Sherborn's Peace Abbey sold to local man

SHERBORN, Mass. (AP) -- The financially-struggling Peace Abbey in Sherborn has been sold to a local man for $300,000.

Founder and director Lewis Randa says the Peace Abbey's furnishings, materials and other holdings will be moved to UMass-Boston's Center and Archives for Peace, Social Action, Public Policy, and the Arts.

Randa told The MetroWest Daily News he's "thrilled" with the sale and an association with UMass will allow the abbey to have a "much greater impact." The sale will help the abbey pay its mortgage and repay shareholders.

Randa said the buyer, Bob Murchison, has agreed to keep the Peace Abbey's two memorials in perpetuity and restore existing buildings

The multifaith abbey, founded in 1988, promotes pacifism and social justice. It has hosted distinguished visitors including Mother Teresa, Maya Angelou and Muhammad Ali.