The hidden God whom we seek
On Sunday 22nd September, we were pleased to welcome our dear friend and oblate Chief Justice Peter Quinlan, who served as retreat master for the annual monastic community retreat.
Aware of Peter’s theological/philosophical grounding, and his deep spirituality (nourished in the past thirteen years by the monastic tradition) Abbot John invited him to give the retreat, the first time someone other than a priest or religious has done so in the history of the New Norcia community. Our small community was enriched with the presence of Sr Raphael Stone OSB, Sr Lilian Bong SJA, and our resident volunteers Jim and Chris. Our friends Chris, Phil and Jason also sat in on a few sessions during the week of silent reflection.
Drawing on the Scriptures, the Rule of St Benedict, the Divine Office, his favourite authors such as Flannery O’Connor, and his own personal and professional experience, Peter offered two conferences each day on the theme ‘The hidden God whom we seek.’ It was a very contemplative retreat full of wisdom and insight. In this present time in which the church is focusing on Synodality – a time of attentive listening to all members of the Body of Christ – the retreat was indeed a profound example of ‘synodality in action.’
We kept the tradition of ending the retreat silence with a ‘picnic day’ at the conclusion of this special time in the monastic year, enjoying a lovely lunch together at the Victoria Hotel in Toodyay.
Art and Prayer - A Retreat for Artists
The Benedictine Community of New Norcia and The Mandorla Art Award Committee invite you to a gentle weekend of quiet reflection and artistic exploration in the tranquil rural setting of Australia’s only monastic town.
Along with participating in the daily rhythm of monastic life, sessions will include talks on art and prayer, the interpretation of religious art, shared discussion…and time for silence and solitude to hear the still voice of God speaking to your creative spirit.
Participants are asked to contribute $360, which includes two nights’ accommodation, all meals, as well as admission to the Museum and Art Gallery.
Bookings via New Norcia’s webshop: newnorcia.com.au
For those who can’t afford it, participation by donation can be arranged by contacting: john.herbert@newnorcia.com.au.
New Kitchenette at the Hostel
We are constantly looking for ways to improve our guest services so, late August, just in time for the guests who attended the last Abbot’s Table, our very innovative team imagined the conversion of a bottom floor storeroom into a kitchenette and, equal to the task, our very talented Grounds and Maintenance team created the kitchenette.
The facility is a great success and allows guests to better serve their own breakfast, and access tea and coffee facilities as they desire.
Notice of Change to Monastic Horarium
Compline Monday – Friday will be celebrated at 8.00pm
Anticipated Sunday Vigils on Saturday night will be celebrated at 8.00pm
Effective from Monday 2nd December 2024
Monday to Saturday |
---|
4.45am |
Rise |
5.00am |
Vigils Breakfast /Private Prayer |
6.30am |
Lauds |
7.30am* |
Conventual Mass (in Monastery Oratory)
Breakfast/Free Time |
9.00am |
Work |
12.00pm |
Angelus Lectio Divina/Silent Prayer Midday Prayer Silent Lunch (with reading) Recreation |
1.30pm |
Siesta |
2.30pm |
Afternoon Prayer (followed by rosary on Mondays) |
2.45pm |
Work |
4.15pm |
Afternoon Tea/Free Time |
5.45pm |
Lectio Divina/Quiet Time |
6.25pm |
Statio |
6.30pm |
Vespers
Silent Tea (with reading and music) News/Free Time |
8.00pm** |
Lectio Divina/Silent Prayer Compline Great Silence (until 8.00 a.m.) |
Sunday |
---|
5.45am |
Rise |
6.00am |
Lauds
Breakfast/Private Prayer |
8.45am |
Confessions |
9.00am |
Conventual Mass (in church) |
12.00pm |
Angelus Lectio Divina/Silent Prayer Midday Prayer Silent Lunch (with reading) Recreation |
1.30pm |
Siesta |
4.15pm |
Afternoon Tea |
5.30pm |
Vespers (in church) |
6.30pm |
Silent Tea (with music) |
7.30pm |
Compline TV – Otherwise Great Silence (until 8.00 a.m.) |
A Classy Country Wedding
On Friday 4th October one-hundred-and-ten family and friends gathered to witness and celebrate the marriage of Isabella Clune and Wyatt Verhoogt.
The marriage ceremony, presided over by Abbot John, took place in the popular wedding venue of St Ildephonsus’ chapel which was adorned with beautifully designed flower arrangements…how handy it is to have a family member as a florist. While the stunning bride and handsome groom took ‘centre-stage’, the six young flower girls and page boys made every effort to steal the show.
After the ceremony, drinks and canapes were enjoyed in the open-air arcades at the rear of the college, followed by a festive banquet in a spectacular marquee set up on the lawn area in the Education Centre, which was serviced by a brigade of chefs and waiters, and bar service provided by one of the local sports clubs.
Guests stayed overnight in every accommodation venue New Norcia has to offer, and enjoyed a cooked breakfast in St Ild’s dining room the next morning…it’s amazing what bacon and eggs can do for the after effects of such a great occasion!
New Norcia Retreat and Study Programme for 2025 now available
We are very pleased to announce that the programme for New Norcia’s retreats and courses are now available for 2025.
On offer is a series of varied events focusing on Benedictine spirituality, meditation, and the cultivation of inner peace and freedom. As well as our customary weekend retreats, a number of one-day options is also available.
Our weekend and one-day retreats are an opportunity to step back from the usual concerns of life into a setting of tranquility and reflection, and to absorb the ancient wisdom of our monastic tradition. Participants are encouraged to book well in advance, as events are often fully booked.
Please visit the New Norcia online giftshop to view all events.
The Most Popular Piano Pieces of All Time
Musical Soirée with Father Robert Nixon OSB 14th December, at the New Norcia Hostel.
The evening will commence at 6.30pm
A sumptuous supper and drinks will be served.
In this musical soirée, New Norcia’s Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, will perform the most popular and best-loved pieces of all time. These are the works which appear most frequently in concert programmes, are listened to and recorded most often, and which surveys of listeners show are ranked the highest in terms of being favourites.
Included in this selection will, of course, be pieces like Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Chopin’s Fantasia-Impromptu, Satie’s Gymnopédie No. 1, and many others- as well as a few works by contemporary composers which have made it into the top rankings in popularity. Listeners at this recital can be confident that they will hear some of their own favourites.
Tickets are $100, all inclusive.
Accomodation can be separately arranged by emailing groups@newnorcia.com.au
Abbot’s Table: Spring 16th November
We are pleased to announce the date for the next dinner of 2024, to be held at the grand old New Norcia Hostel.
This series celebrates a set four-course menu of fresh seasonal produce and showcase New Norcia wood-fired bakery products, olive oil, Abbey Ale and Abbey wines, to be shared with family and friends – or strangers – in this special place, a town like no other.
In the spirit of community, guests will sit together at long tables throughout the venue.
- Pre-dinner drinks begin at 6.00 p.m.
- All-inclusive dinner: $180 per person
- When booking, please notify us of any special dietary allergies.
PLEASE NOTE: For group bookings: please list the name of each group member attending in the notes section of your order. There is a limit of 8 tickets per booking. Thank you!