Christ the King Seminary purchased in auction

During a public auction administered through U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Oct. 28, the Diocese of Buffalo’s Christ the King Seminary property was sold to World Mission Society of God. The winning bid was $4.2 million.

World Mission Society of God is a religious organization founded in 1964 that has a presence in 175 countries with 3 million members.

World Mission Society of God was the stalking horse bidder in the auction that set the opening bid for the property. The stalking horse bid was $3.8 million.

Originally listed for sale in November 2023, the 117-acre property on Knox Road in East Aurora was closed in 2020. The diocese and seminary board elected to close the seminary four years ago to contain costs while allowing students in formation to experience the advantages of larger, more diverse classes and offerings afforded through St. Mary Seminary and University in Baltimore and St. Bernard’s School of Theology in Rochester.

Christ the King Seminary originally began at St. Bonaventure University in 1857 when it was founded by the Franciscan Fathers of the Order of Friars Minor. In 1974, the seminary moved to East Aurora, where it replaced St. John Vianney Seminary. The diocese assumed sponsorship and administration of the seminary in 1990.