Vatican: Bishop's reasons for closing Immaculate Conception not sufficient and grave

YOUNGSTOWN

The Diocese of Youngstown received a formal decree from the Vatican Congregation of Clergy concerning Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, which was closed by the diocese, but the decree does not order the reopening of the church.

The Vatican decree states that the reasons given by Bishop George V. Murry for the closure of Immaculate Conception Church are not “sufficient and grave” as required by Canon Law. The Vatican decree did not direct Bishop Murry to reopen Immaculate Conception and said the bishop may appeal this ruling to the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

The bishop plans to appeal. During the appeal process, Immaculate Conception will remain closed.

The other decree from the Vatican upholds the merger of St. Aloysius Church in East Liverpool and Immaculate Conception into the new parish of Holy Trinity. The churches are in the Columbiana Deanery.

For the full story, read Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.