Diocese, priest named in abuse lawsuit

Bishop McManus announced that the Diocese of Worcester has been named in a lawsuit, along with Father Thomas E. Mahoney, retired priest of the diocese, for abuse of a minor in the 1970s. The law office of Attorney Carmen Durso is representing “John Doe” as the claimant.
Bishop McManus said, “Because of the serious nature of the allegation, and consistent with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Father Mahoney was notified that I have relieved him of his faculties as a priest.”
“The news of any claim of sexual misconduct with a minor is always shocking,” continued Bishop McManus. “I ask that you keep all victims of abuse in your prayers. I also ask that you keep Father Mahoney in your prayers as the matter is addressed.”
Attorney Paul O’Connor of Milton, Lawrence and Dixon, LLP, who is representing the diocese, accepted service of the complaint on Sept. 23 on behalf of the diocese. Father Mahoney will seek his own counsel.
In keeping with the norms issued by the Holy See following adoption of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a canonical process has begun including a report of the allegation to the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith in Rome.  The result of that canonical process, if found guilty of the allegation, could include removal from the clerical state or a sanction such as a life of prayer and penance.
Father Mahoney retired as co-pastor of St. Gabriel, the Archangel Parish in Upton in 2012.
Father Mahoney was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Worcester in 1968.
Prior to Upton, Father Mahoney served at St. Mary, North Grafton; Our Lady of the Angels, Worcester; St. Mary, Uxbridge; St. Andrew the Apostle, Worcester and St. Michael the Archangel in Mendon.