Sometimes the best form of action, when attempting to preserve a religious structure and institution, is simply to pray. That’s what parishioners from St. Ann’s Church are doing. Leading up to the church’s annual Feast of Saint Ann (no longer held at the shuttered church), rosaries (traditional Tridium devotions) will be performed outside of the magnificent structure.
Instead of simply just going away, parishioners of the church are asking the public to join them as they pray for the salvation and reopening of their blessed church and shrine (closed by the Catholic Diocese in 2012). Supporters are counting on postcards, press releases and social media to get the message out. They are asking current and past parishioners, as well as the general public to join together to show solidarity.
In the meantime, parishioners are attending Saints Columba-Brigid Church, 418 North Division Street, for mass. Following each rosary, church followers will pray that the Vatican’s recent decree that St Ann’s be retained as a site of worship is more than just a mixed message (see here). The Diocese claims that the structure is unsound and is too costly to repair (learn more).
The Triduum is being offered for the three days leading to the feast of Saint Ann – July 24, 25, and includes 26 (the feast).
If you want to see what is so important about the church as it pertains to the city of Buffalo’s architectural legacy, take a closer look by virtually visiting the interior of the sanctuary – click here to see what the hype is all about.
St. Ann’s | 651 Broadway (At Emslie Street) | Buffalo, New York 14212
Lead image: Construction began in August 1878 and continued until May 1886 — at Saint Ann’s Church and Shrine, Buffalo NY – Saint Ann’s Church and Shrine on Facebook.