In Memory of Monsignor William Francis

Funeral Services are being held today for Boston Police Chaplain Monsignor William Francis.
Monsignor Francis (center) with fellow Police chaplains Father John Connolly and Father Sean Connor.
The Boston Police Department has lost a true friend and spiritual advisor with the recent passing of Monsignor William Francis this past Monday. Father Bill, as he was known to us, was one of the Boston Police Department Chaplains since 1978. For over 27 years, in addition to his role as the Pastor of St. Paul/ Holy Family Parish in Roxbury, he was on call 24 hours a day to assist the Police Department in our times of need. During a tragic period of time from 1987 through 1994, when the Police Department suffered the loss of 8 officers in line of duty deaths, Father Bill was there to offer his comfort, support and guidance to family and co-workers. Whenever the Police Department needed him, he was there. Whether it was his many hospital visits to officers injured in the line of duty, counseling officers in need of assistance, or officiating at the annual Police Memorial Mass, he was a steady and reassuring presence. Father Bill was also there for the good times in the Department, as an honored participant at the Annual Ball and police retirement parties. His great sense of humor and personal skills made it easy for him to walk the line between the Priest and Police. We as a department will always be in debt to his devotion to our officers and his legacy will always be part of our history.
His obituary is available via the Boston Herald.
The Dorchester Reporter has also posted a look back at the Monsignor’s life.