Fr. Francis Signorelli, a Xaverian Missionary Father from Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston, MA, passed away on February 7, 2026. He was 93 years old. Born in 1932 in Marolles, Oise, France, he was the youngest son of the late Christoforo and Guiseppa Signorelli. He had an older brother and two older sisters, all predeceased. The family moved to Brembate Bergemo Italy, in the late 1930s. There are many nieces, nephews, and cousins in France and Italy.
Fr. Francis began his preparation for missionary service in Italy as a high school student in 1945 and completed his initial studies in 1952. After completing his novitiate year, he took his first vows as a Xaverian Missionary. He was then sent to the USA to complete his studies for the priesthood. His first years in the US were in Holliston, where he studied at the Marist Seminary in Framingham. He then completed his graduate studies in Milwaukee, WI, studying at St. Francis Major Seminary, and was ordained a priest on February 2, 1959.
Fr. Francis was assigned to Holliston, where he served as Spiritual Director for the high school seminarians as well as treasurer of the community. In 1968, he was named the Rector of the college and graduate student community in Milwaukee. In 1974, he was assigned to the Brazilian mission of the Xaverians along the Amazon River, where he served as pastor and later as Provincial Superior. In 1983, he was elected the Vice General of the worldwide Xaverian Communities, resident in Rome, Italy, but travelling to all of the various Xaverian Missions throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
At the conclusion of his service on the General Administration, he returned to the USA and took a sabbatical year. In 1993, he was elected the Provincial Superior of the United States, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. At the conclusion of his mandate in 2000, he returned to Holliston, first as the Rector of the community there and then from 2003 to 2014 as director of Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. He remained in Holliston, assisting the community in any way he could in his senior years.
Fr. Francis enjoyed a very rich and expansive missionary experience throughout his 67 years of priesthood, and he gladly shared that joy and passion with all he met. He has been very well loved by all who frequent Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and will be deeply missed.
The funeral services for Fr. Francis will begin with a wake service on Monday, February 16th, at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holliston, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Xaverian Community Cemetery at Fatima Shrine. To conclude, there will be a reception at the Shrine Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fr. Francis’s name to the Xaverian Missionaries, 101 Summer Street, Holliston, MA 01746.
