A retired Irish Catholic priest who was charged earlier this month with 17 historical sexual offences has faced court in Sydney.

Finian Egan, 77, appeared in Ryde Local Court this morning.

Egan had handed himself in to police in Ryde, following investigations into abuse allegations and public criticism from alleged victims.

A magistrate this morning amended the strict bail conditions that had been placed on Egan.

Reporting conditions have been suspended between June 7 and June 28 so that the 77-year-old can attend to medical issues.

The case returns to Ryde Local Court in July.