I understand spending quality time in prayer will be the number one reason why we remain in the priesthood or religious life. But this cannot be divorced from a humanity which needs the physical to be reasonably maintained and hobbies of various kinds to make life more meaningful.

Taking a punt is part of the Australian way of life and no one knows this better than Father Joe Giacobbe. He has taken a punt on everything. It’s his philosophy. The good old Aussie maxim of ‘giving it a go’. Fr. Joe took a punt when, as a young student priest, he established the Doxa Youth Foundation which now generates more than $2 million a year to fund a variety of youth programs.

My career in the boxing ring, spanning 40 years, was not a chosen path – as I had always believed notionally in the Master’s words of ‘turning the other cheek’. However, Jesus forewarned St Peter that he would be led to where he did not wish to go. I suppose the same happens to all of us priests sometime in our lives.

Suddenly I’m 68 and its two years since I was ordained a permanent deacon and I’m on holidays. Not much has changed.

The wonderful benefits sport gave me at a very formative time of life compensated for my academic incompetence in secondary school. I believe if it was not for the help of different sports to my psychological wellbeing, I would not have enjoyed so many happy relationships later in life.

The MCG or Melbourne Clergy Golf tournament started in 1959 at Long Island Country Club in the Frankston area; endured a year at Spring Valley Golf Club, and enjoyed the beautiful links of the Royal Melbourne Golf Club on even one occasion. However, the last 30 years have seen it appropriately played right next to the former diocesan seminary for Victoria and Tasmania from 1923-1972, Corpus Christi College.