http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-04/new-document6/3626554

Father Bob forced out by Catholic Church
Updated November 05, 2011 10:24:19

Photo: Father Bob Maguire has been told he will be replaced next year. (Julian Smith: AAP) Related Story: Father Bob named Victorian of the Year:

Outspoken South Melbourne priest Father Bob Maguire has lost his fight to stay on as a parish priest.

The Catholic Church has confirmed Father Maguire's tenure at Saint Peter and Paul's parish will end next year.

The archdiocese was putting pressure on the 77-year-old to step down because of his age, but Father Maguire says he wanted to stay on.
He was given the news in a phone call with Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart.

"I said well fair enough, you're in charge if that's what you want to do. Nothing I can do about it," he said.

"It's a bit of a shock and it's a bit of a surprise because the Catholic Church globally and locally had been running on the model of conversation."

Father Maguire admits he does not know what he will do next.

"We feel dishonoured down here because we've done a great job," he said.

Archbishop Hart says he is happy with Father Maguire's work but wants to free him of the administrative burden involved with being a parish priest.

"With him being 77 with the way things have gone on, I think it's best for us to allow Father Bob to do the things for which we know and love him but to relieve him of the day-to-day work of the parish of South Melbourne.

"What we'll do is we will be able to set him up in a base where he can still continue to do his community work.

"He can relate to the community he loves, he can still say masses in our parishes around Melbourne, so there is lots of flexibility.

"I don't ever think Bob Maguire will go to a retired priests home."

Bloody minded
Father Maguire says the church is being bloody minded by insisting he retire next year, adding that he hopes the public will lobby the church to allow him to keep working.

"We are doing all the right stuff," he said.

"The church is full. Every time there is a baptism there is 200 people come to join in. I can never work out why, but there they are and people know of us.

"I mean I know South Melbourne is only small bickies to the world, but as far as we are concerned South Melbourne is the world to us."

Father Maguire was awarded an Order of Australia in 1989 for his services to the community.
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If you have ever seen this bloke on TV, or heard him on radio, you would have to say the Catholic church is making a huge mistake.

This priest has more Christianity in his little finger than all the "Tub-thumpers" in the world.

I'll bet the Cardinals, Archbishops, et al could not possibly do the GOOD work that this man does.

I normally don't get this stroppy about any religion, unless it's being shoved down my throat, but this priest is worth it.

Just think it had to be said.
Google Father Bob and you will see what I am on about.

SAVE FATHER BOB!!!

Who gives a toss. Another God botherer.

He's been on the outer with the church since he sold their land to help the disadvantaged. They've been trying to get rid of him for years.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Dec 29^th, 2011 at 5:42am:


Always the non-conformist, is Fr Bob.

It's all part of gods plan so don't interfere LOL

Did anyone hear how that particular parish has got about 1.8 million in the bank ??

How come it's stuck in a bank vault and not being dive-ed out to the needy ??