Archbishop Barry Hickey congratulates Abbot John Herbert, the new Abbot of New Norcia, following the official blessing of Abbot John in a packed Abbey church on March 7. A link to the illustrious heritage of New Norcia can be seen with Abbot John wearing the pectoral cross of Abbot Fulgentius Torres and holding the crosier that belonged to New Norcia founder Bishop Salvado. Abbot Herbert is the seventh Abbot of the well-known Benedictine monastery. Photo: Fr Robert Cross
New Norcia scenes
Archbishop Barry Hickey prays the Prayer of Blessing over the new Abbot, above. Archbishop Hickey, below left, presents Abbot John with his crosier, which was also used by New Norcia’s foundational Abbot Bishop Salvado. Fellow monks, bishops and visiting clergy gather with Abbot John outside the church after the blessing, bottom right. Photos courtesy of Fr Robert Cross.
