Hundreds of people attended a vigil against the transfer of a "gentle giant" parish priest.
Up to 300 residents lit candles and recited the rosary outside St Columba’s Church in Kilmacrennan in Co Donegal.
Fr Paddy Dunne, who has been based in Kilmacrennan for the past 13 years, is being moved to become the parish priest in Kilbarron in Ballyshannon.
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But parishioners in Kilmacrennan have urged the Bishop of Raphoe, Bishop Alan McGuckian, to reconsider.
People from churches in the county as well as the Ukrainian community turned out to voice their concern.
More than 2,000 signatures have been gathered appealing to Bishop McGuckian not to transfer Fr Dunne.
The Letterkenny-born cleric has become a huge part of community life in the area recently.
He most supported neighbouring priest Fr John Joe Duffy following the Creeslough tragedy in October which claimed the lives of 10 people.
Friday night’s protest was organised by locals with hundreds of more signatures being gathered on a petition which will be presented to Bishop McGuckian in the coming days.
The bishop has said he understands the pain of the community to lose a much-loved priest and how painful it is for clerics to move on.
He added the outpouring of sadness is a tribute to the priest and the people and their relationship.
But he added he has a responsibility to 33 parishes in his diocese.
County councillor John O’Donnell described Fr Dunne as a "gentle giant" who was an "absolute legend" and urged church authorities to reconsider their plans.
Another county councillor Ciaran Brogan also voiced his support to let Fr Dunne stay.
Mr Brogan said: "I think everyone is shocked really. Fr Paddy Dunne had that special connection with so many young people especially.
"It was a time when young people were flocking to Mass and the online service during Covid. He has done so much for so many not just in this area but because he had that special connection with people in and around Letterkenny, that he was available in all the parishes in Letterkenny, in Glenswilly, Glendowan, Ramelton, Milford. Wherever he was always there in their hour of need.
"Everyone has a special connection with him and you can feel that sense of loss this evening and it’s very evident."
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