NEW NORCIA is 132km north of Perth, along the Great Northern Highway. It is situated next to the banks of the Moore River, in the Shire of Victoria Plains.

New Norcia is the only monastic town in Australia.

A ground station for the European Space Agency is located 8 km south of the town

On 1 March 1846, a Benedictine mission to the local aborigines was started about 8 km to the north, led by the two Spanish Benedictines, Rosendo SALVADO and Joseph SERRA. Within a year the mission was moved to where the town is today, and on 1 March 1847 the foundation stone of the monastery was laid. The place was named New Norcia, after Norcia in Italy, the birthplace of St Benedict. Unlike the Italian Norcia, which is pronounced "nor-chee-a", New Norcia is pronounced "new nor-sia".

The town of New Norcia has buildings in a Spanish style of architecture, along with some other historical sites. Among these are the two old boarding schools, St Ildephonsus' and St Gertrude's (both now used for accommodation and various social functions), the Abbey Church (containing the tomb of Rosendo Salvado), an old mill, a wine press, a hotel, and the monastery itself. Tours of the town are operated daily by the Friends of New Norcia, who also organise the accommodation in the various buildings including the monastery retreat.

The Benedictine monks continue to occupy the monastery and are involved with most of the enterprises in the town.

The last Spanish Benedictine monk of New Norcia died on 18 January 2010, aged 99. He continued to prepare the bread for the monks and olive oil almost upon his death


Many have claimed to have seen ghosts in this town. This is said mainly because of its religious nature and the fact the town graveyard is in the middle of the town. Claims of a pale girl seen on the top floor of the St Gertrudes Girls boarding house has been prominent with many sightings reported. Various other sightings of figures have emerged which adds to the interesting nature of the town.


the NEW NORCIA CEMETERY

BOXHALL , Mary Ann. 3 Feb 1887 aged 40.
BUTLER , Edmund. 4 Jun 1872 aged 62 years. Husband of Mary
BUTLER , James. 8 Jul 1938 aged 78. Husband of Mary
BUTLER , Martin. 9 Apr 1895 aged 81.
BUTLER , Mary. 22 Jul 1938 aged 76. Wife of James
BUTLER , Mary. Wife of Edmund. 21 Jun 1864 aged 58

CALZOLARI , Aldo. 11 Nov 1952.
CASELLAS , John. 30 Jun 1921 aged 47
CLINCH , Catherine. 17 Aug 1908 aged 79
CLINCH , James. 28 Apr 1899 aged 81.
CLINCH , William Henry. Eldest son of James. 30 Jun 1859 aged 3 years 3 months
CLUNE , Alice Mary. Wife of Jeremiah McMahon. 26 Aug 1966 aged 84
CLUNE , Bridget McMahon. 2 Jan 1868 aged 65. Wife of Thomas.
CLUNE , Dermot Benedict. Son of Jeremiah James and Bridget. 21 Mar 1929 - 26 Mar 1929
CLUNE , Gregory Augustine. 25 May 1912 - 10 Nov 1988. Husband of Agnes, father of Mac, John, Cathy and Mary
CLUNE , James Benedict. 2 Jan 1907 - 27 May 1990. Husband of Molly. Father of Marie, Pauline, Celine, Gerald, Joan, Daniel, Paul, Frank.
CLUNE , Jane Thompson. Wife of Jerry. 9 Nov 1896 aged 62
CLUNE , Jeremiah McMahon. Husband of Alice Mary. 12 Aug 1954 aged 80.
CLUNE , Jeremiah. 22 Apr 1916 aged 81
CLUNE , John Patrick. Husband of Ursula. 6 Aug 1910 aged 44
CLUNE , John B. 15 Jul 1904 aged 56
CLUNE , Mary Bourke. Wife of John. 10 Jan 1896 aged 46
CLUNE , Maureen Frances. 2 Apr 1930 - 9 Sep? 1930. Daughter of Jeremiah James and Bridget
CLUNE , Thomas. 11 Jun 1866 aged 70. Husband of Bridget MacMahon
CLUNE-BUTLER , Mary. 24 Oct 1902 aged 70
CLUNE-LYNCH , Mary Monica. 6 Sep 1904 - 12 Jan 1989. Wife of Jim. Mother of Marie, Pauline, Celine, Gerald, Joan, Daniel, Paul, Frank
CONNOR , Elizabeth Jane. Wife of Dr D Connor. 5 Aug 1901
CUPER , Mary Helen. Formerly Miss Pangieran of Bunbury.12 Jan 1877 aged 30. Wife of Benedict

