St. Norbert of Xanten

St. Norbert Biogrpahy

St. Norbert of Xanten was a Catholic priest and founder of the Norbertine Order, also known as the Premonstratensians, in the 12th century. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on June 6.

Norbert was born in the town of Xanten, in the Rhineland region of Germany, in the early 12th century. He came from a noble family and received a good education. At a young age, he was appointed as a canon at the Cathedral of Xanten and later, as provost of the chapter.

Despite his privileged position, Norbert led a dissolute life, characterized by worldly pleasures and excesses. However, a series of events led him to have a deep personal conversion, he started to lead a more ascetic life, and decided to leave the secular canons and become a priest.

In 1115, Norbert founded the Canons Regular of Premontre, the Norbertine Order, a religious community that emphasized both contemplative prayer and active service to the poor and the sick. The Norbertines became known for their strict discipline, their devotion to the Eucharist, and their commitment to serving the needy.

Norbert traveled throughout Europe, establishing new houses for the order and spreading the Norbertine way of life. He was known for his charisma and his ability to inspire others to join the order and live a life of service and devotion.

In 1126, Norbert was appointed as the archbishop of Magdeburg, a city in the Saxony region of Germany. He served as archbishop for the remainder of his life, during which he worked tirelessly to reform the Church and combat corruption. He also served as a mediator in several disputes between different rulers and kingdoms.

Norbert was an advocate for the Papacy, and had a close relationship with many popes of his time, including Pope Innocent II. He was known for his strong preaching, and for his ability to inspire people to live a more pious life.

Norbert died in 1134 and was buried in Magdeburg. After his death, he was venerated as a saint and many miracles were attributed to him. The Norbertine Order he founded became one of the most important religious orders of the Middle Ages and his cult spread across Europe.

The Life of St. Norbert of Xanten

Born into riches

St. Norbert was born at Xanten in the Rhineland of Germany in year 1080, to a princely family. He possessed rare talents, yet permitted himself to be carried away by worldly pleasures. He even received the ecclesiastical tonsure with a worldly spirit, and though he later was ordained as a sub-deacon, failed to change his spirit or his conduct. Saint Norbert’s cousin, Emperor Henry IV, appointed him his almoner, and Norbert sought in vain contentment and peace of mind in his life of overindulgence and luxury.

Calling from God

God awakened him from his spiritual lethargy by a narrow escape from death. One day while horseback riding, a severe storm broke and lightning fell in front of his horse. Frightened, the horse threw Saint Norbert, who lay like one dead for nearly an hour. He cried to God, like St. Paul, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” An interior voice replied: “Turn away from evil, and do good; seek after peace, and pursue it”. At that moment, St. Norbert became a sincere penitent and resolved to lead a new life.

Transforming his life

St. Norbert left the Court and retired to his canonry to lead a life of silence and retirement. He spent two years in tears, holy prayer and penance, in preparation for Holy Orders, which he received from the Archbishop of Cologne at thirty-two years old. First, he exposed the abuses of his own Order, and after having obtained the Pope’s permission, he preached penance with incredible success in France and the Netherlands.

Monastery

In 1120, in a lonesome valley called Premontre, the Bishop of Laon erected a monastery for St. Norbert, who assembled thirteen brethren from Brabant desirous of serving God under his direction. The number soon increased to forty, and on Christmas day of year 1121, these Canon Regulars, as they were called, made their profession. They followed the Rule of St. Augustine, and led an austere life. Later they were known as Norbertines or Premonstratensians. Their fervor renewed the spirit of the clergy, enlivened the faith of the people, and destroyed heresy.

Murder attempts

At the diet of Spire in 1126, St. Norbert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg. By his authority, eloquence, and example he reformed both the clergy and laity of his Diocese. Several attempts were made to murder St. Norbert, but he calmly said: “”Can you be surprised that the devil, after having offered violence to our Divine Head, should assault His members?”” St. Bernard and St. Norbert labored strenuously to prevent or remedy the disorders of the division which occurred after the death of Honorius II.

Death

Saint Norbert suffered a four months’ illness, and died the death of the just at Magdeburg on June 6, 1134. He was canonized by Gregory XIII in 1582. He is usually depicted in art holding a ciborium, on account of his extraordinary devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

Popular St. Norber Medal and St. Norber Rosary

Prayers to St. Norbert

Prayer of Intercession to St. Norbert

Father,
you made the bishop Norbert
an outstanding minister of your Church,
renowned for his preaching and pastoral zeal.
Always grant to your Church faithful shepherds
to lead your people to eternal 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.
Our Holy Father Augustine, Pray for us
Our Holy Father Norbert, Pray for us
The Litany in honor of Saint Norbert
Lord, have mercy on us,
Christ, have mercy on us,
Lord, have mercy on us,
Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us,
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us,
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, pray for us,
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Queen of the White-robed Order,
Thou who had a great love for St. Norbert,
Holy Father Norbert, pray for us,

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Prayer to St. Norbert

O holy St Norbert, gentlest of saints,
your love for Jesus Christ
truly present in every tabernacle around the world
and your charity for souls made you worthy
while on earth to possess miraculous powers.
Miracles waited your word,
which you were always ready to speak
for those in trouble or anxiety.
Encouraged by this thought,
I implore you to intercede for me
so that my prayers will be answered.

