Home // October 17-21 2011 > Fr Bob's supporters launch campaign to keep him on

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Fr Bob's supporters launch campaign to keep him on

Published: October 17, 2011

Screenshot from www.fatherbob.com.au

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Supporters of South Melbourne priest Father Bob Maguire have begun bombarding the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne with letters and emails pleading for him to be kept on as a parish priest, reports the Herald Sun.

The parish council at South Melbourne's St Peter and Paul's Catholic Church has urged the public to join the campaign to keep the celebrity priest past his February retirement deadline.

James O'Farrell, a spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, said Fr Maguire stated his intention to resign in writing in September 2009.

"The transition to Fr Bob's retirement was developed in consultation with Fr Bob more than two years ago to enable sufficient time for him and the parish to prepare for his retirement and the appointment of a replacement," he said.

Parish council member Frank O'Connor said it was wrong to force 77-year-old Fr Maguire from his post.

Premier Ted Baillieu said the decision on Fr Maguire's retirement was a matter between him and the church - and that "whatever Fr Bob is doing he will have the support of all Victorians".

Former North Melbourne and Carlton coach Denis Pagan said Fr Maguire, who married his son Ryan and daughter-in-law Tara two weeks ago, was the "Catholic Church's best recruiting manager".

Melbourne identity Mick Gatto said he had attended Fr Maguire's parish and getting rid of him was "not the right go".

FULL STORY AND RELATED STORY

Supporters step up campaign against church to keep Fr Bob Maguire (Herald Sun)

Fight brews to hang on to Father Bob (The Age)

PHOTO CREDIT

www.fatherbob.com.au 

 

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Recent Comments

  1. My only comment is that The Pope is 84 and still going strong.
    There are many well-meaning Christians in this community who would query the Archbishop's name but we all know who Father Bob is and his lifelong devotion to his flock and the downtrodden.

    Posted By: Frank Westaway

  2. Why does the Catholic Church want to get rid of a priest at a time when people are not going to Church as in previous times.
    You have a priest with a full church and you are willing to lose him, if this was a business you would be offering him a pay rise instead.
    What are you worried about the he will show up the rest of the priests for what they are a uncaring lot.
    This was very obvious to me after the bushfires they didn't come out there at all not a sign of the Catholic priest then

    Posted By: Mrs Shirley M Stone

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