DETROIT — The Archdiocese of Detroit has placed a senior priest on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct with minors dating to before his ordination.

Retired Fr. Loren O’Dea, 83, was placed on administrative leave of absence Oct. 5 and restricted from any public ministry.

The archdiocese, after consultation with the Archdiocesan Review Board, deemed substantive two allegations of sexual misconduct with minors involving Fr. O’Dea that date back just prior to his 1993 ordination. Information about the allegations, which was received in recent weeks, was turned over to civil authorities.

The Archdiocese of Detroit commissioned an investigation that found the complaints to be of sufficient substance to require the placement of restrictions on Fr. O’Dea prohibiting him from performing any public ministry or presenting himself as a priest.

Fr. O’Dea was ordained in 1993 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and served as associate pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Farmington before being granted senior status in 1997.

Fr. Mark Brauer, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows, said none of the allegations surrounding Fr. O’Dea involved any parishioners, students or staff members of the parish.

“This is hard news to share,” Fr. Brauer told his parish, “and, likewise, I’m sure, not easy to hear. As we process of all this together, I think the best thing we can do as a parish community is commit ourselves to keep everyone involved in this matter in our prayers. Pray for them. Pray for our parish. Pray for our Church.”

Information on archdiocesan policies and procedures regarding these matters is available on the Protecting Children page. To inform the archdiocese of complaints involving sexual abuse of minors by clergy or church personnel and/or to speak to the victim assistance coordinator contact: (866) 343-8055.