The answer may require a miracle;
even so, you are the saint of miracles.
O gentle and loving St Norbert,
whose heart was always full of zeal for souls,
whisper my petition into the ears of the Infant Jesus,
and the gratitude of my heart will always be yours.

Prayer to St. Norbert of Xanten

Dear St. Norbert of Xanten, you were known for your deep faith, your love of God, and your commitment to spreading the gospel. I turn to you today, asking for your intercession and guidance as I seek to grow in my own faith.

Help me to deepen my relationship with God and to live a life that brings glory to His name. May I always be guided by His light, and may I have the courage to share the good news of the gospel with others. Amen.

A prayer for the Protection of St. Norbert of Xanten

Dear St. Norbert of Xanten, I pray for your protection today, that I may be guarded by your example and your deep devotion to God. Protect me from harm, both physical and spiritual, and keep me safe from all danger.

And may I always be guided by the light of the Lord, and live my life in a manner that brings glory to His name. Amen.

A prayer for the Intercession of St. Norbert of Xanten

Dear St. Norbert of Xanten, I turn to you today in need of your intercession. You were known for your unwavering faith and your dedication to spreading the gospel, and I ask that you intercede for me and for all those in need of your help.

Please pray for those who are struggling in their faith, that they may find comfort and hope in their trials. Pray for those who are seeking a deeper relationship with God, that they may find what they are looking for. And pray for all of us, that we may grow in our faith and deepen our own relationships with the Lord. Amen.

 

St. Norbert of Xanten: Patron Saint of Priests and Peace

St. Norbert of Xanten is the patron saint of priests and peace. This designation stems from his life as a priest, his commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation, and his deep devotion to God.

St. Norbert was a priest who lived in the 12th century, and he is known for his dedication to his faith and his commitment to serving God. He was a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation, and he worked tirelessly to bring people together and to foster understanding and harmony. He was also known for his deep devotion to God, and for his commitment to living a life of holiness and piety.

In recognition of his dedication to his faith, his commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation, and his deep devotion to God, St. Norbert was made the patron saint of priests and peace. Those who venerate him believe that he provides a special grace and protection to priests and to all those who work to promote peace and understanding.

For those who are called to serve as priests, or who are working to promote peace and reconciliation, St. Norbert is a source of inspiration and guidance. He reminds us that our faith in God and our commitment to serving others can sustain us and give us the strength to endure, and that our efforts to foster peace and understanding can bring hope and healing to the world. Whether we are serving as priests, working to promote peace, or simply in need of comfort and support, St. Norbert is there to guide and support us on our journey.

 

Reflection on the feast day of St. Norbert of Xanten

The feast day of St. Norbert of Xanten is June 6th.

St. Norbert was a 12th century priest and founder of the Premonstratensian Order, known for his great holiness and devotion to the Church. He lived at a time when the Church was in need of reform, and he dedicated his life to bringing people back to the faith. As we celebrate his feast day, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of holiness and devotion to God.

One of the most striking aspects of St. Norbert’s life was his deep commitment to the Church. He understood that the Church is the body of Christ and that we are called to be active members of this body. He worked tirelessly to bring people back to the faith and to help them grow in their relationship with God. His example reminds us of the importance of being actively involved in the life of the Church and of working to build up the body of Christ.

Another important aspect of St. Norbert’s life was his devotion to God. He was a man of deep faith, and his holiness was a reflection of his closeness to God. As we celebrate his feast day, we are called to imitate his example and to deepen our own relationship with God. We are reminded that true holiness is not about our own abilities, but about allowing God to work through us.

Another way to look at St. Norbert’s life is his dedication to the education and formation of the people, especially the young. He founded schools and institutions for education and formation of the youth, for the future of the Church. He recognized the importance of education and formation for the growth of the Church and for the salvation of souls.

In conclusion, let us take inspiration from St. Norbert’s life, and strive to live a life of holiness and devotion to God, actively involved in the life of the Church, and dedicating our lives to the education and formation of the people especially the young. May we too be a source of hope and guidance to those around us, just as St. Norbert was in his time.

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