Goodbye to Kevin Hogan
We recently said goodbye to Kevin Hogan OAM, a long-serving member of our advisory board. Michael Chaney AO wrote and delivered the eulogy below.
Good afternoon everyone.
It is a great honour for me to have the opportunity to say a few words about my good friend of 40 years, Kevin - in commemoration of the life of an extraordinary, unique man.
As I know we would all appreciate, Kevin’s life revolved around his wonderful family - Ronnie and their ten children and twelve grandchildren - but he was a man of so many parts:
- the farmer
- rural leader
- community giant
- sportsman
- company director
- man of faith, and, of course,
- great joke-teller and raconteur
That last quality, as we have all no doubt experienced, infused every activity in which Kevin was involved.
The Hogan family farmed on a Bencubbin property originally bought by his father and uncle during the Great Depression, on St Patrick’s day in 1933.
Kevin reckoned that as they were driving to inspect the land in their T-model Ford, they noticed that everyone else was driving in the opposite direction; and they eventually understood why.
It was a tough life in a fickle part of the agricultural area. As Kevin quipped: “We started with almost nothing and, after 70 years, still had some of it left.”
He was somewhat bemused that they had named the farm “Bon View”, given that the only thing it ever overlooked were mortgage payments!
But in spite of good times and bad, Kevin never stopped loving farming, the farming community and Bencubbin itself.
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Vocational Observers Receive Unique Experience of Monastic Life
Two young men are currently staying at New Norcia monastery to experience monastic life and to discern their own vocations as possible future monks.
Rohan Viswalingam, aged 30, is from Sydney, and Martin Bradley, aged 25, is from Perth. For about four weeks, they will be participating in the full monastic timetable, including prayer, work, reflection, and contemplative solitude and study. As well as learning more about the charism, history and spirituality of the Order of St. Benedict, they are getting to know the community and traditions of New Norcia, and experiencing what daily life as a monk is like on a practical level.
Single, Catholic men who feel called to a life of prayer and the search for God are always welcome to make a stay at the monastery, as they discern their future direction. Anyone who is interested should contact New Norcia’s Vocations Director, Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, at robert.nixon@newnorcia.com.au.
Tableware Gifting
In the process of decluttering her cupboards, a long-time friend of the community recently gifted us with some very fine tableware (examples pictured).
If you have any similar fine tableware that you never use and would like to go to a good home where it would be well cared for and used for our Musical Soirée Suppers and Abbot’s Table Dinners in the grand old 1920s Hostel, we would be very happy and grateful to receive it.
Please contact our Director of Visitor Services, Carmel Murray at info@newnorica.com.au or by calling 9654 8056.
The Easter Triduum is the greatest solemnity of the Church
For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence. The earliest recorded observance of Easter comes from the 2nd century, though it is likely that even the earliest Christians commemorated the Resurrection, which is an integral tenet of the faith.
The Easter Triduum is the greatest solemnity of the Church’s liturgical year and staying at New Norcia over these three days is a wonderful and unforgettable way of being immersed in the great beauty, mystery and splendour of this occasion.
New Norcia is delighted to be able to offer packages including accommodation, meals and participation in the liturgy and other events to our guests.
The Monastic liturgy of the hours will also be prayed and is open to our guests.
Times for these will be included in the information booklet.
The events over these days include:
| Date |
Event |
| Holy Thursday - 28th March |
Mass of the Lord’s Supper (7.30pm) |
| Good Friday - 29th March |
Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord (3.00pm) |
|
Taize Chant and Prayer (7.30pm) |
| Holy Saturday - 30th March |
Holy Saturday Musical Recital (10.30am) |
| Easter Sunday - 31st March |
Vigil Mass of Easter (4.30am) |
|
Easter Sunday Morning Mass (9.30am) |
The accommodation options include:
| Options |
Inclusions |
Price |
| 1 |
Accommodation and meals from Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday afternoon |
$400 pp |
| 2 |
Accommodation and meals – one night only |
$160 pp |
| 3 |
Bed and Breakfast only |
$ 110 pp/night |
| 4 |
Day Visit only with lunch |
$35 |
For full details and to book your tickets please go to:
Book tickets
Hot, Dry and Weary Land
Over the years, one of the monks has faithfully recorded the weather details, day by day. These days, Dom Paul is the weather man and has been for 5 years and, before him, Father David for some 20 years.
