By David Earley and Margaret Wenham
Courier Mail
February 15, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,27574,25059886-3102,00.html
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| FINAL prayers . . . Father Peter Kennedy leads his congregation yesterday. Photo by Marc Robertson |
EMBATTLED priest Father Peter Kennedy collapsed and was rushed to hospital last night.
It was only hours after leading an emotional final Mass at St Mary's South Brisbane.
With St Mary's full to overflowing during the 5pm Mass, 71-year-old Father Kennedy again exhorted his followers to continue as a congregation.
However at some point after the service Father Kennedy fainted and was taken by ambulance to hospital about 7.45pm.
It is understood he was taken to Brisbane's Mater Hospital but was not admitted.
The fall was not serious but is indicative of the ageing priest's fragility as he enters the most trying week of his pastoral life.
Father Kennedy last Thursday told The Courier-Mail he intended to continue attending services at St Mary's after his termination date but said Dean Ken Howell, appointed interim administrator by Archbishop Bathersby, was "welcome" to lead the Mass.
"I don't intend to lead the Eucharist, I would simply be there," he said.
A statement released from Archbishop Bathersby's office last night said he was sad to hear Father Kennedy was unwell.
The priest's administration was terminated over complaints it was no longer "in communion with the Roman Catholic Church".
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