When and where were you born?
Adelaide during WWII. I spend my infant years in a tiny flat above a goods store in the main street of North Adelaide while my father was away on active service.
Memories of your childhood/family/upbringing/schooling?
Faith was almost a non-event in my early life. I was sent to a State school although I identified as a Catholic and went to R.E. classes once a week. My mother attended Mass each Sunday with my younger brother and me but any other prayers or devotions were almost non-existent. I learned she was the only one in her family who practiced the faith and that only because she had some good Catholic friends. Later I found out my Father was a non-practising Presbyterian who, although not sceptical, never mentioned matters of religion. I am grateful for my secondary education in a Catholic boys-only college. The schooling was excellent – in fact it served me well later in my seminary days. By contrast my brother (who is six years younger) had a total Catholic education but gave up the practice of his faith as soon as he left the family home. My faith journey matured through my involvement in the Young Christian Workers movement (YCW).
When/why did you decide to enter the seminary?
At age 22, having completed a traineeship in telephony as a technician, still living at home, having just bought a new car and studying engineering at the university with a part-time scholarship, I distinctly remember what I heard as a divine invitation to leave everything and be a priest. I was surprised but said nothing. Over the next several weeks, this call was confirmed in unexpected ways but I still said nothing until I had spoken to several priests, including the diocesan vocations director who was also the YCW chaplain.
Memories of seminary life?
Because my background was so atypical (at that time) of candidates for the priesthood, (e.g. I had never served as an altar boy at Mass or even experienced the opening prayers at Mass for we were always late!), seminary life required of me considerable adjustment, but the rector in particular was very understanding.
When and where were you ordained?
I was ordained in 1973 for the Adelaide archdiocese with three others in the cathedral.
What areas of ministry have you worked in since ordination?
Before 1994 when I joined the Missionaries of God’s Love, I had worked as a priest in many parishes (mostly as an assistant) while being chaplain to the Apostleship of the Sea and a part-time industrial chaplain to various heavy industries. Since shortly after my ordination in 1973, I have been involved in the Charismatic Renewal. I have had positive experiences of, and involvement in, Knights of the Southern Cross, Marriage Encounter, Cursillo and Covenant Communities. Since joining the Missionaries, I have enjoyed being university chaplain to UC as well as some time in P.N.G. I am now retired having been diagnosed as having (enjoying) an hereditary neurological condition and living like a king in a retirement palace for priests.
What have been the highlights of your ministry to date?
God is good. Looking over my life as a priest, there have been difficult times of course (as happens to everyone) but good times have far outweighed them. I can recall piloting aircraft over a long period of time, building an aircraft, ecumenical contacts and friendships, experiences in many exotic places of Australia as well as overseas and exciting insights, especially as a result of expanding my tertiary qualifications.
What challenges have you faced in your ministry and how have these been overcome (if at all)?
The biggest challenge is to face (with God) my own demons.
What is the best advice you would pass on to future seminarians?
Let go and let God.
What are your personal hopes for the future?
Rejoicing in being an ever-renewing church.
What are your personal hopes for the future of the Church in Australia?
As above.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Jesus.
What was the last book you read or movie you saw?
DVD: One Night with the King, (a dramatic presentation of the Biblical book of Ester.)
Your favourite travel destination?
U.S.A.
What hobbies/pastimes are important to you?
Eating & drinking with friends.
A bit of fun – what would you like to the inscription on your headstone to read?
He loved life and lived it to the full!
[For the record, Don is on the left in the picture. Eds.]
