Updated 01/13/2009 06:40 AM
Parishioners hold vigil to save church
ADAMS, Mass. -- A group of people are praying the rosary Monday at St. Stanislaus Kostka church in Adams. But these aren't just parishioners. They're protesters.
“We've had at least 100 people involved. I haven't added up lately, but last count there were 99 and still counting. We keep adding people every day," said protester Francis Hajdas.
For eighteen days in a row, protesters have held a vigil here 24 hours a day. They're challenging a decision from the Springfield Diocese to close the church and merge with two others. As of Monday, parishioners have rotated shifts while staying in the church for more than 400 consecutive hours. It's been closed to the public since January 1.
"I sleep in the bench. Some people sleep on air mattresses or some people may bring a cot in," said Hajdas.
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"I average from three to eight hours a day because I'm like the daytime person," said protester Hank Tomkowicz.
The protesters say they're prepared to stay for months, or even years, if needed.
"It breaks my heart. It really does. Father Bonzani keeps saying that we're grieving. Well, I don't know if we're grieving. I just think we're angry that they would do this to us," said protester Mary Kizeminski.
In a statement, the Bishop's office in Springfield said, "The diocese has no immediate plans to force an end to this vigil. As long as safety issues do not arise, we will await word from the Vatican."
On December 28th, parishioners held signs outside that said, "This church is to Berkshire County what St. Patrick's Cathedral is to New York City." One of the organizers says there's so much architectural detail inside this church that you might have to go to Europe to see anything else like it.
"I think it's great. The people that are coming in are positive. They feel that they're doing something for the good of the church and people, especially the older people, feel that it's worth trying to save the church," said Tomkowicz.
The Diocese says the closing has nothing to do with any recent sexual abuse settlements. But no matter what the reason, these parishioners are praying for a new decision.