FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A pastor serving in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Diocese has suddenly retired, amid an investigation into sexual abuse allegations.

Parishioners attending St. Patrick Parish in Walkerton received a shock this past Sunday, when a letter written by Bishop Kevin Rhoades was read to them, detailing the accusations against Pastor, Rev. James Seculoff.

The allegations date back more than 40 years. According to the publication, Today's Catholic, the investigation has generated sufficient evidence that the abuse did occur at the time, Seculoff was serving at the Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Diocese. He also divided his time between Fort Wayne, Huntington and South Bend.