DRAYTON , Louis Thomas. Husband of Patricia, father of Kerry, Jody, Gavin, Louis and Joseph. 29 May 199? Aged 44
DRAYTON , Mary Consuelo. 26 Oct 1918 - 26 Dec 1985. (with Riobert Joseph)
DRAYTON , Robert Joseph. 16 Feb 1914 - 29 Sep 1986. (with Mary Consuelo)

FITZGERALD , Margaret Power Hickey. Wife of Thomas. 3 Apr 1890 aged 53
FITZGERALD , Thomas. 23 Sep 1892 aged 58
FLANAGAN, William. 17 Apr 1885

GALLAGHER, Elizabeth. 30 Apr 1953 aged 73
GALLAGHER, Hugh. Husband of Elizabeth. 25 Mar 1921 aged 41

HENNESSY, Charles Edward (possibly 1924) and Ellen (possibly 1905 or 1906). Of Yenart
HUNT , Bridget Mary. Daughter of James and Frances. 28 Sep 1905 - 3 Aug 1998
HUNT, Catherine. Wife of William. 6 Agu 1915 aged 85
HUNT, Charles Benedict. Son of James and Frances. 29 Aug 1873 aged 84
HUNT, Frances. Wife of James Patrick. 28 May 1933 aged 67
HUNT, Hannah. 6 Jul 1942 aged 87
HUNT, Henry Thomas. 20 Oct 1977 aged 82
HUNT, James Patrick. 16 Jan 1944 aged 86
HUNT, John. 22 Jun 1955 aged 68
HUNT, Joseph Benedict. Son of james and Frances. 18 Jan 1987 aged 82?
HUNT, Mari. Sister of Hanna. 15 Apr 1919 aged 58
HUNT, Sylvester Benedict. 16 Oct 1968 aged 66
HUNT, William. 7 Jul 1890 aged 59

INDICH, Henry. 3 Mar 1896 aged 39.

JOYCE , Bridget. 17 Oct 1917 aged 76
JOYCE , Henry. 11 Sep 1929 aged 58
JOYCE , Margaret. 29 Apr 1908 aged 39

KELLY , Anthony. Born and died 26 Jan 1930. By Tom, Annie, Dolly, Dorothy, Mavis and Kath.
KELLY , Barney. 1 Jun 1934 aged 80 (with Mary Ann)
KELLY , Bernard James. 3207 Pte 4th Imp Camel Corpt. 28 May 1922
KELLY , Dolores May. 5 May 1916 - 11 Jul 2008. Wife of Patrick, mother of Ann, Peter, Joan and Gerard.
KELLY , Ellenor Mary. 1854 - 1927. (with William Henry)
KELLY , Ellenor Maude. 14 Jul 1890 - 5 Feb 1976.
KELLY , Mary Ann. 18 Feb 1935 aged 77. (with Barney)
KELLY , Patrick Martin. Husband of Dolores, father of Ann, Peter, Joan and Gerard. 17 Apr 1903 - 31 May 1985.
KELLY , William Henry. 1852 - 1940. (with Ellenor Mary)

