PENNSYLVANIA
The Tribune-Democrat
Justin Dennis
jdennis@tribdem.com
JOHNSTOWN — A Conventual Franciscan priest with the Altoona-Johnstown Catholic Diocese has been suspended from public ministry due to allegations of sexual abuse that occurred in the 1980s.
According to a release from the diocese, the Rev. Michael Lewandowski, OFM Conv., has been accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. His duties within the diocese were revoked by Bishop Mark Bartchak upon receipt of a notice from the Franciscan Order detailing the allegations.
Lewandowski had served the diocese since 1997 as pastor of St. Anne Parish in Davidsville.
Parishioners were informed of the allegations during weekend Mass services.
Officials from the Franciscan Order at the Our Lady of the Angels Province in Ellicott City, Maryland, have reported the allegations to authorities, the release states. The diocese and Franciscan Order are unaware of any further sexual misconduct allegations against Lewandowski, according to the release.
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