Normally closed to the public, St Benedict’s Monastery opens its doors once a year to host an old-fashioned country fair which has a 50-year history intertwined with the seven monks who reside there and with the Pearson family. ISABELL PETRINIC reports.
THE Pearsons have helped organise all of the fairs, which draw between 2000 and 3000 people annually.
The relationship was born over a home-cooked meal, said Bernard Pearson, of Baulkham Hills.
"My dad [Bill Pearson] met Father Edward Doran, the only non-Italian priest at St Benedicts, and invited him home for dinner," Mr Pearson said.
"He found out what they were doing, which was teaching in the local community, farming on their land at Arcadia, working in hospitals (mostly with terminal patients), plus raising funds for their missionaries.
"He also heard how the monks were doing it tough and agreed to get a few guys together and help out."
Bill Pearson was already organising the St Gabriel's Deaf School fete, and was actively involved with the local chamber of commerce and church.
"Through his contacts he was able to get a group of good, high-profile people together to help start the country fair, plus all his other charities, such as Red Cross Door Knock, Freedom From Hunger Door Knock, Salvos ... just about anyone needing help," Mr Pearson said of his late father.
‘‘Mum and Dad raised seven children whilst giving of their time freely and poor mum, cooking for whomever Dad would bring home.
‘‘He once gave away her pressure cooker to a ‘family that needed it more than us Val’."
The first committee included Ben van Ewick, Reg McKee, Lenny Fontana, Phil Zadro, Bernie Mullane, Harry Gooden, Jack Connell, Bill Doyle and Laurie Nolan.
This year’s fair committee has Mark Eades, Craig Steele, Brett Wood, Robbie Duncan, Keith Wallace, Ray Hume, Harry Wagland, Fr David and Fr Bernard.
‘‘Over 20 family members attend and help in setting up, plus working the country fair,’’ Mr Pearson said.
He says his family continues to be involved because "we have grown up with these monks and are old friends. Also, to honour our father's/parents' commitment".
The monastery is set among 40 hectares of serene countryside in Arcadia and this year's fair includes tours of the 54-year-old monastery and the chapel, inside which the monks gather five times a day to pray and chant psalms beneath its beautiful stained glass windows.
Some of these windows were salvaged from St Marys Cathedral following the fire of 1865.
Outside you will find limousin cattle grazing and fresh country produce growing, out of which jams and sweets are made for the fair.
Abbot General, Father Michael Kelly will be a guest from Rome this year.
Past guests have included Australian rugby league footballer, coach and radio caller, the late Frank Hyde (Mr Pearson’s godfather) and Peter Sterling, a legend of the Parramatta Eels.
‘‘OH&S has a lot to answer for. We used to have hay rides with us boys driving the tractor over bumpy tracks and real horse rides; now you need insurance for everything," Mr Pearson said.
There will also be face painting, balloons, fairy floss, a jumping castle and barbecue at this year's fair.
The prior of St Benedict's Monastery, Father Bernard McGrath says proceeds will go towards either building schools or accommodation for teachers in areas where governments don't build schools.
■ St Benedict’s Monastery 50th Country Fair, Sunday, March 8, 10.30am at 121 Arcadia Road, Arcadia, will be preceded by a 10am Mass.
■ Monastery tours: 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm. Details: 9653 1159.