In the last month we have been enjoying some real bush summer weather, with several significant hot spots. One was in January when we had a run of days over 40, then February has been relentless with one week recording two consecutive days over 46 degrees.
The saving grace of New Norcia weather is that we do not (usually) suffer with high humidity.
The relentlessness of the heat and the parched look of the land puts me in mind of Psalm 63 verse 1, where the Psalmist is in the desert of Judah, and speaking metaphorically:
God, you are my God, I pine for you; my heart thirsts for you, my body longs for you, as a land parched, dreary and waterless.
But then he goes on to write a wonderful Psalm of praise, which begins so:
Thus I have gazed on you in the sanctuary, seeing your power and your glory.
Better your faithful love than life itself; my lips will praise you.
Thus I will bless you all my life, in your name lift up my hands….
If we do not take care, our daily comfort, pain, circumstances can rob us of even the desire to seek God in the sanctuary, wherever our sanctuary may be. Lent is upon us. Psalm 63 could be a “green pasture” an “oasis” on the journey to Easter.
Verse 7: for you have always been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice; (NJB.)
A Group of Local Women
This all happened because we didn’t buy a marquee. The story starts at the beginning of the year when, at a farm clearance sale next door, there was an outside vendor item with a difference - a full blown wedding-standard marquee. Mentioning it to a couple of friends, and musing on the fact that we had fallen into the all-work-no-play trap, we let our imaginations run wild as to the fun that could be had. Totally unburdened by the actual practicalities (apparently these things take an experienced team a couple of days to put up and then take down again) we whipped ourselves into a high state of excitement and two of us were dispatched to the sale to have a crack at the purchase itself.
We had a few qualms when we saw the size of the thing even when all folded up but, nevertheless, still up for the adventure, we were quite ready to bid. Perhaps fortunately, and in hindsight definitely very fortunately, it of course went for about twice our maximum budget. So that was that.
Undaunted we decided to continue to address this work/life balance thing and in stepped the events team at New Norcia! Who knew what possibilities awaited! We started with a coronation afternoon tea, then a Christmas in July (for my English friends, as it is hot at Christmas time over here, it is the protocol to have a traditional Christmas dinner in the more wintery month of July). Then, a private tour of New Norcia followed by an al fresco brunch and, finally, a good old Melbourne Cup lunch.
It turned out to be a hitherto well kept secret how easy all this could be. We would have an idea, then run it by Joyce and Carmel at New Norcia and they would make it happen, exceeding our expectations each and every time. No cleaning the house for the week before, hiding all the clutter in the spare room (and then taking a month to find it again), no sweating over menus while the rest of the family survived on cheese toasties for days on end. Tick some options and turn up.
The venues were unfailingly spectacular, the hospitality wonderful and the food (and the Abbot’s cocktails) amazing. I think the highlight was probably the private tour, with a ‘no question is off the table’ openness, and access to places usually kept private. I thought I knew New Norcia pretty well but within a minute I was learning so much more. That day will stay with me.
So, many thanks to Sharyn Sinclair, Jane Graham and Clare - we really did have some fun. Many more thanks to the people who supported us, we had an absolute non-exclusive policy, we asked our friends, they asked theirs and everyone kept on turning up…..lovely, lovely people- thank you!
Finally New Norcia, what a place, somewhere very dear to me, and somewhere that continues to adjust as it strives to reconcile the less happy aspects of its history with its unique place in the WA story.
By Emma Kelly
Piano Music from Iran and the Caucasus
Performed by Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB on Saturday March 16th at the New Norcia Hostel.
This recital will present the beautiful and evocative music of Javad Maroufi, Tigran Chukhajian, and other composers from Iran, Armenia and Georgia. Drawing upon classical and national musical elements, this music has been very seldom performed in the West, but is striking, haunting and rhythmic, and is now attracting more attention from musicians and audiences alike.
