CLARENCE, N.Y. (WKBW) — Two Catholic parishes in Western New York are celebrating a major victory after the Vatican overturned the Buffalo Diocese's decision to close and merge their churches as part of the "Road to Renewal" restructuring plan.

Our Lady of Peace Parish in Clarence and Holy Apostles Parish in Jamestown appealed to the Vatican, which ruled that both churches can remain open despite the diocese's original orders.

"Our Lady of Peace is open for business, ready to be their home for many, many years to come," Tim Creenan, a parishioner, said.

At Our Lady of Peace, parishioners shared their relief and joy at the Vatican's decision. The Buffalo Diocese's Road to Renewal plan had called for the parish to merge with nearby Nativity parish.

"It's wonderful. It's amazing,” Lois Me

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