A priest who raped and sexually abused four boys over 12 years has been jailed for more than seven years.

One of his victims criticised the sentence, saying the Catholic priest should have been locked up for life.

Terrence Melville Pidoto, 62, was found guilty of 11 charges including rape, indecent assault and buggery by a Victorian County Court jury in July this year.

Today, Judge Ross Howie said Pidoto — who had denied all charges — had abused his position of trust and influence, adding that his actions were "a shocking betrayal of your vocation''.

Outside court, Pidoto's last victim said he felt "mediocre'' after the sentencing.

"He should have got life,'' the 38-year-old Greensborough man.

"But he's behind bars for a minimum of five years so, for those five years, he can't hurt any more children.''

The victim - who was 12 years old when he was first abused - said his experiences at Pidoto's hands had affected his personal and professional relationships.