FATHER Bob Maguire's supporters have begun bombarding the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne with letters and emails pleading for him to be kept on as a parish priest.
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.
Politicians, celebrities and sporting identities have echoed the calls for Fr Maguire to continue his charity and pastoral work.
Parish council member Frank O'Connor said it was wrong to force 77-year-old Fr Maguire from his post.
"He's lived and worked at South Melbourne for 38 years and now they are threatening to throw him on the scrap heap," he said.
Mr O'Connor said Pope Benedict XVI was still running the entire church at 84.
Fr Maguire said yesterday he signed a resignation letter "under duress" in 2009 that would see him finish up in February, when the parish is due to be taken over by the Capuchin order of priests.
"I feel like the little man standing in front of the tanks in Tiananmen Square - he managed to make them turn away," he said.
Premier Ted Baillieu said the decision on Fr Maguire's retirement was a matter between him and the church.
"I'm sure that whatever Fr Bob is doing he will have the support of all Victorians," he said.
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".
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.