Optional Memorial of St. Norbert
Today, the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Norbert (1080-1134). Born in Xanten near Cologne around 1080, Norbert initially lived a worldly life as a young cleric at the court of the Archbishop of Cologne and later at the emperor’s court. However, a life-altering event during a thunderstorm caused him to reconsider his path. Struck by lightning and thrown from his horse, Norbert perceived a divine call to take his clerical duties seriously. After his ordination, he dedicated himself to itinerant preaching.
In 1120, following the advice of the Bishop of Laon, Norbert founded a community of regular Canons in the forest of Voix near Soissons, at a place called Premontre. This community eventually became the Order of Premonstratensians. By 1126, Pope Honorius II had approved the order, and Norbert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg, a position he held until his death in 1134.
Although Norbert started as a cleric, he led a worldly life for many years. His transformation began suddenly in 1115, during a thunderstorm. A flash of lightning struck the ground before him, throwing him from his horse. He seemed to hear a voice rebuking him for his wayward life. This experience profoundly changed him, similar to the conversion of St. Paul. Norbert decided to renounce his wealth and dedicate himself to a life of self-denial and preaching.
In 1120, Norbert founded the Order of Premonstratensians, with the first monastery established at Premontre, following the Rule of St. Augustine. The order received papal approval from Honorius II in 1126. In 1125, Norbert was named Archbishop of Magdeburg. On July 13, 1126, he entered Magdeburg barefoot to assume his role. Initially mistaken for a beggar, Norbert’s humility was evident. When the porter failed to recognize him and later sought forgiveness, Norbert replied, “You know me better and see me with clearer eyes than those who are forcing me to this palace. Poor and wretched man that I am, I should never have been assigned to this place.”
Patronage: against birth complications, for peace, Bohemia, archdiocese of Magdeburg, Germany
Symbols and Representation: monstrance, cross with two cross-bars
MY PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, We gather today in reverence and gratitude, celebrating the life and legacy of St. Norbert. We thank You for the transformative power of Your grace, which turned a young cleric from a worldly path to a life devoted entirely to You. Inspired by his journey, we seek the same courage and conviction to follow Your call, even when it leads us away from comfort and into the unknown.
Lord, just as You spoke to Norbert through the thunderstorm, speak to our hearts and guide us towards righteousness. May we be attentive to Your voice, turning away from worldly distractions and embracing a life of holiness and purpose. Grant us the strength to renounce our attachments to material wealth and status, just as Norbert did, and to live lives of humility and service.
We pray for the same fervor and dedication that St. Norbert showed in his preaching and founding of the Premonstratensian Order. Bless our efforts as we strive to spread Your word and serve our communities. Help us to be steadfast in our mission, even when faced with challenges and opposition. Let Norbert’s example inspire us to persist in our faith and work for the greater good.
Lord, we remember Norbert’s humility as he entered Magdeburg barefoot and was initially mistaken for a beggar. Teach us to embrace humility in our own lives, recognizing that our true worth lies not in worldly recognition, but in our service to You and others. May we always approach our responsibilities with a spirit of humility and gratitude.
We lift up those who are struggling with birth complications and pray for peace in our world, invoking St. Norbert’s patronage. May his intercession bring healing and comfort to those in need, and may his legacy of peace inspire us to work towards reconciliation and harmony in our communities.
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your blessings upon the archdiocese of Magdeburg, Bohemia, and all places under St. Norbert’s patronage. May his influence continue to guide and inspire the faithful in these regions. Strengthen the Church through the example of St. Norbert, fostering unity, faith, and devotion among Your people.
As we celebrate the Memorial of St. Norbert, let us be reminded of our own call to live lives of holiness and service. Help us to follow his example, dedicating ourselves to prayer, preaching, and the care of our communities. May we be instruments of Your love and peace, bringing the light of Christ to all we encounter.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.