The priest, who falls under the Archdiocese of Tuam, voluntarily agreed to step away from the pulpit earlier this year.
A statement confirming his departure due to a “safeguarding nature” was also read to parishioners at two separate recent weekend masses.
Gardai and Tusla have been investigating the priest in question, who is in his 70s, for several months after alleged victims came forward to give statements about the alleged abuse.
One of the alleged victims, who wished to remain anonymous, said that their reasoning for coming forward to highlight this issue now is because “it’s about time the public deserved the truth”.
They said: “Bishop after Bishop in Tuam have chosen to hide the truth from the public - I just want the public to know the truth once and for all.
“The abuse to me started when I was 14. That is a long time to be carrying around something like this which has changed my life completely.
“Coming forward to tell my story and share the news of this investigation may help other victims come forward in the future. And there are many victims in these cases who have not yet been able to speak out and I understand why. I was one of them for a very long time.”
Some of the alleged abuse is said to have taken place on the grounds of a school in the county.
In a letter issued to the alleged victim, the Archdiocese of Tuam and Bishop Duffy outlined a number of steps for the alleged victim to take after confiding in them about the alleged abuse.
The letter reads: “Thank you again for coming to meet with me on [specific date]. As I indicated when we met, a number of steps would follow immediately.
“These include: A formal report to An Garda Siochana; A formal report to Tusla Child and Family Agency; The Establishment of a Church Preliminary Investigation which would be immediately suspended until the conclusion of the investigation by the gardai and Tusla; A meeting with the priest to put the complaint to him, and to ask him to voluntarily step aside from his ministry.”
The letter continues: “All of these have been done. I propose to visit the parish at the weekend to make a statement”.
That statement he’s referring to was read out from the church altar just two days after the alleged victim received the above letter.
Parishioners were told by Archbishop Duffy: “I am here today to share some difficult news. Following receipt by the Archdiocese, of information of a safeguarding nature regarding your parish priest, he has agreed to step aside voluntarily from his ministry.
“The information is stated to relate to several decades ago. This precautionary measure will allow time within which all necessary investigations may take place.
“It is important to emphasise the presumption of innocence in matters of this nature and that stepping aside does not imply guilt.”
“During this time, arrangements are being made to meet the pastoral and sacramental needs of the parish. I will be in contact with the Parish Pastoral Council regarding these plans. We pray for all involved.”
The alleged victim added that “instinct towards concealment” is still very much a factor in the Church.
“The Archdiocese of Tuam has faced scrutiny over decades, most notably with the Tuam Mother and Baby Home and a number of clerical abuse cases in which the response of the Church authorities was called into question.
“That the departure of a priest under active investigation could be announced in this way suggests that, whatever steps were taken privately, instinct towards concealment remains deeply embedded in how the Archdiocese communicates with the people it is suppose to serve.”
The alleged victim said they want others who may be in a similar position to know that help is just a phone call away.