5 - catholic historical figures

Question 1

explain his early life / childhood

Answer 1

• parents = substantial, educated citizens, practising Catholics
• one of six children, attended the cathedral school (intelligence and flair for music were noticed)
• at 15 = entered the Benedictine monastery of st Martin in Santiago De compostela
• returned home in 1835, then accepted suggestion of Joseph Serra to transfer to the Benedictine monastery in cava, Italy
• pledged himself to a lifelong journey of ‘conversion of life’ aimed at creating better individuals and communities

Question 2

what is a Benedictine monk

Answer 2

• a monk or nun of a Christian religious order following the rule of Saint Benedict and established circa 540

Question 3

what is the rule of st Benedict

Answer 3

• a book that constitutes a basic guide for living the Christian life
• continues to be followed by every Benedictine monastery and covenant in the world today

Question 4

what / where is new norcia

Answer 4

• located 130kms north of Perth, founded in 1846 by Spanish Benedictine monks who came to work with local aboriginals
• named after norcia in Italy (birthplace of st Benedict)
• has been an aboriginal mission, a centre for education and a place of hospitality and culture
• small community of Benedictine monks actively manage the site today

Question 5

explain what happened during the salvado era (1846-1900)

Answer 5

• first fifty years of new norcia’s history are dominated by rosendo salvado
• spent 54 years of his life making it one of the most progressive and successful missions in Australian history
• vision: create create, among the indigenous people of Victoria plains, a Christian, largely self sufficient village based on agriculture
• fundraising trips to Europe provided him with means to acquire land, consult buildings, purchase books, vestments, art works and ritual objects, as well as stock and equipment

Question 6

what was salvados impact on Australia

Answer 6

• he was a bishop, an abbot and missionary, friend to governors, cardinals, abbots, popes, queen (played an active part in the church hierarchy nationally and internationally)
• collection at new norcia reflects the depth of his local understanding and the full scope of his interests

Question 7

how was salvado a friend to the yued people

Answer 7

• establishment at new norcia had a profound effect on the lives of the yued people of the Noongar nation
• coincided with much upheaval for them who bore the brunt of the early British colony in WA
• he was their friend, he gained their trust, and they helped him and his fellow missionaries survive in the bush and to establish the mission at new norcia

Question 8

who was rosendo salvado

Answer 8

• Benedictine monk, missionary and author
• born: March 1st 1814 Tuy, Spain
• died: December 29th 1900
• parents: Peter salvado, Francesca rotea