Former Australian priest killed in typhoon

A former Australian priest, Kevin Lee, has been killed during the Philippines typhoon Haiyan just weeks after becoming a father,  reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Lee, 50, made headlines last year when he was removed from his parish at Glenmore Park in Sydney's west after revealing he had been married for more than a year. 

He drowned after disappearing in rough surf off Samar Island in the Philippines. His body was found by police early on Sunday morning.

Mr Lee became a father two months ago. 

On September 24, Mr Lee's wife Josefina reportedly gave birth to a baby girl called Michelle.

The Bishop of Parramatta, Anthony Fisher, said in a statement that he extends his deepest sympathy to Mr Lee's widow Josefina and her children during this time of personal tragedy for them and devastation for the people of the Philippines. 'I also extend my condolences to Kevin's parents and family here in Australia in their deep sorrow.

'Last year, Kevin left his ministry as a Catholic priest in very public circumstances and was recently "laicised" at his request. He had made a new life with Josefina and they recently celebrated the birth of a daughter.

'Difficult as was the mode of his departure, we honour the work Kevin did as the founding Parish Priest of Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park, and his ministry as a chaplain with NSW Police.'