Bankruptcy Sparks Wave of Proposed Shutdowns (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Buffalo, New York – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo plunged into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020 amid roughly 900 sexual abuse claims. Facing a mounting settlement, church leaders moved to shutter dozens of parishes and sell their properties. Local faithful, led by figures like Mary Pruski, pushed back fiercely. Their efforts, grounded in canon law, have kept several churches open despite the financial pressures.
Bankruptcy Sparks Wave of Proposed Shutdowns
The diocese’s financial woes stemmed directly from New York’s Sexual Assault Victims Act, which lifted statute-of-limitations barriers for old cases. Claims dated back to the late 1950s, including those from families of victims who had died or taken their own lives. Negotiations halted upon bankruptcy filing, marking what advocates call the longest such case for any U.S. diocese.
Leaders targeted affluent parishes with valuable land for closure, aiming to tap savings and real estate sales for victim compensation. Six years ago, the diocese oversaw 160 churches. By early 2024, that number had dwindled amid mergers and shutdowns. Now, close to 90 remain open, with many others converted to apartments, mosques, or left vacant.
Mary Pruski Emerges as Key Advocate
A former critical care nurse with a history of challenging authority, Pruski joined the fray when her parish, St. Bernadette’s in Orchard Park, faced closure. The church sits on 27 prime acres, making it a prime target. She channeled her advocacy instincts into the fight, declaring her determination rooted in personal resolve…