Former parishioners not giving up the fight

Not giving up the fight is what Benito Zimbalatti, a member of the group leading the fight to reverse the decision by the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie to close St. Rita's and Corpus Christi Churches last year, had to say during an update of the group’s appeal to Rome status.

Zimbalatti, a former member of St. Rita's congregation, says the little 300 seat church on Douglas Street played an important role in the lives of new Canadians from the early 1900’s to today during the update at the North Bay Public Library,.

“I am passionate about our church.”

“In early 1905 people didn’t have a place to go to church so they bought land, built the church and opened the doors to everyone.”

“We are not going to give up the fight, we are confident we will win and open up our little church.”

St Rita’s congregation has hired special lawyers in Rome to fight their case.

Phillip Penna (pictured), former Corpus Christi Parish member also leading the appeal to Rome, says the group is working hard to save the churches as Catholic worship sites. He says a recent ruling by the Vatican’s highest court in the Springfield, Massachusetts case has given them great hope here.

“Through our two appeals we are trying to get our churches back, and we are encouraged in our efforts because just a few days ago the highest court in the Church’s legal system has ordered the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts to safeguard 3 churches as Catholic worship sites,” he reads from a prepared statement.

“I have here with me a fact sheet which summarizes the key points of our most recent documentation which we have submitted to the authorities in Rome who will make the decisions on our appeals. In the two very lengthy documents submitted, we argue that the Bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie has made mistakes in procedure and in substance per canon law. These are laid in the fact sheet.”

“The major substantive error under canon law has been to physically close and deconsecrate our churches without a valid reason. This is exactly why the Vatican Court has overruled the Diocese of Springfield in the appeal of former parishioners of the three churches which have been ordered to remain as Catholic worship sites, and it is also why we will continue with our efforts.”