Support for priest set to defy Church

Silenced priest Fr Tony Flannery has told how he has been “overwhelmed” by messages of support from all over the world since announcing he will defy Church authorities to celebrate what will be his last-ever public Mass at the weekend.

The popular Redemptorist cleric, who turns 70 today, has confirmed next Sunday’s event, which is taking place at his local community centre to mark his milestone birthday, will be his final public Mass.

However, the outspoken founder of the Association of Catholic Priests can look forward to an emotional send-off as he bows out from public ministry in front of what is set to be one of his biggest ever congregations.