Project Endorsements

“The abuse I endured from the age of 9 and over the years that followed was committed by an employee of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and his associates.  These atrocities took place in the rectory on site, not at the church that continues to be a place of solace for me and many others even after decades have passed.  

I whole-heartedly support the AWH Committee and their vision for the development of the Holy Rosary Parish property.  I can't help but know in my heart it's time.  I'm asking you all to join me in supporting this well-intended group of volunteers to create a beacon of hope and renewal.  A safe place for our community, families and survivors like me to continue with the healing process.  Together with the AWH Committee, we can create positive change around mental health and wellness by supporting the vision for the property.”

-Andrew Neary

“Dear Mayor McDonald and council:

As a family landowner and long time taxpayer in St Philip’s, I am really keen on the recent possibility of repurposing the RC Church in Portugal Cove.  Every parish church property in the archdiocese is up for sale in order to compensate the survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. There’s no argument there.  The Arts, Wellness and Heritage  committee is attempting to move in a positive direction to investigate the possibility of repurposing an historic landmark church. From speaking to many Catholics from a variety of parishes around this area, people fully understand the priority of compensation but also feel a strong attachment to their local parishes and hope that many of these landmark buildings can be reimagined and repurposed so that local communities can rebuild a better future for their communities. Vibrant community centres serving a variety of community groups including church goers can only be a positive step towards healing and still compensating the survivors.  Everyone needs more signs of hope and positive movement towards building better futures for local communities. This will only add more reasons for families to continue to live and thrive in PCSP!

I am asking for your support and vote to grant the funds requested by the Arts, Wellness and Heritage committee to carry out a professional, physical inspection and appraisal of the buildings associated with the tender to sell the RC church and property in Portugal Cove.”

— Anne Campbell

“After listening to last nights meeting, I am awestruck by the courage and unbiased opinion of a survivor, I had to acknowledge and show my support.  My cousin Andrew spoke of the abuse he survived at such a young age.  His story of how even after that the church, who employed his abuser, has played such a huge part in his healing.  The potential opportunity he acknowledges to what this type of gathering place could offer to our community. The togetherness, healing, learning and most importantly safe space we could offer right here in our community.   My father has grown up in this community and was an alter boy himself, and raised us with our faith in the same church.  My daughter was baptized and buried from this church and in the cemetery behind.  My mother was buried just five years ago from this church and rests in the same plot as Sarah, my daughter.  My father who has been sick since mom passed will eventually be laid to rest with Mom and Sarah.  When he had heard of this his first thought was not be able to be laid to rest with his wife, granddaughter and parents. If the church was sold and developed.  I have since had to tell dad that it’s all over now to stop his fear.  

Please accept this email as my show of support in all the the AWH Committee is proposing for the repurposing of Holy Rosary Parish.  As Andrew said, we grew up across from the church I look out every window in the front of my home and see the Church.  The idea of it being torn down and developed into anything is devastating to say the least. “

- Tracey Neary-Peddle

“Dear Mayor McDonald and Councillors

I am writing to express my support in favour of the town to grant funding to the Arts, Wellness and Heritage Committee to assist them in their efforts of carrying out an analysis and assessment of the existing conditions of the RC Church and property in Portugal Cove. The Arts, Wellness and Heritage Committee have proposed a creative idea that would see the adaptive reuse and preservation of a significant historic structure in the community and provide opportunities for programming that supports future community engagement and activities.  The evaluation process of the property is an important first step in determining the long term use and viability of the existing structure and property and one the town should support. 

Please consider my request and I look forward to your decision.”

-Timothy Murray

“We write in support of the proposal by the PCSP AWH Committee which is investigating the feasibility of purchasing the property currently being tendered, namely the RC Catholic Church and properties. The CBC News story last Thursday did little but stir a pot of bad memories and suggestions that our Town prematurely stifle any attempt to reimagine the property for the benefit of many in future generations of our community.  We have no doubt that our community requires a facility dedicated to arts, wellness and heritage.  The opportunity to make it happen is just that, an unexpected opportunity with a very tight timeline.  Despite the challenges, a very dedicated group has come forward determined to meet those challenges. Our family home, originally built in 1954, has been a neighbouring property of the Church for the past 68 years. Our family members have attended what was once a school, they have observed the baptisms, weddings and funerals.  They have participated in the concerts that were once held in the church hall, the garden parties, and yes, the annual cemetery masses.  Six family members rest in the graveyard. During that time there have been hundreds if not thousands of events to celebrate.  While it is unfortunate that the property is to be sold, let us not forget that the remaining structure can be reimagined into a beautiful structure that can help, over time, heal the bad memories. There are many success stories in reimagining properties as community centres.  Energetic committees compromised of individuals from all walks of life have come together to make positive influences on communities. 

Having listened to the zoom briefing last Thursday night, we are confident that this current committee should be given the full support of Council by whatever means possible. Please look away from the past and throw your support behind the people trying to make a new addition to our community infrastructure.”

— Bill and Linda Rose

“I am the Chairperson of the volunteer AWH committee along with others in our community that have come together to make this project a reality. This is and has been my family’s home for centuries. This project is just simply the right thing to do, and it is our obligation to those that came before us and those that come after us to try in our way to make our community a place of inclusion and healing. In his presentation to our municipal council Andrew said it best “to create a beacon of hope”. The AWH committee has come together to try and make an opportunity for inclusion and healing a reality. Please support this project in any and every way you can.”

-Michael Murray

“I am a mental health advocate and a wellness supporter. It has been my life’s work to support people in their journey of healing. I have provided safe places for people to find support and healing. I am part of this project because I know that this project can and will be a safe place of inclusion, healing, and support for those in their time of need. Our community needs this, our residents need this, the survivors of the trauma that was caused here and other places like this need this, all of us, the survivors and their families need this healing, this space this opportunity. Please support this project in any and every way you can.”

-Erin Gallant

“I am a veteran of this country. It has been my life’s work to serve my country and now the many veterans that lay at rest in this place and many places throughout our community, country, and the world. These are our nations hero’s that stepped up when it was needed. Andrew and other survivors are heroes as well who has stepped up, this group of good and well-intended people have stepped up. This is a good project for healing and respectful remembrance of the people of this place. Please support this project in any and every way you can.”

-Retired Major Michael Pretty