June 6
Saint Norbert of Xanten
Bishop
(c. 1080 – 1134)
“Lord, what wouldst thou have me to do?”
Saint Norbert of Xanten
Saint’s Life Story
Initially Avoided Priesthood and Bishop Post
Norbert was born around 1080 in Xanten, Germany to Count Heribert of Gennep and Hedwig of Guise. The early part of his life was devoted to the world and its pleasures at the court of Emperor Henry V, where he was almoner. Norbert was ordained as a subdeacon. But, he avoided the priesthood and declined the post of bishop of Cambria in 1113 due to fear of greater restraints.
A Life-Changing Accident
An accident caused a wonderful change of heart. Lightning frightened his horse. Norbert was thrown to the ground and knocked senseless. When Norbert regained his consciousness, he became a sincere penitent. He left the court. Norbert withdrew to Xanten, where he began to lead a retire and penitential life.
Priesthood
Norbert made a retreat under the spiritual direction of Abbot Cuno in the monastery at St. Sigebert, near Cologne, and completed his conversion. He spent 2 years preparing himself for the priesthood. He was ordained in Cologne. His attempts to reform his brother canons at Xanten coupled with his extreme asceticism caused them to denounce him. His unauthorized preaching at the Council of Fritzlar in 1118 was also denounced. In response, he resigned and sold his possessions that he gave to the poor. Norbert went on a visit of penance to Pope Gelasius II, who was at Languedoc at the time. The Pope gave him permission to preach where he wished.
Established New Order
Norbert went from place-to-place preaching penance in northern France. He was renowned for his preaching prowess. Norbert was credited with performing many miracles. Norbert received a grant of land from Bishop Bartolomes of Laon at Premontre. Here, he established the order of Premonstratensians in 1120 with 13 followers. The number in order became very numerous such that eight abbeys and two convents were soon founded. He traveled throughout France, Belgium and Germany preaching, In 1124, he also successfully opposed the heresay of Tranchelm of Antwerp. In 1125, Norbert’s constitutions received papal approval from Pope Honorius II.
Archbishop of Magdeburg
Norbert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg by Emperor Lothair II in 1126. Even in the exalted position, Norbert practiced the same austerity that was familiar to him in the cloister. His zeal effected a great and stringent reformation in his diocese. However, like other saints, he had enemies. Norbert was the center of several assassination plots. Together with Saint Bernard of Clairvaux , he labored much to extinguish the disorders caused by the schism of the anti-pope, Anacletus. Upon his return from a journey to Rome with Emperor Lothaire, he fell ill with exhausation and died on June 6, 1134 in Magdeburg, Germany.
Born: Around 1080 in Xanten, Germany
Died: June 6, 1134 in Magdeburg, Germany
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII
Feast Day: June 6
Patron Saint: Against Birth Complications; Bomenia (Czech Republic); Magdeburg, Germany
Reflection
Saint Norbert of Xanten shows God’s immense powers of transformation. Saint Norbert initially avoided priesthood. However, with an accident, Saint Norbert became a pentient sinner and changed his whole life. In an instant, God can change your life. But, for most of us, conversion is slow and piecemeal. It is important to remember that the pace at which you follow God is less important than the dedication you have in following God.
Are you open to God’s conversion and change in your life? Pray for the grace, wisdom and strength to accept God’s plan for you.
Prayers
Saint Norbert,
Through your commitment to the Gospel and your efforts to lead others in faith, you became a beacon of light for those seeking to follow Christ.
We ask for your intercession as we strive to deepen our own faith and live out the teachings of Jesus.
Help us to embody the virtues you exemplified—humility, charity, and steadfastness in prayer.
Inspire us to work for the unity of the Church and to be instruments of peace in our communities.
Obtain for us the grace to persevere in our spiritual journeys and to foster love and understanding among all people.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Saint Norbert of Xanten, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – What you need to know about the Norbertines
AnaStpaul – St Norbert (c 1080-1134) ”Defender of the Eucharist”
Catholic Culture – St. Norbert
Catholic Exchange – St. Norbert (Bishop)
Catholic Fire – St. Norbert: Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament and Peacemaker
Catholic Ireland – Jun 6 – St Norbert (1080-1134) founder of the Canons of Premontre
Catholic News Agency – St. Norbert Feast Day: Jun 06
Editions Magnificant – Saint Norbert Founder and Bishop (1080-1134)
Franciscan Media – Saint Norbert of Xanten
Independent Catholic News – St. Norbert
My Catholic Life – Saint Norbert, Bishop
Newman Ministry – Saint Norbert of Xanten
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Norbert, Archbishop of Magdeburg, Founder of the Canons Regular of Premontre
Saint for a Minute – Saint Norbert of Xanten
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Norbert (1080-1134)
Saint of the Day – June 6 Saint Norbert
uCatholic – Saint Norbert