Thomas Joosa O. Praem
As the Norbertine Order worldwide cross 900 years and Norbertines in the Indian subcontinent celebrate a century of their presence in this land, it attaches a duty on every son of St. Norbert to proclaim cheerfully that Norbert and his Order is relevant and significant even to this day. In this regard this is a humble effort to read Norbert and his life with a juxtaposed inspiration from the Word of God and recent Popes.
- St. Norbert was born in the year 1080 in a town called Xanten in Germany. His parents Heribert and Hedwig gave him the best possible education they could. In the year 1115 while he was residing at the palace of Henry V, enjoying all the temporal pleasures, he had a conversion experience like that of St. Paul. Having spent quality time in prayer and reflection, he decided to become a priest. Having visited many monasteries, Norbert set out as an itinerant preacher of the Gospel. Many were attracted to his lifestyle and wanted to follow his path. Inspired by the Charism of the early Church he started a religious community at Premontre in the year 1121. His fame spread across as Restorer of peace, Vigilant teacher of faith, Discerner of souls etc. In the year 1126 Norbert was consecrated as the bishop of Magdeburg and undertook many endeavors to reform his clergy and diocese as a whole. He was called to his eternal reward on 6th June 1134 and was canonized by Pope Gregory XIII in the year 1584.
May St. Norbert intercede for us. - St. Norbert is widely acclaimed as the the Apostle of the Eucharist. The restoration of the city of Antwerp from the heresy of Tanchelm fits this title for him. His fervent devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and frequent celebration of the Eucharist was the source of his sanctity and a model for us to imitate.
Jesus spoke of himself as the Bread of Eternal Life (Jn 6:35). Pope St. John Paul II teaches that “there is a particular need to cultivate a lively awareness of Christ’s Real Presence; both in the celebration of the holy mass and in the worship of the Eucharist outside mass.”
May St. Norbert, an ardent lover of the Eucharist, intercede for us. - Marian devotion was one of the hallmarks of Norbert’s spirituality. He dedicated his first church at Premontre to Mary, Mother of God. He often would say, “ he who is no son of the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God, who is not with his whole heart devoted to her.”
By entrusting John to Mary at Calvary (Jn 19:26), Jesus entrusts every beloved disciple to the maternal care of Mary. “How willingly will Mary hasten to our aid when we need her; with what love will she refresh us and with what strength sustain us,” acclaims Pope Leo XIII.
In a situation where many denominations denounce Mary, May St. Norbert a faithful son of Mary intercede for us to reach Jesus through Mary. - St. Norbert’s peace-making efforts are extensively dealt in his biographies. His efforts at Fosses, Gembloux and Corroy are noteworthy. Because of his dedicated efforts he earned the title, ‘Angel of Peace.’
One of the Beatitudes read, “Blessed are the peace-makers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9). Pope John XXIII, in his encyclical Pacem in Terris asserts, “Peace is but an empty word, if it does not rest upon that order that is founded on truth, built upon justice, nurtured and animated by charity and brought into effect under the auspice of freedom.” Even in the present circumstances peace is a necessity.
May St. Norbert, the angel of peace intercede and inspire us on our pursuit for the peaceful existence of the universe. - Hospitality was one of the unique specialties of St. Norbert. He would say, “At the altar one shows his faith and love of God, in purifying one’s conscience he shows his care for himself, in welcoming the poor and the needy he shows his love for his neighbor.” People of all walks of life found solace in his presence and his monasteries.
The Gospel of Matthew projects hospitality as one of the criteria of the last judgment (Mt 25). Pope Francis once tweeted, “Hospitality in families is a crucial virtue today especially in situations of great poverty.”
May the model of St. Norbert inspire us to improve the virtue of hospitality. - St. Norbert was a strong defender of faith. He met with many confrontations in this regard such as with Abelard, Quasi-abbot Hugh, Tanchelm And so on. As a vigilant teacher of faith he was not ready for compromises in matters of doctrines.
St. Peter exhorts us to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Pt 3:15) and Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that the abuse of faith has to be resisted precisely. For this purpose we need strong foundations.
May St. Norbert, the defender of faith intercede for us in our effort to safeguard our faith. - Norbert, as a visionary and champion of discernment was well reputed among both secular and ecclesiastical authorities. He fostered his alliance with those in power not for his own private motives but for the flourishing of the kingdom of God. Incidents with Count Godfrey, Emperor Henry V and Bishop Bathelomew testify to this.
