Australian priest may win another stay of retirement

October 27, 2011

Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne, Australia, has hinted that he might be prepared to extend the pastoral assignment of a controversial priest who has resisted retirement.

Father Bob Maguire, a popular priest who has often rattled Church leaders with his unorthodox statements and practices, had dodged retirement in 2009 when he turned 75, but agreed to step down in February 2012. The Melbourne archdiocese has already entered into an agreement with the Capuchin order to take over control of the parish where "Father Bob" has been a fixture for years.

But the priest and his loyal parishioners are again resisting the change, and Archbishop Hart has left open the possibility that Father Maguire might win another reprieve.

 

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Further information:

• Father Bob could be set for third coming (The Age)
• Unorthodox Australian priest resisting retirement (CWN, 10/18)