The Chimes

Another Diamond Jubilee

Our infirmarian and domestic procurator Dom Daniel organised a beautiful afternoon tea, including a lavish celebratory anniversary cake.

Along with viewing the photographs of Abbot Bernard’s ordination sixty years ago, the occasion was made extra special by the presence of the sisters, and the gathering enjoyed sharing stories of the privileged gift of religious life. Abbot John concluded the celebration with a special jubilee blessing and Abbot Bernard gave a moving heartfelt response…delighting us with his own blessing as he waved us farewell.

In the 1960s, when New Norcia was still an Abbey Nullius with an ecclesiastical territory embracing an area of approximately 30,000 square miles, it had its own monthly publication, “PAX”. This was printed at “The Record” office in Hay Street, Perth, and contained news from the local parishes, the Australian Church and the Catholic Church in various countries.

The April issue in 1964 contained the following item:

ORDINATION OF FATHER BERNARD O.S.B.

The third Abbey student to be ordained to the priesthood within six months is Rev. Father Bernard O.S.B., who returned recently to New Norcia after being ordained by His Eminence, Cardinal Gilroy, in St. Patrick’s College, Manly, on March 19th last, the Feast of St. Joseph.

Dom Bernard, whose elder brother, Father Brian Rooney, is a secular priest in the Sydney Archdiocese, and who also has a younger brother in Manly Seminary, is the first New Norcia Benedictine to be ordained in Sydney for many years. Dom Bernard (baptized Robert David Rooney) was born in Earlwood, Sydney, in 1934 and was educated by the Sisters of Mercy, Earlwood, and the Christian Brothers, Lewisham. On leaving school, he was employed by Tooth’s Brewery and later for five years as a clerk with the Registrar-General. He was also a part-time student in Law at Sydney University. He took an active interest in amateur dramatics and in 1956 led the winning team in the N.S.W. Debating Society. In 1957 he entered the Monastery of New Norcia and made his Solemn Profession in 1962.

Father Bernard was assisted at his ordination by his brother, Rev. Father Brian Rooney, and celebrated his first Mass at the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping. On the following day, March 21st, he officiated at the Sung Mass in the Community Chapel of the Benedictine nuns at Pennant Hills.

On Sunday, April 5th., Father Bernard was celebrant of High Mass in the Pro-Cathedral at New Norcia and later, in the abbey at a “Laudate” held in his honour, was the recipient of the felicitations and good wishes of the Lord Abbot and members of the Community. During the week, he offered Mass at the various chapels of the Monastery, Colleges and Institutions of New Norcia.

Father Bernard has been appointed Assistant-Prefect of Clerics in the Abbey, and occupies, also, the office of professor of Church History.

“PAX” offers to the new priest its sincere congratulations and best wishes for the future success of his vocation.

Always Learning…

While the feedback we receive from letters, emails and ‘How was your visit’ cards is very beneficial, it’s always good to chat with people face-to-face about their experience of New Norcia.

For the most part, feedback is always positive, encouraging and supportive…and there’s always room for improvement.

We look forward to welcoming Acceptance Perth back to New Norcia.

Guesthouse Aircon Installed

The Guesthouse lounge and dining room have recently had air conditioning installed. The retreat groups in February were delighted by this improvement. It made the retreat sessions on 40+ days very pleasant.

Improvements have also been made to the Upper Guesthouse rooms with the purchase of new console tables and bedroom chairs.

The Easter Triduum 2024

Holy Thursday highlights the servant nature of Jesus and follows the Gospel of St John in the foot washing in the upper room, followed by the liturgy of the Eucharist then the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose in the Spanish chapel in the monastery and a vigil until midnight: Stay with me, remain here with me: Watch and pray.

Good Friday commences with combined Vigils and Lauds in the Oratory, known as Tenebrae (Latin for darkness) characterised by readings, chants and the gradual extinguishing of 14 candles.

At 3pm in the afternoon, following the liturgy of the word, is the very special Adoration of the Cross. Abbot John solemnly carries the cross through the Church pausing 3 times and all sing Ecce Lignum Crucis. Then all members of the congregation have the opportunity to come and venerate the Cross.

This is followed by distribution of the reserved Eucharist, and then all depart in silence. A Taize service was held in St Gertrude's after Compline.

New Norcia Studies Day - Saturday 25th May 2024

To mark that anniversary, New Norcia Studies Day is delighted to be able to present the following papers in the morning session:

Tom Stephens AO
“Ferrolana” - 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first large group of NN Benedictines.

Gillian Rodoreda
Jerome’s great-grand-daughter
Meeting Geronimo: the unexpected story of a ’no persevero’ Benedictine recruit, Jerome Rodoreda 1831-1910.

The afternoon papers will be:

Emeritus Professor John Kinder
The Canon of Ancona: Raffaele Martelli and New Norcia, 1853-1880.

John has been fascinated by Canon Martelli and his years long correspondence with Bishop Salvado. In addition to earlier papers at New Norcia Studies, John has recently finished a biography of Canon Martelli thus wrapping up his research over many years too.

Jim Longbottom
St Gertrude’s College Chapel ornamentation - the artist and the poet.

Jim’s talk will look at the relationship between the beautiful dome (pictured) in St Gertrude’s College Chapel and a poem about it that appears at the end of the 1916 Monastery Chronicle.

The first two papers will be complemented later in the year by the launch of the Marsá Diary, translated by Abbot Placid Spearritt scholar, Marta Pérez-Rey.

Registration opens at 9.00 in St Gertrude’s and the proceedings start at 10.15. Quite coincidentally, the papers will be presented in St Gertrude’s College Chapel itself thus making Jim’s paper on the 1916 poem rather more striking.

Costs for the day are $105 (includes morning and afternoon teas, lunch, and admission to the museum and art gallery) and $95 for concession holders.

See you there!

Groups Bookings at New Norcia - Suggested Day Programme 2024

Bookings can be made through the New Norcia Museum.
Please call 08 9654 8056.
Special group rate for the town tour and museum entrance is $20pp.

Easter Moon

Lent over and the Holy Week begun
sky fixes the moon in a new harvest.

As I meander in the dark, you
low on the horizon, city lights
hang like a cross, I sleep again.

When I rise you will sleep
slipped behind buildings
fall to earth like a star.

I have risen you will say
I will come again.

One last look from my window
to see your great heart but you are gone
as if you never were.