2 Mass. churches may remain open, Vatican rules

CHICOPEE, Mass. (AP) — The Vatican has ruled that two western Massachusetts churches closed by the Springfield Diocese should remain open, including one that parishioners have occupied for two years.

Parishioners learned today that the Vatican ruled that Bishop Timothy McDonnell had not justified closing down the churches in Adams and Chicopee, meaning they remain open for worship. It’s not clear yet to what extent they could be used.

The Vatican recently made similar rulings in the Allentown Diocese in Pennsylvania.

The Springfield Diocese may appeal to the Vatican’s high court. A diocesan spokesman didn’t immediately return calls for comment.

Parishioners have occupied the Adams church since 2008.