Father Juan Carlos Martínez, 40, dressed up to take part in his Galician town’s annual Easter parade and lounged on a trailer with red satin sheets while clad in a dressing gown with captain’s cap and cigar.

He was accompanied by two burly men dressed as bunny girls – one of whom leapt on top of the priest and began to simulate sex.

Catholic Church authorities have now asked Father Madrtinez to attend a “spiritual retreat” to reflect on “behaviour clearly inappropriate for a priest”.

He has also apologised from the pulpit saying, “I am so sorry to those who feel offended.” He has also requested an appointment with the Archbishop of Santiago to make a formal apology.

But locals have rallied in support of the fun-loving curate. One told Antena 3: “Such things happen at carnival, it’s just a bit of fun. He’s a great priest and everyone loves him.”

When a senior priest came to the parish to rebuke Father Martínez, he was greeted by dozens of parishioners who had gathered outside his home to show their support.

“It’s great that he is well loved by the people he served,” the senior priest Calixto Covo told La Voz de Galicia, before adding that despite the displeasure of the Archbishop there would be no lasting consequences for Father Martínez.