Sample Submission: TfU Project Part I

Dear all,

Here's a sample of the artefact catalogue card for Part I of the TfU project.

New Norcia, Western Australia
Dec 2003
Clay with attached magnet
Diameter 5 cm.

Artefact: Pax Fridge Magnet
The fridge magnet is adorned with the term 'pax' which is the Latin term for peace. This term is of great significance particularly to Catholics as the rite of peace is celebrated before Communion during Mass whereby the Priest wishes the congregation peace by praying: "Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: 'I leave you peace, my peace I give you.' Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever ", the priest wishes the people the peace of Christ: "The peace of the Lord be with you always." and the congregation responds 'and also with you' and thereafter, members of the congregation will wish each other peace prior to moving on to the next rite.

The rite is meant for all those partaking in communion to be at peace with Christ and also with each other. This rite is also of great significance as in the gospels of Luke and John, after the resurrection of Jesus, he appears to his disciples and the first words he says to them is 'peace be with you' and dispels the doubts and disbelief of his disciples of his resurrection.

Place of Origin: New Norcia, Western Australia
This artefact was purchased from the gift shop from a small Benedictine settlement known as New Norcia. The Benedictines are a Catholic Order and New Norcia was founded by a number of Benedictine Monks in the mid 1830s.

During the early years of the settlement's existence, it attempted to create a self-sufficient agricultural village and evangelise the local indigenous people (Aborigines). However due to the introduction of European dieases which saw the death of large numbers of indigenous peoples, the settlement concentrated more upon education. In later years, it served as a religious centre for the region. However, the decline in the number of monks in recent years and the closure of the various educational institutions associated with New Norcia has seen the settlement become more of a heritage and tourist location whilst at the same time continuing its religious duties.

Significance of Keepsake
This keepsake was purchased on my first visit to New Norcia in 2003. At that time, my wife and I were on holiday in Western Australia and signed up for a day tour without really looking very carefully at the itinerary. It was only upon our arrival at New Norcia that we realised that there was a Benedictine settlement in the middle of a large rural area.

As Catholics, my wife and I found New Norcia to be a place of peace and to a great degree, the existence of this settlement demonstrated the faith and committment of the members of the Benedictine order who founded the settlement. One can only imagine the difficulties they had in reaching the location and thereafter to construct the various buildings that can be found there.

It is truly an oasis of peace in the midst of rural Western Australia, hence the significance of the pax fridge magnet.

References
The New Revised Standard Version Bible, Catholic Edition.
The Catholic Encyclopedia
http://www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/monastery_history.htm
http://www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/