Church-goers in Manchester have launched a campaign to prevent the retirement of a priest who is a native of Co Monaghan.
Father Paddy McMahon is parish priest at St John's Catholic Church in Chorlton and an online petition calling for him to remain as the parish priest has gathered over 2,300 signatures so far.
Father McMahon told The Irish Post that he was shocked when he was asked to plan his retirement in a meeting last year.
He is due to retire from active ministry in September.
In the comments section of the online petition, Father McMahon has been hailed as "a pillar of the community" who "has earned the right to choose when to retire".
In a statement to Shannonside Northern Sound, a Diocese of Salford spokesperson said "it was mutually agreed that Father McMahon would retire" in line with Canon Law.
The spokesperson also thanked Father McMahon for his ministry over the years.
