Saint Norbert

Archbishop and Founder
(1080–1134)

Saint Norbert was born around 1080 into a noble family at Xanten on the Rhine in Germany. In his youth he lived as a worldly courtier at the court of Emperor Henry V, receiving minor orders without any serious intention of living as a cleric. His conversion came suddenly and dramatically around the year 1115: while riding on horseback, he was knocked to the ground by a bolt of lightning, like Saint Paul on the road to Damascus. Lying stunned for an hour, he heard a voice asking him: Norbert, where are you going? This experience transformed him completely.

He sold most of his possessions, gave the proceeds to the poor, and was ordained a priest. He then sought permission to preach a wandering apostolate of conversion and reform, traveling barefoot through France and Germany, calling clergy and laity alike to penance and renewal. His preaching bore enormous fruit, and Pope Gelasius II granted him license to preach throughout the Church.

In 1120, Norbert settled with a small group of followers in the valley of Prémontré in northern France, where he founded the Order of Canons Regular known as the Premonstratensians or Norbertines. The order spread with astonishing speed, combining the contemplative life with apostolic ministry, especially the administration of the sacraments and preaching.

In 1126 Norbert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg against his will. He laboured to reform the diocese with characteristic energy and zeal until his death on June 6, 1134. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. His feast is celebrated on June 6.