Priest celebrates mass at controversial church

A priest has agreed to celebrate mass in a west Belfast church at the centre of a dispute between the Catholic hierarchy and the local community.

The hierarchy has closed St Joseph’s Church in Sailortown, claiming there was no longer any demand for it.

However, local residents have insisted that the listed building was paid for by their ancestors and the church had no right to close it down.

On Sunday, around 40 people broke into the church and are still camping there in an effort to raise awareness of the situation.

Fr Des Wilson, a rebel priest from the area, agreed today to say mass for the protestors.