Norbertines – Page 2

St Norbert of Xanten

First a Benedictine monk then a founder of an order of canons to live under the Rule of St Augustine, the Order of Premontre, the noble Norbert sought to fight heresy, to promote true devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, to dispel spiritual, to defend the papacy, work for peace, to end human indifference and reconciliation among family.

One of the key features to Saint Norbert’s spiritual life and apostolic work was his total reliance on the Lord to direct everything. He realized that his own skill set was insufficient to do much with Christ. That’s why a true Norbertine vocation is lived with one’s face turn toward the Eucharistic Lord and his feet and hands sustaining the Church.

Norbert was also the archbishop of Magdeburg. As archbishop, Norbert collaborated with the likes of Saints Bernard and Hugh in the reformation of the clergy and effecting ecclesial unity. Norbert died on this date in 1134.

Through Saint Norbert’s inspiration and prayer may we be servants of the Church outstanding in prayer, pastoral zeal and love for the people of God.

Saint Norbert of Xanten

“I myself shall lead my sheep,

Guarding them from danger;

They shall hear and follow me,

Not go with a stranger.

Into pastures rich and green–

God the Lord has spoken–

I shall bring my Israel,

With my love as token.”

Norbert, father of his flock,

Took to heart this warning,

And in all his works and words

Toiled from night to morning.

Guiding all within his cure,

He took time to nourish

With the love of Christ most fair,

Causing souls to flourish.

Father of the canon’s life,

Bishop of his city,

Prayed before the Eucharist,

Served the poor with pity.

Crowned a sacrificial life

With a death of glory;

Now we join with saints above

To retell his story!

Glory to the Father give,

Source of ev’ry blessing,

Glory to the Son we sing,

Who, our wrongs addressing,

Came to us as one of us!

To the Spirit, praises!

Hear the songs of thankfulness

Each believer raises!

Saint Norbert of Xanten

With the Church we pray:

O God, Who did raise up blessed Norbert, Thy Confessor and Bishop, to be an illustrious preacher of Thy word, and through him did render Thy Church fruitful with a new offspring; grant we beseech Thee, that helped by his merits we may practice by Thy grace what he taught both by word and deed.

2009 is the 875th anniversary of the death of Saint Norbert of Xanten, the founder of the 12th century Order of Premontre (the Norbertines).

The Pope, on behalf of the Church, wishes “to give thanks to the Lord for the many gifts He has bestowed through the extraordinary evangelical witness and exemplary zeal of your Holy Founder, the Holy Father hopes that this happy occasion will inspire a renewed fidelity to the model of the first Christian community gathered around the Eucharist and persevering in prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus. May each monastery of the Order experience an increase in faithful dedication to the Church, austerity of life, missionary zeal, and the spirit of hospitality so that each monastery will become even more a house of prayer and a school of faith.”