CV NEWS FEED // Investigators believe that an October 23 fire that began in the sacristy of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Franklin, Massachusetts, was intentionally set.
The fire was reported at approximately 5:45 p.m. through a fire alarm and a 911 call, according to an October 24 WCVB5 local news report. Firefighters arrived quickly and managed to bring the blaze under control; however, heavy smoke spread throughout the building, causing extensive damage.
A joint investigation involving the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Police Department, state police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) concluded that the fire was an act of arson.
“Based on an examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence gathered throughout last night and this morning, they collectively determined that the fire was intentionally set,” said Jake Wark, a member of the Fire Marshal’s office.
CatholicVote’s Violence Tracker reported more than 400 attacks and vandalisms against Catholic churches in the United States since May 2020.
“Houses of worship play a vital role in every community, and our hearts go out to everyone who made St. Mary’s a part of their lives,” Franklin Fire Department Chief James McLaughlin stated, according to an October 24 report from the Boston Herald.
As a result of the fire, all services at St. Mary’s Church have been postponed, including a funeral for a beloved priest that was originally scheduled for October 24, WCVB5 reported.
“Our parish has gone through a couple [of] weeks of suffering,” Fr. Bob Poitras, the pastor, said in the article.
Fr. Poitras told local news reporters that his message for the arsonist is that “he forgives them.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire to contact the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. Tips may be eligible for rewards of up to $5,000.