Hanwood’s Julie Andreazza said organisers were delighted so many people wanted to show their support by attending the Gathering of Hope at Memorial Park.

Mrs Andreazza said those gathered were encouraged to write letters to Bishop Gerard Hanna to ask him to reconsider his decision to relocate Father Neru to Narrandera.

“We all feel the same – Father Neru listens and is supportive and doesn’t judge any of us,” she said.

“We all question our faith at some point in our life and he always seems to find a way to bring people back to Jesus.” 

Mrs Andreazza said she had been amazed at the outpouring of emotion following Father Neru’s announcement he was moving on.

“The gathering was a show of physical support. 

“We don’t know what the Bishop will do. We understand and respect that he makes decisions but we also live in a democracy in Australia and we respectfully question the decision,” she said.

Mrs Andreazza said it was disappointing some people had questioned the bid to keep Father Neru in the district.

“We’ve had a minority who have judged and criticised us,” she said.

“It’s been a very emotional week.”

The Facebook page Keep Father Neru in Yoogali/Hanwood had more than 2600 members yesterday.