Bishop and Founder of the Premonstratensians
Feast Day: June 6
Born: c. 1080, Xanten, Germany
Died: June 6, 1134, Magdeburg, Germany
Patron: Expectant mothers, safe childbirth
Early Life
Saint Norbert was born around the year 1080 at Xanten, near Cologne, into a noble family of the Holy Roman Empire. His father, Count Heribert of Gennep, ensured for him a fine education, and Norbert was soon attached to the court of the Archbishop of Cologne. Known for his brilliant mind and pleasing manner, Norbert was soon made a canon at Xanten and served at the court of the Emperor Henry V.
In these early years, though outwardly religious, Norbert lived a comfortable and worldly life. He avoided the stricter disciplines of the Church, though he remained formally attached to it. His life was typical of many young nobles in minor orders, more concerned with honors than holiness.
Conversion
In the year 1115, at the age of about 35, Divine Providence intervened in the life of Norbert. While traveling to a village near Vreden, a violent thunderstorm struck. Lightning flashed near him, throwing him from his horse. He lay unconscious for some time. Upon regaining consciousness, Norbert recognized the hand of God in his preservation. He exclaimed, echoing St. Paul:
“Lord, what would You have me do?”
From that moment, Norbert underwent a profound conversion. He withdrew from the imperial court and retired to the Abbey of Siegburg to engage in prayer and penance. After a period of preparation, he was ordained a priest.
Life of Preaching and Reform
Having embraced a life of strict poverty and penance, Norbert became an itinerant preacher. Clad in a simple woolen garment and traveling barefoot, he preached repentance and moral reform. His fervor and eloquence converted many; however, his zeal also attracted opposition from worldly clergy who were disturbed by his call to radical holiness.
Pope Gelasius II approved Norbert’s mission and encouraged him to persevere.
Foundation of the Premonstratensians
In 1120, Norbert established a religious community at Prémontré, in the forest of the diocese of Laon, France. There, he founded the Canons Regular of Prémontré, later known as the Premonstratensians, or Norbertines.
This new Order combined the apostolic ideals of preaching and missionary work with the strict observance of the Rule of St. Augustine. The canons lived in common, embracing poverty, chastity, and obedience, devoted to the solemn celebration of the Divine Office and the service of souls.
The Order grew rapidly, and within a few years, numerous abbeys were established throughout Europe.
Archbishop of Magdeburg
In 1126, despite his initial reluctance, Norbert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg by Pope Honorius II. He accepted this new burden in obedience.
Magdeburg was rife with clerical corruption and laxity. Norbert’s arrival marked a turning point. He enforced discipline among the clergy, combated heresies (notably the errors of Tanchelm), and worked tirelessly for the reform of his diocese.
He remained faithful to the spirit of his Order even as an archbishop, practicing personal austerity and maintaining an active pastoral ministry.
Death and Legacy
Saint Norbert died peacefully on June 6, 1134, after a life of intense apostolic labor. He was buried in Magdeburg Cathedral, and his tomb became a site of pilgrimage.
In 1582, his relics were translated to Strahov Abbey in Prague, where they are venerated to this day.
Pope Gregory XIII canonized him in 1582.
Spiritual Significance
Saint Norbert embodies the call to radical conversion and apostolic zeal. His life teaches us:
- No one is beyond the reach of grace. Even a courtier attached to worldly honors can become a saint.
- True reform requires personal holiness. Norbert’s efforts at Church reform succeeded because he himself lived a life of great virtue.
- Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Norbert and his followers were great promoters of Eucharistic reverence, combating sacrilegious errors in their day.
Prayer to Saint Norbert
O God, Who made blessed Norbert, Thy Confessor and Bishop, an illustrious preacher of Thy word and through him didst enrich Thy Church with a new religious family: grant, we beseech Thee, that through his intercession we may practice what he taught both in word and example. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.