Saint of the Day: St. Norbert

Bishop and Founder (1080-1134) 

His life

+ Norbert was born to a noble family near Cologne, Germany. As a young man he served as the emperor’s almoner, although he was technically a cleric. 

+ A worldly, pleasure-seeking young man, Norbert later experienced a profound conversion and was ordained a priest in 1115. A short time later, he settled in the valley of Prémontré in northern France. Within a few months, he was joined by other men and, on Christmas Day, 1121, the group made religious vows, forming a new religious order: The Canons Regular of Prémontré (commonly known as the Norbertines). 

+ Norbert’s new order brought together the monks’ love of the liturgy and the diocesan clergy’s commitment to pastoral ministry. Norbertines continue this way of life throughout the world today. 

+ In 1126, Norbert was appointed archbishop of Magdeburg. As bishop, he continued to live as a religious and he worked for reform of the clergy and for the unity of the Church. He was known for his great love and defense of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist and he is often depicted in art as carrying a monstrance or ciborium. 

+ Saint Norbert died in 1134 and was canonized in 1582.

For prayer and reflection

“Norbert's strong link with the Eucharist is still a source of inspiration for your apostolic life today. In 1124, at the request of the bishop of Cambrai, he went to Antwerp, where he was faced with the consequences of the “storm” previously caused by Tanchelm and his followers, who denied the validity of the Sacraments and especially of the Eucharist celebrated by priests living in concubinage. Norbert refuted this heresy. Because of this episode, he became regarded as an apostle of the Eucharist during the Catholic reformation. A model of faith for all and, in particular, for priests, Norberto always drew strength from the Eucharistic celebration, especially in situations of crisis or in the face of difficult tasks.”—Pope Francis, Letter on the Occasion of the 900th Anniversary of the Abbey of Prémontré 

Spiritual bonus

On this day, the Church also remembers Saint Bessarion, who lived as a hermit in the desert of Skete in Egypt in the fourth century.  

Prayer

O God, who made the Bishop Saint Norbert a servant of your Church outstanding in his prayer and pastoral zeal, grant, we ask, that by the help of his intercession, the flock of the faithful may always find shepherds after your own heart and be fed in the pastures of salvation. 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)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.