Update January 19, 2025

By Jean LeBlanc | Président – Société Héritage Saint-Bernard

January 19, 2025

In 2023 the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth decided to offer what had been the Saint Bernard church for sale with an asking price of $250,000. They indicated they had received many enquiries and a certain number of offers. They determined at that time that Nation Prospère, a not-for-profit organization from New Brunswick, would be chosen as the eventual purchaser.

Nation Prospère’s plans included partnering with the local community in its efforts to save Saint Bernard, and so a representative from the local parish organized a meeting between Nation Prospère and Héritage Saint Bernard. While recognizing the difficult task that saving Saint Bernard would entail, both societies concluded that by pooling their resources there would be a greater chance of success.

Héritage Saint-Bernard and Nation Prospère finalized the purchase of Saint Bernard with the archdiocese in July 2023. This consisted of an initial upfront payment of $50,000, followed by four yearly payments of $50,000 plus interest due on August 31st annually.

By the spring of 2024 it was clear that fundraising efforts, which had raised approximately $40,000, would fall short of the anticipated needs. It was determined that essential repairs to the roof, doors, water system, emergency lighting and fire response systems would take precedence.

This needed to be done in order to open Saint Bernard to the public for the first time in four years and prepare it for the World Acadian Congress activities. Further fund-raising efforts had not been successful to generate ample funds for the upcoming annual payment and at the same time ensure sufficient funds would be held for important maintenance still required. It was hoped that the archdiocese would be open to renegotiating the remaining debt as there are recent examples of other surplus churches being either offered or sold to community groups for one dollar.

In May 2024, Daniel LeBlanc from Nation Prospère met with Archbishop Dunn in Halifax on behalf of both societies to explain the financial situation. From this meeting, it was shared by Archbishop Dunn, that should the local parish (Notre Dame d'Acadie) agree to forgive the debt the diocese would agree with that decision as money from the sale of Saint Bernard was being directed to the local parish. Both Nation Prospère and Héritage Saint-Bernard were encouraged that a resolution to the issue could be achieved allowing them to put efforts towards the significant repairs still required for the building to be open to the public for the upcoming season after the winter period.

Héritage Saint-Bernard sent a letter to Notre Dame d’Acadie in Clare explaining the financial position position and asking for the debt to be forgiven. The society also stated that they would prefer to meet with them at their convenience to be able to discuss face to face should they have any questions or concerns.

No meeting options were offered, and no meeting took place, instead a letter dated July 2, 2024 was received from the Archdiocese stating that they expected both societies to keep their commitment for the next payment of some $54,489.82 due August 31, 2024.

Héritage Saint Bernard responded with another letter on August 4th, 2024 again explaining the difficult financial position. That communication also included a request to meet the Archdiocese and the parish to see if some sort of agreement could be achieved and offered alternatives for them to consider. Unfortunately, there was no response from either the Archdiocese or the local parish until Aug 26, 2024 when the Archdiocese issued a letter via a lawyer. This letter sent on behalf of the Archdiocese of Halifax - Yarmouth in part stated, “…in the event of a default the full amount outstanding will be due and payable under the Promissory Note.” The Archdiocese also indicated they were prepared to realize on the security established by the Mortgage.

Nothing further was communicated by the Archdiocese or Notre Dame d'Acadie, and unknown to both Héritage Saint-Bernard and Nation Prospère on Oct 30, 2024, the Archdiocese had launched legal action against both societies. It was not until Dec 2, 2024 that a Notice of Action was delivered to the societies indicating that the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Yarmouth was taking legal action against them.

While it certainly can be considered morally unjust that a Corporation having contributed nothing to the construction or maintenance of Saint Bernard, is taking those who were attempting to save and repurpose Saint Bernard for the betterment of the community to court, it is the case. The renovations, repairs, art sales, displays, concerts, family reunions and opening the doors to approximately 6500 members of the public in the limited time Saint Bernard was open, are all something Héritage Saint-Bernard and Nation Prospère can reflect upon as small successes for the community.

However, legally there is no winning course against this legal action unless $200 000 can be paid to the Archdiocese. Héritage Saint Bernard, after having its volunteer society members deliberate and vote regarding a resolution to advise its legal representative to begin the process of returning the ownership of Saint Bernard to the Archdiocese, see this as the only course of action to cease increased legal costs that will become their additional financial burden. In the past, the Archdiocese has stated they would place Saint Bernard for sale once again. Héritage Saint-Bernard can only hope that any future owners wish to keep Saint Bernard whole and make it an asset for the community once again instead of other potential outcomes such as deconstruction in order for someone to benefit from the sale of its parts.

On behalf of the volunteer community members of Société Héritage Saint-Bernard, thank you for all your support in the past, present and in the future.

Jean LeBlanc

Président – Société Héritage Saint-Bernard