A Catholic priest in DeSmet has been told he must leave the country by July 1st. Father Cathal Gallagher is originally from Ireland and has been a priest for Kingsbury County for over 10 years. He applied for permanent residency in the U.S., but was denied, and those who know him, don't want him to go.

Every Sunday at Saint Thomas Aquinas and two other churches in the community, the pews are full of people wanting to hear Father Gallagher speak. When the community heard he would be leaving by July, they jumped into action and wanted to help.

When Patti Ward and others in Father Gallagher's congregation heard his residency was denied, it hit the community hard.

"We just don't understand what happened and he's too important to lose," said Patti Ward, one of the congregation members heading up an effort to reopen Father Gallagher's case.  

It's a feeling Father Gallagher shares, as he has fallen in love with the town.

"We're there for one another, we look out for one another, it's just quality of life. And I like it," said Father Cathal Gallagher, who has been a priest in DeSmet for over 10 years.  

We spoke with the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls who said priests from all over the world come to the U.S. to work and can get a permit because they are part of a religious order. They added, they have done all they can to get Father Gallagher to stay.

In 2001, the diocese applied for Father Gallagher's permanent residency and two years later, it was approved. But somewhere along the way, he's been told, a technical error occurred, which he hopes wont keep him from staying.

"I have no right to live in this country. It's your county. I depend on your graciousness and goodness of your government to allow me to live in this country," stated Father Gallagher.

It's why Patti and others are fighting to reopen the case.

The congregation has been handing out fliers all weekend, listing state representatives and their numbers for people to call.  All in hopes of reopening the case and allowing Father Gallagher to stay.  They will be holding a prayer service at 8 PM on Thursday in DeSmet and hanging green ribbons for Father Gallagher.