The painting was commissioned to mark Father Clem's golden jubilee of priesthood. Father Clem had no idea what Mr Bykovec and the members of his church had planned.

Sister Yvonne Harte, who organised the surprise, managed to keep the painting secret from the popular priest.

"He was in shock when he saw it. Father knew we were up to something, but had no idea what it was.

"When he saw the painting, he was overwhelmed but at the same time delighted that Vladimir had done it."

Father Clem was amazed by the likeness of the two pictures, especially since the subject and artist had never met.

Mr Bykovec and Sister Yvonne swapped ideas about the painting and while enjoying a 'cuppa' planned the whole thing. "I had some ideas and concepts and drew some sketches from the photograph Sister Yvonne gave me and I took it from there," Mr Bykovec said.

"It's come up really well and I'm going to enter it into the Archibald prize awards."

Sister Yvonne said the painting was a true representation of Father Clem's life.

"Vladimir was able to capture a lot about Father Clem from the likeness of the two portraits of him playing golf in the background.

"He included a chalice and breviary in the corner and in the background are some of Father Clem's special places in Altona.

"It is a brilliant painting and Vladimir left no stone unturned."