In re Archdiocesan Cemeteries

HERRON, J.,

The petition filed by the archdiocese of Philadelphia raises the issue of whether *530entering into a lease agreement and a management agreement with a third party cemetery company for the maintenance, management and operation of thirteen archdiocesan cemeteries constitutes a diversion of property from the purposes, uses and trusts to which these cemeteries have been lawfully dedicated. In entering these agreements, the archdiocese emphasizes its intent to maintain ownership of the cemeteries as well as their Catholic character. By entering into lease and management agreements with…