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.”

The solemn profession of Benedictine Don Daniel Meers on 3 December 2020 is testament that vocations are still very much alive in the church of Australia. Dom Daniel reflects on what monastic life means and why it is important to listen to the voice of God. By Amanda Murthy.