A public campaign to keep Father Bob Maguire at his South Melbourne parish next year appears to have failed, with the high-profile priest receiving notice today that his replacement had been appointed to take over from February.

Father Bob said his supporters could now take their campaign directly to Rome, or he could accept his fate and consider setting up what he described as a "church without borders" to continue his work in Melbourne.

Father Bob Maguire will be replaced in February. Credit:Craig Sillitoe

Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart wrote a three-page letter to Father Bob today, praising his work in the South Melbourne parish.

However Father Bob, the 2011 Victorian of the Year, said the letter went on to say Julian Messina from the Capuchin religious order would take over from February 1.