LANIGAN , Amelia. Wife of Michael. 12 Jan 1953 aged 77
LANIGAN , Andrew. 5 Jan 1896 aged 57
LANIGAN , Felix Patrick. 20 Nov 1912 - 25 Jun 1997. Son of Michael and Amelia.
LANIGAN , Johanna. 31 Aug 1922 aged 86
LANIGAN , Kevin Joseph. WX7775. 30 Jan 1918 - 21 May 1998. Son of Michael and Amelia.
LANIGAN , Margaret Brigid. 13 Apr 1945 aged 5. Second daughter of Robert and Susan, sister of Joseph, Robert, Marie and Patricia, granddaughter of Richard and Margaret.
LANIGAN , Margaret Mary. 21 Aug 1939 aged 73. (with Richard)
LANIGAN , Michael. Husband of Amelia. 5 Dec 1966 aged 96
LANIGAN , Richard Patrick. 20 Mar 1938 aged 73. (with Margaret)
LEHANE , Paul. 16 Oct 1916 aged 16.
LONGMAN , Alecia. 25 Sep 1954 aged 89
LONGMAN , James Henry. Son of Alicia. 8 Jul 1932 aged 48.
LONGMAN , John. 26 Aug 1922 aged 65.

MAHER , James Thomas Frances. Eldest son of Richard and Julia, husband of Olga Amy. 9 Sep 1989 aged 82
MAHER , Julia Ann. 13 May 1967 aged 88
MAHER , Mary. Daughter of Richard and Julia. 15 Sep 1924 aged 72
MAHER , Richard. Husband of Julia. 28 Oct 1928 aged 59
MCCARROLL , Anges Mary. Wife of Bill. 3 Jan 1946 aged 42
MCCUTCHEON , McCutcheon. Husband of Ella, father of Donna and David. 24 Sep 1981 aged 44
MCDONALD , Timothy Patrick. Son of John and Pat, brother of Peter, Margaret and David. 21 Jan 1959 - 1 Jul 1992.
MUDD , Benedict (Charles Thomas). 6 Jan 2008 aged 76
MUDD , Ethel Charlotte. 20 Aug 1971 aged 65
MURPHY , Alan. Son of Catherine and Patrick. 13 Feb 1990 aged 55
MURPHY , John. 18 Jul 1923 aged 75
MURPHY , Patrick. 24 Dec 1904 aged 68

NARRIER , Alexander. 15 Feb 1967 aged 82. Husband of Nellie (m 1934), Mary (m 1925) and Lena
NELSON , Vernon Clinch. Youngest son of William and Victoria. 19 Mar 1948 aged 12

POWELL , John. Son of H and K. 14 Apr 1900 aged 3

RUDD , Edward. 28 Jun 1923 aged 59
RUDD , Winifred. 19 Nov 1928 aged 61

SHERIDAN , Ernest. 18 May 1898 aged 1 year 11 months
SPINKS , Jamie Michael. Son of Joyce and Lindsay. 17 Dec 1980 aged 6

TAYLOR , Agnes Beryl. 12 Jul 1989 aged 58
TAYLOR , Basil Felix. 16 Jul 1956 - 26 Jun 2004. Son of Roy and Beryl, husband of Bernie, father of Geoffrey, Glen and Luke, pop of Shannon and Tahlia.
TAYLOR , Charles Benedict. 30 Nov 1922 - 2 Jun 2002. WX28972/W97033 28 Aust Inf Btn. Husband of Elizabeth, father of Peter, Judy, Graham and Sandra.
TAYLOR , Francis (nee Ryder)
TAYLOR , Joseph.
TAYLOR , Kathleen Isobel (nee Bynder). 21 Jan 1932 - 1 Sep 1972. (with Phillip)
TAYLOR , Phillip Augustine. 4 Jun? 1929 - 1 Sep 1972. (with Kathleen)
TAYLOR , Roy Thomas. 13 Jan 2009
THOMPSON , Annie. Wife of John M. 23 Jun 1920 aged 30
THOMPSON , Charles John. 29 Jul 1859 - 24 Apr 1872. (with James Patrick)
THOMPSON , Charles S. 27 Jun 1917 aged 79 (with Ellen M)
THOMPSON , Ellen M. 4 Dec 1951 aged 83
THOMPSON , James Patrick. 28 Jul 1870 - 24 Jun 1875. (with Charles John)
THOMPSON , Johannah. Wife of A. C. 19 Apr 1908 aged 39
THOMPSON , John Martin. Husband of Mary. 13 Nov 1983? Aged 75
THOMPSON , John. Son of Mary and John. 20 Dec 1956 aged 21
THOMPSON , Margaret. Wife of Robert. 23 May 1919 aged 84
THOMPSON , Mary Frances. Wife of John. 4 Aug 1993 aged 93
THOMPSON , Patrick J. 7 Sep 1903 aged 27
THOMPSON , Robert. 12 Jun 1892 aged 70 years 4 months

