This statue of New Norcia's first
Abbot was presented by the Spanish Government in the
early 1960s |
Salvado quickly realised that land was
vital for the missions survival. He set about expanding
the original government grant of 20 acres, and by the end
of 1848 the mission had over a thousand acres supporting
over twice as many sheep. Crops and vegetables were also
grown, and in return for food the Aborigines who came to
New Norcia provided the labour required to further
develop the mission. Salvado then set about encouraging
them to farm their own plots of land, hoping to
"found a village of native proprietors who would be
farmers and skilled workmen". He was now managing
the mission alone, Serra having been called to Rome early
in 1848. However, in 1849 Salvado found himself also on
his way back to Rome, ordered there by Bishop Brady, who
did not share his vision of an independent New Norcia.
There Salvado was consecrated Bishop of Port Victoria, in
Northern Australia, a great setback to his hopes. When
the port was abandoned a month later, he was the Bishop
of a diocese which did not exist. After nearly four years
(during which he wrote his memoirs) Salvado was finally
granted permission to return to New Norcia. He arrived
back in Western Australia in 1853, bringing with him
thirty-six artisan brothers and five priests, and a
substantial amount of money he had raised in Europe.
Salvado was to spend another 47 years fulfilling his
missionary task before his death during a later visit to
Rome. |
