“Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.” Psalm 1: 1-6
The plan of God never ceases to amaze me, always with love, care and mercy.
When the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, rang me in January, with the invitation to become an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Perth, it was overwhelming and surreal because I have never dreamed of becoming a bishop.
I went straight to the chapel and became very emotional. I felt so inadequate and unworthy, but I know that God’s strength will carry me through.
I am very honoured by the trust Pope Leo XIV has placed in me and also very humbled in saying yes, in the same way the Virgin Mary did in becoming the Mother of Christ.
To the bishops, priests, deacons, religious and everyone who has come to celebrate this event for the Church of Perth, I am truly humbled and grateful for your presence.
There are many people who need to be thanked for this night, but if I were to name them, I would certainly miss someone, so I simply give thanks for all of those who have worked so tirelessly to achieve what has been accomplished tonight.
To those who have prepared the liturgy, and to those who have participated in any way, I am truly thankful for all you have done.
To those who have prepared and delivered the invitations, coordinated publication of this booklet and bookmark, photography videography and livestreaming, I value your skill and time. It will stay with me forever.
I give thanks for all people who have volunteered their time and efforts, including in the liturgy, musically, through hospitality, through ushering, your presence is appreciated more than you realise.
To Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn and Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, the Very Rev Fr Minh-Thuy Nguyen, thank you for welcoming me in your midst as the leadership of the Church in Perth. I pray I will continue the good works you have started.
To my parishioners of Applecross Parish, who I now leave behind as Parish Priest – you will always be in my heart and mind. I give thanks for the wonderful 10 years we have had together, and I look forward to visiting you all as part of my new ministry.
To the people of the Archdiocese of Perth, I thank you for the welcome that I have received. It is very humbling, to be welcomed so generously, for all things I give thanks. I pray that I may be a worthy shepherd with you in this Church. I look forward to living and working with you as together we continue to build up the presence of the Kingdom of God in this area of the vineyard.
To Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey, words are very hard to find, but I give thanks for the support, encouragement, acceptance and love that you have given to me throughout my life here in Perth. Without your generous spirit I would not even be here in Perth. I will always cherish your guidance and ministry.
And finally, to my family that have loved me and given so much of themselves for my life and vocation. I have been so blessed to have parents and grandparents who ensured that faith in Christ was central to my development in becoming the man and priest I am today.
I will always be grateful for all my family showing me what love in the dimension of the cross means and looks like.
For all this I give thanks to God and His Church. To the Church that has placed its trust in me, I ask for your prayers.
Most Rev Nelson Po DD
Auxiliary Bishop of Perth
16 April 2026