Arsonist Remains at Large, Fund for Repair Created

By J.D. O’Gara

Although services in the main portion of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Franklin remained suspended in late November, church business rebounded rather quickly after a fire last month, resuming weekend and daily Masses of late October in the Chapel and Sacred Heart Hall portions of the building. The Mass schedule is Monday – Friday, 7 a.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with livestream currently unavailable due to the fire.

Fr. Bob Poitras of St. Mary’s expressed happiness that services at the church could resume in some fashion. As he noted in Facebook post in late October, “This is great news that we can at least return to some use of our church so quickly. While it will not always feel ideal, at least we can join together again in our church in some form and fashion. We will all need to have patience as we continue to move forward and make the best of what we have.” 

The fire that damaged St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Franklin yesterday evening is still being investigated as arson and investigators are asking for the public’s help, said Franklin Fire Chief James G. McLaughlin, Franklin Police Chief Thomas J. Lynch, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. 

A press release issued immediately following the fire from the Fire Marshall’s office noted that the fire departments of Norfolk, Wrentham, Medway, Bellingham, and Plainville provided mutual aid at the scene of the fire. The Foxborough Fire Department provided station coverage. 

As of late November, (Local Town Pages press time) the arsonist remained at large.

“We’re asking anyone with information on this fire to share it with investigators,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Call the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they wish.”

The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects or prevents arson crimes.

Following the fire, on Sunday morning, October 27th, members of St. Mary’s Parish turned out by the hundreds to attend Sunday Mass outdoors behind the St. Mary’s School, with news crews attending and Franklin police standing by. Following the Mass, parishioners lined up in droves to embrace their three pastors in a mutual show of support. Churchgoers Local Town Pages spoke with expressed compassion.

“I feel very sad that this person, whoever it is, has such deep wounds and dark thoughts. I don’t’ think this person understands how much good there is in the church, how many people love the church and their God, because, if they did, I don’t’ think they would have done that,” said parishioner Donna Strok, a fifth generation Franklin resident whose family has always attended the church.

“I feel sad at what happened and so very proud of our pastor, Fr. John, the whole staff, everyone who came together, as Franklin does, and as St. Mary’s does,” added another churchgoer, Donna O’Neil.

Later, the Franklin Interfaith Council offered a venue for those outside the St. Mary’s community to show their support, with a gathering entitled, Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity: Responding to Violence with Compassion and Unity.” Various faith leaders in the community offered support to St. Mary’s and words of encouragement, healing and solidarity. Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer also spoke at the ceremony, offering thoughts and prayers on behalf of the Town and its members. 

“…We are here as one community, and we all stand with you as you continue the healing process from this unthinkable act…,” said Mercer.

Those who would like to support reconstruction and repair of the damaged areas in the church are directed to the ongoing Saint Mary Parish Fire Fund. If you would like to donate, please send checks to St. Mary Parish, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA 20238 or visit

https://www.osvhub.com/stmarysfranklin/giving/funds. 

For information on church services, visit www.stmarysfranklin.org.