St. Paul in Romans chapter 13, catechizes how to relate with the authorities for the glory of God. Meetings of recent Popes with different national leaders show how can authority be channelized for the glory of God and good of humanity.
May St. Norbert intercede for us in our relationships with the authorities. - Norbert was a strict observer of austerity. His efforts to reform the clergy of his native land, the canons of St. Martin and his life in Premontre show the severity of his austerity. Self renunciation is means to gain oneself for Christ.
If one allows oneself to be decayed like a grain of wheat, one can produce fruits for the kingdom of God (Jn 12:24). Pope Francis’ call for a poor Church is his invitation to lead a simple life so that the Church can become a beneficiary for many and be filled with the divine riches.
May St. Norbert intercede for us in our resolutions to lead a simple life. - Veneration of saints was practice that Norbert carried out throughout his life. He admired their virtues and prayed for their intercession. His efforts to secure the relics of St. Ursula and St. Gereon have special mention in his biographies. As clouds of witnesses surrounding us (Heb 12:1) saints inspire us to reach perfection. Saints are as Pope Francis explains those who have welcomed the light of God into their hearts and have passed it on to the world, each one according to their own ‘tone’. Imitating and praying to them brings us closer to God.
May Saint Norbert the colleague of all saints intercede for us. - Inspired by the primitive Church and the rule of St. Augustine, Norbert emphasized common life for his followers. Speaking on this he would always say that all the members should have but one heart and mind in the house of God.
The Psalmist sings ‘how very good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.’ In the words of Pope Francis unity involves the joyful recognition and acceptance of the various gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to each one and the placing of these gifts at the service of all members of the Church. Our unity and common endeavors can enhance our life and bring glory to God.
May St. Norbert, the promoter of unity, intercede for us. - The intention of the mission of St. Norbert was the salvation of souls. He often advised his followers to work for one’s own salvation and that of others. He proposed prayer, the singing of Divine office, practice of self denial and missionary works as means for this aim.
St. Paul tells us to work for our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). A beautiful homily, a genuine sermon, must begin with the proclamation of salvation. There is nothing more solid, deep and sure than this proclamation.
May St. Norbert assist us in our labours to gain ourselves and other souls for Christ. - St. Norbert was an exorcist on whose command the devils left the possessed persons. He prepared himself for this ministry with fasts and vigils.
St. Peter warns us, “Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.” The devil is here even in the twenty first century! And we mustn’t be naïve. We must learn from the Gospel how to fight against Satan,” Says Pope Francis.
May St. Norbert pray for us for our fight against the Evil One. - Norbert was acclaimed as a miracle worker. Multiplication of wheat, the miraculous tree of Norbert, the precious bloor ect are some of them. All these were the works of God through the prayers and sanctity of St. Norbert.
In Gospel of John 14:12, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these.” Pope Francis affirms that miracles happen even today and what is needed is prayer, prayer that is courageous, struggling and persevering, not prayer that is mere formality.
May St. Norbert intercede that our prayers too bear fruit. - Norbert’s administration of the archdiocese of Magdeburg was praised for the reforms that he undertook and the pastoral care that he exercised after the example of the Good Shepherded. His reform of the clergy and the missionary expeditions to the Slaves are examples.
St. Peter exhorts us to perform our duties of leadership not for sordid gain but for the crown of glory (1Pt 5:2-4). Pope Francis calls leaders to give space for God in their deliberations.
May St. Norbert, faithful shepherded, intercede in our tasks of leading persons and communities. - St. Norbert was called to the abode of his Master amidst the prayers of priests and faithful. He received a holy death and many received his apparitions as angel of peace.
The psalmist sings, “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.”Pope John twenty third in a letter to his family wrote, “Paradise, Paradise! We shall find our rest there. There we shall suffer no more, we shall receive the reward of our works and of our sufferings, if we have borne them with patience.”
May St. Norbert intercede that we may rec3eive a holy death and the reward of paradise. - St. Norbert, a saint ever ancient and ever new throughout his life had only one ideal, i.e., Jesus Christ. He lived for the Gospel and died as a satisfied laborer in the vineyard of his Master.
A journey through the life and virtues of St. Norbert has definitely brought us closer to him. He has left us with a model to follow Jesus our Redeemer. He has taught us that prayer, especially devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and charity towards others are the means for Christian perfection.
He shines as a beacon of light of virtues and sanctity. May his life inspire us and intercession assists us to look to Jesus and follow his Gospel.
