New resources give rare insight into rich history of New Norcia

The Benedictine community of New Norcia have recently welcomed the launch of two resources which provide the Catholic community with a rare insight into the rich history of Australia’s only monastic town. 

Edition 27 of The New Norcia Studies Journal and Volume 1 of a new series, ‘The Chronicles of New Norcia’ (1901 to 1906), were launched on Thursday, 27 May by the Executive Director of the Office of the Archbishop, Daniel Lynch, at the Palms Community Centre, Subiaco. 

Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks, New Norcia has had many purposes including that of a mission; a monastery; provider of education, as well as a place of spiritual retreat. 

Joining the Abbot of New Norcia, Abbot John Herbert OSB and representatives of the Benedictine community for the event were former Mayor of Subiaco, Heather Henderson OAM, in addition to contributors and eminent historians.

As Chair of the New Norcia Archives Committee, Abbot John said that edition 27 of The New Norcia Studies Journal andVolume 1 of ‘The Chronicles of New Norcia’ (1901 to 1906) are the outcome of both top-quality research and the dedication of researchers who continue to keep the spirit of New Norcia alive.  

“I am always amazed at the richness, depth and scope of New Norcia’s archives, and the fact that almost every year, contributors are able to provide fresh insights into a vast array of topics through their research in our archives,” Abbot John indicated.  

“In recent years, we have endeavoured to release a second publication along with the journal. 

“The monastery’s daily record of events known as the Chronicles of New Norcia, edited by our very own archivist Peter Hocking, was initiated by Abbot Torres in 1901 and has been faithfully maintained over the years, written first in Spanish, then in English in the 1950s’,” he added. 

In her welcoming address, Ms Henderson OAM commended the opportunity to celebrate the strong relationships and historical links that exist between New Norcia and the city of Subiaco, explaining the journey which the first Bishop of Perth, Bishop John Brady, together with Abbot Torres undertook, and the events which led to the discovery of New Norcia by Spanish-born Benedictine monk, Bishop Rosendo Salvado, 175 years ago.  

Beginning his address, Mr Lynch recounted the words of New Norcia’s sixth Abbot, Abbot Placid Spearitt, who instigated the first edition of The New Norcia Studies Journal in 1993. 

“The history of New Norcia is contained in the records, and in the memories of the monks and the many people who went to New Norcia schools or who worked at the monastery. The Abbey Archives is one of the richest in Australia, including diaries, correspondence, maps, drawings, photographs, all documenting the life of the community from the mid 1840’s to the present day,” he said. 

“….The first of these publications is also the most modest, namely this journal. The journal arises from the first New Norcia Studies Day in November 1992. About 100 people attended that Conference.” 

Mr Lynch explained that it was the missionary heart and spirit of edition 27 of the journal that had inclined him to ‘listen with the ear of my heart’ to the living charism of St Benedict’s spirituality. 

Mr Lynch then spoke about Volume 1 of The Chronicles, which was written by monks of New Norcia from 1901. 

“In the Editor’s Note, Peter recalls for us the keeping of a personal diary by Bishop Salvado throughout most of the 54 years as Abbot. However, Peter reminds us that it was written wherever he happened to be in the world, recording life from his perspective, not the monastery’s,” Mr Lynch cited. 

“Following Salvado’s death in December 1900, his successor, Abbot Torres, instituted a monastic diary, called The Chronicles.

“The Chronicles commenced in April 1901 and a monk was designated to write the daily entries which, despite a few lapses over the years, continue to this day.” 

To obtain copies of the resources, go to https://shop.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/products/