Norbertine Priest and Martyr (ca. 1539-1579)
His life
+ Engelbert was born in Hoeleden, Brabant (in what is modern-day Belgium). He entered the Norbertine Order in 1561 at Averbode Abbey.
+ Ordained a priest in 1561, he was appointed to serve the parish in Rumen in 1570.
+ When Protestant soldiers invaded the city, he fled to Sint-Truiden and served Catholics in the area. However, when that city was taken by the Protestant forces, Engelbert was captured.
+ Blessed Engelbert was died as a martyr in 1579 and his memory is celebrated among the Norbertines.
For prayer and reflection
“This holy man fought to the death for the law of his God and did not fear the words of the godless, for he was built on solid rock.”—Entrance Antiphon for the Mass “For One Martyr”
Spiritual bonus
On this day, we also celebrate the memory of the Dominican priest Saint Raymond of Peñafort. Renowned for his writings and legal expertise, he died 1275 and was canonized in 1601. He is honored as the patron saint of canon lawyers.
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God, who brought your Martyr blessed Engelbert to overcome the torments of his passion, grant that we, who celebrate the day of his triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For One Martyr)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...