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Nobility. Very worldly part of the royal court, taking holy orders as a
career move. A narrow escape from death led to a conversion experience,
and taking his vows seriously.
Tried to reform his order's local house, then became a wandering preacher.
Founded a community of Augustinian canons in France the Norbertines or
Premonstratensians, starting a reform movement that swept through European
monastic houses. Friend of Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg. Bishop of
Magdeburg. Reformed the clergy in his see, using force when necessary.
Worked with Saint Bernard and Saint Hugh of Grenoble to heal the schism
caused by the death of Pope Honorius II. Opposed heresy in Cambrai with
the help of Saint Waltmann.
Born
c.1080
Died
6 June 1134 at Magdeburg, Germany
Patronage
Bohemia, peace
Reading
Norbert established a clergy dedicated to the ideals of the Gospel and the
apostolic Church. They were chaste and poor. They wore the clothing and
the symbols of the new man; that is to say, they wore "the religious habit
and exhibited the dignity proper to the priesthood." Norbert asked them
"to live according to the norms of the Scriptures with Christ as their
model.
The priests lived in community, where they continued the work of the
apostles.
When Norbert was appointed as archbishop, he urged his brothers to carry
the faith to the lands of the Wends.
Faith was the outstanding virtue of Norbert's life, as charity had been
the hallmark of Bernard of Clairvaux. Affable and charming, amiable to one
and all, he was at ease in the company of the humble and the great alike.
Finally, he was a most eloquent preacher; after long meditation he would
preach the word of God and with his fiery eloquence purged vices, refined
virtues and filled souls of good will with the warmth of wisdom.
from the life of Saint Norbert
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