MEMORIAL – JUNE 6
St. Norbert was born in the Rhineland in the late 11th century. He was born of noble birth and enjoyed the comforts of life. As a young man, he was thrown off his horse in a sudden thunderstorm and knocked unconscious for at least an hour. When he awoke, he heard God speaking in his heart to repent of his life of comfort.
He began a life of prayer and penance in his priesthood that eventually led to his desire to preach. After gaining permission, Norbert traveled barefoot from town to town preaching a life of prayer and penance. A bishop who desired reform in his diocese, gave Norbert land to form his own community. The community valued prayer and asceticism and quickly grew. The Norbertines were formed and spread throughout Europe. Norbert was eventually made an archbishop and died at the age of 53.
