New Norcia Questions

Date: 14 February 2005 02:40:20

Thanks for the welcome back, and the kind comments on my basic photography skills.

Yes -- the 'gentleman' in the red t-shirt is moi.

Philippa asked about the artwork in the Holy Trinity Chapel. It is rather interesting. It was done by a Czech artist in the mid to late 60s in a style known as Scrafitti (I think?) -- they have layers of plaster and need to cut away at it. The artwork depicts the Stations of the Cross, and one in particular very much reflects the times -- Jesus is being whipped while Mexicans, Japanese and an astronaut(!) look on. It was interesting to look at, and unique -- but it wasn't quite my style. The walls are a dull blue and most of the etchings are in white, with a dash of black and red.

Tractor Girl asked some questions on the town.

You can take a virtual tour here if you want to read some more. A town map can be viewed here.

In terms of what was built when, briefly:

1846 - Monastery founded

1861 - Abbey Church founded [facade and bell tower added in 1908]

1908 - St Gertude's Ladies College founded

1913 - St Ildephonsus' College for Boys founded

1927 - Guesthouse founded [now the Hotel]

I found the monastery and church still very spiritual, despite the reliance on tourism. St Gertrude's and St Ildephonsus' are now used for retreats and various camps [music, church, etc.] The 12 or so monks, and 2 novices, still live the Benedictine life and being able to share in that was a great blessing. Talking to various guests during the day was also a wonderful experience.

In terms of being distracted by beauty, for me at least, this only happens when I first walk into a chapel or church and go "WOW!" Once the service has begun, my mind focuses on God (hopefully...I do have my times of distraction) and the surrounding beauty is not as distracting as it may be if I was there as "a tourist". During communion, or during a pause in proceedings, I may be drawn to a statue or a painting or an icon -- yet I, and I can only speak for me, ponder it and ponder the Saint's life of service devoted to God. And then when the service continues my attention returns to the liturgy and to God.

I hope that helps!