Diocese and retired priest named in lawsuit

October 1, 2020, Worcester, MA – Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, announced that the Diocese of Worcester has been named in a suit along with Fr. Thomas 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, Fr. 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 Fr. 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 September 23 on behalf of the Diocese. Fr. 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 2012.
            Fr. Mahoney was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Worcester in 1968. Prior to Upton, he 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.
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