The evening will commence with drinks in the lounge bar at 6.30 pm. Abbot John will prepare some Persian-inspired dishes during the interval.
Tickets are $100, all inclusive.
Accommodation is $130 per room (including continental breakfast).
To book, please visit shop.newnorcia.com.au
Groups Bookings at New Norcia - Suggested Day Programme 2024
| Time |
Item |
Description |
| 10.00am |
Arrive at New Norcia |
|
| 10.30 pm |
Private Tour |
1 hour with a tour guide dedicated to your group. An opportunity to see ‘behind closed doors’ in Australia’s only monastic town. Your guide will introduce you to New Norcia’s eclectic Monastic, Aboriginal and European heritage as you see some of the town’s richly decorated buildings, 27 of which are listed on the National Trust and not otherwise accessible to the public. Other highlights include the Flour Mill, Abbey Church and beautifully frescoed college chapels. |
| 12.00 pm |
Monastery Oratory (optional) |
Join the monks for midday prayers inside the Monastery Oratory. All faiths are welcome. |
| 12.30 pm |
Lunch |
Experience old world grandeur by having lunch in the dining room of the beautiful New Norcia Hostel. Please inform us of your meal preference at least 7 days prior to your visit and if there are any dietary requirements. |
| 1.30pm |
Museum & Art Gallery |
New Norcia is home to one of the finest collections of moveable heritage in Australia. Gifts from the Queen of Spain and a fascinating array of artefacts tell the story of New Norcia’s 170-year old history. The galleries feature religious paintings by Spanish and Italian Masters and Australian Contemporary Artists. |
| 3.30pm |
The Gift Shop |
Free time to browse our shop and pick up last-minute gifts and goodies. The shop offers a range of local produce including New Norcia Abbey Wines, breads, Nut Cake, Pan Chocolatti, New Norcia Olive Oil, art, books and music. |
| 4.15 pm |
Leave New Norcia |
Taking with you some special lasting memories. Have a safe journey home and thank you for visiting our beautiful town. |
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.
New Translations Available from Fr. Robert
New Norcia’s Fr. Robert Nixon has had two new English translations of Latin works published this month.
The first is the Treatise on Perfection: Saintly Counsel for Obtaining Salvation by Cardinal Richelieu. Richelieu (1585-1642) is most famous today from the fictional depiction of him as a villain in The Three Musketeers, but the real man was a devout churchman and wise politician who served as prime minister of France for almost twenty years. His Treatise on Perfection was one of the most popular spiritual works of the 17th century, offering helpful insights into balancing life of faith with the complexities, stresses and moral ambiguities of secular life, as he himself did so successfully.
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The second work, The Devil’s Bagpipe: The True Life of Martin Luther, is a translation of a biography of Luther written in 1581 by a Scottish historian and professor at Paris University, James Laing, who lived through most of the events he describes. Written in compelling and exciting language, it offers to the reader many little-known details of the turbulent life of Luther. These details, which are often strange, shocking and scandalous, have largely been suppressed or edited out by later historians writing with a pro-Luther bias, but are well-documented by contemporary sources.
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‘Monk Mode’ Retreat: How to Adopt Monastic Practices to Get the Most out of Life
On the weekend of March 8th-10th, New Norcia will offer a retreat on how non-monks can use monastic principles to get the most out of life.
These monastic principles include commitment, perseverance, patience, and self-discipline. Such values run counter to our mainstream culture, where self-indulgence, distraction, and rush are very much the norm. Yet these lead to a dissipation of strength and focus, and ultimately a loss of happiness, independence and freedom.
This weekend retreat, led by Fr. Robert Nixon, will explore how the principles of monastic living can be applied to everyday life, to harness your inner strength, and to achieve not only growth in holiness and wisdom, but also resilience, success and contentment.
The retreat includes full board and accommodation in New Norcia’s guesthouse.
book Accomodation
Calendars Now Available
Hot off the press - the 2024 New Norcia calendar features the works on paper of Fr. Lesmes Lopez OSB from an exhibition in St Ildephonsus’ large and small dining rooms.
This calendar shows the liturgical calendar as celebrated by the Benedictine Community of New Norcia.
Purchase the calendar
