St. Norbert was born at Xanten near Cologne about the year 1080. As a young cleric he resided at the court of the Archbishop of Cologne and then at that of the emperor where he allowed himself to be influenced by the spirit of the world.
ST. NORBERT, BISHOP
St. Norbert was born at Xanten near Cologne about the
year 1080.
As a young cleric he resided at the court of the Archbishop of Cologne and then
at that of the emperor where he allowed himself to be influenced by the spirit
of the world.
Although a cleric, Norbert led a very worldly life for a number of years. The decisive change took place suddenly in 1115. While riding one day, he was overtaken by a thunderstorm. A flash of lightning struck the ground before him, the horse threw him, and he seemed to hear a voice upbraiding him for his conduct.
As in the case of St. Paul, the experience wrought a complete transformation. Norbert decided to give away his property and income rights, and to lead a life of abnegation, devoting himself particularly to preaching.
In 1120, on the advice of the bishop of Laon, he settled in the forest of Voix, not far from Soissons at a place called Premontre, in order to found a community of regular Canons. In 1120 he founded the Order of Premonstratensians (now known as the Norbertine Order) according to the rule of St. Augustine. Approval of the rule came from Pope Honorius II in 1126. Their first monastery was at Premontre.
In 1125, he was named archbishop of Magdeburg. He was sent to what was then one of the outposts of Christendom for he was appointed archbishop of Magdeburg.
On July 13, 1126, Norbert entered the city and came barefoot to the cathedral. About to enter the archepiscopal palace, he was refused admission by the porter, who failed to recognize a bishop so poorly dressed. when the porter later sought his pardon Norbert answered, "You know me better and see me with clearer eyes than those who are forcing me to this palace. Poor and wretched man that I am, I should never have been assigned to this place!”
St. Norbert died in 1134.
Patron:
Bohemia, peace.
The Norbertine Order
