WINTHROP — Bishop Richard Malone on Saturday asked that multiple tributes to Father Joseph McGowan be taken down from St. Francis Xavier Church after the church confirmed child sexual abuse allegations against the late pastor, according to a letter and press release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

McGowan retired in 1957 after 28 years at St. Francis. The complaints were of abuse between 1936 and 1949, Communications Director Sue Bernard said, and came to light last summer.

“Some parishioners may be surprised or saddened by this news,” Malone wrote in a letter read during Saturday afternoon Mass.

“Out of a sense of care and compassion for those who have suffered in silence for many years, I have asked that any memorials or tributes in Father McGowan’s name that are displayed on church property be removed in support of those who were abused by him.”

The local Knights of Columbus will drop McGowan from its council name.

McGowan had previously headed St. Mary’s in Augusta and Sacred Heart in Portland, according to Bernard. He died in 1962 at age 72. Among the items removed from the church: a large photo and large metal plaque. McGowan’s name appeared at the bottom of a stained glass window in the sacristy, Bernard said. That was covered up. 

— Kathryn Skelton