WALLEY , John Stephen. 12 Oct 1952 aged 27. Husband of Elizabeth, father of Colin, Roseleen (dec), Richard and Kevin
WALLEY , Mary Mercy. 11 Aug 1944 aged 18. Daughter of John and Elizabeth, mother of Ronald.
WILSON , Lila. Daughter of H and C,. 9 Mar 1909 aged 10

MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY

ALCALDE , Ennego. RP, OSB. 1875 - 1943. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
ALSINA , Bonaventure, Fra. OBL, SB. 1829 - 1895
APODACA , Attilanus. 1850 - 1881
ARCE , Donatus. R. Fra. OSB. 1907 1955
ARGEMI , Sebastianus, Fra. OBL, SB. 1829 - 1877. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
ARNAL , Benedictus, R. Fra. OSB. 1825 - 1887
ARRUFAT , Aloysius. R. Fra. OSB. 1873 - 1962. Father Jose, mother Serafina.
ARZA , Paulus. R. P. 1907 - 1991. OSB
ASLA , Basilius. R. Fra. 1848 - 1927. OSB.
ASPURU , Adelemus. R. Fra. 1846 1991. OSB
AUSEJO , Ramirus. R. P. 1903 - 1956. OSB. Father Eladio, mother Jesusa.
AYGUABELLA , Felix. R. P. 189 - 1960. OSB

BARBARA , Placidus, R. Fra. 1819 - 1899. OSB. Father James, mother Catherine Ventura. Birthplace Spain
BARRANCO , Benedictus, R. P. 1892 - 1957. OSB
BASTERRECHEA , Mellitus. 1849 - 1927. OSB
BELTRAN De OTALORA , Gullielmus, R. Fra. 1947 - 1921. OSB
BERNICH , Carolus. Fra. 1824 - 1869. OBL. SB
BERTRAN , Ildephonsus. Adm. R. P. 1827 - 1911. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
BINEFA , Dominicus, R. Fra. 1824 - 1906. OSB
BREA , Isadorus. R. Fra. 1924 - 1904. OSB
BRUCE , Justinus. R. P. 1927 - 2009. OSB
BURGOS , Vincentius. R. Fra. 1903 - 1989. OSB

CARRASCO , Jacobus. D. 1913 - 1996. OSB
CARROLL , Patricius. R. P. 1845 - 1915. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
CASTANARES , Gerardus. Adm. R. P. 1871 - 1926. OSB
CASTANOS , Martianus. R. Fra. 1850 - 1917. OSB
CATALAN , Anselm M. Dom. OSB. Born in Spain 16 Nov 1878, professed Monk 24 Mar 1895, Ordained Priest 20 Sep 1902, Abbot Visitor 2 Oct 1914, Abbot Nullius of New Norcia 27 Mar 1915. Died 29 Jul 1959. 3rd Abbot of New Norcia 1915 to 1951.
CAVE , Michael. R. P. 1921 - 1995. OSB
CELAYA , Urbanus (Manuel). R. Fra. 1847 - 1870. NSB.
CERVERO , Veremundus. R. Fra. 1830 - 1910. OSB
COLL , Aemilianus. R. P. 1831 - 1908. OSB

DEVINE , Theresa Elias, Soror. 1839 - 1933. OSB
DIAN , Bruno. R. Fra. 1845 - 1925. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
DIEZ , Gertrude, Soror. 1930 - 1969. OSB
DOMINGUEZ , Fulgentius. Rmus. P. 1831 - 1900. OSB. Father Joseph, mother Modesta Bertran. Birthplace Spain.
DONNELAN , Anthonius, R. Fra. 1858 - 1929, OSB

