CATHOLIC CONDOS

In the wake of the sex abuse scandal, the Boston diocese has sold off 65 churches to balance the budget. Not a few areupset at what they've become:

Boston Catholics grieving the loss off 65 diocesan churches are even more downhearted to learn that their former places of worship are being sold as luxury condominiums.

The Archdiocese of Boston last month announced it would sell off some of its churches in order to balance the budget.

Bernie McFarland and his father bought St. Peter and Paul's Church, one of the most venerable in Boston, to turn it into high-priced condos.

"We retained as much of the interior as we could to make a beautiful living space," said McFarland.

With the original plaster work, stained glass windows, arches, moldings and even the paint on the ceiling, these condos are selling for between $300,000 and $1 million.

While I am no fan of the Catholic church, at the same time it certainly is the sign of a decadent culture when 65 churches can simply be sold off, their doors shut forever. This in the face of booming population growth, of course. On the other hand, it must be recognized that it is also the result of the Catholic church's arrogance in dealing with their own charges.

On many levels, it is sad to see.