Norbert of Xanten

Who they were

Norbert was born around 1080-1085 in Germany or the Netherlands; his father served the Archbishop of Cologne. Made a canon of Xanten while young, he lived a carefree life at the courts of Frederick I and the emperor Henry V, and refused the see of Cambrai when the emperor offered it. On his way home he was struck by lightning and unharmed, and took it as a sign to trust God alone.

He entered the Benedictine monastery of Siegburg, was ordained priest by the Archbishop of Cologne, and became a wandering preacher living on Providence. Some bishops grew jealous, so he went to the Pope, who praised his preaching. He founded the Premonstratensian canons at Prémontré and became Archbishop of Magdeburg. His body was taken to Strahov in Prague in 1627.

The miracles

The miracles examined for his canonisation are not described in the sources we have used.

Why that counted as sanctity

Norbert turned from an easy court life to poverty and preaching, and worked, like his contemporary St Bernard, to reform the clergy and the customs of his time.

Connected on this site

• Evermode of Ratzeburg Saint
  “1100 – 17 February 1178), was one of the first Premonstratensian canons regular, and became the lifelong companion of Norbert of Xanten, who founded the order in France in 1120.” — Wikipedia