ELGUEZABAL , Agatho. R. Fra. 1850 - 1900. OSB. Father John Anthony, mother Mary Ezezuma. Birthplace Spain.
ENJUANES , Maurus. R. P. 1909 - 2004. OSB
ESTEBAN , Ildephonsus. R. Fra. 1825 - 1901. OSB. Father Francis, other Frances Ernandez, birthplace Spain.
ESTURI , Joseph. R. Fra. 1856 - 1932. OSB

FARGAS Joachim. R. Fra. 1824 - 1877. OSB
FERRER , Joannes. Fra. 1823 - 1908. OBL. SB
FLOOD , Jacobus. R. P. 1849 - 1931. OBL. SB

GABANE , Augustinus. R. Fra. 1828 - 1911. OSB
GAR , Joseph. R. P. 1902 - 1987. OSB
GARRIDO , Venentius. Adm. R. P. 1810 - 1870. OSB
GASULLA , Florentinus, R. Fra. 1823 - 1898. OSB
GIMENEZ , Benignus, R. Fra. 1848 - 1929. OSB
GIMENEZ , Placidus. R. Fra. 1889 - 1970. OSB
GIMENEZ , Urbanus. R. P. 1891 - 1938. OSB
GLOS , Paulus. R. Fra. 1827 - 1878. OSB
GOIGOEGHEA , Bonifacius. R. P. 1833 - 1906. OSB
GOMEZ , Boniface. R. P. 1895 - 1969. OSB, VB.
GOMEZ , Gerardus. R. Fra. 1845 - 1924. OSB
GOMEZ , Gregory. Dom. OSB. Born Spain 9 May 1904, professed Monk 15 Aug 1920, Ordained Priest 18 Aug 1928, Abbot Nullius of New Norcia 30 May 1951. Died 31 May 1995. Fourth Abbot of New Norcia 1951 - 1971.
GONZALEZ , Fulgentius. R. Fra. 1907 - 1943. OSB
GORGHAN , Joseph. R. Fra. 1829 - 1903. OSB
GOZALO , Augustinus. D. 1913 - 2002. OSB

HARISPE , Maria, Soror. 1881 - 1925. OSB
HERNANDEZ , Theodorus. R. P. 1905 - 1976. OSB

KELLY , Patricius. R. P. 1916 - 1996. OSB
KNOPP , Bruno. D. 1932 - 1994. OSV

LAGINSKIE , Martinus R. P. 1915 - 1972. OSB
LARREA , Eugenius. R. Fra. 1842 - 1925. OSB
LENNON , Stephanus. R. P. 1907 - 1988. OSB
LOPEZ , Francis Columbanus. R. P. 1870 - 1929. OSB
LOPEZ , Nonnosus. R. Fra. 1811 - 1881. OSB
LOPEZ , Sylvester, R. Fra. 1903 - 1963. OSB

MADARIAGA , Bertharius. R. Fra. 1833 - 1927. OSB
MARCOS , Liduvina, Soror. 1900 - 1973. OSB
MARDARAZ , Germanus. R. Fra. 1843 - 1917. OSB
MARTELLI , Raphael. Adm. R. P. 1811 - 1880. OSB
MARTELLI , Raphael. Dom Canonicus. 3 August 1880 aged 70
MARTINEZ , Mary Scholastica, Soror. 1908 - 1941. OSB
MARTINEZ , Bernardus. R. P. 1834 - 1911. OSB
MAS , Dalmacio Dositeus. R. Fra. 1815 - 1889. OSB
MATA , Rudesindus. R. Fra. 1908 - 1932. OSB
MCCORMICK , Anselmus. R P. 1845 - 1907. OSB
MIRO , Froilanus. R. Fra. 1831 - 1908. OSB
MONTOYA , Columbanus, R. Fra. 1849 - 1904. OSB. Father Pevro. Birthplace Spain.
MONTOYA , Justus. R. Fra. 1840 - 1900. OSB. Father Lazaro, mother Benito Deturiso. Birthplace Spain.
NICOLA , Philomenus. Fra. 1820 - 1891. OBL. SB

NOSEDA , Basil. R. P. 1919 - 2003. OSB
NOSEDA , Eva Gertrude. Sr. 1881 - 1969. OBL. SB. Loved mother of Neil and Fr. Basil, OSB. Pioneer member of the Benedictine Oblates of New Norcia.

