Mystery Donor Answers Prayers of Newfoundland Town That Fought to Keep Its Church

An anonymous donor purchased the Holy Rosary Church, shown in this photo on Nov. 11, 2025, in Portugal Cove South, N.L. The Canadian Press/Sarah Smellie11/15/2025|Updated: 11/15/2025Residents of a rural Newfoundland community who once locked the doors to their church to block its sale are celebrating this month after a mystery donor bought the building for them.Cynthia Power, chair of the historical corporation in Portugal Cove South, N.L., was emotional as she described the relief and gratitude she felt as the keys to the Holy Rosary Church were placed in her hands last month.Author’s Selected Articles