The group trying to save St. Bonafice Church in Manitowoc is taking their appeal to the Vatican.
St. Francis of Assisi Parishioner John Mauer tells Seehafernews.com that their group has raised over $8,000 on their GoFundMe page to pay for a lawyer to appeal their decision to the Apostolic Signatura in Rome, Italy.
Mauer thanks everyone who helped, and the group is beyond grateful for the enormous outpouring of support.
The money will be used to cover the costs of an Italian Canon Lawyer and the filing fee so their case can be heard.
The Apostolic Signatura is like a court of appeals in the Catholic Church.
Mauer says the group trying to save St. Bonafice is waiting for the next step to submit the correct documents and responses to the opposing party.
Diocese of Green Bay Bishop David Ricken affirmed a decision in 2023 to close the church due to what has been called a decline in population and loss in the industry.
The group trying to save St. Bonafice believes the church needs to be kept because it was first built in Manitowoc in the 1800s.
