Father James Cashman, the elderly Catholic curate now entering his seventh week locked into the parochial house at St Leonard's in the parish of Ballycullane, Co Wexford, is appealing Bishop Brendan Comiskey's decision to move him from his post.
The 70-year-old priest has lodged an appeal with the Congregation of Clerics in Rome against Bishop Comiskey's attempt to replace him as curate in St Leonard's.
During a round of clerical changes last July, a new priest was appointed to the curacy and Father Cashman, who was ordained to the priesthood 15 years ago at the age of 55, was given a number of options on his future.
These included a temporary position in a Dublin diocese leading to the possibility of a more permanent position, supply work in the Diocese of Ferns on full pension, the choice to work anywhere else on full pension or complete retirement.
When the new curate, Father Paddy Banville arrived to take up duty in mid-September, Father Cashman gave him the accounts, records and church keys, but refused to leave the parochial house. He has not been seen outside the house since then.
Bishop Comiskey confirmed yesterday that Father Cashman was appealing his decision and said it would take about three months for the Congregation of Clerics to make a ruling.
In the meantime, he is placing no pressure on the priest to leave the parochial house and is making efforts to ensure he is taken care of, he said.
Under Church law, the Bishop's decision stands pending a ruling from Rome and Father Cashman is obliged to vacate the house, but the Diocese is happy to let him continue living there, he added.
"My main concern is the people of the parish of St Leonard's. I'm happy that they are being looked after by Father Banville, who is searching for another house with the help of the parish council. The sooner the better he moves into the parish.
"I'm also very anxious that Father Cashman is looked after. People are visiting him, priests are visiting him and I'm encouraging that. We will also be looking after his living expenses," said Bishop Comiskey.
"Conflict is a very normal part of the life of a family, it's unpleasant but normal. It's the way the conflict is resolved that either builds community or divides community.
"Father Cashman has decided not to follow my instructions. That's his choice. I'm not going to go into conflict. I'm going to wait until Father Cashman makes his decision."
Father Cashman, a native of Granreigh, Kilbrittain near Bandon in Co Cork, took up duty in the small curacy of St Leonard's five years ago after spending 10 years in Horeswood, Co Wexford. He is not talking to the media about the situation.
"He's a very private person," said one of his parishoners. "There's a lot of concern for him in the area. People are worried about him. We're all just waiting to see what happens. No-one has a problem with the new curate. He's a lovely man. It's a very sad situation."