Fr Stephen Moreno was born at Corella, Spain in 1889. At the age of 15 he entered the Benedictine Monastery of El Miracle as a novice for New Norcia. He began his musical education in his early years and was taught composition in Rome by the well known Don Lorenzo Perosi.

Fr Stephen arrived at New Norcia in 1908 and his musical talents were encouraged by succeeding Abbots. In 1920 he was sent to Germany to further his studies in composition. While there, he purchased a new two-manual Moser pipe organ and on his return assembled it in the Abbey Church at New Norcia in 1933.
 For the rest of his life Fr Stephen worked as the community choir master, organist and composer. He produced a large body of liturgical music, especially choral works, which became very popular with Catholic congregations throughout Australia. He also wrote over 100 brass band arrangements.