ST. NORBERT - Feast: 6 June

Behold an high priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found righteous, and in the time of wrath he was made a propitiation.

- Sirach 44:16-17

Lauds Chapter Hymn Verse for the Feast

"St. Norbert founder of the Order of Praemonstratensians"

Born at Xanten on the left bank of the Rhine, near Wesel, c. 1080; died at Magdeburg, 6 June, 1134. His father, Heribert, Count of Gennep, was related to the imperial house of Germany, and his house of Lorraine. A stately bearing, a penetrating intellect, a tender, earnest heart, marked the future apostle. Ordained subdeacon, Norbert was appointed to a canonry at Xanten. Soon after he was summoned to the Court of Frederick, Prince-Bishop of Cologne, and later to that of Henry V, Emperor of Germany, whose almoner he became. The Bishopric of Cambray was offered to him, but refused. Norbert allowed himself to be so carried away by pleasure that nothing short of a miracle of grace could make him lead the life of an earnest cleric. One day, while riding to Vreden, a village near Xanten, he was overtaken by a storm. A thunderbolt fell at his horse's feet; the frightened animal threw its rider, and for nearly an hour he lay like one dead. Thus humbled, Norbert became a sincere penitent. Renouncing his appointment at Court, he retired to Xanten to lead a life of penance.

Read the rest at the Catholic Encyclopedia.

From the Collect (Oration) of the Feast:

Let us pray.

O God, Who didst make thy blessed Confessor and Bishop Norbert a notable preacher of thy Word, and wast pleased to make thy Church thereby fruitful in a new family of sons, grant, we beseech thee, unto us, that we being holpen by thee for his sake, may have strength to do those worthy deeds whereunto his words and works alike do move us. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God unto the ages of ages. Amen.