Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has recalled the phone call he received in December 2001 to appoint him as a Bishop. The then Mirrabooka Parish Priest had just returned home when he took the call from Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Francesco Canalini.

“I remember the Nuncio saying to me, ‘I can understand you would be surprised and perhaps a little fearful, as we [fellow bishops] all have been ourselves.

“’The Lord will help you and give you what you need,’ were his exact words.”