Diocese of Wagga Bishop Gerard Hanna said the decision to move Fr Neru to Narrandera was being made for "the common good".

"I have accepted that the groundswell of support for Father Neru is given in good faith and I have received the numerous emails, letters and phone calls in the spirit in which they were written or spoken," he said.

"In governing the diocese it is necessary to consider the common good and make the necessary appointments to achieve this end.

"Every priest in the diocese knows that no one is appointed to a parish for life as we say.

"There is a process of discernment on the part of a diocesan personnel board, who advise the bishop who makes the formal appointments."

However, support to have Fr Neru stay continues to build, with the Keep Father Neru in Yoogali/Hanwood Facebook pages boasting more than 2600 members.

A candlelight vigil has been planned for this Friday at 7pm in Memorial Park.

Lisa Sergi attends church in Hanwood and credits Father Neru for her return to the church.

"I have never met a more caring, loving priest, who has changed the lives of so many," she said.

"As you may see on the Facebook page he has brought many back to the church, including myself.

"I fear people will stop going if he leaves.

"He has a real connection with people, he knows the right thing to say to comfort you when you need it and he is accepting of everybody no matter your race, age or religion."

Vicki Greedy echoed the sentiments, describing Father Neru as a "wonderful priest".

"He reminds me of Father Beltrame. He is non-judgemental and a real Christian," she said.

"You go to his mass and he makes you question your values and that's what I love about him.

"We just want to make the bishop aware of the depth of feeling for Father Neru.

"We need to show the bishop that we still need him here."