A years-long vigil at a Framingham church, held to protest the church’s 2005 closing, is over after the Vatican rejected an appeal of its sale by the Boston archdiocese.

Parishioners at St. Jeremiah learned Tuesday the Vatican denied their appeal of the sale to the Syro-Malobar diocese of the Eastern Catholic Church. The parishioners had argued the sale was forbidden under church law.

Early this month, the Syro-Malobar changed the locks at St. Jeremiah. Parishioner Jackie Lemmerhirt said the Syro-Malobar were allowing parishioners to use the building for Mass and religious education, and they didn’t want to disrupt the relationship by occupying the church in vigil when they aren’t permitted there.

The parishioners are reviewing possible further appeal.

A spokesman for the archdiocese says church leaders hope and pray the protesters will join an active parish. (AP)