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(February 9, 2007) Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Statement from the
Diocese of Palm Beach
Due to the recent public reports
concerning the possible transaction of property between the Diocese
of Palm Beach and the Poor Clare Sisters, the following explanation
is offered in hopes of clarifying this matter.
First and foremost, the Diocese of Palm
Beach fully supports the mission, purpose and presence of the Poor
Clare Sisters in Delray as they serve the Catholic faithful and
community at large as a contemplative community within the Diocese.
Regretfully, the recent reports may have given a false impression of
that treasured relationship.
The Poor Clare Sisters approached the
Diocese of Palm Beach nearly a year and a half ago with a desire to
relocate due to the questionable conditions of their present
facility. At that time, the Diocese of Palm Beach immediately
offered the Sisters an opportunity to dwell free of charge in
Diocesan owned property which had been constructed as a retirement
facility for Diocesan priests. This would have been an interim
solution to their housing situation. However, that offer was never
acted upon, although it remained open to them throughout the many
months of negotiations.
In February 2006, they inquired about
the possibility of purchasing the property instead, to use as their
new monastery, making some additions and renovations. The necessary
consultations were made with the Diocesan Finance Council and
College of Consultors, which are required by Church law for sales of
this magnitude, and in March of 2006, the Diocese sent the Sisters a
Letter of Intent to sell this property to them. Again, it was not
acted upon.
Six months later, in mid August, 2006,
with the Diocesan residence still empty and suffering signs of
deterioration from disuse, the Sisters were asked to make a decision
within 60 days or the Diocese would have to accept another offer
from neighboring Emmanuel Church. This parish had long expressed a
similar need for this facility. By that point, the Sisters were
working with an out-of-state developer interested in purchasing
their land and were encountering many zoning problems. The Diocese
continued to defer to the Sisters’ request and were told it would
all be resolved by the end of December.
At the beginning of February, the
Diocese needed to know definitely as to the resolution of this
matter as the need for housing of a retired Diocesan priest
presented itself. There was no certitude as to whether the sale to
the Sisters would ever materialize or as to how long the facility
would sit unused. Knowing that an alternative solution of a brand
new facility was available to the Sisters, they were notified that
the Diocese would move ahead with the sale of the property to
Emmanuel Church. A true need on behalf of the Diocese had presented
itself which now included the residence for one retired priest and
possibly more. The decision was also in keeping with the original
intended use of the building.
The Diocese of Palm Beach has been
happy to assist the Poor Clare Sisters in multiple ways and will
continue to offer assistance to them. This relationship with the
Sisters is a treasured one and the Diocese regrets the misimpression
which this matter has caused.
CDPB
Serving the People of God in the counties of
Indian River • Okeechobee • St. Lucie
• Martin & Palm Beach |