OCHOA , Albinus. R. Fra. 1840 - 1926. OSB
OCHOA , Anastasius. R. Fra. 1843 - 1921. OSB
OCHOA , Franquila. R. Fra. 1932 - 1921. OSB
OLIVERAS , Romanus. R. Fra. 1821 - 1904. OSB. Born Spain
OLTRA , Odo. R. Fra. 1826 - 1898. OSB. Father Vincent, mother Carmen Valls. Born Spain
ORBE , Suitbertus. R. P. 1848 - 1928. OSB
ORIVE , Rigardus. R. Fra. 1871 - 1908. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
ORTIZ , Eustasius. R. Fra. 1849 - 1902. OSB Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
ORTIZ , Ramirus. R. Fra. 1844 - 1919. OSB Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.

PALLEJA , Palleja. R. Fra. 1826 - 1909. OSB
PALOU , Anselmus. R. Fra. 1821 - 1895. OSB
PEREZ , Adalbertus. R. Fra. 1896 - 1937. OSB Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
PEREZ , Eugenius. R. P. 1910 - 1990. OSB
PEREZ , Januarius. R. Fra. 1843 - 1915. OSB
PICH , Rudesindus. R. Fra. 1827 - 1910. OSB
PLANAS , Aemilianus. R. P. 1874 - 1948. OSB

QUINDOS , Vincentius. R. Fra. 1861 - 1940. OSB

RIGNASCO , Maurus. R. Fra. 1799 - 1879. OSB
RISPA , Maurus. R. Fra. 1858 - 1924 OSB
RIZZO , Alferius. R. Fra. 1821 - 1901. OSB. Father Andrew, mother Laura Engrazia. Born Italy.
RODRIGUEZ , Beda. R. Fra. 1848 - 1914. OSB
ROMARATEGUI , Gregorius. Fra. 1848 - 1826. OSB
ROS , Helladius. R. P. 1910 - 1987. OSB
ROS , Raimundus. R. D. 1907 - 1926. OSB
RUBIO , Maurus. R. Fra. 1818 - 1872. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
RUIZ , Isidorus. R. P. 1901 - 1974. OSB

SABATE , Albertus. R. Fra. 1831 - 1891. OSB
SALA , Romualdus. R. Fra. 1820 - 1895. OSB
SAREZ , Wilfredus. R. P. 1804? - 1878?. OSB
SASTRE , Gerardus. R. P. 1896 - 1962. OSB
SIMON , Vincentius. R. Fra. 1804 - 1887. OSB
SOTILLOS , Gregory. F. 1826 - 1888. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
SPADARO , Bartholomaeus. D. 1953 - 1991. OSB
SUAREZ , Josephus. Fra. 1816 - 1891. OBL. SB
SWALLOW , Glenn, Dom. 1968 - 2009. OSB

TENAS , Leo. R. Fra. 1863 - 1927. OSB
TOMAS , Leander. R. Fra. 1830 - 1908. OSB
TOMAS , Stephanus. R. Fra. 1828 - 1909. OSB
TORRALBA , Michael. Fra. 1822 - 1868. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
TORRES , Fulgentius. Died 6 Oct 1914 aged 53. OSB. Second Abbot of New Norcia 1902 - 1914
TUBAU , Aloysius. R. P. 1885 - 1956. OSB
TURI , Constabilis. R. Fra. 1811 - 1880. OSB

UBACH , Veremundus. R. P. 1886 - 1960. OSB
UBAGH , Maurus. R. D. 1885 - 1908. OSB

WODON , Joannes M. R. P. 1923 - 2008. OSB

XIRGO , Michael. Fra. 1829 - 1903. OBL SB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.
XUCLA , Martirianus. R. Fra. 1832 - 1933. OSB

ZABALA , Adeodatus. R. Fra. 1843 - 1919. OSB. Not listed in WA Pioneer Index.