Wagga Wagga Bishop Gerard Hanna said different challenges faced by rural dioceses often meant parish priests would work beyond the age of 75 without compulsion to retire, unlike Fr Bob Maguire's case in Melbourne. Bishop Hanna, 67, said his own policy was to "have a conversation" with a priest approaching his mid-seventies, The Border Mail reported.
"It's a question of health but I give them the option of retiring and I try to respect their wishes," he was quoted saying.
He said a priest might want to retire because of sickness but that could apply whatever his age.
Wagga diocese has 45 to 48 full time parish priests and assistant priests, but Bishop Hanna said they could also call on the services of some 14 others who had retired but were nevertheless available to step in when needed.
Among older parish priests still active is Father Kevin Flanagan, of Sacred Heart parish, North Albury, who turned 81 last month, and Monsignor William Fulton, of St Patrick's, who is in his seventies.
Wagga diocese continues to recruit new priests through its seminary, Vianney College at Wagga, which has about 20 priests at present, including some from the Philippines and Nigeria.
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