Saint Norbert, Bishop & Confessor
S. Norberti Episcopi et Confessoris
Saint Norbert was a twelfth-century nobleman who, after a sudden conversion, became an austere preacher of penance, founded the Premonstratensian Order, and ended his days as Archbishop of Magdeburg, renowned for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Saint Norbert was born about the year 1080 in the Rhineland, of a noble family connected with the imperial court. In his early life he held a comfortable place among the clergy attached to that court, living without great fervour. The prayer of his feast remembers him as one whom God made an outstanding herald of His word and through whom He enriched the Church with new offspring.
Conversion and preaching
His life was changed by a brush with death. Caught in a violent storm and thrown from his horse, Norbert rose a changed man, resolved to give himself wholly to God. He was ordained a priest, renounced his benefices and possessions, and gave the proceeds to the poor. Taking up the life of a wandering preacher, he travelled through France and the Low Countries calling men to penance with such power that great crowds gathered to hear him and many were reconciled to God. He went on foot, poorly clad, and bore patiently the hardships and misunderstandings that such a life brought.
Founder of the Premonstratensians
In a lonely valley called Prémontré, in the diocese of Laon, Norbert established a community of canons who would live according to the Rule of Saint Augustine, joining the contemplative life of the cloister to the apostolic work of preaching and the care of souls. From this place the Premonstratensian Order, also called the Norbertines, took its name and spread widely. Norbert was deeply devoted to the Holy Eucharist and laboured against the errors of those in his day who denied the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Sacrament.
Archbishop and his witness today
In 1126 Norbert was made Archbishop of Magdeburg. He reformed his diocese with the same zeal he had shown as a preacher, and took part in the affairs of the Church and empire of his time, ever seeking the good of the Christian people. He died at Magdeburg in 1134. The Church prays on his feast that, helped by his merits, we may have strength to practise what he taught by word and work alike. His life unites two great gifts: the courage to preach the truth and a burning love for the Blessed Sacrament.
The Collect
O God, who didst make blessed Norbert, Thy Confessor and Bishop, an outstanding herald of Thy word, and through him didst enrich Thy Church with new offspring: grant, we beseech Thee, that, helped by his merits, we may be able with Thy aid to practise what he taught by word and work. Through our Lord.
Deus, qui beátum Norbértum Confessórem tuum atque Pontíficem verbi tui præcónem exímium effecísti, et per eum Ecclésiam tuam nova prole foecundásti: præsta, quæsumus; ut, ejúsdem suffragántibus méritis, quod ore simul et ópere dócuit, te adjuvánte, exercére valeámus. Per Dóminum.
Patronage
He is venerated as the founder of the Premonstratensian Order (the Norbertines) and is invoked for devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and for safety in childbirth.
In the Modern Calendar
In the modern calendar his feast is observed on 6 June as an optional memorial.
Common Questions
When is the feast of Saint Norbert?
His feast is kept on 6 June in the calendar of the 1962 Roman Missal, as a Third Class feast.
Who was Saint Norbert?
He was a German nobleman (c. 1080–1134) who, after a sudden conversion, became a preacher of penance, founded the Premonstratensian Order at Prémontré, and later served as Archbishop of Magdeburg.
What is the Premonstratensian Order?
It is a community of canons regular founded by Saint Norbert who follow the Rule of Saint Augustine, combining a life of prayer in common with preaching and pastoral work. Its members are also called Norbertines or White Canons.
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