically and handicapped inaccessible St. Philip Neri parish. A beautiful, beloved, historically and artistically irreplaceable worship space will cease to exist. And, for the sake of dollars, the soul of a faith community will be destroyed. Personally, I continue to struggle with the hypocrisy that -- despite what exists as Catholic teaching, was proclaimed in scripture readings this past weekend, and is frequently sermonized -- for the leaders of the archdiocese of Boston, it seems that it really is only about the money.
In consideration of the parish appeals, the archdiocese now has an opportunity to act judiciously and with compassion for its people. There is time for the reconsideration of decisions made in haste and without complete information. Alternative strategies have been suggested to allow for preservation of parishes. Mediation cannot possibly succeed if the outcome is unilateral. Now is an opportunity for the archbishop to hear the cries of the people and restore faith in the leadership of the church.
MARY P. MULLEN Wellesley 