Parishioners seek answers after monsignor is removed over sexual abuse allegations

FRAMINGHAM (MA)
WCVB-TV

October 26, 2019

Parishioners at a Framingham Catholic church attended their first Mass since learning their longtime pastor has been removed due to sexual abuse allegations.

The Rev. Monsignor Francis V. Strahan, who was pastor of St. Bridget Parish, was placed on administrative officials by the Archdiocese of Boston after he was accused of sexually abusing a child. He will not be allowed to have any public ministry during the leave, according to the archdiocese.

“It’s certainly a confusing time for all of us,” said parishioner Gerard Kelly. “I would say to the church, as a parishioner: ‘Shame on you. We deserve to know more. We deserve to know more of the facts.’ With regards to whether I believe the accusations or not, I don’t know enough.

“The single greatest thing they could have done for us, as parishioners, to find closure, would be allow us to say goodbye.”

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