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Saint Norbert: Founder of the Norbertines
(1080-1134)
By the time Norbert turned thirty-four, he was living the kind of life he dreamed about as a young child. There were parties, amusements and ease since Norbert was a German prince.
Living the Christian faith was not a high priority for Norbert. This changed in1115. One day while riding his horse a storm quickly came upon him. As the wind, rain, thunder and lightning started up his horse became frightened and threw him to the ground. He was unconscious for an hour.
When he awoke, frightened and disoriented, he cried out to Heaven, "Lord, what would you have me do?" Within his heart, Norbert heard God respond, "Turn away from evil and do good." Norbert's life would never be the same.
He no longer lived within a prison of spiritual indifference, but instead gave his wealth to the poor and chose to follow the simple life of a monk. He immersed himself in prayer and penance and eventually became an itinerant preacher.
Soon a group of men gathered around Norbert to follow his way of life. In 1120, he established his first monastery in the Premontre Valley in northern France. This was the beginning of the Norbertine Order.
In 1125 Norbert was chosen to be archbishop of Magdaburg. He did a great deal to reform his diocese. He called the clergy to lead exemplary lives and challenged the laity to practice their faith.
What is striking about Norbert's life is that he was thirty-five years old when he experienced a conversion of heart. Norbert proves that one is never too old to give their life to Jesus. For those who think they are, Norbert would say, "Nonsense!"
God bless.
St. Norbert's feast day is June 6th. For further reading about St. Norbert visit:
New Advent.org - St. Norbert